A review by rereader33
The Backstagers Vol. 1: Rebels Without Applause by James Tynion IV

5.0

Oh my gosh, this was so much fun! I loved the characters, I loved the vague yet fascinating lore of the backstage, I adored the art style, I just loved it! I could relate to the McQueens being total jerks and condescending towards the stage crew, having been in stage crew before, though they are obviously over-exaggerated for dramatic effect. The backstagers themselves were such a well-rounded group that felt real. I could believe that they were all friends even if they didn't always act that way towards each other, which I give major props to the writer for subtle friendship. I wanted to keep reading so I could see what wacky adventures they were going to go on next or to see their interactions. Seriously, despite each character having a trademark character trait (the new guy, the leader, the hyper one, the cynical one, the reserved one) each character still felt like the could really exist and I grew attached to each one, though some got more screen time than others. This is now the second graphic novel I read with an astonishing amount of diversity, both with race and sexual orientation. What I loved was that the diversity didn't feel shoehorned in nor was it constantly brought up or pushed in your face. These characters are who they are and that was that. I cannot recommend this series enough, and I can't wait for volume 2!