Sunday 30 April 2017
Big changes, decisions and questions have happened to me this month. But I somehow always come back to books in hard times. On a more positive note, I'll share news of most certainty: I'm boycotting Marvel, except for 'The Mighty Captain Marvel' trade coming out in August; I am a SJW to the bitter, hopeless end; and I'm planning on writing a blog essay on my childhood experiences of loving girl power and role models.
Saturday 29 April 2017
Non-Fiction Book Review - 'I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban' by Malala Yousafzai, Christina Lamb
While not especially well-written - the only thing not giving this life the justice it deserves - 'I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban' is essential reading, all about one of the best people in the world, Malala Yousafzai, and her culture. And she is just reaching the end of her teenage years. Her oppressors would not have let her live that long; they very nearly had their way when she was only fifteen-years-old.
Malala, I apologize that it has taken me this long to write a review of this book, but I hardly know where to start. So I'll just say this: you are wonderful. I know it's an undermining cliche to call someone inspirational and brave, but Malala is these things and so much more. She never gives up, and is never to be silenced, even after a near-death experience and living as a refugee along with her family in the US.
Education is so, so important, now more than ever. We must not forget the heroes of our generation, nor the previous generations. Malala is not only a symbol for equal rights, peace, and hope. She is a light in humanity's regressive wasteland, and she is still an ordinary girl underneath it all. Girls, no matter how old they are, no matter what, get things done. Her journey - her survival - must never be in vain.
Thank you, young Malala, for not giving up on showing the way.
Final Score: 4/5
Malala, I apologize that it has taken me this long to write a review of this book, but I hardly know where to start. So I'll just say this: you are wonderful. I know it's an undermining cliche to call someone inspirational and brave, but Malala is these things and so much more. She never gives up, and is never to be silenced, even after a near-death experience and living as a refugee along with her family in the US.
Education is so, so important, now more than ever. We must not forget the heroes of our generation, nor the previous generations. Malala is not only a symbol for equal rights, peace, and hope. She is a light in humanity's regressive wasteland, and she is still an ordinary girl underneath it all. Girls, no matter how old they are, no matter what, get things done. Her journey - her survival - must never be in vain.
Thank you, young Malala, for not giving up on showing the way.
Final Score: 4/5
Graphic Novel Review - 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink' by Brenden Fletcher, Kelly Thompson, Tini Howard (Writers), Daniele Di Nicuolo (Artist)
As cheesy and full of heart as to be expected, and it brought me right back to my childhood.
'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink' is a blast. It's what a comic for kids ought to be: Bright, colourful, action-packed, but it doesn't talk down to its audience. Anyone at any age can read it and enjoy it. It's a near-perfect blend of friendly nostalgia and up-to-date storytelling and characters, who have enough depth to keep the reader invested and excited until the last cathartic page.
The first pink Power Ranger, Kimberly Hart, has quit the team and is devoting her time to gymnastics. But when her mother and stepfather go missing and trouble seems afoot in a rural town in France where they were staying, she finds she may need to call upon Zordon once again for her ranger powers to return temporarily. And call her old friends for help - the other former rangers, Trini and Zack.
I adored Kimberly in this, she really is the star of the show. Even as a kid I've always thought of her as more than the pretty teen valley girl of the ranger team. She has hobbies, she has dreams, she has meaningful relationships. In a way I looked up to Kimberly, making me unashamed to love the colour pink; she even has brown hair like me. She grows and develops overtime. This comic celebrates her strengths wonderfully, showing how she can be a great leader as well as a ranger. Kim is charismatic, brave, tenacious, determined and well-prepared, while showing she's still a teenager with lots of experience behind her. She can pilot a Megazord by herself! She reminded me strongly of Kitty Pryde; they even look alike. I'd have liked to have seen her use her bow more, but never mind.
It was quite tearful and bittersweet to see Trini and Zack as well in modern media. Kim's relationship with Tommy is also handled very well, and they don't appear on-panel together once in the comic. Everyone is treated with respect; there is no "it's for kids so let's not try" cynicism at work. There's the standard "Power of Friendship and Teamwork" message here, along with the classic "Great job, guys!" and "Thank you my friend, I couldn't have done it without you" vibe throughout, that is rather corny, but that's what makes it 'Power Rangers'. 'Pink' is a 'Power Rangers' love letter to its fans, with new and improved girl power that is much needed in children's entertainment now.
Spoiler:
It features a girl red ranger, too! And Rita Repulsa cameos in this, with Lord Zedd getting almost no lines!
Spoiler End.
Because we all need to remember the power of seeing strong women in media. Young girls need to see talented female characters that they can look up to, who don't need to be the cheerleaders and love interests of male characters to be worthy to exist. The nineties was a good decade for providing visible girl power, I think, avoiding the Smurfette Principle for the most part.
'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink' recognizes how important an impact Kimberly Hart must have had on little girls in the nineties (and Trini, too, for little Asian girls; she should also get her own comic, as a tribute). This nostalgia trip is for them as much as everyone else. If it was merely a cash cow product in the midst of eighties-nineties franchises growing in popularity again (published around the time the new 'Power Rangers' movie reboot is released in theaters), I don't think they'd have bothered trying to appeal to a female audience, since the general Hollywood consensus tragically remains that women don't make money, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
(And yes I just made an unequal pay jab. It is warranted.)
The team behind this comic cared. They paid attention, they saw the potential, and they delivered. (Amy Jo Johnson herself writes the introduction to the volume, 'nuff said). Nothing stereotypical or lazy is present - they knew that girls love a fun adventure ride as much as boys. Girls can work with and be friends with other girls, and with boys, too, if we give them the chance to prove themselves, with or without power.
'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink' gets four stars out of five because I thought the ending could have been stronger and clearer, and I presume the story is meant to take place in the mid to late nineties - around the time the original television series aired when Kimberly left - yet the characters use smart phones and internet message boards. But I recommend it to any girl and boy who grew up watching the show.
A great piece of entertainment, Saban or no.
Final Score: 4/5
'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink' is a blast. It's what a comic for kids ought to be: Bright, colourful, action-packed, but it doesn't talk down to its audience. Anyone at any age can read it and enjoy it. It's a near-perfect blend of friendly nostalgia and up-to-date storytelling and characters, who have enough depth to keep the reader invested and excited until the last cathartic page.
The first pink Power Ranger, Kimberly Hart, has quit the team and is devoting her time to gymnastics. But when her mother and stepfather go missing and trouble seems afoot in a rural town in France where they were staying, she finds she may need to call upon Zordon once again for her ranger powers to return temporarily. And call her old friends for help - the other former rangers, Trini and Zack.
I adored Kimberly in this, she really is the star of the show. Even as a kid I've always thought of her as more than the pretty teen valley girl of the ranger team. She has hobbies, she has dreams, she has meaningful relationships. In a way I looked up to Kimberly, making me unashamed to love the colour pink; she even has brown hair like me. She grows and develops overtime. This comic celebrates her strengths wonderfully, showing how she can be a great leader as well as a ranger. Kim is charismatic, brave, tenacious, determined and well-prepared, while showing she's still a teenager with lots of experience behind her. She can pilot a Megazord by herself! She reminded me strongly of Kitty Pryde; they even look alike. I'd have liked to have seen her use her bow more, but never mind.
It was quite tearful and bittersweet to see Trini and Zack as well in modern media. Kim's relationship with Tommy is also handled very well, and they don't appear on-panel together once in the comic. Everyone is treated with respect; there is no "it's for kids so let's not try" cynicism at work. There's the standard "Power of Friendship and Teamwork" message here, along with the classic "Great job, guys!" and "Thank you my friend, I couldn't have done it without you" vibe throughout, that is rather corny, but that's what makes it 'Power Rangers'. 'Pink' is a 'Power Rangers' love letter to its fans, with new and improved girl power that is much needed in children's entertainment now.
Spoiler:
It features a girl red ranger, too! And Rita Repulsa cameos in this, with Lord Zedd getting almost no lines!
Spoiler End.
Because we all need to remember the power of seeing strong women in media. Young girls need to see talented female characters that they can look up to, who don't need to be the cheerleaders and love interests of male characters to be worthy to exist. The nineties was a good decade for providing visible girl power, I think, avoiding the Smurfette Principle for the most part.
'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink' recognizes how important an impact Kimberly Hart must have had on little girls in the nineties (and Trini, too, for little Asian girls; she should also get her own comic, as a tribute). This nostalgia trip is for them as much as everyone else. If it was merely a cash cow product in the midst of eighties-nineties franchises growing in popularity again (published around the time the new 'Power Rangers' movie reboot is released in theaters), I don't think they'd have bothered trying to appeal to a female audience, since the general Hollywood consensus tragically remains that women don't make money, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
(And yes I just made an unequal pay jab. It is warranted.)
The team behind this comic cared. They paid attention, they saw the potential, and they delivered. (Amy Jo Johnson herself writes the introduction to the volume, 'nuff said). Nothing stereotypical or lazy is present - they knew that girls love a fun adventure ride as much as boys. Girls can work with and be friends with other girls, and with boys, too, if we give them the chance to prove themselves, with or without power.
'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink' gets four stars out of five because I thought the ending could have been stronger and clearer, and I presume the story is meant to take place in the mid to late nineties - around the time the original television series aired when Kimberly left - yet the characters use smart phones and internet message boards. But I recommend it to any girl and boy who grew up watching the show.
A great piece of entertainment, Saban or no.
Final Score: 4/5
Sunday 23 April 2017
Graphic Novel Review - 'Batgirl: A Celebration of 50 Years' by Gardner F. Fox, Various
'Batgirl: A Celebration of 50 Years'.
So glad I finally got my hands on this! A collection of stories featuring the "best" of my favourite superheroine dating back to her debut in the early sixties all the way to her modern incarnation.
My initial thoughts on finishing this big, colourful tome are: Oh, Batgirl really does get a great number of help from men, doesn't she? Even nowadays there are a lot of men at the center of her world. And sexism is harder to combat than costumed adult criminals. But I still enjoyed most of the issues, ranging from kickass to weird and confusing. Barbara Gordon continues to be a nuanced, three-dimensional, strong and dedicated character, who has been through so much and yet never stops fighting for what's right, even when she gives up the cape and cowl of Batgirl.
Another noteworthy thought is: Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown are pretty cool, too.
I'll do mini-reviews of each of the 17 issues included in this collection, starting with:
'"Bat-Girl!" BATMAN #139 (1961)' - The first "Batgirl" was Betty Kane, the blonde niece of Batwoman, who at the time was just another of Batman's love interests, Kathy Kane. It's fun and goofy, as you'd expect from sixties superhero comics. I like that Betty was inspired by her aunt to fight crime, and she is smart, not just a pretty, young, naive student. She really does help Batman, Robin and Batwoman save the day.
'"The Million Dollar Debut of Batgirl!" DETECTIVE COMICS #359 (1967)' - The first appearance of Barbara Gordon. She's a mousy librarian (I keep forgetting that detail about her, so cool!), who wants to fight crime like her father Commissioner Gordon's friend, Batman. Though she causes more harm than good, and has to be saved a lot. It's funny when Robin remarks that she makes bad puns, then three pages later he says, "It'll be a pleasure, I "moth" say!". It's as good as you could expect from a character who was originally introduced just to dispel accusations of homoerotic tension between Batman and Robin. Yep, never mind pedophilia; in the sixties, "no homo" took precedence over everything else. I cringe at Batgirl's old nicknames, "Dominoed Daredoll" and "Bat-Beauty".
'"Batgirl - Year One Part 4: Cave Dwellers" BATGIRL: YEAR ONE #4 (2003)' - Already reviewed this comic, moving on.
'"Batgirl's Costume Cut-Ups" DETECTIVE COMICS #371 (1967)' - This is just insulting, even for sexism in the sixties. It's not necessarily Batgirl being too feminine and vain to fight crime properly that's the problem, but that everything that happens here is hardly her fault or has anything to do with worrying about her appearance. Oh her mask got eschewed; maybe she is putting it right again to protect her identity! And her scream at seeing Batman and Robin nearly getting killed from behind by a crook - they should thank her for the warning and distraction! She saved their lives! In the end she proves her worth as a woman by deliberately ruining her tights and flashing her legs at some generic baddies to distract them so that Batman and Robin can better kick their butts. At least she got a punch in at the end too. Femininity has its strong points, yes, but not for the pleasures of men. How misguided of you, sixties.
'"The Unmasking of Batgirl"/"Candidate for Danger"/"Batgirl's Last Case" DETECTIVE COMICS #422-424 (1972)' - Barbara runs for congress in her father's place, when she doesn't think she is effective at stopping crime as Batgirl when she is foolishly betrayed by some guy. Her intelligence and detective skills are showcased quite a bit here, however. A little commentary on elections and politics. However once again Batgirl is outshone by men, even those we don't care about, and the ending is way too rushed for both the story and for any political climate subtext to be effective. Oh and Babs' dad knows she's Batgirl in this continuity.
'"Startling Secret of the Devilish Daughters" BATMAN FAMILY #9 (1977)' - Barbara is a congresswoman in a politician-hating world (nothing is really highlighted on her being a female politician as a reason for the backlash against her). A woman is running around pretending to be daughters of Batman's various rogues gallery - cool! But, wouldn't you know it, Batgirl herself is rather useless - she keeps letting bad guys get away in these stories - and a man, Robin, is given more of an arc and more to do. This comic talks about gender equality "these days" too, by the way. Oh and there's something about a stolen plaque that Batgirl easily recovers. Who cares?
'"He with Secrets Fears the Sound"/"When Velvet Paws Caress the Ground" DETECTIVE COMICS #518-519 (1982)' - This is much better. Batgirl gets to be as badass as Batman, while still being her own unique self. She's smart and crafty, I love it. It was written by a woman, too - awesome. But Batgirl's habit of letting the baddie get away from her easily is still prevalent. The ending is unclear and resolves nothing overall. Also what kind of name is Velvet Paws for a villain? Why do the ladies always get the short end of the stick when it comes to a rogues gallery? The expressive artwork is great, as well.
'"The Last Batgirl Story" BATGIRL SPECIAL #1 (1988)' - Like a proto-'Killing Joke' story arc for Barbara. This is her overcoming her fears and appreciating what she has in life without an identity as a caped crusader out on deadly escapades. There is a female friendship with a woman named Marcy (whoever she is). But I feel the story could have been explored a lot deeper and reached further in its potential. There is a female serial killer called Slash who is targeting men exonerated for violent crimes against women. There is something here to really highlight the treatment of women in society, perhaps become one of the earliest stories in the eighties to recognize rape culture, if unintentionally. This is especially amazing to see in a comic aimed at a male audience. But Barbara the superheroine is only concerned with the killing-is-not-justice side of the argument. Even when she is a victim of a man's violent threats, she has no sympathy for Slash the rapist killer whatsoever. I don't think the writer has any sympathy for her, either. We never even find out her true identity. But there features an abused wife enacting her revenge in the sidelines. The pacing is rushed and Batgirl gives up a little too easily in the middle of the comic. "The Last Batgirl Story" has a lot of hits when it comes to female empowerment, like female friendships, but also a lot of misses in that regard. Similar to the previous issues, Batgirl is shown fighting her own battles without any help from Batman and Robin. She even reflects how there are so many superheroes around now that she can afford to retire and return to her normal life. Hints of future Batgirls for Babs to take under her wing are on the last panel.
'"Oracle - Year One: Born of Hope" BATMAN CHRONICLES #5 (1996)' - An end of an era, and a new one begins. This issue is about how Barbara becomes Oracle, after the tragic event of her spinal cord being shot out by the Joker in 'The Killing Joke'. It effectively invites you into the mind of this traumatized woman, and her coping with a life of never walking again. The artwork is dark, sharp, muddled and creepy, reflecting Barbara's psyche beautifully. Admittedly Batman still helps her out constantly (I like when she shuts him down over him laughing with the Joker over some private joke; she asks, "Tell me -- was it me?"), men continue to dictate her life, and the villain is a woman. Nothing is mentioned about the implied sexual assault by the Joker in Alan Moore's so-called "magnum opus" either. The message of hope in the end is nice, however, and the story is quotable to boot.
'"On Wings" BIRDS OF PREY #8 (1999)' - A sweet Barbara Gordon and Dick Grayson story. I don't even mind the "Babs' life is made easier by men" in this one, because she and Dick have great chemistry. It reminds me of their Gotham landscape dance together in Batgirl's New 52 reboot. Nightwing is incredibly hot, the sneaky so-and-so. The art is fantastic, and there are touching little details everywhere. "On Wings" is like reuniting with family and revisiting family photos after so many years. It's melancholic and bittersweet, but lovely all the same.
'"Assembly" LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #120 (1999)' - An introduction to Cassandra Cain joining the Bat family. Nothing special, just the beginning to a much bigger 'Batman' story after a previous one, 'No Man's Land'. Nothing is made clear to comic newcomers, but Barbara as Oracle is given her due as an important contribution to Batman and his team. Again, great artwork. But who the hell is Azrael? Why is this colourful out-of-place nobody a member of the Bat family?
'"(No Title)" BATGIRL #8 (2000)' - Awesome. That is all. Okay, I will mention that Cassandra is an unrelenting badass, and so is her rival, Shiva. This apparently nameless story is about their 'Mortal Kombat'-type, Mano A Mano fight, and pitting their values and wit against each other. Who will win in the end? Cassandra's strength as a character is put to the test - it's just her and Shiva, nobody else. It's so gratifying to see an Asian-American heroine be spotlighted like this.
'"Soul" BATGIRL #45 (2003)' - Another awesome Cassandra Cain story. We see her interacting with Barbara, and in her own way questioning her mentor on what it means to be Batgirl. We even see Cassie interact with Alfred. The lost girl develops an inferiority complex and starts wearing Babs' old Batgirl costume to fight crime. I love that the story shows how impractical high heels are in a superhero getup. Robin, as seems to be the tradition, can't help pointing out how hot Batgirl is, even during a fiery riot in a city. Neither the time nor the place, Boy Wonder! "Soul" is also a kind of drug PSA. Barbara as a mentor and big sister to a new Batgirl is always wonderful to see. Excellent.
'"Batgirl Rising: Field Test" BATGIRL #4 (2009)' - Now we see Stephanie Brown take the mantle, and Babs mentoring her as she fights crime. Steph is a great girl with lots of energy, quips and bad puns for a college student, and the story shows her inspiring young girls as Batgirl. I am introduced to Wendy "Proxy" Harris, and Batgirl goes up against the 'Superman' villain Livewire, winning too easily, I might add. Includes a sweet mother-daughter relationship to go with everything else.
'"Trust" BATGIRL #13 (2010)' - Yet another entertaining Batgirl issue. It's Stephanie Brown vs Clayface as he robs a bank. There's an annoying romance going on with a secretly-tortured cop (why do all these generic male love interests keep popping up in Batgirl's stories?). Proxy fills in for Oracle as Batgirl's inside-girl. On finally reading about Stephanie, I can't understand why DC would callously erase her from existence in their reboots (until much later after some backlash), and of course she'll become a victim of torture and sexual assault later on. She's a good character, but as I've said, ingrained sexism and misogyny are harder to overcome than any in-universe superhero struggles. Get your act together, DC.
'"A Fire in the Heavens" BATGIRL #0 (2012)' - Barbara Gordon's Batgirl origin is rebooted. Now instead of her attending a masquerade party, she's a student being interviewed for a job in her father's Gotham police station - all a ruse so she can eagerly find out more about the mysterious Batman. Character details about her life as a police commissioner's child in the most crime-infested city in America are added in and explored. Lots of foreshadowing (including her younger brother's very strange behaviour), and I absolutely love the artwork. Unfortunately the reboot still has Babs' life revolve solely around the men in her life, and her only being able to defend herself when men help her out before and after her change into Batgirl. (In her first outing as Batgirl she steals the replicated Batman costume from the police headquarters.) Still, it is Gail Simone, and the stakes are high and intense throughout. The last panel of this prequel says it all. It is a shame that her time as Oracle barely if at all gets an honorable mention.
'"Burned" BATGIRL #35 (2014)' - =sigh= It is also a shame that this celebration collection of Batgirl's best times ends on this. The first issue of Cameron Stewart's run where Babs moves to hipster Gotham city and gets a hangover, fights with Black Canary, is obsessed with her phone, doesn't backup her computer thesis, gets a dating app profile, goes to a rave and fights a villain who literally speaks in hashtags. The lameness and pandering do not end there and only get worse, sadly. Not an impressive end to a highly interesting and emotional journey. But no Batman or Robin, or intruding male love interests (yet), and at least there is the start of beautiful female friendships.
Final Score: 3.5/5
P.S. Because this is topical and I love to date my own work, I'll say what I think of the news of Joss Whedon writing and directing an upcoming 'Batgirl' movie. First: Holy shit a 'Batgirl' film is happening in my lifetime! Second: Why oh why wasn't a woman chosen for the job? Was one even considered at all? Third: I am of the camp that thinks that Joss Whedon is overrated, or at least isn't as feminist as he is so widely thought of in popular culture. I think, like all straight white cisgender men, he seriously needs to check his own privilege and support women a lot more - behind the scenes as well as onscreen. Self-awareness is key. He definitely tries, but he also stubbornly refuses to admit to and learn from his mistakes; another typical trait of privileged men. Forth: When a common shrug and slide of this news is, "Well, at least he isn't Zack Snyder", it isn't a comfort. And Fifth: Leading to my concern of the line of botched films that DC has released in 2016. It is a reason, a defining factor, for why I am reserving no expectations for the 'Wonder Woman' movie (despite having a female director at the helm and that it is about damn time), or the 'Justice League' movie. Oh well, anything is possible, DC and Whedon can learn from criticism and redeem themselves yet, and the future can be bright.
EDIT: Upon hearing the news about Kai Cole's email, I really, really don't know if I want to go see the superheroine movie of my dreams anymore, for what I have, in a way, suspected for years has been confirmed: that Joss Whedon is scum. I'm torn about giving my money to yet another man who uses his power and privilege to abuse and manipulate others, especially women. And I know it would be too much to ask to have someone else write and direct the 'Batgirl' film, preferably a woman. As always, only time will tell what's going to happen.
On the bright side, I enjoyed the 'Wonder Woman' movie.
EDIT 2: So Whedon has left the project, and there just might be a woman to write the 'Batgirl' movie now. I've learned never to get my hopes up for these sorts of things. This will be the last time I update on this subject. In the #metoo revolution, Hollywood needs to get its shit together and fast.
So glad I finally got my hands on this! A collection of stories featuring the "best" of my favourite superheroine dating back to her debut in the early sixties all the way to her modern incarnation.
My initial thoughts on finishing this big, colourful tome are: Oh, Batgirl really does get a great number of help from men, doesn't she? Even nowadays there are a lot of men at the center of her world. And sexism is harder to combat than costumed adult criminals. But I still enjoyed most of the issues, ranging from kickass to weird and confusing. Barbara Gordon continues to be a nuanced, three-dimensional, strong and dedicated character, who has been through so much and yet never stops fighting for what's right, even when she gives up the cape and cowl of Batgirl.
Another noteworthy thought is: Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown are pretty cool, too.
I'll do mini-reviews of each of the 17 issues included in this collection, starting with:
'"Bat-Girl!" BATMAN #139 (1961)' - The first "Batgirl" was Betty Kane, the blonde niece of Batwoman, who at the time was just another of Batman's love interests, Kathy Kane. It's fun and goofy, as you'd expect from sixties superhero comics. I like that Betty was inspired by her aunt to fight crime, and she is smart, not just a pretty, young, naive student. She really does help Batman, Robin and Batwoman save the day.
'"The Million Dollar Debut of Batgirl!" DETECTIVE COMICS #359 (1967)' - The first appearance of Barbara Gordon. She's a mousy librarian (I keep forgetting that detail about her, so cool!), who wants to fight crime like her father Commissioner Gordon's friend, Batman. Though she causes more harm than good, and has to be saved a lot. It's funny when Robin remarks that she makes bad puns, then three pages later he says, "It'll be a pleasure, I "moth" say!". It's as good as you could expect from a character who was originally introduced just to dispel accusations of homoerotic tension between Batman and Robin. Yep, never mind pedophilia; in the sixties, "no homo" took precedence over everything else. I cringe at Batgirl's old nicknames, "Dominoed Daredoll" and "Bat-Beauty".
'"Batgirl - Year One Part 4: Cave Dwellers" BATGIRL: YEAR ONE #4 (2003)' - Already reviewed this comic, moving on.
'"Batgirl's Costume Cut-Ups" DETECTIVE COMICS #371 (1967)' - This is just insulting, even for sexism in the sixties. It's not necessarily Batgirl being too feminine and vain to fight crime properly that's the problem, but that everything that happens here is hardly her fault or has anything to do with worrying about her appearance. Oh her mask got eschewed; maybe she is putting it right again to protect her identity! And her scream at seeing Batman and Robin nearly getting killed from behind by a crook - they should thank her for the warning and distraction! She saved their lives! In the end she proves her worth as a woman by deliberately ruining her tights and flashing her legs at some generic baddies to distract them so that Batman and Robin can better kick their butts. At least she got a punch in at the end too. Femininity has its strong points, yes, but not for the pleasures of men. How misguided of you, sixties.
'"The Unmasking of Batgirl"/"Candidate for Danger"/"Batgirl's Last Case" DETECTIVE COMICS #422-424 (1972)' - Barbara runs for congress in her father's place, when she doesn't think she is effective at stopping crime as Batgirl when she is foolishly betrayed by some guy. Her intelligence and detective skills are showcased quite a bit here, however. A little commentary on elections and politics. However once again Batgirl is outshone by men, even those we don't care about, and the ending is way too rushed for both the story and for any political climate subtext to be effective. Oh and Babs' dad knows she's Batgirl in this continuity.
'"Startling Secret of the Devilish Daughters" BATMAN FAMILY #9 (1977)' - Barbara is a congresswoman in a politician-hating world (nothing is really highlighted on her being a female politician as a reason for the backlash against her). A woman is running around pretending to be daughters of Batman's various rogues gallery - cool! But, wouldn't you know it, Batgirl herself is rather useless - she keeps letting bad guys get away in these stories - and a man, Robin, is given more of an arc and more to do. This comic talks about gender equality "these days" too, by the way. Oh and there's something about a stolen plaque that Batgirl easily recovers. Who cares?
'"He with Secrets Fears the Sound"/"When Velvet Paws Caress the Ground" DETECTIVE COMICS #518-519 (1982)' - This is much better. Batgirl gets to be as badass as Batman, while still being her own unique self. She's smart and crafty, I love it. It was written by a woman, too - awesome. But Batgirl's habit of letting the baddie get away from her easily is still prevalent. The ending is unclear and resolves nothing overall. Also what kind of name is Velvet Paws for a villain? Why do the ladies always get the short end of the stick when it comes to a rogues gallery? The expressive artwork is great, as well.
'"The Last Batgirl Story" BATGIRL SPECIAL #1 (1988)' - Like a proto-'Killing Joke' story arc for Barbara. This is her overcoming her fears and appreciating what she has in life without an identity as a caped crusader out on deadly escapades. There is a female friendship with a woman named Marcy (whoever she is). But I feel the story could have been explored a lot deeper and reached further in its potential. There is a female serial killer called Slash who is targeting men exonerated for violent crimes against women. There is something here to really highlight the treatment of women in society, perhaps become one of the earliest stories in the eighties to recognize rape culture, if unintentionally. This is especially amazing to see in a comic aimed at a male audience. But Barbara the superheroine is only concerned with the killing-is-not-justice side of the argument. Even when she is a victim of a man's violent threats, she has no sympathy for Slash the rapist killer whatsoever. I don't think the writer has any sympathy for her, either. We never even find out her true identity. But there features an abused wife enacting her revenge in the sidelines. The pacing is rushed and Batgirl gives up a little too easily in the middle of the comic. "The Last Batgirl Story" has a lot of hits when it comes to female empowerment, like female friendships, but also a lot of misses in that regard. Similar to the previous issues, Batgirl is shown fighting her own battles without any help from Batman and Robin. She even reflects how there are so many superheroes around now that she can afford to retire and return to her normal life. Hints of future Batgirls for Babs to take under her wing are on the last panel.
'"Oracle - Year One: Born of Hope" BATMAN CHRONICLES #5 (1996)' - An end of an era, and a new one begins. This issue is about how Barbara becomes Oracle, after the tragic event of her spinal cord being shot out by the Joker in 'The Killing Joke'. It effectively invites you into the mind of this traumatized woman, and her coping with a life of never walking again. The artwork is dark, sharp, muddled and creepy, reflecting Barbara's psyche beautifully. Admittedly Batman still helps her out constantly (I like when she shuts him down over him laughing with the Joker over some private joke; she asks, "Tell me -- was it me?"), men continue to dictate her life, and the villain is a woman. Nothing is mentioned about the implied sexual assault by the Joker in Alan Moore's so-called "magnum opus" either. The message of hope in the end is nice, however, and the story is quotable to boot.
'"On Wings" BIRDS OF PREY #8 (1999)' - A sweet Barbara Gordon and Dick Grayson story. I don't even mind the "Babs' life is made easier by men" in this one, because she and Dick have great chemistry. It reminds me of their Gotham landscape dance together in Batgirl's New 52 reboot. Nightwing is incredibly hot, the sneaky so-and-so. The art is fantastic, and there are touching little details everywhere. "On Wings" is like reuniting with family and revisiting family photos after so many years. It's melancholic and bittersweet, but lovely all the same.
'"Assembly" LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #120 (1999)' - An introduction to Cassandra Cain joining the Bat family. Nothing special, just the beginning to a much bigger 'Batman' story after a previous one, 'No Man's Land'. Nothing is made clear to comic newcomers, but Barbara as Oracle is given her due as an important contribution to Batman and his team. Again, great artwork. But who the hell is Azrael? Why is this colourful out-of-place nobody a member of the Bat family?
'"(No Title)" BATGIRL #8 (2000)' - Awesome. That is all. Okay, I will mention that Cassandra is an unrelenting badass, and so is her rival, Shiva. This apparently nameless story is about their 'Mortal Kombat'-type, Mano A Mano fight, and pitting their values and wit against each other. Who will win in the end? Cassandra's strength as a character is put to the test - it's just her and Shiva, nobody else. It's so gratifying to see an Asian-American heroine be spotlighted like this.
'"Soul" BATGIRL #45 (2003)' - Another awesome Cassandra Cain story. We see her interacting with Barbara, and in her own way questioning her mentor on what it means to be Batgirl. We even see Cassie interact with Alfred. The lost girl develops an inferiority complex and starts wearing Babs' old Batgirl costume to fight crime. I love that the story shows how impractical high heels are in a superhero getup. Robin, as seems to be the tradition, can't help pointing out how hot Batgirl is, even during a fiery riot in a city. Neither the time nor the place, Boy Wonder! "Soul" is also a kind of drug PSA. Barbara as a mentor and big sister to a new Batgirl is always wonderful to see. Excellent.
'"Batgirl Rising: Field Test" BATGIRL #4 (2009)' - Now we see Stephanie Brown take the mantle, and Babs mentoring her as she fights crime. Steph is a great girl with lots of energy, quips and bad puns for a college student, and the story shows her inspiring young girls as Batgirl. I am introduced to Wendy "Proxy" Harris, and Batgirl goes up against the 'Superman' villain Livewire, winning too easily, I might add. Includes a sweet mother-daughter relationship to go with everything else.
'"Trust" BATGIRL #13 (2010)' - Yet another entertaining Batgirl issue. It's Stephanie Brown vs Clayface as he robs a bank. There's an annoying romance going on with a secretly-tortured cop (why do all these generic male love interests keep popping up in Batgirl's stories?). Proxy fills in for Oracle as Batgirl's inside-girl. On finally reading about Stephanie, I can't understand why DC would callously erase her from existence in their reboots (until much later after some backlash), and of course she'll become a victim of torture and sexual assault later on. She's a good character, but as I've said, ingrained sexism and misogyny are harder to overcome than any in-universe superhero struggles. Get your act together, DC.
'"A Fire in the Heavens" BATGIRL #0 (2012)' - Barbara Gordon's Batgirl origin is rebooted. Now instead of her attending a masquerade party, she's a student being interviewed for a job in her father's Gotham police station - all a ruse so she can eagerly find out more about the mysterious Batman. Character details about her life as a police commissioner's child in the most crime-infested city in America are added in and explored. Lots of foreshadowing (including her younger brother's very strange behaviour), and I absolutely love the artwork. Unfortunately the reboot still has Babs' life revolve solely around the men in her life, and her only being able to defend herself when men help her out before and after her change into Batgirl. (In her first outing as Batgirl she steals the replicated Batman costume from the police headquarters.) Still, it is Gail Simone, and the stakes are high and intense throughout. The last panel of this prequel says it all. It is a shame that her time as Oracle barely if at all gets an honorable mention.
'"Burned" BATGIRL #35 (2014)' - =sigh= It is also a shame that this celebration collection of Batgirl's best times ends on this. The first issue of Cameron Stewart's run where Babs moves to hipster Gotham city and gets a hangover, fights with Black Canary, is obsessed with her phone, doesn't backup her computer thesis, gets a dating app profile, goes to a rave and fights a villain who literally speaks in hashtags. The lameness and pandering do not end there and only get worse, sadly. Not an impressive end to a highly interesting and emotional journey. But no Batman or Robin, or intruding male love interests (yet), and at least there is the start of beautiful female friendships.
Final Score: 3.5/5
P.S. Because this is topical and I love to date my own work, I'll say what I think of the news of Joss Whedon writing and directing an upcoming 'Batgirl' movie. First: Holy shit a 'Batgirl' film is happening in my lifetime! Second: Why oh why wasn't a woman chosen for the job? Was one even considered at all? Third: I am of the camp that thinks that Joss Whedon is overrated, or at least isn't as feminist as he is so widely thought of in popular culture. I think, like all straight white cisgender men, he seriously needs to check his own privilege and support women a lot more - behind the scenes as well as onscreen. Self-awareness is key. He definitely tries, but he also stubbornly refuses to admit to and learn from his mistakes; another typical trait of privileged men. Forth: When a common shrug and slide of this news is, "Well, at least he isn't Zack Snyder", it isn't a comfort. And Fifth: Leading to my concern of the line of botched films that DC has released in 2016. It is a reason, a defining factor, for why I am reserving no expectations for the 'Wonder Woman' movie (despite having a female director at the helm and that it is about damn time), or the 'Justice League' movie. Oh well, anything is possible, DC and Whedon can learn from criticism and redeem themselves yet, and the future can be bright.
EDIT: Upon hearing the news about Kai Cole's email, I really, really don't know if I want to go see the superheroine movie of my dreams anymore, for what I have, in a way, suspected for years has been confirmed: that Joss Whedon is scum. I'm torn about giving my money to yet another man who uses his power and privilege to abuse and manipulate others, especially women. And I know it would be too much to ask to have someone else write and direct the 'Batgirl' film, preferably a woman. As always, only time will tell what's going to happen.
On the bright side, I enjoyed the 'Wonder Woman' movie.
EDIT 2: So Whedon has left the project, and there just might be a woman to write the 'Batgirl' movie now. I've learned never to get my hopes up for these sorts of things. This will be the last time I update on this subject. In the #metoo revolution, Hollywood needs to get its shit together and fast.
Thursday 20 April 2017
Book Review - 'Ever After High: The Storybook of Legends' by Shannon Hale
2021 EDIT: Still a sweet, cartoony, princess-y book with touches of subversion here and there - plus great and clever humour - on the reread. A candy, cakey treat for fairy tale fans of all ages who wish for wispy and whimsy escapism, which nonetheless respects their intelligence.
Read my original review, as it is much the same as my present opinions; except that I now hate the first 'The School for Good and Evil' book, not just the sequels (read my rereview here). I'd pick 'Ever After High: Storybook of Legends' over that anytime; at least 'Ever After High' is honest about itself, toy brand and all. No BS.
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
I've avoided this title like the plague for a long while, even though I like twists on fairy tales and their characters. I didn't care which critically-acclaimed writer they got, 'Ever After High' is a Mattel product, existing, along with an animated web series, solely to sell dolls in a toy line.
Now, I know, there are a lot of cartoons, TV shows and movies that exist mainly as toy commercials - becoming less a focus (or not as obvious) after the eighties - but in books, actual literature where storytelling and the passion to tell said story are a must, I can't get into it. It may sound petty to include one example of why I think this, but it was a bad enough reason all on its own. That reason is 'Monster High', written by Lisi Harrison: Without a doubt the most dated, pandering, cliché-ridden, pop culture-heavy, safe and passionless waste of trees I've ever had a misfortune to read. It was published just to sell things and it showed. And it is another reason why I stay the hell away from clique chick lit.
And seriously, why does everything for kids have to take place in a high school? Sounds like false advertising, since there is hardly anything good to say about high school in real life. Even 'DC Super Hero Girls' does this. High school is where dreams go to die, kids, not thrive. Don't get your hopes up too high for high school.
But anyway, I was in the mood for a light read one day, and for girly fairy tales, so I thought, "Hey, it is by Shannon Hale, maybe it won't be so bad." Indeed, Hale's signature heartwarming take on fairy tale retellings is not lost on this Mattel product. Yes, the modern references and slang made me cringe at first - there's a singer named Tailor Quick, plus "MirrorPods", "MirrorPhones" and a "Mirror Network" - but it's not too distracting. There are clever, thought-provoking things to be had in 'Ever After High: The Storybook of Legends'. It reminded me of a lighter version of Soman Chainani's 'The School for Good and Evil'.
Raven Queen is the daughter of the Evil Queen in 'Snow White', destined to be just like her, only she is not to go too far in her evil and take over other fairy tales, like her mother once did. But Raven isn't like her mother: Despite what everyone expects of her, she doesn't want to be evil, for she is kind and caring, for a "goth girl". This outcast wants to have a choice in who she wants to be in her own story, not a villain who exists just to be an antagonist who will never get her own happily ever after. I like that Raven and her mother are described as beautiful and not typically ugly, for anyone can look like anything, but it is their actions that should be judged upon. I sympathized with Raven, and she has layers and relapses; she isn't perfect or a role model, she's just herself. I do wonder though about her nice, supportive father, "the Good King", and how his relationship with the Evil Queen came about. I don't think this kids' book can - or is even allowed to - explore the deep, disturbing issues of that.
Apple White is the daughter of Snow White (why would anyone name their child after something that nearly killed them? I guess it's meant to be ironic), and of course she's the most beautiful and popular girl at Ever After High. But deep down she wishes to be judged for her abilities as a future queen, such as ruling and managing an entire kingdom. She is more than a pretty face (she secretly needs to wear glasses), though is still rather narrowminded and silly. At least her reason for wanting the simple life of a fairy tale, set out for her with no surprises or fear of the unknown, is understandable, in that it's based on childhood trauma. Apple is definitely less over-the-top than Sophie from 'The School for Good and Evil'. When she calls her dwarf servants their personality-type names and they grumble their reals names in return, it's only one of the fairly funny little touches in the book. Like how Apple's father is a king who has no claim to fame other than kissing a comatose princess back to life.
Other characters who are children of classic fairy tale players (plus 'Alice in Wonderland', 'Robin Hood', and 'Pinocchio') show up by the dozens here too. There is a sweet potential romance between Raven and the second, more plain son of Prince Charming, Dexter (only nine months younger than his princely, foppish brother Daring Charming; their parents must have fantastical energy. They also have a sister named Darling Charming). The daughter of Sleeping Beauty, Briar Beauty, is described as dark-skinned. It is smart how the large cast is used in the story about making your own choices regardless of parentage, and they are each funny and quirky (the Hunter from 'Red Riding Hood''s son has random trumpets play around him whenever he rips off his shirt to rescue damsels in distress, and Red Riding Hood's daughter, Cerise, might be a werewolf).
But my favourite character in the whole book is Madeline "Maddie" Hatter, the daughter of, you guessed it, the Cheshire Cat. Her humour is better than mine. A mad mixture of Harley Quinn and Pinkie Pie from 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic', she is great. Maddie can even break the fourth wall and hear the book's author/"Narrator" as she writes the story, and speak to the Narrator in a few short chapters, resulting in hilarious banter.
'Ever After High: The Storybook of Legends' is wicked fun, fluffy, can be read in one day, and is clearly targeted towards a girl market, but not too much. For a Disney Princess-type product, nothing so saccharine is present. It has a sense of humour about itself. Overall it really surprises you.
'Ever After High' sends an important message to children about not listening to or blindly following everything that higher-ups and traditionalists tell you. Girls can save themselves, and think for themselves, and have their own exciting adventures, not be damsels in need of rescuing by men. They can start revolutions!
However, in spite of the awesome ending that can go either direction, I don't think I'll be reading any other 'Ever After High' books. They might turn out to be disappointing, like the sequels to 'The School for Good and Evil', which are terrible and go against everything the first book is about.
Fun, creative, witty, sparkly and cute, Shannon Hale has done it again.
More fun: All the King's Horses and All the King's Men could not put Humpty Dumpty back together again, but All the King's Women could! Baba Yaga is Raven's school adviser, and the Gingerbread Man is a PE coach. 'Nuff said.
Final Score: 4/5
Read my original review, as it is much the same as my present opinions; except that I now hate the first 'The School for Good and Evil' book, not just the sequels (read my rereview here). I'd pick 'Ever After High: Storybook of Legends' over that anytime; at least 'Ever After High' is honest about itself, toy brand and all. No BS.
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
I've avoided this title like the plague for a long while, even though I like twists on fairy tales and their characters. I didn't care which critically-acclaimed writer they got, 'Ever After High' is a Mattel product, existing, along with an animated web series, solely to sell dolls in a toy line.
Now, I know, there are a lot of cartoons, TV shows and movies that exist mainly as toy commercials - becoming less a focus (or not as obvious) after the eighties - but in books, actual literature where storytelling and the passion to tell said story are a must, I can't get into it. It may sound petty to include one example of why I think this, but it was a bad enough reason all on its own. That reason is 'Monster High', written by Lisi Harrison: Without a doubt the most dated, pandering, cliché-ridden, pop culture-heavy, safe and passionless waste of trees I've ever had a misfortune to read. It was published just to sell things and it showed. And it is another reason why I stay the hell away from clique chick lit.
And seriously, why does everything for kids have to take place in a high school? Sounds like false advertising, since there is hardly anything good to say about high school in real life. Even 'DC Super Hero Girls' does this. High school is where dreams go to die, kids, not thrive. Don't get your hopes up too high for high school.
But anyway, I was in the mood for a light read one day, and for girly fairy tales, so I thought, "Hey, it is by Shannon Hale, maybe it won't be so bad." Indeed, Hale's signature heartwarming take on fairy tale retellings is not lost on this Mattel product. Yes, the modern references and slang made me cringe at first - there's a singer named Tailor Quick, plus "MirrorPods", "MirrorPhones" and a "Mirror Network" - but it's not too distracting. There are clever, thought-provoking things to be had in 'Ever After High: The Storybook of Legends'. It reminded me of a lighter version of Soman Chainani's 'The School for Good and Evil'.
Raven Queen is the daughter of the Evil Queen in 'Snow White', destined to be just like her, only she is not to go too far in her evil and take over other fairy tales, like her mother once did. But Raven isn't like her mother: Despite what everyone expects of her, she doesn't want to be evil, for she is kind and caring, for a "goth girl". This outcast wants to have a choice in who she wants to be in her own story, not a villain who exists just to be an antagonist who will never get her own happily ever after. I like that Raven and her mother are described as beautiful and not typically ugly, for anyone can look like anything, but it is their actions that should be judged upon. I sympathized with Raven, and she has layers and relapses; she isn't perfect or a role model, she's just herself. I do wonder though about her nice, supportive father, "the Good King", and how his relationship with the Evil Queen came about. I don't think this kids' book can - or is even allowed to - explore the deep, disturbing issues of that.
Apple White is the daughter of Snow White (why would anyone name their child after something that nearly killed them? I guess it's meant to be ironic), and of course she's the most beautiful and popular girl at Ever After High. But deep down she wishes to be judged for her abilities as a future queen, such as ruling and managing an entire kingdom. She is more than a pretty face (she secretly needs to wear glasses), though is still rather narrowminded and silly. At least her reason for wanting the simple life of a fairy tale, set out for her with no surprises or fear of the unknown, is understandable, in that it's based on childhood trauma. Apple is definitely less over-the-top than Sophie from 'The School for Good and Evil'. When she calls her dwarf servants their personality-type names and they grumble their reals names in return, it's only one of the fairly funny little touches in the book. Like how Apple's father is a king who has no claim to fame other than kissing a comatose princess back to life.
Other characters who are children of classic fairy tale players (plus 'Alice in Wonderland', 'Robin Hood', and 'Pinocchio') show up by the dozens here too. There is a sweet potential romance between Raven and the second, more plain son of Prince Charming, Dexter (only nine months younger than his princely, foppish brother Daring Charming; their parents must have fantastical energy. They also have a sister named Darling Charming). The daughter of Sleeping Beauty, Briar Beauty, is described as dark-skinned. It is smart how the large cast is used in the story about making your own choices regardless of parentage, and they are each funny and quirky (the Hunter from 'Red Riding Hood''s son has random trumpets play around him whenever he rips off his shirt to rescue damsels in distress, and Red Riding Hood's daughter, Cerise, might be a werewolf).
But my favourite character in the whole book is Madeline "Maddie" Hatter, the daughter of, you guessed it, the Cheshire Cat. Her humour is better than mine. A mad mixture of Harley Quinn and Pinkie Pie from 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic', she is great. Maddie can even break the fourth wall and hear the book's author/"Narrator" as she writes the story, and speak to the Narrator in a few short chapters, resulting in hilarious banter.
'Ever After High: The Storybook of Legends' is wicked fun, fluffy, can be read in one day, and is clearly targeted towards a girl market, but not too much. For a Disney Princess-type product, nothing so saccharine is present. It has a sense of humour about itself. Overall it really surprises you.
'Ever After High' sends an important message to children about not listening to or blindly following everything that higher-ups and traditionalists tell you. Girls can save themselves, and think for themselves, and have their own exciting adventures, not be damsels in need of rescuing by men. They can start revolutions!
However, in spite of the awesome ending that can go either direction, I don't think I'll be reading any other 'Ever After High' books. They might turn out to be disappointing, like the sequels to 'The School for Good and Evil', which are terrible and go against everything the first book is about.
Fun, creative, witty, sparkly and cute, Shannon Hale has done it again.
More fun: All the King's Horses and All the King's Men could not put Humpty Dumpty back together again, but All the King's Women could! Baba Yaga is Raven's school adviser, and the Gingerbread Man is a PE coach. 'Nuff said.
Final Score: 4/5
Tuesday 18 April 2017
Book Review - 'The Upside of Unrequited' by Becky Albertalli
2021 EDIT: Such a cute, soft comfort read, that makes the world seem brighter than it is. It is still very relatable to me, an adult. I overall love it so, that I can overlook it making references to pop culture that I hate. It's a coming-of-age book where the issues of the fat girl protagonist, Molly, do not center entirely, or majorly, on her being fat. Her anxiety medication is never made a big deal of in the slightest; it's just a part of her, as much as everything else that makes her her. Shy, awkward Molly is far funnier and wittier than she gives herself credit for. I adore her big, husky, rustic-like love interest, Reid. And the YA book is not set in school at any point. It's all understated, organic, with no forced, cheap drama, and that is excellent. AND IT'S SO FUNNY! AND ADORABLE!
Additional note: I'm almost sure it's not a coincidence that one of the few characters who are outwardly homophobic, a member of the Peskin-Suso family, is named Karen.
Final Score: 5/5
Original Review:
One of the best contemporary teen books I've ever read, hands down.
'The Upside of Unrequited' - As so many have already said, the diversity is excellent. It just plain reflects reality. The main character, Molly Peskin-Suso, is a fat seventeen-year-old girl and the story is not about that - she's fine and happy the way she is and hates it when people comment on her weight. In truth the story is about her finding hope for love in a fat-shaming world full of impossible beauty standards; she stays invisible so as to avoid the risk of getting hurt. How I related to her, and could see my painfully-shy and awkward teenage self in her.
Molly's twin sister, the prettier, confident and sociable Cassie, is a lesbian, and the two have a very close relationship that's naturally changing with the growing-up-and-finding-new-people fact of life. They were sperm donor babies, and have two mums - one white and the other black - and an adorable dark-skinned baby brother, Xavier. Cassie's girlfriend Mina is Korean-American, and pansexual.
There are A LOT of people in this book who are clearly described as not being skinny, and who wear glasses - I want to hug the adorkable, funny Reid Wertheim, he of the white sneakers, the 'Lord of the Rings' t-shirt, and crush on Queen Elizabeth I. He could be considered a Manic Pixie Dream Guy, but he's interesting enough on his own so that's not strictly the case.
If that wasn't enough, Molly and her family are Jewish. I honestly cannot recall reading about a Jewish protagonist in any book I've come across. They seem as rare, if not more so, as any group of minorities in the media (unless they're stereotypes and harmful, mean-spirited jokes, of course). This kind of visibility, written by a Jewish author, and its importance cannot be overstated enough.
Additionally: It is mentioned in passing a few times that Molly takes medicine for her anxiety.
The story of 'The Upside of Unrequited' is set in the year when same-sex marriage was made legal in all states in America, and all the excitement and happiness of that fills the pages, followed by the announcement that the mums, Patty and Nadine, will be getting married. It is so hopeful, so loving, I nearly cried. The wedding preparations plot goes along extremely well with Molly's boy problems and self-esteem teen arc.
The cameos of characters from Becky Albertalli's other book, 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' (Abby is Molly's cousin), are as fun and adorable as the rest of the book; short and sweet and natural, and not shoehorned in. And in 'Simon', the sweet fixation is on Oreos. In 'Upside', it is Cadbury mini eggs. Another similarity is the main character's parents' strict no-alcohol rule, or at least no-alcohol-exceeding-the-limit rule. Good message, overall.
Really, just read 'The Upside of Unrequited'. It's sweet, it's full of hope for everyone, and it's one of the very few genuinely laugh-out-loud books I've ever read (Molly's voice is hilarious and witty on certain points). It contains the important message that everyone, especially teenagers, needs to receive: Love yourself, don't let others get you down and tell you how to live your life. You are great the way you are, and there are people who love you for that.
I want to live in Albertalli's world full of nice, happy people from all walks of life, full of love and acceptance.
Final Score: 5/5
Additional note: I'm almost sure it's not a coincidence that one of the few characters who are outwardly homophobic, a member of the Peskin-Suso family, is named Karen.
Final Score: 5/5
Original Review:
One of the best contemporary teen books I've ever read, hands down.
'The Upside of Unrequited' - As so many have already said, the diversity is excellent. It just plain reflects reality. The main character, Molly Peskin-Suso, is a fat seventeen-year-old girl and the story is not about that - she's fine and happy the way she is and hates it when people comment on her weight. In truth the story is about her finding hope for love in a fat-shaming world full of impossible beauty standards; she stays invisible so as to avoid the risk of getting hurt. How I related to her, and could see my painfully-shy and awkward teenage self in her.
Molly's twin sister, the prettier, confident and sociable Cassie, is a lesbian, and the two have a very close relationship that's naturally changing with the growing-up-and-finding-new-people fact of life. They were sperm donor babies, and have two mums - one white and the other black - and an adorable dark-skinned baby brother, Xavier. Cassie's girlfriend Mina is Korean-American, and pansexual.
There are A LOT of people in this book who are clearly described as not being skinny, and who wear glasses - I want to hug the adorkable, funny Reid Wertheim, he of the white sneakers, the 'Lord of the Rings' t-shirt, and crush on Queen Elizabeth I. He could be considered a Manic Pixie Dream Guy, but he's interesting enough on his own so that's not strictly the case.
If that wasn't enough, Molly and her family are Jewish. I honestly cannot recall reading about a Jewish protagonist in any book I've come across. They seem as rare, if not more so, as any group of minorities in the media (unless they're stereotypes and harmful, mean-spirited jokes, of course). This kind of visibility, written by a Jewish author, and its importance cannot be overstated enough.
Additionally: It is mentioned in passing a few times that Molly takes medicine for her anxiety.
The story of 'The Upside of Unrequited' is set in the year when same-sex marriage was made legal in all states in America, and all the excitement and happiness of that fills the pages, followed by the announcement that the mums, Patty and Nadine, will be getting married. It is so hopeful, so loving, I nearly cried. The wedding preparations plot goes along extremely well with Molly's boy problems and self-esteem teen arc.
The cameos of characters from Becky Albertalli's other book, 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' (Abby is Molly's cousin), are as fun and adorable as the rest of the book; short and sweet and natural, and not shoehorned in. And in 'Simon', the sweet fixation is on Oreos. In 'Upside', it is Cadbury mini eggs. Another similarity is the main character's parents' strict no-alcohol rule, or at least no-alcohol-exceeding-the-limit rule. Good message, overall.
Really, just read 'The Upside of Unrequited'. It's sweet, it's full of hope for everyone, and it's one of the very few genuinely laugh-out-loud books I've ever read (Molly's voice is hilarious and witty on certain points). It contains the important message that everyone, especially teenagers, needs to receive: Love yourself, don't let others get you down and tell you how to live your life. You are great the way you are, and there are people who love you for that.
I want to live in Albertalli's world full of nice, happy people from all walks of life, full of love and acceptance.
Final Score: 5/5
Wednesday 12 April 2017
Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls' by Elena Favilli, Francesca Cavallo
Must-read for all children. And adults. Whatever gender you are, whether you are born into it or are deciding or transitioning, we all must remember the important women in history and how they changed the world. And there are so, so many of them. Please not let their dreams, hard work and sacrifices be ignored or heaven forbid deliberately erased. No wonder sexism still exists if we never learn about women such as these in schools.
Well, 'Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls' was created to rectify that.
I was hooked from page one, reading and learning about a hundred women and girls - past and present - simply living their dreams and achieving their goals. I even nearly missed work because of it! Young (like ten years old) and old, the girls are brilliant. They are not really rebels, they are just living; they dare to be ambitious and never give up.
Women matter so much - why is this still debated? What reason, what evidence, what decency is there that suggests they are not as good as any man? With over 7 billion people on earth right now surely half of that - half of all those individual, complex humanities - can't be considered entirely worthless or deserving of scorn and ridicule simply for existing.
My only grievance with 'Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls' is the lack of inclusion of women such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Janet Reno, Sofia Coppola, Kathryn Bigelow, Princess Diana, J.K. Rowling, Laverne Cox, Jennifer Lee, and Shonda Rhimes. But the more obscure women included who helped change the world make up for that. Taking charge of their own lives, they are leaders. There are even a few pirate ladies here!
'Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls' - these are no fairy tales. These are real women, as ordinary as anyone, who lived extraordinary lives. Inspirational doesn't begin to cut it. Whether or not you have children, read it to anyone, and to yourself. We owe it to the overlooked women of history, and of the present.
Here's to the awesome girls of the future, who will never be stopped.
Final Score: 5/5
Well, 'Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls' was created to rectify that.
I was hooked from page one, reading and learning about a hundred women and girls - past and present - simply living their dreams and achieving their goals. I even nearly missed work because of it! Young (like ten years old) and old, the girls are brilliant. They are not really rebels, they are just living; they dare to be ambitious and never give up.
Women matter so much - why is this still debated? What reason, what evidence, what decency is there that suggests they are not as good as any man? With over 7 billion people on earth right now surely half of that - half of all those individual, complex humanities - can't be considered entirely worthless or deserving of scorn and ridicule simply for existing.
My only grievance with 'Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls' is the lack of inclusion of women such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Janet Reno, Sofia Coppola, Kathryn Bigelow, Princess Diana, J.K. Rowling, Laverne Cox, Jennifer Lee, and Shonda Rhimes. But the more obscure women included who helped change the world make up for that. Taking charge of their own lives, they are leaders. There are even a few pirate ladies here!
'Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls' - these are no fairy tales. These are real women, as ordinary as anyone, who lived extraordinary lives. Inspirational doesn't begin to cut it. Whether or not you have children, read it to anyone, and to yourself. We owe it to the overlooked women of history, and of the present.
Here's to the awesome girls of the future, who will never be stopped.
Final Score: 5/5
Tuesday 11 April 2017
Book Review - 'Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer, #1)' by Laini Taylor
I'm sure I've said this before, but holy dustmites what must it be like to be in this woman's head?! Probably just like this book - full of colours not yet discovered, every fantastical creature under the suns, fairy tales and love and possibilities. And cake. Laini Taylor's imagination is limitless, as infinite as the starry milky ways of the universe.
I love the 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone' trilogy, and with her new book, 'Strange the Dreamer', the first of a dualogy, Laini doesn't disappoint. (I feel she's open and personable enough regarding her fans for me to call her by her first name). The writing is as lush, creative, dynamic and astonishingly beautiful as is to be expected. The story is an original fairy tale, a legend about to be born, the start of a myth that's as alive as you and I. It starts off slow, but it is worth every gorgeous word, filled with stones and gems and stars and shadows. Similar to 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone', there are gods, mythical monsters, sweet and tragic romances galore; and sprinkled into this magical cauldron mixture is a huge cast of compelling, three-dimensional characters. And cake. You can never go wrong with cake.
Our wide-eyed protagonist is the orphaned foundling Lazlo Strange. Raised by monks, he always escapes into books and stories, leading him to become a librarian throughout his teens (he has no idea how lucky he is!). He wanders around the Great Library which hides records - secrets - of a legendary city in a desert now known only as Weep. Its true name was literally stolen from minds and texts years ago. Desolate, it is Lazlo's dream to find the city, no matter how impossible. He has no name or status; he is nobody. But he is Strange the Dreamer, and whether he becomes a hero of his own story or not, he will make it his quest to see the Unseen City, lost to myth.
The only thing I hate about Lazlo Strange is that he is not real. Every bit the archetypal fantasy hero - orphan, outsider, more to him than meets the eye, is greater than he thinks he is - but at the same time he isn't. He is not a bookworm but a bookdragon. He absolutely loves fairy tales and fantasy stories, and will devour any book on myths and legends, anytime, anywhere. A big book of fairy tales even fell from a shelf and broke his nose once. Lazlo's life is stories. Though not very sociable, he is kind, thoughtful, humble, naive but sweet, possesses a wonderful sense of humour, and best of all, everything he does is simply because it is the right thing to do. Even other characters are startled by how selfless he is. No strings attached, no ulterior motives, Lazlo helps others because he wants to, no further thought to it. But he isn't a pushover, oh no, as seen when he doesn't pass up the chance to make his dream come true despite all the odds stacked against him. Determined, brave, unstoppable, curious, honest, lovely and not afraid to show emotions, Lazlo Strange is my new book boyfriend. Let's hope, given the ending, he doesn't completely lose his innocence and turn out like Finnikin from the 'Lumatere Chronicles' trilogy, who inexplicably morphs into a horrible, nasty, abusive bastard.
Other characters include Thyon Nero, the "golden godson", a rich, famous, handsome, privileged young alchemist and scholar who is Lazlo's opposite. He could be considered the Dreamer's rival if the latter ever thought competitively, but he doesn't. Thyon is a scientist; an intellectual who is unimaginative and set in his ways, thinking very little of the junior librarian yet he finds himself drawn to him in each step of his journey and progress. Traditionally, Thyon would be the golden hero in the forefront of myths and legend, but it is the little guys working in the background who often deserve the most credit. I'm fond of this golden boy, even though he is arrogant and a bully, for he is sympathetic in his hard work and keeping his namesake. He has been abused like Lazlo once was by the monks, so no matter their class and backgrounds they might not be that different after all, if stubborn Thyon can only see it.
Eril-Fane, the Godslayer, is a Tizerkane warrior from the lost, forsaken city of Weep, who like any hero of legend is suffering far more than he is letting on. He is so human it's a dagger in the heart. Calixte is a young jewel thief who can climb any tower, whose dialogue is a blast to read. She loves gathering bets and setting up challenges. Shamefully she isn't in the book as much as she should be, and I hope she won't be forgotten about in the sequel. Calixte deserves more. Her lover is Tzara, a female Tizerkane warrior, and this relationship is in the background and not made a big deal at all. Good job.
I could talk about so many other players in this epic, but there isn't enough time or space. Plus it is rather spoilery. But I'll mention that the main lead beside Lazlo, Sarai, is a soft, complex gem. She is called the Muse of Nightmares; an otherworldly creature with human hearts. (People have two hearts in this universe: one of blood and one of spirit). Her relationship with Strange the Dreamer, once it starts when they finally meet in the middle of the book, it doesn't stop. They are literally one half of each other's dreams. In spite of the instant-love that was also in 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone', Laini Taylor can make it so that the couple are so sweet and fit so well together that you don't care. Lazlo and Sarai have an emotional connection, not really a thinking one. Or a physical one. They are like children; naive and innocent, so they are playful and fun, and forever growing. Their development comes from themselves, not just each other. I won't reveal anymore, but by the end of 'Strange the Dreamer', you'll cry for them, in spite of their short time knowing the other exists. How creative and tragic is their love.
There is also Minya. Oh hellish of hells, Minya. Like a cross between Claudia from 'Interview with the Vampire' and the Joker, she is Hades. The Devil. She is pure evil. You'll love her for it.
Great rivercats and blue stones and people, there is so much more! 'Strange the Dreamer' is what a fantasy epic should be. It is marvelously imaginative, and for all its dazzling wonders there are horrors - deep-seated, disgusting, absolutely traumatic - that probably should have been explored and discussed further. Stories carry messages, some subtler than others. But 'Strange the Dreamer', for its setbacks, does stay true to the universal message in every myth and legend: Gods are dicks.
Laini Taylor's modern fables have become the standard I've set when judging good books; books that are worthwhile, that are passionate, life changing, that won't leave you the tiniest bit jaded, what I consider great storytelling and characters. I'm not so captivated that I would call them perfect - nothing is - but they are definitely worth a look, coming from a brain that can write and keep you arrested; forming words as well as worlds, whole and new. They may not be for everyone, but I am enchanted every time.
Now to wait a year for 'The Muse of Nightmares' to come out. No need to hope it'll be worth it, but hope is what I'll do anyway.
Final Score: 4/5
I love the 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone' trilogy, and with her new book, 'Strange the Dreamer', the first of a dualogy, Laini doesn't disappoint. (I feel she's open and personable enough regarding her fans for me to call her by her first name). The writing is as lush, creative, dynamic and astonishingly beautiful as is to be expected. The story is an original fairy tale, a legend about to be born, the start of a myth that's as alive as you and I. It starts off slow, but it is worth every gorgeous word, filled with stones and gems and stars and shadows. Similar to 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone', there are gods, mythical monsters, sweet and tragic romances galore; and sprinkled into this magical cauldron mixture is a huge cast of compelling, three-dimensional characters. And cake. You can never go wrong with cake.
Our wide-eyed protagonist is the orphaned foundling Lazlo Strange. Raised by monks, he always escapes into books and stories, leading him to become a librarian throughout his teens (he has no idea how lucky he is!). He wanders around the Great Library which hides records - secrets - of a legendary city in a desert now known only as Weep. Its true name was literally stolen from minds and texts years ago. Desolate, it is Lazlo's dream to find the city, no matter how impossible. He has no name or status; he is nobody. But he is Strange the Dreamer, and whether he becomes a hero of his own story or not, he will make it his quest to see the Unseen City, lost to myth.
The only thing I hate about Lazlo Strange is that he is not real. Every bit the archetypal fantasy hero - orphan, outsider, more to him than meets the eye, is greater than he thinks he is - but at the same time he isn't. He is not a bookworm but a bookdragon. He absolutely loves fairy tales and fantasy stories, and will devour any book on myths and legends, anytime, anywhere. A big book of fairy tales even fell from a shelf and broke his nose once. Lazlo's life is stories. Though not very sociable, he is kind, thoughtful, humble, naive but sweet, possesses a wonderful sense of humour, and best of all, everything he does is simply because it is the right thing to do. Even other characters are startled by how selfless he is. No strings attached, no ulterior motives, Lazlo helps others because he wants to, no further thought to it. But he isn't a pushover, oh no, as seen when he doesn't pass up the chance to make his dream come true despite all the odds stacked against him. Determined, brave, unstoppable, curious, honest, lovely and not afraid to show emotions, Lazlo Strange is my new book boyfriend. Let's hope, given the ending, he doesn't completely lose his innocence and turn out like Finnikin from the 'Lumatere Chronicles' trilogy, who inexplicably morphs into a horrible, nasty, abusive bastard.
Other characters include Thyon Nero, the "golden godson", a rich, famous, handsome, privileged young alchemist and scholar who is Lazlo's opposite. He could be considered the Dreamer's rival if the latter ever thought competitively, but he doesn't. Thyon is a scientist; an intellectual who is unimaginative and set in his ways, thinking very little of the junior librarian yet he finds himself drawn to him in each step of his journey and progress. Traditionally, Thyon would be the golden hero in the forefront of myths and legend, but it is the little guys working in the background who often deserve the most credit. I'm fond of this golden boy, even though he is arrogant and a bully, for he is sympathetic in his hard work and keeping his namesake. He has been abused like Lazlo once was by the monks, so no matter their class and backgrounds they might not be that different after all, if stubborn Thyon can only see it.
Eril-Fane, the Godslayer, is a Tizerkane warrior from the lost, forsaken city of Weep, who like any hero of legend is suffering far more than he is letting on. He is so human it's a dagger in the heart. Calixte is a young jewel thief who can climb any tower, whose dialogue is a blast to read. She loves gathering bets and setting up challenges. Shamefully she isn't in the book as much as she should be, and I hope she won't be forgotten about in the sequel. Calixte deserves more. Her lover is Tzara, a female Tizerkane warrior, and this relationship is in the background and not made a big deal at all. Good job.
I could talk about so many other players in this epic, but there isn't enough time or space. Plus it is rather spoilery. But I'll mention that the main lead beside Lazlo, Sarai, is a soft, complex gem. She is called the Muse of Nightmares; an otherworldly creature with human hearts. (People have two hearts in this universe: one of blood and one of spirit). Her relationship with Strange the Dreamer, once it starts when they finally meet in the middle of the book, it doesn't stop. They are literally one half of each other's dreams. In spite of the instant-love that was also in 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone', Laini Taylor can make it so that the couple are so sweet and fit so well together that you don't care. Lazlo and Sarai have an emotional connection, not really a thinking one. Or a physical one. They are like children; naive and innocent, so they are playful and fun, and forever growing. Their development comes from themselves, not just each other. I won't reveal anymore, but by the end of 'Strange the Dreamer', you'll cry for them, in spite of their short time knowing the other exists. How creative and tragic is their love.
There is also Minya. Oh hellish of hells, Minya. Like a cross between Claudia from 'Interview with the Vampire' and the Joker, she is Hades. The Devil. She is pure evil. You'll love her for it.
Great rivercats and blue stones and people, there is so much more! 'Strange the Dreamer' is what a fantasy epic should be. It is marvelously imaginative, and for all its dazzling wonders there are horrors - deep-seated, disgusting, absolutely traumatic - that probably should have been explored and discussed further. Stories carry messages, some subtler than others. But 'Strange the Dreamer', for its setbacks, does stay true to the universal message in every myth and legend: Gods are dicks.
Laini Taylor's modern fables have become the standard I've set when judging good books; books that are worthwhile, that are passionate, life changing, that won't leave you the tiniest bit jaded, what I consider great storytelling and characters. I'm not so captivated that I would call them perfect - nothing is - but they are definitely worth a look, coming from a brain that can write and keep you arrested; forming words as well as worlds, whole and new. They may not be for everyone, but I am enchanted every time.
Now to wait a year for 'The Muse of Nightmares' to come out. No need to hope it'll be worth it, but hope is what I'll do anyway.
Final Score: 4/5
Saturday 8 April 2017
Scribble #46
Scars
They say, for this is such a common generalization, that men with scars are sexy. But what about women? We also suffer hardships, we also live and experience so many things. Thanks to what society expects and inflicts on us, those scars are more emotional and mental than physical.
Which is why I've formed a club - a women's circle dedicated to talking about any marks on their body - any at all - and either drawing, sewing or knitting them on a piece of fabric that will grow bigger and bigger each week. Emotional and mental scars will be talked about as well, and those will be added to the quilt - an image symbolizing what an individual scar means to the inflicted person. It's a therapy group above all else. The quilt will be formed onto a plate of armour and chainmail - a symbol of strength against all adversity. Then we will begin the next quilt, for scars, and struggles, never cease. But sharing is caring, and so is talking and listening.
And who the hell says that women can't be complicated and sexy, too?
(Special thanks to Clarissa Pinkola Estes for the idea, in her book, 'Woman Who Run With The Wolves')
They say, for this is such a common generalization, that men with scars are sexy. But what about women? We also suffer hardships, we also live and experience so many things. Thanks to what society expects and inflicts on us, those scars are more emotional and mental than physical.
Which is why I've formed a club - a women's circle dedicated to talking about any marks on their body - any at all - and either drawing, sewing or knitting them on a piece of fabric that will grow bigger and bigger each week. Emotional and mental scars will be talked about as well, and those will be added to the quilt - an image symbolizing what an individual scar means to the inflicted person. It's a therapy group above all else. The quilt will be formed onto a plate of armour and chainmail - a symbol of strength against all adversity. Then we will begin the next quilt, for scars, and struggles, never cease. But sharing is caring, and so is talking and listening.
And who the hell says that women can't be complicated and sexy, too?
(Special thanks to Clarissa Pinkola Estes for the idea, in her book, 'Woman Who Run With The Wolves')
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