I'll start by admitting that I don't know how to start writing this review.
Honestly, I've choked
Even for a book I really like, have my creative juices finally run out, and I can't describe anything beyond, "This is really good, check it out, just because"? And for something like 'On the Come Up', the second YA novel by Angie Thomas, after the phenomenal and deserved success of her 2017 debut, 'The Hate U Give', how can anything be topped? It just came out, and by the time I've uploaded this... these words, everyone and their dog and their fleas will have written a much better review than mine.
'On the Come Up' does deserve a great, positive review. If nothing else, I'll try my best, despite my reviewer's block.
It is a worthy follow up to 'The Hate U Give', set in the same Garden Heights, and tackling the same issues of race in America, territories, gun violence, family relationships, friendship, and finding your voice in all the noise and controversy. It is another contemporary coming-of-age story of an African-American sixteen-year-old girl from "the hood".
Only Brianna Jackson is much more outspoken and temperamental than Starr Carter. Her matter-of-fact and takes-no-shit personality is written off by white people as "aggressive", so she gets suspended from school for everything, from rolling her eyes to pointing out to her history teacher that black people existed before slavery, while white girls in her classes get away with murder. She doesn't want to show another, "acceptable" side of her so that her oppressors will be more comfortable around her, called "code-switching". Bri is who she wants to be, or is trying to. She is suspended repeatedly and called a hoodlum as a result. Not to mention there are school security issues. At least she has good friends by her side.
Bri is a rapper - an up-and-coming young rapper on the come up (sorry, told you my creativity was in the shitter at the moment). I had never read anything about a female rapper before, fiction and nonfiction, so this was an exciting new world opened up for me. 'On the Come Up' is defiantly #ownvoices, as Angie Thomas was a teen rapper. The talent shows. I loved being in Bri's head, and her spontaneous rap verses. I was ignorant of how music like rap and hip-hop were usually made before reading this book, but now I can see the genre - so long and pervasively dismissed socially and on the news as violent, "gangster", "thuggish", misogynistic, etc, you name it - being the inspiration that it needs to be for people like Bri, who herself can inspire would-be rappers, female and male.
Each artist is an individual, speaking from their own experiences and feelings, in their own words, in their own voices. Or they should.
Suffice it to say that Bri does get in trouble for her rapping for a variety of reasons, despite her rising popularity. Also despite what the naysayers think, this isn't because of the controversy of her personal debut song, 'On the Come Up'. But could following her dream, and eventually hitting a record label in order to help her family out of poverty, be her downfall, and everyone else's? There are gang threats in speaking the truth, and Bri doesn't want to encourage violence with her lyrics; to be looked up to as a queen for the wrong reasons.
The world of music making isn't all it's cracked up to be, either. Bri will be forced to conform to the angry, sassy black girl stereotype perceived by white folks - white teens, who are a big demographic - in order to succeed, or risk homelessness.
With everything out of her control, can this rapping princess own her title by herself, use her own voice, and be the positive inspiration she wants to be?
I love Bri and her family, including her older brother, Trey, who is hardworking and uni-educated, but still has to make pizzas for a living to pay bills. But mostly I love her mother, Jay. A recovering drug addict who is trying to make up for lost time after leaving her children to live with their grandparents for years while she was in rehab. This is a woman who has lost nearly everything - her husband, also a famous rapper, to gunshots right in front of her, her children for some years, her family's respect, her job - but she doesn't give up. She loves her two kids and wants to support and protect them as much as possible; for redemption, but really out of plain motherly love. Plus she has the best, funniest and most thought-provoking lines (aside from Bri's rap verses) in the book.
Bri is ambivalent towards Jay for the majority of the book, finding it difficult to even think of her as her mother; understandable as Jay was in rehab throughout Bri's young childhood, and while she trusts her, Bri can't help but worry that Jay might let her down again, when things become too difficult to bear. Jay works so hard, but life keeps giving her lemons, and people judge her all the time, and she is only human. She worries about what will become of her daughter if she peruses rapping, if she might end up like her father. Jay might be right...
But they are both as stubborn and defiant in the face of injustice as each other.
It is just such a relief to see a strong, positive, and flawed mother in YA lit, who through so many problems is nevertheless there for the protagonist. I have only recently began to notice and realise the lack of good mothers in this genre - and anywhere in fiction, for that matter - and this is a huge step-up. The relationship between Bri and Jay is complex and complicated, but by the end there can be no doubt that they love each other. Mothers and daughters deserve to be written this well, with this much focus.
Jay is still a better influence and caregiver than most people Bri knows, like her drug dealing (albeit reluctantly and for survival) Aunt Pooh, who would cause gang wars over grudges. Still, Aunt Pooh is confident, protective and supportive when she needs to be; though she's not much more than a child, like Bri is.
Every character is complex in 'On the Come Up', and there are many of them. Each receives a somewhat satisfying, deserved fate by the end.
Comparisons to 'The Hate U Give' are inevitable. One thing I'll say is that if I had to give 'The Hate U Give' any negative criticism, it would be the lack of LBGTQ rep. Well, 'On the Come Up' fixes that. Sonny, one of Bri's best friends, and Aunt Pooh, are gay, as is another character who I won't out due to spoilers, but it is quite adorable and it doesn't feel forced. Take that, homophobes of hip-hop. I would have liked Bri to be queer too, maybe asexual, but I guess I can't complain.
What don't I like about 'On the Come Up', then? Or at least misunderstand the meaning of? DING DING DING! It's the romance. I know, big surprise. There is a love triangle, but thankfully it is barely a note on paper. Bri develops a romantic relationship with a boy named Curtis, who seems like an objectifying, immature and loudmouthed douche to me, but Bri thinks he's funny and cute, despite herself. This is realistic for teens, but it is disconcerting for an adult in 2019 to read about. And 'On the Come Up' offers feminist themes as well. The romance angle isn't necessary at all. Stupid YA BS.
I will say this, however: The Curtis sidenote happens when Bri has a crush on one of her childhood best friends, Malik, but eventually that ship sails (Malik already has a girlfriend, who's the awe-inspiring, potential girl-friend for Bri, Shana, when he and Bri inevitably kiss, uhhh...), and Bri gravitates towards Curtis, and it works out (apparently, if I'm meant to believe so). It is rare in fiction to see the childhood friend NOT get together with the main character - that they remain friends, if changed people because of their experiences, and move on, still caring for one another. There is no friend zone: it's just life.
Yeah, 'On the Come Up' is brilliant, like Bri, overall. It may not be as powerful a game changer as 'The Hate U Give', but it is highly commendable for what it is on its own. The writing is great. It can be read in two days, max. Laugh-out-loud humour is present, such as the banter Bri has with her lifelong friends and family, so the novel's not overwhelmingly dark, political, etc. As for the social commentary, it is on point. The not-so-subtle jabs at the current President of the US are vastly appreciated.
The world of rap is a complicated, misinterpreted, fragile, sometimes dangerous one, but I believe that our intrepid heroine can go to great places with it. Music has the power to change the world, after all.
Could have used a cameo from Starr or any of her group, though.
Phew! Reviewer's block smashed! For now.
Final Score: 4/5
Saturday, 16 February 2019
Graphic Novel Review - 'Avengers: The Enemy Within' by Kelly Sue DeConnick (Writer), Scott Hepburn (Artist), Matteo Buffagni (Artist), Pepe Larraz (Artist), Gerardo Sandoval (Artist)
A very fun and dramatic Captain Marvel story, continuing 'In Pursuit of Flight' and 'Down', under the 'Avengers' title and run.
I can't say what I haven't already said ad nauseam about everybody's favourite determined, impulsive, passionate and caring space lady, Carol Danvers. 'Avengers: The Enemy Within', amid the ton of action, is her story, her focus and development. She will do anything to save the world and her friends, from the outer and inner demons of her past; even at the cost of herself.
'The Enemy Within' is also about Captain Marvel as an inspiration - to everyone, but super-specially to young girls and women. She is a star for a reason.
The other Avengers present in the comic are cool, too, if mostly cameos, helping out and beating stuff up. I have to give a special shout-out to Spider-Woman, who is hilarious, and just the comedic foil and friend that Captain Marvel needs. There is also S.W.O.R.D. Agent Abigail Brand, Sersi of the Eternals, and the Wasp, as ladies in charge of important things. Ironically, Carol's civilian friends, like Tracy, Wendy, Dakota, and little Kit, I found to be the most interesting people in her life. Girl, there are a lot of great women in this comic!
The artwork is a mixed bag for me, as it was in the two previous volumes. I got used to it eventually, and it is colourful, at least, as befits Captain Marvel. Too much emphasis is put on the female superheroes' anatomy - if a woman wears anything even remotely skintight, you can bet the artist will take full advantage and opportunity - unfortunately and typically. *cough*Spider-Woman*cough*Black Widow*cough*.
But I still recommend 'Avengers: The Enemy Within' to any Captain Marvel fan. It is here where she is spotlighted as the greatest hero out of all the Avengers lineup. Breakneck pace and nonstop thrills, this is awesome superhero stuff.
Final Score: 4/5
I can't say what I haven't already said ad nauseam about everybody's favourite determined, impulsive, passionate and caring space lady, Carol Danvers. 'Avengers: The Enemy Within', amid the ton of action, is her story, her focus and development. She will do anything to save the world and her friends, from the outer and inner demons of her past; even at the cost of herself.
'The Enemy Within' is also about Captain Marvel as an inspiration - to everyone, but super-specially to young girls and women. She is a star for a reason.
The other Avengers present in the comic are cool, too, if mostly cameos, helping out and beating stuff up. I have to give a special shout-out to Spider-Woman, who is hilarious, and just the comedic foil and friend that Captain Marvel needs. There is also S.W.O.R.D. Agent Abigail Brand, Sersi of the Eternals, and the Wasp, as ladies in charge of important things. Ironically, Carol's civilian friends, like Tracy, Wendy, Dakota, and little Kit, I found to be the most interesting people in her life. Girl, there are a lot of great women in this comic!
The artwork is a mixed bag for me, as it was in the two previous volumes. I got used to it eventually, and it is colourful, at least, as befits Captain Marvel. Too much emphasis is put on the female superheroes' anatomy - if a woman wears anything even remotely skintight, you can bet the artist will take full advantage and opportunity - unfortunately and typically. *cough*Spider-Woman*cough*Black Widow*cough*.
But I still recommend 'Avengers: The Enemy Within' to any Captain Marvel fan. It is here where she is spotlighted as the greatest hero out of all the Avengers lineup. Breakneck pace and nonstop thrills, this is awesome superhero stuff.
Final Score: 4/5
Monday, 11 February 2019
Guess I'll update on my film watching:
One film in particular that I've been putting off seeing until now is The Breadwinner. I'm disappointed in myself that I didn't give it a chance when it first came out on DVD, because it is brilliant. I didn't think much of Cartoon Saloon's other films, but three times the charm here. Harrowing, sad, sweet, non-cliché, and beautiful, 'The Breadwinner' is an instant landmark. Like 'Persepolis' set in Afghanistan, but more centered on childhood. I cannot stress enough its focus on female relationships (family and friendship), and how important this is. Add in the fact that it has a female director, and female writers. It is genuinely feminist. Animation can do so much, and this is being realised and achieved more fully now.
Containing nearly all of my favourite things, The Breadwinner comes recommended.
One film in particular that I've been putting off seeing until now is The Breadwinner. I'm disappointed in myself that I didn't give it a chance when it first came out on DVD, because it is brilliant. I didn't think much of Cartoon Saloon's other films, but three times the charm here. Harrowing, sad, sweet, non-cliché, and beautiful, 'The Breadwinner' is an instant landmark. Like 'Persepolis' set in Afghanistan, but more centered on childhood. I cannot stress enough its focus on female relationships (family and friendship), and how important this is. Add in the fact that it has a female director, and female writers. It is genuinely feminist. Animation can do so much, and this is being realised and achieved more fully now.
Containing nearly all of my favourite things, The Breadwinner comes recommended.
Saturday, 9 February 2019
Graphic Novel Review - 'Heartstopper Volume One' by Alice Oseman
2022 EDIT: I've reread all four of the 'Heartstopper' volumes tonight - yes, in one night! - because I can't get enough of this comforting, life-affirming, softly and achingly adorable and beautiful, and perfect series, and because of preparation for the Netflix TV adaptation. I have no idea what to expect but...can any adaptation do justice to the greatest thing in the entire universe?
Heartwarming and tearful doesn't begin to cover 'Heartstopper' by Alice Oseman. I love it. I love absolutely everything about it.
Restore and recharge your faith in humanity by reading 'Heartstopper'. Every time.
Final Score (for the whole series!): 5/5
Original Review:
The simplest things make for one of the greatest things ever.
'Heartstopper' is what life, the world, the universe, and everything needs. Even if it is totally undeserved. Everyone should read and experience something as euphoric, refreshing, sweet, adorable, charming, sad, relevant, relieving, and pure as this. You can have a wonderful time flipping to any page. It is what falling in love, and having faith, feels like.
I feel too privileged.
Happiness, thy name is 'Heartstopper'.
And all it's about is two British LBGTQ schoolboys falling for each other.
My original review of the webcomic is here.
You bet I can't wait for Volume 2 to be published. So grateful that this is being published out for the world to see at last. I waited ages for Volume 1, instantly a fave comic, and it was worth every penny, pound, and heartbeat.
Thank you, Alice Oseman, you star.
Final Score: 5/5
Heartwarming and tearful doesn't begin to cover 'Heartstopper' by Alice Oseman. I love it. I love absolutely everything about it.
Restore and recharge your faith in humanity by reading 'Heartstopper'. Every time.
Final Score (for the whole series!): 5/5
Original Review:
The simplest things make for one of the greatest things ever.
'Heartstopper' is what life, the world, the universe, and everything needs. Even if it is totally undeserved. Everyone should read and experience something as euphoric, refreshing, sweet, adorable, charming, sad, relevant, relieving, and pure as this. You can have a wonderful time flipping to any page. It is what falling in love, and having faith, feels like.
I feel too privileged.
Happiness, thy name is 'Heartstopper'.
And all it's about is two British LBGTQ schoolboys falling for each other.
My original review of the webcomic is here.
You bet I can't wait for Volume 2 to be published. So grateful that this is being published out for the world to see at last. I waited ages for Volume 1, instantly a fave comic, and it was worth every penny, pound, and heartbeat.
Thank you, Alice Oseman, you star.
Final Score: 5/5
Wednesday, 6 February 2019
Star Fox Krystal Cushion
Finally, a decent product of this character! Just a cushion, not a pillow of any kind.
She is fascinating, isn't she?
Tuesday, 5 February 2019
Graphic Novel Review - 'Captain Marvel: Earth's Mightiest Hero Vol. 1' by Kelly Sue DeConnick (Writer), Christopher Sebela (Text), Dexter Soy (Artist), Emma Ríos (Artist), Felipe Amdrade (Artist)
'In Pursuit of Flight' and 'Down' together in one bright and colourful volume (seriously, that cover is Popsicle fresh and adorable, if misleading in its sunniness).
An enjoyable set of adventures with Carol Danvers as Captain Marvel, in all her flights, fights and struggles, as both a powerful superheroine merged with alien DNA, and someone who is still human and relatable. She pilots a lot of things, she travels back in time, she practically fights a Transformer, plus dinosaurs with Spider-Woman, and bird people.
'Captain Marvel: Earth's Mightiest Hero Vol. 1' is an appetizer for me before 'The Life of Captain Marvel' is published, and before the movie. I can't wait! I still prefer Carol from 'Higher, Further, Faster, More' onwards in Kelly Sue DeConnick's run, due there being more optimism, humour and high-octane variety, but this is fun superheroine stuff.
My main issue is with the very mixed, sporadically ugly artwork. The eye-catching trade paperback cover does not suit the content. I'm not sure who Frank Gianelli is either, and why he's being set up as Carol's love interest (and boss?), but he is hot, so I'll turn off my brain and let hormones take their stride for that one.
Thank the Kree stars that there are also so many badass, diverse women in this series, other than Carol. There's hardly a dud among them. This is feminism to the max!
'Earth's Mightiest Hero' - a fine present for Captain Marvel fans.
Final Score: 4/5
An enjoyable set of adventures with Carol Danvers as Captain Marvel, in all her flights, fights and struggles, as both a powerful superheroine merged with alien DNA, and someone who is still human and relatable. She pilots a lot of things, she travels back in time, she practically fights a Transformer, plus dinosaurs with Spider-Woman, and bird people.
'Captain Marvel: Earth's Mightiest Hero Vol. 1' is an appetizer for me before 'The Life of Captain Marvel' is published, and before the movie. I can't wait! I still prefer Carol from 'Higher, Further, Faster, More' onwards in Kelly Sue DeConnick's run, due there being more optimism, humour and high-octane variety, but this is fun superheroine stuff.
My main issue is with the very mixed, sporadically ugly artwork. The eye-catching trade paperback cover does not suit the content. I'm not sure who Frank Gianelli is either, and why he's being set up as Carol's love interest (and boss?), but he is hot, so I'll turn off my brain and let hormones take their stride for that one.
Thank the Kree stars that there are also so many badass, diverse women in this series, other than Carol. There's hardly a dud among them. This is feminism to the max!
'Earth's Mightiest Hero' - a fine present for Captain Marvel fans.
Final Score: 4/5
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