A review by mousey
The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys: National Anthem by Shaun Simon, Gerard Way

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

This supposed “prequel” to The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys: California is so disappointing. The established lore of the original series is ignored and changed to the point where the these don’t seem to even be in the same universe. Additionally, the story line is very confusing, with elements of world building that are essential to the plot never being explained, and the character work is boring at best and offensive at worst (transphobic and racist, specifically)

Again, like with most of Way’s comics, the best part about this series is the stunning artwork.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Alcohol, Death, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Grief, Gore, Gun violence, Sexism, Violence, Alcoholism, Blood, Medical content, Mental illness, Murder, Abandonment, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Police brutality, Racism, and Toxic relationship