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A review by kingrosereads
Paper Girls, Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
YA science fiction graphic novel following four 12-year-old paper girls from 1988.
This first book just jumps right into the action and the meat of the plot. Barely introduced to the four characters: Erin, Max, K.J., and Tiffany before they’re thrust into some alternate dimension with monsters, aliens, and modified humans from the future. The girls start their paper route dealing with pervy older bullies before Tiffany’s walkie talkie is stolen and the group tries to hunt down the thieves. They come upon a strange machine and are transported to an alternate dimension that looked like their home but has monsters and weird humans. Now they’re racing for their lives to get home.
It’s very fast paced. There’s no real introduction, it just jumps right in. It’s also pretty graphic for a young adult book. It does have a little of a Stranger Things vibe to it, but it’s its own story. However, there’s quite a few homophobic comments that I’m sure someone justified as being “part of the times”. There’s also an attempted sexual assault. And there’s a suicide attempt and a child is shot. So check your triggers. It is a little out there and confusing. Every other panel is jerking you from one direction to another.
The art is beautiful and it’s interesting enough to want to come back for more.
This first book just jumps right into the action and the meat of the plot. Barely introduced to the four characters: Erin, Max, K.J., and Tiffany before they’re thrust into some alternate dimension with monsters, aliens, and modified humans from the future. The girls start their paper route dealing with pervy older bullies before Tiffany’s walkie talkie is stolen and the group tries to hunt down the thieves. They come upon a strange machine and are transported to an alternate dimension that looked like their home but has monsters and weird humans. Now they’re racing for their lives to get home.
It’s very fast paced. There’s no real introduction, it just jumps right in. It’s also pretty graphic for a young adult book. It does have a little of a Stranger Things vibe to it, but it’s its own story. However, there’s quite a few homophobic comments that I’m sure someone justified as being “part of the times”. There’s also an attempted sexual assault. And there’s a suicide attempt and a child is shot. So check your triggers. It is a little out there and confusing. Every other panel is jerking you from one direction to another.
The art is beautiful and it’s interesting enough to want to come back for more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Homophobia, and Suicide attempt