Comic book reviews for Jem and the Holograms #9, Jem and the Holograms Holiday Special, and Jem and the Holograms #10 by Kelly Thompson, Emma Vieceli, Amy Mebberson, and Corin Howell
Average rating: 4/5 stars
Jem and the Holograms #9 by Kelly Thompson
Art: Emma Vieceli
Loved this issue because it shows how much each character has some soul under all that anger/hate/drive/sadness. Even Pizzaz and Techrat can’t fully go through with their plans, in the end, (Of course, Techrat leaves us with the ominous warning that Synergy is up to no good or gone evil.)
In particular, Vieceli did excellent work here on that two-page party spread. I enjoyed how she kept each character with a fresh, creative look that made them all them. (OMG, I want Jem’s dress so much.) Each of their faces really shows their emotions and what they are going through.
Kimber as Left Shark killed me. It was such a good choice. I’m not sure which of the creators made that choice, but bravo. Also funny to see someone in a shark costume making out. Yay for Stormer/Kimber!
Rio as Clark Kent was also adorable. And that they call him a “boy” reporter, the way Lois Lane was called a “girl” reporter in early Superman books. Not sure why Jerrica was Black Swan, except maybe it shows her own insecurities about what she looks like compared to Jem. Unsurprised to see that they made up.
Shana definitely needs her own romance or major plotline!
I am really interesting in seeing the story of Shana and Aja becoming part of the Benton family. I hope at some point we delve into that. Maybe we’ll see some of it as we dig into Synergy’s problems, which no doubt will look at her origin story. I do love the times in this book when it’s just the four sisters hanging out together.
Also, what just happened to Pizazz!?
Jem and the Holograms: Holiday Special by Kelly Thompson
Art: Amy Mebberson
Considering how the last issue ended, Pizazz seemingly being in one piece — though having troubles with her voice, which is super important — seems anticlimactic. I hope we see something else happening. Like maybe Synergy helps her or something. Otherwise, a car crash seems a little left field.
And yes, I do get that this is the holiday issue and we’re supposed to be learning how to get along even when we really don’t like each other. The gifts were all really cute.
Jem artists keep drawing clothing I want to wear. I loved Aja’s blue poncho-like top. It’s gorgeous.
Rio seems to be mellowing out. At least, for once, he didn’t ask Jerrica to explain to him why Jem wasn’t there or why Jem wasn’t doing anything. It was a nice change.
Same with seeing the character of Shana explored. I hope when she’s more sober that she gets to meet Tony again. Though I’m glad to see not every love interest our characters meet go on without a hitch, given the realities of dating. (And yes, I realize this is a comic book about a band that uses a future tech AI for music…)
Jem and the Holograms #10 by Kelly Thompson
Art: Corin Howell
I’m really glad that they addressed Pizazz’s car crash more seriously here. And since to see the humanity shining through, even if it’s a little over-the-top in that message. Nice to get a look into Jetta and Roxy’s lives. They’ve definitely been the most underdeveloped characters out of the mix.
It’s nice to see Rio’s tensions of his job verses his loyalties to his friends. And his ethics as a journalist. It does remind me a little too much of Almost Famous. Only Rio is a way better person than young Cameron Crowe.
Howell’s art isn’t really doing it here for me. I can’t wait to Campbell to be back on the book.
I do hope that at some point we see Kimber grow up a little bit. And not just in dealing with her relationship with Stormer. Those two need to figure out that everyone knows.
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