Paper Girls, Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Confession: Yes, I watched Season 1 before I started reading this. Common habit of mine, so I don’t spend the entire time complaining that the producers ruined the book. But, yes, it tends to ruin surprises.
That said, this opening volume is STUNNING. (And it’s been enough time since I watched the Season that my memory is fuzzy on details) Each character is distinct, and you know – without needing their image in the frame – who’s speaking. Their personality carries through so clearly. And unlike so many other girl groups I’ve encountered, all four are strong and stand on their own. There’s no immediate leader with followers. It’s perfect, and I applaud Mr. Vaughan for breaking that disgusting mold.
In true comic fashion, you’re handed only enough information to keep you guessing (and reading). The puzzle pieces are there, but they don’t all fit together. And while the dialect of the Elders is irritating to read (Jar-Jar Binks on steroids), it at least makes sense from the viewpoint of teenagers.
So will I be breaking my cardinal rule and finishing the entire series without waiting until the television series finishes? Duh. Because it’s too good NOT to keep reading!
