Before I get into my review, I just want to say… you know what a pet peeve of mine is?!?! When I try to type a name or a word that isn’t really familiar (possibly one that I made up) and my iPad or phone autocorrects it to something that is completely inaccurate. And if I were a less observant person, I would not notice the inaccuracies of that autocorrect. Ugh, so no, iPad, Keith did not write this graphic novel!!!! Just sayin….
Okay, I have had sufficient time to let this marinate. Actually, I ended up getting sick this weekend, but, whatever, I am ready to tell everyone about this!!!
I love it so much!!! But first of all, can we all admit that at one point or another, everyone feels awkward or feels like they have to pretend they’re someone they’re not?? Especially in high school?!?! Second, can we say that those who experience high school as a transitioning teen has been made to feel even more awkward and like they have to hide who they are?!?! This graphic novel is about Ryo, a teen who is transitioning, and unfortunately is totally unsupported.
Enter Jin, a dude who is just cool. Head to toe, is a very real character. And by that, I mean he doesn’t fall into high school traps of who’s popular or who he should hang out with or how he or anyone else should act. I love him and everything he stands for and how he brings out other characters.
Sometimes, being yourself is hard and it helps to have a person or a group of friends who have your back. Not to tell you who you are, but to stand with you when you decide to stand for yourself. I think that’s a strong message that is very well portrayed in this book.
Can I gush about the art?!?! I love it!!! The use of clothing is really great here and I adore how it brings out the group. I don’t want to get all spoilery, but it’s some pretty awesome clothing. Especially closer to the end.
So basically I love this graphic novel as a whole and I can’t wait to see where the series will go from here!!
#netgalley #boysruntheriot1