Comic book reviews for Jem and the Holograms #1, Jem and the Holograms #2, and Jem and the Holograms #3 by Kelly Thompson and Sophie Campbell
Average rating: 3.6/5 stars
Jem and the Holograms #1 by Kelly Thompson
Art: Sophie Campbell
While I definitely watched Jem and the Holograms as a child, I don’t actually remember it at all. Beyond the basics they had a band and saved the day somehow. And holograms and big bright hair.
This is definitely a cute comic book and lives in the spirit of the original cartoon. I thought it was clever of Thompson to give Jerrica (Jem), the lead singer, stage fright. You can also see how she just doesn’t look like her sisters at all, who wear their big personalities on their sleeves. This greatly helps to humanize Jerrica, especially when we meet the other girls all decked out. It’s also a performing trick to “change yourself” into your stage persona by doing something different compared to the off-stage you.
I’m curious to see the updates Thompson will be making, given that this book’s clearly set in contemporary times, not the ’80s.
Jem and the Holograms #2 by Kelly Thompson
Art: Sophie Campbell
The book continues to be really sweet. Or at least Jerrica is. I love seeing how they teach lessons to young girls, let the girls sit in on Jem and the Hologram practice sessions, and are going to play at the fundraiser to save the community center. I really appreciate books that not only show female friendship, but also the mentoring of girls.
Oh, Rio, he’s going to either shortly figure out the Jerrica/Jem connection or he’s going to be Lois Lane. Somehow I don’t think the latter will go on for long because nothing is worse than those old Superman comics. Especially since Rio notices immediately that Jerrica’s singing Jem’s songs and she admits to writing them.
Kimber and Stormer are so adorable together. I love seeing their nerdy flirting over music. Of course, Pizzaz and the other Misfits stumble upon them.
Kimber’s enthusiasm for them is great. I love Shana’s comments about how Kimber got 10 hours of sleep so of course she has the energy. Kimber may be my favorite so far.
Jem and the Holograms #3 by Kelly Thompson
Art: Sophie Campbell
Wow, Pizzaz and the other Misfits were incredibly harsh to Stomer. Of course, we also see Kimber not tell the Holograms who her mystery Jane Doe crush is. She definitely seems worried they’ll have a similar bad reaction.
In general, Pizzaz seems rather emotional abusive to the other Misfits and to Clash. Seems like Clash wouldn’t be so loyal as to try to ruin the Holograms’ first performance.
Rio and Jerrica out on a date were pretty cute. Yeah, she’s going to have an extra hard time keeping her new secret identity. Plus, seriously, if you have an entire holographic system just using it to be a rock star is a big waste of potential.
I wish I could say that I’m surprised by the hate this book is getting. Of course, there are extreme gatekeepers in a fandom for a 30-year-old cartoon. Of course. Get a life, assholes.
