IDW Publishing 2015
Written by Kelly Thompson
Illustrated by Sophie Campbell
Coloured by M. Victoria Robado
Forget all the detractors because this is a different time than when the cartoon aired and as an updated state of the art version of what we knew and loved this is utterly fantastic. I mean in this medium we can’t focus on the singing, though I guess with apps like Shazam it could be worked in, the characterization and character development takes center stage and this really is a modern story about girls of all kinds, shapes and sizes saying no matter who you are great things can happen for you if you put in the work.
We really get to see what kind of person Pizzazz is here after last issue when she saw Stormer and Kimber having coffee. I’d almost like to think she’s a control freak whose desire for fame and fortune tends to cloud her judgment but instead she really is a nasty person and the girls in the band really are those mean girls, except for Stormer, you see in all the movies and knew in high school. Those that felt they were entitled and clickish in worst possible way. Though I can’t really tell if the rest are just followers or are really just like her which leaves room for more solid characterization.
Rio and Jerrica get together to have their first official date. This whole date really is very sweet and perhaps i’m just the cynical type but I keep looking for something wrong with him. He does seem very feminine at times but that’s just this style of artwork I guess. It really does come across as the perfect first date and considering he’s been honest with her about what he does from the beginning and that he finds her rambling about her siblings cute it seems to be the start of a great relationship.
It’s great that Kimber really wants to talk about her coffee experience with the girls and that when they learn she has crush on another girl, “must be tuesday” was the nonchalant response. That it is nonchalant and the fact they find her pinning cute and are there to support her is refreshing I love that regardless of the body shape, sexual orientation, race these characters are all just people who love each other and celebrate their differences and this is how people should live their lives. It really is a great powerful message to send everyone.
We all have those people we love to hate and this issue solidifies Pizzazz as that character. She goes off on everyone this issue as she feels everyone but her is off and learns about the Jem and the Holograms celebrity last minute fill in gig and i’m sorry but the whole thing is over the top fabulous. Of course it all ends with her declaration that Jem and the Holograms must be stopped. Instead of course of them stepping up their game and getting better but then it wouldn’t be as much fun now would it.
Is this like the cartoon, no not really but it realistically can’t be it’s a completely different medium and in this one we get a more personal look at the characters, their lives and what drives them. It’s cute, fun and progressive not to mention colourful and romantic in all the best possible ways.