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Jem and the Holograms
Jem and the Holograms Vol. 1: Showtime
Meet Jerrica Benton—a girl with a secret. She and her sisters team up with to become... JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS! But what does it mean to be JEM today? Fashion, art, action, and style collide in Jem and the Holograms: Showtime! Collects issues #1-6.
152 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2015
26 people are currently reading
2507 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Thompson
768 books1,033 followersKELLY THOMPSON has a degree in Sequential Art from The Savannah College of Art & Design. Her love of comics and superheroes have compelled her since she first discovered them as a teenager. Currently living in Portland, Oregon with her boyfriend and the two brilliant cats that run their lives, you can find Kelly all over the Internet where she is generally well liked, except where she's detested.
Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.
Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.
Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.
Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 464 reviews
September 21, 2016
Jem was one of my favorite cartoons when I was a kid. When the DVDs came out a few years ago, I was happy to see that they basically held up. Not especially deep, no, but fun and sparkly as I remembered. Hearing about a comic book reboot, I was initially not sure if I wanted any part of it. But Thompson sounded so enthusiastic, and I was hearing really good things. So I actually bought each issue as it came out. This is really rare for me right now. And, as it turns out, an excellent choice.
Jem is the best kind of reboot, one that knows what it's adapting and what made it successful in the first place. Which means that this version of Jem is, indeed, largely made of pink glitter. But that's what Jem is meant to be. And it was done by a creative team that obviously has a deep affection for the source material. Which leads to characters that are at once instantly recognizable and fresh. The most radical change, in my opinion, was to Rio, who actually becomes kind of amazing. He was... not a favorite of mine before. And I love that Kimber and Stormer finally get to have the adorable romance that I'm long since convinced the cartoon was hinting at.
And the art is quite perfect, too. Campbell's character designs have the perfect style without being exact imitations of the original. I also love the diversity in the characters. I've long since lost count of the comics I've read where every female character has the exact same face. Campbell goes way beyond that by giving the characters diverse body types, as well. Tall and slender, short and curvy, and everything in between. It's really cool to see such a variety of women, all getting to be gorgeous and awesome.
This take on Jem was everything I could have possibly hoped for. I want many, many more issues to come, because it makes me happy every time I get to read a new one.
Re-read September 20, 2016. I still love it unreservedly.
Jem is the best kind of reboot, one that knows what it's adapting and what made it successful in the first place. Which means that this version of Jem is, indeed, largely made of pink glitter. But that's what Jem is meant to be. And it was done by a creative team that obviously has a deep affection for the source material. Which leads to characters that are at once instantly recognizable and fresh. The most radical change, in my opinion, was to Rio, who actually becomes kind of amazing. He was... not a favorite of mine before. And I love that Kimber and Stormer finally get to have the adorable romance that I'm long since convinced the cartoon was hinting at.
And the art is quite perfect, too. Campbell's character designs have the perfect style without being exact imitations of the original. I also love the diversity in the characters. I've long since lost count of the comics I've read where every female character has the exact same face. Campbell goes way beyond that by giving the characters diverse body types, as well. Tall and slender, short and curvy, and everything in between. It's really cool to see such a variety of women, all getting to be gorgeous and awesome.
This take on Jem was everything I could have possibly hoped for. I want many, many more issues to come, because it makes me happy every time I get to read a new one.
Re-read September 20, 2016. I still love it unreservedly.
October 28, 2016
3.5 stars
Aww this was such a nice throwback! I love Jem and the Holograms and this first volume was really great. The art is beautiful but still urban and fun, the storyline is done nicely and it was really interesting to see this "new" Jem and her crew. I am looking forward to reading the next issue! Kelly and Ross did a great job with this classic. I felt like I was suddenly transferred to my childhood.
Aww this was such a nice throwback! I love Jem and the Holograms and this first volume was really great. The art is beautiful but still urban and fun, the storyline is done nicely and it was really interesting to see this "new" Jem and her crew. I am looking forward to reading the next issue! Kelly and Ross did a great job with this classic. I felt like I was suddenly transferred to my childhood.
January 20, 2020
This was a wonderful trip down memory lane, as I remember watching the TV series of Jem and the Holograms as a child, on a video borrowed off a cousin. I'm sure I watched that series to death.
I love the fact that this is based on an all girl pop/rock band, and all of the characters are wonderfully diverse, and that makes for a rather attractive read for me. Most of the characters seem well developed, and I definitely want to learn more about them in future installments.
I think the artwork for this story is fantastic, and really adds so much to it. So happy I found this series!
I love the fact that this is based on an all girl pop/rock band, and all of the characters are wonderfully diverse, and that makes for a rather attractive read for me. Most of the characters seem well developed, and I definitely want to learn more about them in future installments.
I think the artwork for this story is fantastic, and really adds so much to it. So happy I found this series!
December 29, 2015
I kind of like the fact that I will be ending my 45 book year-long reading challenge with a comic book (and Jem no less!).
In my tiny world, 2015 was the year of the comic book. It all started with the first collected volume of Ms. Marvel back in January and progressed to a full-on obsession. Things got serious when I started getting my single-issue comics bagged and boarded, when the guys at the comic book store greeted me by name, and when I started keeping track of my pull lists (you gotta be organized when those monthly solicitations come out, yo).
I don't know why comic books have had such an impact on me this year--as, like, a human being and as a reader. Perhaps it is that I have found something in their pages that I couldn't find anywhere else. That coupling of art and story, characters I can readily identify with, an opening of the imagination. This arms-wide-open-love for comic books has helped me let other things in: other ways of thinking; genres I had previously been closed off to; new people and experiences.
The thing is, most of the comics I read do not make it onto my Goodreads tally. There are just too many of them, it feels (to me) like I would be artificially inflating my year-end total. I have read some remarkable books, and the first collected volume of Jem is (seriously, I swear) one of them.
A few Jem-related confessions:
1. I had a Jerrica Benton/Jem doll, complete with light-up Synergy star earrings and reversible fringed belt.
2. Obviously, I was a devotee of the titular TV show. I vaguely remember the theme song...the (truly outrageous) eye makeup...and Jem's purple-haired boyfriend, Rio. (Sidebar: Jem is available to stream on Netflix. I MAYBE watched the pilot immediately after finishing this book. It was...really pink, but the songs were pretty rad).
3. I remember my friends and I saving up our pencil shavings so that we could perform our version of the theme song in the schoolyard during recess, spinning under showers of pencil-shaving confetti. And a similar reenactment in my bedroom (sans pencil shavings) with my cousins, holding our Jem dolls aloft (my cousin, Sara, had Pizazz!) twirling, and singing.
4. Fast-forward a few years to a recent comic book store visit, to a male customer announcing to everyone within earshot that he NEEDED the latest issue of Jem. I turned to look at him, convinced he was mocking the book; that he was probably one of those guys I had read about, the ones that, like, aren't down with women in the comic book industry. But, to my surprise, he was smiling. He was holding two issues of Jem, excitedly rhapsodizing about its greatness. (See, this is where the whole changing-my-way-of-thinking thing comes in). Needless to say I was intrigued.
Jem (the comic) does "stay true" to the TV show (like, as true as you want to stay to a 1980s cartoon). The women in this comic go after what they want. They are flawed, they question themselves, they have strong female friendships, they are confident. They are very real. It was nice to see that the comic has shed the lithe Barbie-type bodies of the TV show.
I kinda wish that Jerrica didn't have to transform into the, like, seven-foot-tall glamazon Jem to have the confidence to perform in front of an audience (I KNOW, I KNOW, IT IS LIKE THE ENTIRE PREMISE OF THE JEM FRANCHISE, BUT STILL), but maybe this is something the comic book will be able to explore a bit more. The art is vibrant and wonderful and is especially effective in the two-page spreads featuring performances of The Holograms or The Misfits. I am excited to see where this is going to go.
In my tiny world, 2015 was the year of the comic book. It all started with the first collected volume of Ms. Marvel back in January and progressed to a full-on obsession. Things got serious when I started getting my single-issue comics bagged and boarded, when the guys at the comic book store greeted me by name, and when I started keeping track of my pull lists (you gotta be organized when those monthly solicitations come out, yo).
I don't know why comic books have had such an impact on me this year--as, like, a human being and as a reader. Perhaps it is that I have found something in their pages that I couldn't find anywhere else. That coupling of art and story, characters I can readily identify with, an opening of the imagination. This arms-wide-open-love for comic books has helped me let other things in: other ways of thinking; genres I had previously been closed off to; new people and experiences.
The thing is, most of the comics I read do not make it onto my Goodreads tally. There are just too many of them, it feels (to me) like I would be artificially inflating my year-end total. I have read some remarkable books, and the first collected volume of Jem is (seriously, I swear) one of them.
A few Jem-related confessions:
1. I had a Jerrica Benton/Jem doll, complete with light-up Synergy star earrings and reversible fringed belt.
2. Obviously, I was a devotee of the titular TV show. I vaguely remember the theme song...the (truly outrageous) eye makeup...and Jem's purple-haired boyfriend, Rio. (Sidebar: Jem is available to stream on Netflix. I MAYBE watched the pilot immediately after finishing this book. It was...really pink, but the songs were pretty rad).
3. I remember my friends and I saving up our pencil shavings so that we could perform our version of the theme song in the schoolyard during recess, spinning under showers of pencil-shaving confetti. And a similar reenactment in my bedroom (sans pencil shavings) with my cousins, holding our Jem dolls aloft (my cousin, Sara, had Pizazz!) twirling, and singing.
4. Fast-forward a few years to a recent comic book store visit, to a male customer announcing to everyone within earshot that he NEEDED the latest issue of Jem. I turned to look at him, convinced he was mocking the book; that he was probably one of those guys I had read about, the ones that, like, aren't down with women in the comic book industry. But, to my surprise, he was smiling. He was holding two issues of Jem, excitedly rhapsodizing about its greatness. (See, this is where the whole changing-my-way-of-thinking thing comes in). Needless to say I was intrigued.
Jem (the comic) does "stay true" to the TV show (like, as true as you want to stay to a 1980s cartoon). The women in this comic go after what they want. They are flawed, they question themselves, they have strong female friendships, they are confident. They are very real. It was nice to see that the comic has shed the lithe Barbie-type bodies of the TV show.
I kinda wish that Jerrica didn't have to transform into the, like, seven-foot-tall glamazon Jem to have the confidence to perform in front of an audience (I KNOW, I KNOW, IT IS LIKE THE ENTIRE PREMISE OF THE JEM FRANCHISE, BUT STILL), but maybe this is something the comic book will be able to explore a bit more. The art is vibrant and wonderful and is especially effective in the two-page spreads featuring performances of The Holograms or The Misfits. I am excited to see where this is going to go.
August 6, 2016
I LOVE JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS! Cute pastel poprock chicks is a recipe for success in my books, I couldn't recommend this comic series more!! (This needs more exclamation points because it's just SO GOOD.)
February 26, 2021
#TeamShana for LIFE!!!
This series is better the second time around. The art is fantastic, a tribute to the outrageous 80's style with a modern punk/grunge/pastel goth aesthetic. I love how the plus sized heroines get to wear punk sexy clothes. Of course there's the star-crossed duo of Stormer and Kimber.
The Misfits are straight up punk rock sensibility with the attitudes to match. They're loud, wild, unapologetic and break all the rules.
And yes, their songs ARE better, lol.
I especially appreciated Pizzazz wanting to beat Jem and the Holograms in an actual battle of the bands rather than them being disqualified.
This series is better the second time around. The art is fantastic, a tribute to the outrageous 80's style with a modern punk/grunge/pastel goth aesthetic. I love how the plus sized heroines get to wear punk sexy clothes. Of course there's the star-crossed duo of Stormer and Kimber.
The Misfits are straight up punk rock sensibility with the attitudes to match. They're loud, wild, unapologetic and break all the rules.
And yes, their songs ARE better, lol.
I especially appreciated Pizzazz wanting to beat Jem and the Holograms in an actual battle of the bands rather than them being disqualified.
November 2, 2015
I've been pretty pumped about this title for awhile. As an 80's kid (when themed action figure toylines were in their heyday), I was always curious about any toys aimed at girls that seemed to have a storyline past buying clothes. Of course I couldn't buy any of these toys and save face with my friends, but from afar there were a few that seemed pretty right-on.
Of these, Jem sent up the most fireworks in my little-boy brain. That amazing rotoscoped animation on the cartoon, the rock band premise (complete with evil band rivalries!), the multicolored hair and keytars -- plus those songs kind of kicked ass for a kid whose knowledge of modern music began and ended with the California Raisins.
So the power of nostalgia gave me pretty high hopes for this comic. On top of that, I think Jem occupies a pretty weird niche in the world of media aimed at young girls. Of course the concept plays into a lot of gender tropes that have since become somewhat problematic -- mainly the focus on fashion and being 'pretty,' but also the ridiculous color palette itself (PINK! PURPLE! PINK! BLUE! PINK!). I mean, yeah.
But at the same time, Jem is just about as grrl power as kid's stuff gets (with the exception of maybe She-Ra -- but then again, Jem didn't have a companion line of 'boy toys' to cross-market with). Jem is really about kicking ass and taking over the world with all your girlfriends. The only boy in the whole story basically exists to be cute and keep things organized. Plus, have you WATCHED that old Jem cartoon? By no means do the characters just sit around and talk about clothes. Hell, they barely have time to write new songs -- most of the time they're fighting the Misfits, playing gigs on no sleep, saving kids from homelessness and otherwise BEING FUCKING AWESOME.
I'm sorry you guys. But I'm telling you: Jem is fucking cool.
Anyway, the Jem comic. A lot to live up to. The Jem movie that came out this year demonstrated how to do everything totally wrong, and I think Jem-nerds agree that the comic is a welcome antidote. It's totally modern, with interesting characters who each have fully-rendered personalities and different drives. The aesthetic is a mix of 80's eyegasms and modern tech. The women have a wide range of normal bodies (seriously, I am serious here) and believable personalities, and the main romance in the book is between two girls without anyone commenting on it once. There's a lot of cool, thoughtful stuff in here.
Is the comic as balls-out awesome as the 80's incarnation? No. While its political awareness is through the roof, the storytelling is a little light -- in six issues, about as much happens as in about ten minutes of the original cartoon. Instead of drama, there are a lot of loooong talking head scenes. It's basically borrowing all the slow pathos of romance manga, without remembering that Jem is also about Action! Drama! Running from explosions!
In place of all that, this book has one sort of hardcore food fight. No explosions. And this made me a little sad.
I think Jem does everything that it's trying to do very, very well. I just hope that in the future it tries to do a little more. You've got real-feeling female characters who have real feelings, and they're dating in healthy ways! And that's rad! Now let's kick some ass!
Of these, Jem sent up the most fireworks in my little-boy brain. That amazing rotoscoped animation on the cartoon, the rock band premise (complete with evil band rivalries!), the multicolored hair and keytars -- plus those songs kind of kicked ass for a kid whose knowledge of modern music began and ended with the California Raisins.
So the power of nostalgia gave me pretty high hopes for this comic. On top of that, I think Jem occupies a pretty weird niche in the world of media aimed at young girls. Of course the concept plays into a lot of gender tropes that have since become somewhat problematic -- mainly the focus on fashion and being 'pretty,' but also the ridiculous color palette itself (PINK! PURPLE! PINK! BLUE! PINK!). I mean, yeah.
But at the same time, Jem is just about as grrl power as kid's stuff gets (with the exception of maybe She-Ra -- but then again, Jem didn't have a companion line of 'boy toys' to cross-market with). Jem is really about kicking ass and taking over the world with all your girlfriends. The only boy in the whole story basically exists to be cute and keep things organized. Plus, have you WATCHED that old Jem cartoon? By no means do the characters just sit around and talk about clothes. Hell, they barely have time to write new songs -- most of the time they're fighting the Misfits, playing gigs on no sleep, saving kids from homelessness and otherwise BEING FUCKING AWESOME.
I'm sorry you guys. But I'm telling you: Jem is fucking cool.
Anyway, the Jem comic. A lot to live up to. The Jem movie that came out this year demonstrated how to do everything totally wrong, and I think Jem-nerds agree that the comic is a welcome antidote. It's totally modern, with interesting characters who each have fully-rendered personalities and different drives. The aesthetic is a mix of 80's eyegasms and modern tech. The women have a wide range of normal bodies (seriously, I am serious here) and believable personalities, and the main romance in the book is between two girls without anyone commenting on it once. There's a lot of cool, thoughtful stuff in here.
Is the comic as balls-out awesome as the 80's incarnation? No. While its political awareness is through the roof, the storytelling is a little light -- in six issues, about as much happens as in about ten minutes of the original cartoon. Instead of drama, there are a lot of loooong talking head scenes. It's basically borrowing all the slow pathos of romance manga, without remembering that Jem is also about Action! Drama! Running from explosions!
In place of all that, this book has one sort of hardcore food fight. No explosions. And this made me a little sad.
I think Jem does everything that it's trying to do very, very well. I just hope that in the future it tries to do a little more. You've got real-feeling female characters who have real feelings, and they're dating in healthy ways! And that's rad! Now let's kick some ass!
July 25, 2020
I think I'm too old for this series, to be honest.
It's very pretty but I found the plot very shallow. Perhaps, if I'd grown up watching the cartoon, it would've meant more to me. As it is, I got quite bored, to be honest. This is clearly meant for a younger crowd and I'm sure teenagers would love this.
The cast is quite diverse (although I must say, I kept waiting for the black characters to matter. They seem to just exist to give advice to everyone else).
So, this definitely wasn't for me but I can definitely recommend it to teenagers.
It's very pretty but I found the plot very shallow. Perhaps, if I'd grown up watching the cartoon, it would've meant more to me. As it is, I got quite bored, to be honest. This is clearly meant for a younger crowd and I'm sure teenagers would love this.
The cast is quite diverse (although I must say, I kept waiting for the black characters to matter. They seem to just exist to give advice to everyone else).
So, this definitely wasn't for me but I can definitely recommend it to teenagers.
November 21, 2015
I received this copy in exchange of an honest review, for so, none of my feelings were affected or biased by the author or publisher.
Update: 11/14/2015
If you'd like to read this review on my blog.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Jem and the Holograms is a story of dreams, finding your true self and having fun along the way! We meet our four heroins, who are just about to make their dreams of becoming super stars true, if only Jerrica could bring herself to sing. But just as they were loosing hope, they find a strange machine, that might help them in unexpected ways.
Man, this book was so much fun!
Ok, confesion time has arrived...I've never seen the TV show this is based on and only found out about it thanks to this!..
I know, most people loved this show when little and think that this graphic novel is such a waste of times because the show was so much better and this isn't adding anything new... but I'm new to this, so this is my side of the story.
First of all, the illustrations were soooo prettyyyy and colorful! This is the brightest palete of colors I've seen in a graphic novel. And I loved it. All the hair and costumes and colors and music tunes got me completely hooked and hallucinating!
The story itself was really light, nothing deep, really fun things happening all around. I really didn't even bother to see the not so well done things happening around (except the "ok cool, a machine that it's better than the world, all good" thing) because the story was really fun and I couldn't take it too seriously.
I loved that it had so much diversity in such a simple way. And that there literally was no conflict about any of it.
This novel felt like a 90's show. And I know it's kind of dumb to point that out, but it really felt like those old shows I used to watch when I was little. Except that social media was all over the place.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this novel, really recommend, read it, even if you watched the TV show when little. Good all the same.
Initial Reaction
THAT WAS SO FUN! I WANT MORE! I absolutely adore this story, it's so funny and cute, and the art style has me seeing stars! I want to read the reeeeeest...
Proper review to come.
Update: 11/14/2015
If you'd like to read this review on my blog.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Jem and the Holograms is a story of dreams, finding your true self and having fun along the way! We meet our four heroins, who are just about to make their dreams of becoming super stars true, if only Jerrica could bring herself to sing. But just as they were loosing hope, they find a strange machine, that might help them in unexpected ways.
Man, this book was so much fun!
Ok, confesion time has arrived...
I know, most people loved this show when little and think that this graphic novel is such a waste of times because the show was so much better and this isn't adding anything new... but I'm new to this, so this is my side of the story.
First of all, the illustrations were soooo prettyyyy and colorful! This is the brightest palete of colors I've seen in a graphic novel. And I loved it. All the hair and costumes and colors and music tunes got me completely hooked and hallucinating!
The story itself was really light, nothing deep, really fun things happening all around. I really didn't even bother to see the not so well done things happening around (except the "ok cool, a machine that it's better than the world, all good" thing) because the story was really fun and I couldn't take it too seriously.
I loved that it had so much diversity in such a simple way. And that there literally was no conflict about any of it.
This novel felt like a 90's show. And I know it's kind of dumb to point that out, but it really felt like those old shows I used to watch when I was little. Except that social media was all over the place.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this novel, really recommend, read it, even if you watched the TV show when little. Good all the same.
Initial Reaction
THAT WAS SO FUN! I WANT MORE! I absolutely adore this story, it's so funny and cute, and the art style has me seeing stars! I want to read the reeeeeest...
Proper review to come.
December 26, 2015
The illustrations were nice, but I found some of the panels too busy. Also, I am just not really here for mean girl narratives. When the author said she was updating the story for a 2015 sensibility, I hoped that meant more character development for The Misfits (and especially for Pizzazz) but nope! Let's just keep her a raging hate beast for no real reason except jealousy. Okay then!
May 7, 2016
I absolutely loved it! The artwork is amazing and the girls are simply gorgeous!!! I love how we got to know each one of them, their personal quirks and thoughts.
Can't wait to continue with volume 2 :)
Can't wait to continue with volume 2 :)
September 9, 2017
Omg! This was so much fun! Loved it. Review to come.
September 24, 2016
I really am a grown man, mortgage marriage and (usually) employment. (Plenty of footage that led to my last firing, some still under court seal.)
So why the hell would I be reading a comic about an 80's pre-teen-girls-marketed cartoon?
Sesana of course. One of the more illustrious Shallow Comics Readers, when Sesana gets this excited about something you best pay attention son.
Plus they're written by Kelly Thompson who just got a gig writing Hawkeye (starring Kate Bishop) for Marvel. Big step, got my attention, so I need to read this...FOR RESEARCH.
So: the origin story. Jerrica can't sing in front of people, the band (of sisters) want to enter the contest tomorrow, and Jerrica stumbles on this at home:
And with dad's magic earrings (OK, holographic projectors, needing no power source or amplification - so, magic), Jerrica can put on a Jem "costume":
The art in the singing sequences is pretty rad:
The plots are a bit...sweet and low-key. Their rival band is a bit...mean?
The local community Center needs a fundraising boost?
Then again, the side plots are cool romantic:
And was that a My Little Pony cameo?
I'm fascinated by this book. The insane hair, the space-age makeup, the clothes - this is girlie-porn isn't it?
The most amazing thing though? The cover by Amanda Conner doesn't have one gratuitous ass or cleavage shot!
[It's a Christmas miracle!]
This is a lighthearted book, with characters I still somehow come to care about. I can't believe a 46-year-old dude is saying this, but I'm gonna read the next one.
So why the hell would I be reading a comic about an 80's pre-teen-girls-marketed cartoon?
Sesana of course. One of the more illustrious Shallow Comics Readers, when Sesana gets this excited about something you best pay attention son.
Plus they're written by Kelly Thompson who just got a gig writing Hawkeye (starring Kate Bishop) for Marvel. Big step, got my attention, so I need to read this...FOR RESEARCH.
So: the origin story. Jerrica can't sing in front of people, the band (of sisters) want to enter the contest tomorrow, and Jerrica stumbles on this at home:
And with dad's magic earrings (OK, holographic projectors, needing no power source or amplification - so, magic), Jerrica can put on a Jem "costume":
The art in the singing sequences is pretty rad:
The plots are a bit...sweet and low-key. Their rival band is a bit...mean?
The local community Center needs a fundraising boost?
Then again, the side plots are cool romantic:
And was that a My Little Pony cameo?
I'm fascinated by this book. The insane hair, the space-age makeup, the clothes - this is girlie-porn isn't it?
The most amazing thing though? The cover by Amanda Conner doesn't have one gratuitous ass or cleavage shot!
[It's a Christmas miracle!]
This is a lighthearted book, with characters I still somehow come to care about. I can't believe a 46-year-old dude is saying this, but I'm gonna read the next one.
May 1, 2016
As a little, spirited boy in the '80's, I used to sprint home from public school to watch Jem and the Holograms, He Man, She-Ra and Transformers. It's totally not a surprise that I turned out the way that I did, right?
It also shouldn't have been a surprise to me that, as a fully-grown, spirited man-nerd, that I am clearly not the intended audience for this comic book. I was kinda hoping that there would be a bit more wink-wink, tongue-in-cheek material for the fans of yesteryear, but for the most part, this is a true reboot for Jem, bringing her to a new and current young, feminine audience.
I admire how this series chooses to tackle issues that, back in the '80's would have been taboo and nearly impossible to talk about with a youth audience. Most inspiring to me is the portrayal of Kimber and Stormer's romance. It is treated with absolute normalcy, even given the status of main romantic subplot over Jerrica and Rio's. It is a welcome creative choice that seems in bold defiance to what other, larger comic book companies claim is too difficult to publish in their pages. Take note Marvel and DC-- this is how you do it!
The writing is a little "lite", but the artwork is pretty darn slick and stylized, with bright, colourful illustrations that depict a diverse cast of characters by their body types, race, gender.... All of these politically complex traits seem so effortlessly depicted in Jem and the Holograms, that, as an adult reader, you really start to wonder, "What is wrong with other mainstream publishers?" Clearly diversity can be done, and done well. So do it, already!
While I didn't find myself wrapped-up in the plot, and I wouldn't consider this book to be a page-turner, I certainly would consider it to be a trailblazer. It deserves a lot of recognition for its approach to inclusiveness and positivity. Books like this and Lumberjanes are the future of comics, and I, for one, embrace and love it.
4/5
It also shouldn't have been a surprise to me that, as a fully-grown, spirited man-nerd, that I am clearly not the intended audience for this comic book. I was kinda hoping that there would be a bit more wink-wink, tongue-in-cheek material for the fans of yesteryear, but for the most part, this is a true reboot for Jem, bringing her to a new and current young, feminine audience.
I admire how this series chooses to tackle issues that, back in the '80's would have been taboo and nearly impossible to talk about with a youth audience. Most inspiring to me is the portrayal of Kimber and Stormer's romance. It is treated with absolute normalcy, even given the status of main romantic subplot over Jerrica and Rio's. It is a welcome creative choice that seems in bold defiance to what other, larger comic book companies claim is too difficult to publish in their pages. Take note Marvel and DC-- this is how you do it!
The writing is a little "lite", but the artwork is pretty darn slick and stylized, with bright, colourful illustrations that depict a diverse cast of characters by their body types, race, gender.... All of these politically complex traits seem so effortlessly depicted in Jem and the Holograms, that, as an adult reader, you really start to wonder, "What is wrong with other mainstream publishers?" Clearly diversity can be done, and done well. So do it, already!
While I didn't find myself wrapped-up in the plot, and I wouldn't consider this book to be a page-turner, I certainly would consider it to be a trailblazer. It deserves a lot of recognition for its approach to inclusiveness and positivity. Books like this and Lumberjanes are the future of comics, and I, for one, embrace and love it.
4/5
June 16, 2016
The art is phenomenal. Seriously not only is it so vibrant it practically jumps off the page (or screen in this case), the diversity both in ethnicity and body times left me feeing down right spoiled. I liked how this first issue was totally intros and exposition that never felt like either. The pacing was great and it left me wanting to know about the characters and the world. I highly recommend this to readers of all ages, most especially young girls. Did I mention it has queer characters? YES!!!!
January 20, 2016
I just needed to take a short break from what i was reading soo i picked up this one and i actually enjoyed it very much! I love the art, absolutely love it, how vibrant everything are and it just goes with the story. I can really see myself giving this to my daughters (when i have one, im only 20 guys x) because the book is just so darn pretty. Jem and Kimber are my favourite <3
October 23, 2019
More of a 3.5 than a 4, and nostalgia goodness.
Really great update on the world and characters, love the styling, inclusiveness and openness.
I may or may not continue the series, only because I'm scaling back on YA/younger titles (and less Hoopla credits!). I'll check the library to see if I can get more volumes there, otherwise I might leave it here as this was enjoyable on it's own.
Really great update on the world and characters, love the styling, inclusiveness and openness.
I may or may not continue the series, only because I'm scaling back on YA/younger titles (and less Hoopla credits!). I'll check the library to see if I can get more volumes there, otherwise I might leave it here as this was enjoyable on it's own.
July 24, 2025
I'm happy I gave this one another chance.
I mean, really, just look at it! Aesthetically the 'Jem and the Holograms' reboot comic series is just my thing. The colours, the style, the female friendliness, the inclusivity, and how it is like Magical Girls with pop rock bands. And yes, there's the truly outrageousness of it all. It certainly lives up to that iconic phrase.
This version of 'Jem' is like a drag show with women - all that hair and makeup! Not to mention the names - and I love it. It's fun and pretty!
I'm not very familiar with the 'Jem and the Holograms' franchise. It is part of the eighties cartoon/toy line that was before my time, and I only watched, like, two dozen or so episodes of the show online years ago before deciding it wasn't for me. I remember the songs being surprisingly good and decent, though.
But I think that Kelly Thompson's and Sophie Campbell's take on these characters, and how they would be in modern music/social media times, reflects what I would have liked from them in the eighties cartoon.
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 1: Showtime' is far from perfect, but I can't wait to see where it'll be going. I will read the second volume soon.
It doesn't even matter that it's a wholly visual medium where the reader has to imagine that the music and lyrics are good. Its energy, prettiness and showtime-liness holds up!
Each character is memorable, loud and proud. But my favourite so far has to be Kimber, the little sister and beloved drama queen and "trainwreck" who is shockingly mature and thoughtful when it matters. There are many layers to her, *ahem*, outrageous personality; she's a shy and sensitive soul underneath it all. She reminds me of Harley Quinn, in design, and in charisma, temperament, magnetism and idiosyncrasy.
The sisterhood bond of the Holograms band members - Jerrica Benton/Jem, Kimber Benton, Aja Leith, and Shana Elmsford - is lovely. I hope to see more of it, plus Synergy, Pizzazz, Stormer, Jetta (love her hair and British wit), Clash, and Blaze in the following issues.
Of course the Misfits are great, too. OTT is their style, which is saying a lot with a comic like this.
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 1: Showtime' - It took me a while (first read was in 2016), but I've finally come to like and appreciate it. Yes it belongs on my graphic novel shelf!
I'll see how the series pans out, outrageously far behind as I am. Kelly Thompson is as much a star as Jem.
Final Score: 3.5/5
2025 EDIT: Well, I've finally read and reviewed all the IDW 'Jem and the Holograms' comics! Here are the links to my reviews of each of these gems, of varying quality:
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 2: Viral'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 3: Dark Jem'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 4: Enter The Stingers'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 5: Truly Outrageous'
'Jem and the Holograms: The Misfits'
'Jem and the Holograms: Infinite'
'Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions'
Finally, I'll rank my favourites, from most to least:
'Jem and the Holograms: The Misfits'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 1: Showtime'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 2: Viral'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 3: Dark Gem'
'Jem and the Holograms: Infinite'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 4: Enter the Stingers'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 5: Truly Outrageous'
'Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions'
I mean, really, just look at it! Aesthetically the 'Jem and the Holograms' reboot comic series is just my thing. The colours, the style, the female friendliness, the inclusivity, and how it is like Magical Girls with pop rock bands. And yes, there's the truly outrageousness of it all. It certainly lives up to that iconic phrase.
This version of 'Jem' is like a drag show with women - all that hair and makeup! Not to mention the names - and I love it. It's fun and pretty!
I'm not very familiar with the 'Jem and the Holograms' franchise. It is part of the eighties cartoon/toy line that was before my time, and I only watched, like, two dozen or so episodes of the show online years ago before deciding it wasn't for me. I remember the songs being surprisingly good and decent, though.
But I think that Kelly Thompson's and Sophie Campbell's take on these characters, and how they would be in modern music/social media times, reflects what I would have liked from them in the eighties cartoon.
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 1: Showtime' is far from perfect, but I can't wait to see where it'll be going. I will read the second volume soon.
It doesn't even matter that it's a wholly visual medium where the reader has to imagine that the music and lyrics are good. Its energy, prettiness and showtime-liness holds up!
Each character is memorable, loud and proud. But my favourite so far has to be Kimber, the little sister and beloved drama queen and "trainwreck" who is shockingly mature and thoughtful when it matters. There are many layers to her, *ahem*, outrageous personality; she's a shy and sensitive soul underneath it all. She reminds me of Harley Quinn, in design, and in charisma, temperament, magnetism and idiosyncrasy.
The sisterhood bond of the Holograms band members - Jerrica Benton/Jem, Kimber Benton, Aja Leith, and Shana Elmsford - is lovely. I hope to see more of it, plus Synergy, Pizzazz, Stormer, Jetta (love her hair and British wit), Clash, and Blaze in the following issues.
Of course the Misfits are great, too. OTT is their style, which is saying a lot with a comic like this.
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 1: Showtime' - It took me a while (first read was in 2016), but I've finally come to like and appreciate it. Yes it belongs on my graphic novel shelf!
I'll see how the series pans out, outrageously far behind as I am. Kelly Thompson is as much a star as Jem.
Final Score: 3.5/5
2025 EDIT: Well, I've finally read and reviewed all the IDW 'Jem and the Holograms' comics! Here are the links to my reviews of each of these gems, of varying quality:
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 2: Viral'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 3: Dark Jem'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 4: Enter The Stingers'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 5: Truly Outrageous'
'Jem and the Holograms: The Misfits'
'Jem and the Holograms: Infinite'
'Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions'
Finally, I'll rank my favourites, from most to least:
'Jem and the Holograms: The Misfits'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 1: Showtime'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 2: Viral'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 3: Dark Gem'
'Jem and the Holograms: Infinite'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 4: Enter the Stingers'
'Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 5: Truly Outrageous'
'Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions'
March 7, 2016
This is a re-make of the old TV cartoon series Jem & the Holograms (apparently I was a fan, but I have no memory of the actual show), updated for the new millenium.
I thought this was a pretty good adaptation from what little I know of the show. Four sisters have formed a band and are planning to enter a major competition for a chance to win a record deal. Unfortunately, their lead singer Jerrica is terrified of performing in front of people. Normally this would be a short story about believing in ones-self, and finding the confidence to perform, but that wouldn't sell as many books, so instead she discovers a holographic program left to the sisters by their father that can create an entirely new identity for her, giving her the courage to perform.
I didn't see any 'cons', but it might not be as suitable for smaller kids (though they probably wouldn't be as interested anyway). There's some mild-ish language, but it was more rude than actual swearing (hell, damn, omigod were about the worst of it).
There was some 'PDA' stuff, but nothing further than a couple of kisses (in this volume, anyway). Homophobes might have a problem since it's mostly between two girls (the het couple's relationships haven't developed that far yet), but it's pretty innocent. Some cuddling.
There is a little violence - a food fight on the light side, but one character attempts to injure the main group by having some heavy metal catwalks or light-beams or something fall on them, causing some injuries.
There's a lot more on the positive side going on, that would make this worth reading.
The cast here seems to be quite diverse -granted it's still early in the series, so readers will have to see if they keep up the standard of if the creators are just marking off a check-list to cover their bases, but it seems pretty good so far.
Some of the characters have odd skin-tones to start with (Jem/Jerrica is pink pink, for instance, not just peach-ish, and Kimberly is corpse-white), but there are characters who are clearly black, I think one of the sisters is of Asian descent, and the main love interest, Rio, I think is hispanic (his skin tone is darker, and his last name is apparently Portugese/Spanish). It's not the largely-white cast of the original series.
Plus, there's the afore-mentioned lesbian couple, and het couples mentioned earlier.
The artists created variety of body-types, for the characters as well - there's no 'Barbie doll' figure that standard for everyone here. Some of the characters are thin, some on the heavier side, some are curvy, some are flat... Definitely a more realistic and representative approach than the old cartoon, or even most of the media you see today.
Plot-wise it's not as strong, but it's still pretty early on. It's mostly just a slice-of-life comic, with one half centring around the girls relationships with each other, and the significant others they pick up along the way, and the other half of the focus being their journey to stardom and rivalry with the Misfits (the more punki-sh band who seem to take the Hologram's successes as some kind of personal insult). It's still setting up a lot at this point, so it's hard to say if the plot will get stronger later on.
Over-all it's a decent comic, and I think I'd be interested in checking out future volumes, myself.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Needed to read this for work - one of the supervisors wanted it checked for inappropriate content (publisher didn't give an age-rating on the book) before showing it to the teachers for our yearly book-order. It looks like a pretty good contender, honestly, as there's not much in it that most people would object to - I found there was a lot more going on in it's favour, honestly.
I thought this was a pretty good adaptation from what little I know of the show. Four sisters have formed a band and are planning to enter a major competition for a chance to win a record deal. Unfortunately, their lead singer Jerrica is terrified of performing in front of people. Normally this would be a short story about believing in ones-self, and finding the confidence to perform, but that wouldn't sell as many books, so instead she discovers a holographic program left to the sisters by their father that can create an entirely new identity for her, giving her the courage to perform.
I didn't see any 'cons', but it might not be as suitable for smaller kids (though they probably wouldn't be as interested anyway). There's some mild-ish language, but it was more rude than actual swearing (hell, damn, omigod were about the worst of it).
There was some 'PDA' stuff, but nothing further than a couple of kisses (in this volume, anyway). Homophobes might have a problem since it's mostly between two girls (the het couple's relationships haven't developed that far yet), but it's pretty innocent. Some cuddling.
There is a little violence - a food fight on the light side, but one character attempts to injure the main group by having some heavy metal catwalks or light-beams or something fall on them, causing some injuries.
There's a lot more on the positive side going on, that would make this worth reading.
The cast here seems to be quite diverse -granted it's still early in the series, so readers will have to see if they keep up the standard of if the creators are just marking off a check-list to cover their bases, but it seems pretty good so far.
Some of the characters have odd skin-tones to start with (Jem/Jerrica is pink pink, for instance, not just peach-ish, and Kimberly is corpse-white), but there are characters who are clearly black, I think one of the sisters is of Asian descent, and the main love interest, Rio, I think is hispanic (his skin tone is darker, and his last name is apparently Portugese/Spanish). It's not the largely-white cast of the original series.
Plus, there's the afore-mentioned lesbian couple, and het couples mentioned earlier.
The artists created variety of body-types, for the characters as well - there's no 'Barbie doll' figure that standard for everyone here. Some of the characters are thin, some on the heavier side, some are curvy, some are flat... Definitely a more realistic and representative approach than the old cartoon, or even most of the media you see today.
Plot-wise it's not as strong, but it's still pretty early on. It's mostly just a slice-of-life comic, with one half centring around the girls relationships with each other, and the significant others they pick up along the way, and the other half of the focus being their journey to stardom and rivalry with the Misfits (the more punki-sh band who seem to take the Hologram's successes as some kind of personal insult). It's still setting up a lot at this point, so it's hard to say if the plot will get stronger later on.
Over-all it's a decent comic, and I think I'd be interested in checking out future volumes, myself.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Needed to read this for work - one of the supervisors wanted it checked for inappropriate content (publisher didn't give an age-rating on the book) before showing it to the teachers for our yearly book-order. It looks like a pretty good contender, honestly, as there's not much in it that most people would object to - I found there was a lot more going on in it's favour, honestly.
July 30, 2017
I tend to read comic books from time to time. Usually of the superhero variety. But nostalgia drew me to this title. And when I saw that it was on sale in a digital format, I simply couldn't resist. I was a bit disappointed, however.
The Good:
While a bit more cartoony than I'm used to, the art in this book is quite good. It fits the tone of the writing and even enhances it a lot of the time. This is an updated version of Jem and the Holograms. Unlike the disastrous movie, however, it does not completely lose sight of the original source material. It also incorporates social media, but does so seamlessly and in a way that makes sense. I also greatly appreciate the fact that the writer is trying to give the Holograms personalities and storylines. This is something that I always felt was lacking in the original cartoon.
Sadly, there is enough wrong with this incarnation of the beloved 80's cartoon that I can't really give it anything more than a 2-star rating.
The Bad
The show was called Jem and the Holograms for a reason. JEM... and the Holograms. Jerrica/Jem is supposed to be the star. So why does Kimber get all the attention? It's quite obvious that Kimber is Thompson's favourite character. KIMBER gets bonding time with Syngery. KIMBER is the one who tells us about the late Mrs. Benton. KIMBER is the one whose love life everyone frets over. KIMBER is the assertive one who stands up to Pizzazz and pushes Jerrica to be a star. It's the Kimber show. Similarly, her romantic subplot with Stormer - which is very poorly developed - gets far more panel time than Jerrica's relationship with Rio. Overall, there's just too much focus on Kimber and nowhere near enough on Jerrica.
Speaking of Jerrica, what's with the modern incarnations of her? She is probably the blandest character in the book (aside from Shana who literally does nothing other than calm people down). We barely know anything about her. Where's the inner turmoil of being two people at once? Where's the big sister Jerrica who was always watching out for her family and friends?
Even when she isn't being Jem, Jerrica is a strong female figure. She is a CEO who also runs a home for young girls. She stands up for herself and is good at making decisions and keeping it all together. Why do both the movie and this book insist on turning Jerrica into an insecure milquetoast who DOESN’T run a successful business? Is the idea of a woman being assertive both on and off the stage too threatening?
Another problem I had with the book was that it was unclear whether it was meant for adults or children. There are lots of adult themes in here (i.e. the romances, some of the artwork and lyrics for the Misfits, etc.). But the supposedly adult cast behaves so childishly (a food fight?!) and the stories are too shallow to maintain the interest of an adult for more than a few issues. Who is this book meant for exactly?
I LOVE the Jem and the Holograms cartoon and was very excited about this release, but unfortunately can't recommend it to anyone for all of the reasons above.
The Good:
While a bit more cartoony than I'm used to, the art in this book is quite good. It fits the tone of the writing and even enhances it a lot of the time. This is an updated version of Jem and the Holograms. Unlike the disastrous movie, however, it does not completely lose sight of the original source material. It also incorporates social media, but does so seamlessly and in a way that makes sense. I also greatly appreciate the fact that the writer is trying to give the Holograms personalities and storylines. This is something that I always felt was lacking in the original cartoon.
Sadly, there is enough wrong with this incarnation of the beloved 80's cartoon that I can't really give it anything more than a 2-star rating.
The Bad
The show was called Jem and the Holograms for a reason. JEM... and the Holograms. Jerrica/Jem is supposed to be the star. So why does Kimber get all the attention? It's quite obvious that Kimber is Thompson's favourite character. KIMBER gets bonding time with Syngery. KIMBER is the one who tells us about the late Mrs. Benton. KIMBER is the one whose love life everyone frets over. KIMBER is the assertive one who stands up to Pizzazz and pushes Jerrica to be a star. It's the Kimber show. Similarly, her romantic subplot with Stormer - which is very poorly developed - gets far more panel time than Jerrica's relationship with Rio. Overall, there's just too much focus on Kimber and nowhere near enough on Jerrica.
Speaking of Jerrica, what's with the modern incarnations of her? She is probably the blandest character in the book (aside from Shana who literally does nothing other than calm people down). We barely know anything about her. Where's the inner turmoil of being two people at once? Where's the big sister Jerrica who was always watching out for her family and friends?
Even when she isn't being Jem, Jerrica is a strong female figure. She is a CEO who also runs a home for young girls. She stands up for herself and is good at making decisions and keeping it all together. Why do both the movie and this book insist on turning Jerrica into an insecure milquetoast who DOESN’T run a successful business? Is the idea of a woman being assertive both on and off the stage too threatening?
Another problem I had with the book was that it was unclear whether it was meant for adults or children. There are lots of adult themes in here (i.e. the romances, some of the artwork and lyrics for the Misfits, etc.). But the supposedly adult cast behaves so childishly (a food fight?!) and the stories are too shallow to maintain the interest of an adult for more than a few issues. Who is this book meant for exactly?
I LOVE the Jem and the Holograms cartoon and was very excited about this release, but unfortunately can't recommend it to anyone for all of the reasons above.
November 15, 2015
I've been collecting this issue-by-issue ever since my niece read Jem and The Holograms #1 (Jem and the Holograms, #1). and fell in love with it. I just read the trade (which collects the first 6 issues) and this is such a fun iteration of Jem! The art is a perfect match for the pace of the story and its unique and colorful characters.
Music was such an integral part of the cartoon so I was wondering how in the hell this could translate into comics. But the team of Thompson and Campbell bring it!! Not only can you get a sense of the music from the art, but they somehow capture the montage-feel that would play out under the band's performance every episode. This was such a fun little nod to the cartoon.
This series FOR SURE rates 5 stars for my 10-yr-old niece who loves the concept of the hologram and has a lot of fun reading it. This first book is a whirlwind of rivalry, romance, and supercool outfits/makeup/haircuts. What a great book to put in the hands of girls who might not be familiar with comics. I hope the creators continue to play with the hologram concept and the kind of hijinx that go down when one can manipulate the image they put forth in the world (this *might* be my niece's new preferred superpower - which makes sense for an awkward pre-teen who is trying to fit into her own skin).
Music was such an integral part of the cartoon so I was wondering how in the hell this could translate into comics. But the team of Thompson and Campbell bring it!! Not only can you get a sense of the music from the art, but they somehow capture the montage-feel that would play out under the band's performance every episode. This was such a fun little nod to the cartoon.
This series FOR SURE rates 5 stars for my 10-yr-old niece who loves the concept of the hologram and has a lot of fun reading it. This first book is a whirlwind of rivalry, romance, and supercool outfits/makeup/haircuts. What a great book to put in the hands of girls who might not be familiar with comics. I hope the creators continue to play with the hologram concept and the kind of hijinx that go down when one can manipulate the image they put forth in the world (this *might* be my niece's new preferred superpower - which makes sense for an awkward pre-teen who is trying to fit into her own skin).
September 2, 2016
That a book and its characters could be worth reading when their stories were originally conceived as a way to sell dolls that already existed as concepts, that a corporate crafted method of scamming money from little girls at Toys R Us would be something I would eventually find myself sharing with my youngest daughter, that anything good could come of such cynicism are things I am probably going to struggle with for a long time, but here I am after reading Kelly Thompson's 2015 IDW reboot of Jem and the Holograms #1 for the second time to admit that perhaps where an idea comes from isn't nearly as important as what is done with it once it exists.
I've not watched the old Jem cartoon, so I don't have any preconceived notions of what Jem and the Holograms should be, so I come to this Thompson/Campbell version of Jem absolutely fresh and without Jem specific baggage (and I have already claimed my ideological baggage, so ...).
What I come away with from Jem and the Holograms: Showtime is a warm feeling for its creators, its characters and its tale. I can't help liking a story where the women outnumber the men by a large margin; I can't help liking a story where friendship is at its heart; I can't help liking a story where love knows no gender boundaries or sexuality boundaries without any anxiety, shame or judgment coming from the creators; I can't help liking a story where exuberance abounds; I can't help liking a story with such pinks and purples. So I do ... I like this story. Very much.
But for all the things there is to like, for all the things I do like, I can't help feeling that it is all too slight for my tastes. My mind isn't hungering for anything violent or dark (although Dark Jem is on the horizon for me), I am not looking for anything more complicated when it comes to the plot, but I do want something more when it comes to thematic oomph! I want more than pleasant despite how pleasant pleasant can be.
Fingers crossed I'll get that oomph! in Jem and the Holograms #2.
I've not watched the old Jem cartoon, so I don't have any preconceived notions of what Jem and the Holograms should be, so I come to this Thompson/Campbell version of Jem absolutely fresh and without Jem specific baggage (and I have already claimed my ideological baggage, so ...).
What I come away with from Jem and the Holograms: Showtime is a warm feeling for its creators, its characters and its tale. I can't help liking a story where the women outnumber the men by a large margin; I can't help liking a story where friendship is at its heart; I can't help liking a story where love knows no gender boundaries or sexuality boundaries without any anxiety, shame or judgment coming from the creators; I can't help liking a story where exuberance abounds; I can't help liking a story with such pinks and purples. So I do ... I like this story. Very much.
But for all the things there is to like, for all the things I do like, I can't help feeling that it is all too slight for my tastes. My mind isn't hungering for anything violent or dark (although Dark Jem is on the horizon for me), I am not looking for anything more complicated when it comes to the plot, but I do want something more when it comes to thematic oomph! I want more than pleasant despite how pleasant pleasant can be.
Fingers crossed I'll get that oomph! in Jem and the Holograms #2.
May 25, 2015
I went to my favorite comic book shop here by my school yesterday. Now, my mission was to get issue 2 of Spider Gwen, and hopefully issue 3 of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. I left with neither.
I saw the cover of this comic book (it's not the same as the two editions I had to choose from on here) and I had to have it. I debated over this for a good 30 minutes at least, and bothered my poor boyfriend about what I really wanted because I couldn't make a decision (it's so easy for him when he just wants all the 0.50 Archie comics they currently have).
The cover reminded me of my childhood though, I used to watch it with my older sister ALL. THE. TIME. when I was little. It was white, with Jem's face, and the lettering was SPARKLY! And it was $5.00, a tiny bit more expensive than what I'm usually willing to pay for, but it was totally worth it when I got to the check out counter & Chris (the owner) informed me that it had been signed by the artist and pointed it out to me. I also got Lady Killer, for those who want to know what the other comic was.
Chris sent us on our way, wishing us a nice sunny day at the waterfront where we were headed to. I read it and I loved it. Everything was so colorful, just like I had hoped it would be! It was pretty cute, and a fun read. I know it's more for a child's reading level, but I don't care. It tackled the topic of fear, mostly of being on stage and people's judgments on you. So, this made me really excited to share it with my niece (aforementioned sister's daughter) some time this summer. I can't wait to get the next issue. The story was fun, it was colorful, and I loved the new spin on the characters outfits and style of drawing them. Reminded me a little of the Monster High Girls, but not quite. I feel like it's a good style for them, because I think it can draw young girls into the comic book world - and it's a wonderful place to find yourself in.
So, yay! Can't wait for issue 2!
And for those (like me) who didn't know this was a thing, go find it and enjoy it! :)
I saw the cover of this comic book (it's not the same as the two editions I had to choose from on here) and I had to have it. I debated over this for a good 30 minutes at least, and bothered my poor boyfriend about what I really wanted because I couldn't make a decision (it's so easy for him when he just wants all the 0.50 Archie comics they currently have).
The cover reminded me of my childhood though, I used to watch it with my older sister ALL. THE. TIME. when I was little. It was white, with Jem's face, and the lettering was SPARKLY! And it was $5.00, a tiny bit more expensive than what I'm usually willing to pay for, but it was totally worth it when I got to the check out counter & Chris (the owner) informed me that it had been signed by the artist and pointed it out to me. I also got Lady Killer, for those who want to know what the other comic was.
Chris sent us on our way, wishing us a nice sunny day at the waterfront where we were headed to. I read it and I loved it. Everything was so colorful, just like I had hoped it would be! It was pretty cute, and a fun read. I know it's more for a child's reading level, but I don't care. It tackled the topic of fear, mostly of being on stage and people's judgments on you. So, this made me really excited to share it with my niece (aforementioned sister's daughter) some time this summer. I can't wait to get the next issue. The story was fun, it was colorful, and I loved the new spin on the characters outfits and style of drawing them. Reminded me a little of the Monster High Girls, but not quite. I feel like it's a good style for them, because I think it can draw young girls into the comic book world - and it's a wonderful place to find yourself in.
So, yay! Can't wait for issue 2!
And for those (like me) who didn't know this was a thing, go find it and enjoy it! :)
February 16, 2017
I recieved a copy of this from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I never watched Jem and the Holograms as a kid, being born in 1993 and with new pop culture staples (Rugrats, Wild Thornberries and Captain Planet, anyone?) to occupy my formative years, so I went into this with no expectations. But I think that even if I had, they would have been exceeded. This graphic novel is a visual feast. The art is bright and appealing, and everyone's character designs are so, so gorgeous. This is definitely a series I want to own.
It's about four sisters who have a band named Jem and the Holograms, but the lead singer Jerrica (nicknamed Jem, obvs) has a severe case of stage fright, so the future for them looks bleak. When the girls discover that their late father created a program called Synergy capable of throwing holograms, everything changes. Jerrica can now cover herself in a hologram and perform without fear. Thus unencumbered, the girls enter a band competition against a band named The Misfits, a super-popular girl group with a lead singer with some serious ego problems. The four sisters encounter problems along the way, but they stick together and find a way to overcome them, even when all seems lost. It was so, so nice to see everyone be so supportive of each other.
This series is also an exercise in diversity that everyone should pay attention to. Racial diversity. Body-type diversity. Two lesbian characters (who I ship infinitely!!! and it's also CANON omfg wow). It's glorious. I love it. I can't wait to read the next volume and be delighted all over again.
5/5 stars.
I never watched Jem and the Holograms as a kid, being born in 1993 and with new pop culture staples (Rugrats, Wild Thornberries and Captain Planet, anyone?) to occupy my formative years, so I went into this with no expectations. But I think that even if I had, they would have been exceeded. This graphic novel is a visual feast. The art is bright and appealing, and everyone's character designs are so, so gorgeous. This is definitely a series I want to own.
It's about four sisters who have a band named Jem and the Holograms, but the lead singer Jerrica (nicknamed Jem, obvs) has a severe case of stage fright, so the future for them looks bleak. When the girls discover that their late father created a program called Synergy capable of throwing holograms, everything changes. Jerrica can now cover herself in a hologram and perform without fear. Thus unencumbered, the girls enter a band competition against a band named The Misfits, a super-popular girl group with a lead singer with some serious ego problems. The four sisters encounter problems along the way, but they stick together and find a way to overcome them, even when all seems lost. It was so, so nice to see everyone be so supportive of each other.
This series is also an exercise in diversity that everyone should pay attention to. Racial diversity. Body-type diversity. Two lesbian characters (who I ship infinitely!!! and it's also CANON omfg wow). It's glorious. I love it. I can't wait to read the next volume and be delighted all over again.
5/5 stars.
January 12, 2016
This book is a delight!!!
I wasn't familiar with the cartoon other than knowing it existed and that it was very 80s, so coming to this book I didn't really know what to expect. However, it had been highly recommended by a reviewer whose opinions I trust and they were not wrong, I loved it.
From the very start you know what you'll be getting from this book, it's colorful, the art is fantastic, the story is a bit silly, but full of heart, and definitely something you could see on your tv with no problem. It reminded me, in the best way possible, of Totally Spies, which is one of my favorite cartoons ever.
This is a book that gives me hope. It's unapologetic about how bright and glam it is, with so much pink, glitter and incredible hairstyles. And it's also full of diversity, queer girls kissing and falling in love (!!!) and bodies of all types and colors everywhere. It's refreshing and everything you need when you want to feel happy and comforted.
Give it a chance, the essence of what Jem and The Holograms represented to an entire generation is very much still there. You won't regret it, I promise.
ps: I am now picturing kylo ren as pizzazz because that would be the best, god bless the pissbabies of the world
pps: I MEAN IT, READ IT, IT'S SO MUCH FUN I'M IN LOVE AND NEED PPL TO COSPLAY THIS SHIT W/ ME (or at least like my instagram pics when i eventually decide to live my life in full jem and the hol. inspired makeup)
I wasn't familiar with the cartoon other than knowing it existed and that it was very 80s, so coming to this book I didn't really know what to expect. However, it had been highly recommended by a reviewer whose opinions I trust and they were not wrong, I loved it.
From the very start you know what you'll be getting from this book, it's colorful, the art is fantastic, the story is a bit silly, but full of heart, and definitely something you could see on your tv with no problem. It reminded me, in the best way possible, of Totally Spies, which is one of my favorite cartoons ever.
This is a book that gives me hope. It's unapologetic about how bright and glam it is, with so much pink, glitter and incredible hairstyles. And it's also full of diversity, queer girls kissing and falling in love (!!!) and bodies of all types and colors everywhere. It's refreshing and everything you need when you want to feel happy and comforted.
Give it a chance, the essence of what Jem and The Holograms represented to an entire generation is very much still there. You won't regret it, I promise.
ps: I am now picturing kylo ren as pizzazz because that would be the best, god bless the pissbabies of the world
pps: I MEAN IT, READ IT, IT'S SO MUCH FUN I'M IN LOVE AND NEED PPL TO COSPLAY THIS SHIT W/ ME (or at least like my instagram pics when i eventually decide to live my life in full jem and the hol. inspired makeup)
March 25, 2015
I'm not 100% sure how I feel about the art style in this comic yet. Yes, it's obviously very different than it was in the original cartoon/comics/toyline, but that's not really the issue. The designs are just different than what I'm used to. Also, Aja is chubby in this, which I think is great that they are embracing all body types, but at the end of it you see a preview cover of the next comic. The Asian girl from The Misfits (who I do not remember the name of off the top of my head right now) is also chubby. Is this reverse stereo-typing? Embrace different body types, but don't then make a stereotype of the art.
Art aside, the story is good. It's definitely a different telling of the story, and I'm fine with that. This is less about doing it to save an orphanage so much as this is what Kimber, the youngest, has dreamed of wanting all of her life. Kimber was always my favorite, and I think it will be the same going forward here. Kimber is actually given the most character in this first issue, more than Jerrica as Jerrica is just kind of mousy and afraid. Shana and Aja shine as well, but not as bright, though I'm sure we'll see more of them. The one thing the old Jem always had was story for all of the characters, and I hope, and think, that will carry on to this one.
Art aside, the story is good. It's definitely a different telling of the story, and I'm fine with that. This is less about doing it to save an orphanage so much as this is what Kimber, the youngest, has dreamed of wanting all of her life. Kimber was always my favorite, and I think it will be the same going forward here. Kimber is actually given the most character in this first issue, more than Jerrica as Jerrica is just kind of mousy and afraid. Shana and Aja shine as well, but not as bright, though I'm sure we'll see more of them. The one thing the old Jem always had was story for all of the characters, and I hope, and think, that will carry on to this one.
April 9, 2015
The colour scheme of this comic is something that usually repels me, but I saw this at my local comic book store and decided to give it a try. You never know, right?
Jem and the Holograms surprised me. The writing is actually pretty good and the art isn't as painfully bright and pink as I feared. I really appreciate the different ethnic backgrounds and body types represented in the band members. I'm not in love, but I'm not sorry I picked it up, either. I'm interested in reading other works by the writer.
Jem and the Holograms surprised me. The writing is actually pretty good and the art isn't as painfully bright and pink as I feared. I really appreciate the different ethnic backgrounds and body types represented in the band members. I'm not in love, but I'm not sorry I picked it up, either. I'm interested in reading other works by the writer.
December 5, 2015
So well done! Thompson and Campbell take the spirit of the original tv show and update it just enough to not seem inauthentic or forced. One of the first comics were we see character design that is inclusive, feminist and features different types of body shapes. Love the queer elements they've infused here. And the artwork is outstanding - unique layouts, bold colors that pop off the page and fantastic character moments. It's unfortunate the recent movie reboot got it so wrong, because this comic book series gets it so right.
March 9, 2016
This is SO FUN. I love all the bubblegum and cotton candy colors of the book, and the sisters' relationships with each other, and the diversity of the characters, and that the main love interest angst is between two girls and literally no one cares that they're both girls, only that they're in rival bands, and it was just a delight.
November 19, 2017
If you're tired of superheroes and want something in the vein of Lumberjanes #1 but with teen rockstars, I highly recommend this comic. You'll love all the characters and the art is gorgeous.
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