Jem and the Holograms #2
Publisher: IDW
Writer: Kelly Thompson
Artist: Sophie Campbell & M. Victoria Robado
Cover: Sophie Campbell & M. Victoria Robado
It’s showtime!
The Misfits are introduced and after seeing a video featuring Jem and the Holograms they realize that there’s some real competition for their self sponsored contest. Let’s just say that Pizzazz is less than happy with that and so begins the classic rivalry between the groups. Though Jem and company don’t know it yet. Thompson also begins to plant the seeds of friendship and more between Kimber and Stormer which will add to the conflict because Stormer just happens to be a member of the Misfits and Kimber, a Hologram.
The last issue might have had a few bumps along the way but none of those mishaps show up here. Thompson’s introduction of the Misfits is perfect along with pretty boy Rio who shows up adding a bit of humor to the story. Thompson also allows the Holograms to all have varied reactions to their newfound internet fame with Kimber a little over the top while Aja would rather have a few hours more sleep. We even get the classic 80s “save the community center” side plot but it doesn’t feel dated at all. Also, if you were a fan of the cartoon series then just know that Thompson nails the voice and essence of every character that’s shown up so far. There’s also the advantage of her being able to flesh the characters out a little more since she’s not trying to cram it all in 22 minute episode. She’s brought them into the current time period without sacrificing what made them entertaining in the first place.
Once again Campbell’s artwork and Robado’s colors are in your face, bold, and in sync with the narrative from start to finish. The way Campbell has chosen to illustrate the music in the series is just great. Since music is such a huge part of the mythos it’s great to see we aren’t just gong to see the standard scale bars and notes all over the page but a nice dynamic interpretation of the songs being played. The characters themselves look fantastic and Pizzazz along with her 5’11” frame is still quite intimidating. It was also nice to see that Jetta is represented as a woman of color like she was originally intended by the series creator, Christy Marx.
If you’re in search of a comic with female representation that is fun and looks fantastic then Jem and the Holograms is what is recommended!
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