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Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions
Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions
A brightly-illustrated relaunch of a beloved vintage cartoon that uses vibrant storytelling to address issues familiar to today's young readers.
Jem and the Holograms get back to their rock 'n' roll roots in this new series of stand-alone stories from some of comics' most popular creators, including fan-favorite artist Sophie Campbell, who helped define the look of the series in 2015 with her redesigns for the characters and the musical tone she brought to the book.
A celebration of creativity, friendship, and being true to yourself, Dimensions is full of humor, fun, and characters that radiate positivity. These uplifting stories will bring a smile to readers faces even as they put a song in their hearts. All your favorite characters--and some new ones!--take the stage in stories about everything from Dungeons & Dragons to ski trips gone wrong!
Jem and the Holograms get back to their rock 'n' roll roots in this new series of stand-alone stories from some of comics' most popular creators, including fan-favorite artist Sophie Campbell, who helped define the look of the series in 2015 with her redesigns for the characters and the musical tone she brought to the book.
A celebration of creativity, friendship, and being true to yourself, Dimensions is full of humor, fun, and characters that radiate positivity. These uplifting stories will bring a smile to readers faces even as they put a song in their hearts. All your favorite characters--and some new ones!--take the stage in stories about everything from Dungeons & Dragons to ski trips gone wrong!
96 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2018
8 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Campbell
273 books235 followersOne of the most exciting and talented creators working in comics today, Sophie Campbell has made her mark on IDW books such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Jem and the Holograms.
A graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design, Campbell began her career writing and drawing independent comics primarily focused on the lives of young women from all walks of life, including Wet Moon, Shadoweyes, and the Abandoned. She further proved her versatility as an artist when she began drawing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for IDW, where her kinetic action sequences and distinctive character art were a hit with fans and critics alike.
Campbell was brought on as the first artist on the IDW continuing series Jem and the Holograms, where she was responsible for the modern redesign of the characters and establishing the unique look of the comic. Her work on Jem with writer Kelly Thompson was so well received that the two were profiled by the New Yorker in 2015.
Campbell continues to work on several projects for IDW, as well as her own creator-owned independent comics.
A graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design, Campbell began her career writing and drawing independent comics primarily focused on the lives of young women from all walks of life, including Wet Moon, Shadoweyes, and the Abandoned. She further proved her versatility as an artist when she began drawing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for IDW, where her kinetic action sequences and distinctive character art were a hit with fans and critics alike.
Campbell was brought on as the first artist on the IDW continuing series Jem and the Holograms, where she was responsible for the modern redesign of the characters and establishing the unique look of the comic. Her work on Jem with writer Kelly Thompson was so well received that the two were profiled by the New Yorker in 2015.
Campbell continues to work on several projects for IDW, as well as her own creator-owned independent comics.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 28, 2018
A subtle end for one of my favorite comic series ever. Jem and the Holograms's IDW reboot was everything I could ever want out of a reboot, more diverse, queer as hell, powerful iconic designs, and capturing the heart of the original. This Anthology book ends the reboot likely never getting new issues until the next time Hasbro wants to make their more straight new version or something.
It's really hard to rate this because it is a really small anthology of stories which has some high highs but most are just average stories. The very clear standout is Catnap which actually added something to the lore of the reboot while having Sophie Campbell's final bow with the series as a huge one. Since these stories all only got have an issue of comics they mostly feel like they could have used more room to breath to make a fully fleshed out story but the unique art styles are fun to look at and while there was one story I just straight up didn't like I think overall if you are a fan of IDW Jem this is a must read (although perhaps on sale if buying).
It's really hard to rate this because it is a really small anthology of stories which has some high highs but most are just average stories. The very clear standout is Catnap which actually added something to the lore of the reboot while having Sophie Campbell's final bow with the series as a huge one. Since these stories all only got have an issue of comics they mostly feel like they could have used more room to breath to make a fully fleshed out story but the unique art styles are fun to look at and while there was one story I just straight up didn't like I think overall if you are a fan of IDW Jem this is a must read (although perhaps on sale if buying).
September 23, 2018
Jem, always. Fun, quick, uneven, confusing because they’re all set at different times.
February 22, 2019
I've love the Jem reboot so much but this collection fell a bit flat for me. The stories were sweet and Madmartigan in a snow suit was the absolute cutest but this wasn't very memorable. The art varied with each story but was overall pretty good.
January 25, 2020
Cute and fun, just like I want my Jem and the Holograms stories to be. I only have two complaints: not enough Stimber! And I really hated the art for one of the stories.
January 26, 2022
I never was a giant fan of the show so I wasn’t sure if I like this or not and I have to say it’s OK it’s kind of cute but for the most part it’s not really my cup of tea.
January 7, 2018
This was such a fun read! I used to love Jem and the Holograms as a child and had no idea they still lived on in comic books.
The Dimensions series is an anthology of stories featuring Jem and the Holograms and the Misfits.
In this first issue, Misfits Clash and Misty are on a skiing trip. Clash's girlfriend Blaze was supposed to join them but fails to do so. That's not the only hitch in the plan - Clash is also entrusted with cat-sitting Pizzazz's cat, Madmartigan (Mads)
Clash decides to take Mads on the skiing trip with her and Misty. Unfortunately, Holo-groupies Video, Graphix and Shade decide to catnap Mads so Pizzazz will be angry enough to fire Blaze from the Misfits. Silly, I know, but just go with it.
The story is only 10 pages long but each page is so much fun. Who knew a catnapping could be so vibrantly colourful and enjoyable? The characters are quirky and have distinct personalities. Even Mads, who has the best side-eye I've ever seen in a comic book. I also love that he wears a ski-suit of his own, complete with striped muffler.
This is such an adorable and fun story. I enjoyed myself so thoroughly, I'm still chuckling to myself well after reading it.
There's also a Dungeons and Dragons story that follows the catnapping tale. The D&D story involves the Holograms trying to relax after an exhausting tour. They decide to play D&D with the help of Synergy, their computer hologram. Unfortunately, in their enthusiasm to play, the Holograms forget how tired Jem is and she gets upset. The team learn that rest and relaxation is important.
I love the colours in this comic book. They pop right out of the page and look so beautiful.
I am so thrilled at the diversity of the characters and that there is so much representation. Everyone looks different; there are a number of races represented; the characters have different body shapes; there are LGBTQ+ characters. This is amazing! Where were these stories when I was growing up?
That a new generation of young girls will be reading comics like these with such diverse characters fills me with gladness. The future looks as bright as the characters' multi-coloured hair!
The Dimensions series is an anthology of stories featuring Jem and the Holograms and the Misfits.
In this first issue, Misfits Clash and Misty are on a skiing trip. Clash's girlfriend Blaze was supposed to join them but fails to do so. That's not the only hitch in the plan - Clash is also entrusted with cat-sitting Pizzazz's cat, Madmartigan (Mads)
Clash decides to take Mads on the skiing trip with her and Misty. Unfortunately, Holo-groupies Video, Graphix and Shade decide to catnap Mads so Pizzazz will be angry enough to fire Blaze from the Misfits. Silly, I know, but just go with it.
The story is only 10 pages long but each page is so much fun. Who knew a catnapping could be so vibrantly colourful and enjoyable? The characters are quirky and have distinct personalities. Even Mads, who has the best side-eye I've ever seen in a comic book. I also love that he wears a ski-suit of his own, complete with striped muffler.
This is such an adorable and fun story. I enjoyed myself so thoroughly, I'm still chuckling to myself well after reading it.
There's also a Dungeons and Dragons story that follows the catnapping tale. The D&D story involves the Holograms trying to relax after an exhausting tour. They decide to play D&D with the help of Synergy, their computer hologram. Unfortunately, in their enthusiasm to play, the Holograms forget how tired Jem is and she gets upset. The team learn that rest and relaxation is important.
I love the colours in this comic book. They pop right out of the page and look so beautiful.
I am so thrilled at the diversity of the characters and that there is so much representation. Everyone looks different; there are a number of races represented; the characters have different body shapes; there are LGBTQ+ characters. This is amazing! Where were these stories when I was growing up?
That a new generation of young girls will be reading comics like these with such diverse characters fills me with gladness. The future looks as bright as the characters' multi-coloured hair!
September 10, 2018
Not my favorite Jem graphic by a long shot. Basically this was a collection of short little episodes that could be read all at once or individually and really had no relation to the main saga. Some stories were actually pretty decent and others could have been skipped without a tear shed. Overall, the whole thing seemed rushed or like the author & artists were pressured into cranking it out rather than feeling inspired to do so. And it showed. Also, the drastically different artistic styles was really jarring and made for difficult transitions. Did anyone else get that?
So yeah...I was disappointed in this one. Which is a bummer, because I've been a huge fan of the Jem series since it began.
p.s. Just a personal note... If anyone anywhere ever tried to cat-nap any of my kitties, I would cheerfully annihilate them. Those Holo-stalker/groupies (*ahem* criminals) got off easy, in my opinion.
(Side Note: Mads, her ski outfit & facial expressions, was the best part of the entire collection! In fact, I want an entire graphic on the Adventures of Madmartigan!)
So yeah...I was disappointed in this one. Which is a bummer, because I've been a huge fan of the Jem series since it began.
p.s. Just a personal note... If anyone anywhere ever tried to cat-nap any of my kitties, I would cheerfully annihilate them. Those Holo-stalker/groupies (*ahem* criminals) got off easy, in my opinion.
(Side Note: Mads, her ski outfit & facial expressions, was the best part of the entire collection! In fact, I want an entire graphic on the Adventures of Madmartigan!)
June 7, 2018
First off this didn't continue the previous story line of the alternate universe of Jem and the Misfits, so that was disappointing. Then, they brought in different artists for each little story for this series..fail. When will they learn we don't like that, especially when they drastically change how the characters look?!? Though the best part of the whole series was when Shana said "Don't wake me up unless Jason Momoa posts work out videos." That had me laughing out loud as that is TOTALLY me. Otherwise this series is cute at points, okay at others, and is just a stand alone of short stories. Not my fav, not the worst either, and it also doesn't hint if there will be more or not.
September 4, 2019
As with most anthologies, I liked some of the stories and meh'd others. I especially liked Shana's fashion story & the misfit's magazine shoot, but over all the stories were not particularly stirring (& I actively hated the DnD one, who acts like that?). Still very colorful & fun, just not as well backed As I would like.
September 18, 2018
A pointless collection that does little to further the original story. There's a story where the group is actually playing Dungeons & Dragons with Synergy. This is like comic-style fan fiction (but maybe you could say this about the entire "Jem & the Holograms" reboot...?).
February 9, 2019
A fun set of Jem short stories. I am still hoping for more comics that connect in a wider story arc, but I am enjoying the little flashes of Jem and the Holograms’ lives.... and the lives of the Misfits too, of course
June 10, 2023
A nice collections of different stories about Jem and the holograms! I really enjoyed all the different art styles and different stories! Awesome representation as well! And I would have to say the DnD story was my favourite!!
September 2, 2018
I liked it, but I didn't love it. It's really just a collection of short stories, and while they're entertaining enough, I miss character development and ongoing plotlines.
November 26, 2018
Closer to 3.5 stars, but rounding up for Goodreads
January 13, 2019
If you're already a Jem fan, you'll probably enjoy this. But the writing can be hit or miss with most of the art pretty good.
January 17, 2020
One of my all-time favourite series. So sad to see it end.
November 15, 2020
No depth or drama. The most shallow of social commentaries. Didn't go anywhere interesting.
February 2, 2021
Lots of standalone stories for different characters. None of them are nearly as standout as the primary comics, but it's still wonderful seeing more of them!
May 23, 2024
I thought there would be more D&D
December 31, 2024
These companion books to the main series don't really bring anything worthwhile to the table. I only liked one of the eight shorts compiled here. Some beautiful art and some awkward stuff too.
May 24, 2019
I both enjoyed this collection and was not overly impressed by it. As it is an anthology, each story is its own contained tale so they can feel a little choppy and rushed at times. They're also not in any sort of chronological order, so there could be a lot of confusion from that as the stories jump back and forth through timelines. I loved the idea of each of them and the world that they tried to introduce readers to, but it just wasn't as great as the beginning of the run. The writers seemed as though they wanted to get in as much story as possible, but didn't give us the build-up, the backstory, or even the world in which to immerse ourselves so that it made sense. As a result, there weren't many memorable stories and a month from now I probably wouldn't be able to retell any of them. Overall, cute but I'd borrow it rather than buying it if you're interested in reading Jem's conclusion.
November 9, 2025
My final 'Jem and the Holograms' reboot comic review.
I'll try to make it brief. We'll see how that fares.
'Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions' is an anthology comic, featuring titchy little "adventures" with the characters. It is the only 'Jem' comic not to be written by Kelly Thompson. Instead, we have multiple writers and artists for each story, including Kate Leth, Sarah Kuhn, Sarah Winifred Searle, Sam Maggs, Kevin Panetta, and the return of Sophie Campbell for the first one, 'Catnap' (alongside regular colourist M. Victoria Robado).
These stories are... okay. Mostly mediocre.
'Catnap' and 'Shooting Stars' are cute. In 'Catnap', I like Misty (hijabi rep FTW!), and seeing Clash and Blaze together is awesome. It's like a toxic fangirl/internet troll fight in the snow, on a ski trip, but in a fun, goofy, campy way, reminiscent of the classic eighties cartoon. Plus it has Pizzazz's cat, Madmartigan, as a star. Speaking of, 'Shooting Stars' has the 'Starlight Girls', the young foster girls and the Holograms' protégées, take center stage. Though why does Jem's dress have a boob window in this one?
'Stargirl' (a lot of stars, huh?) is very good. It has the best art - the prettiest art - and it showcases Shana and her talent as a fashion designer exceptionally well. I adore Andre - fellow fashion designer, model, and drag queen.
'Tasty', about the Misfits, Pizzazz, photography, magazines, imagery, and celebrity exploitation, is also pretty excellent.
But the rest are definitely mediocre, in writing and art.
The 'Dungeons and Dragons' story, 'Roll with It', which this whole anthology supposedly owes its existence to, is random, baffling, illogical, and disjointed. What was the point of it? However, at least it contains more of Synergy than any of the later 'Jem' comics. In fact, I don't think she appears in any of the other stories here! WTF?
What the hell is up with the art and ending of 'Haunted'? The ending is far too rushed, and Jem and the Holograms and the Misfits look like bodybuilders and construction site workers, and their smiles are more terrifying than anything in their "haunted" spooky TV environment.
Some of these 'Jem' tales are cute, but some others are flat and pointless.
Hardly any male characters are present. No Rio, no Craig, no Tony, and yeah, you can forget about Techrat. I do not miss Riot, though. There's Andre, and Eric Raymond in 'Tasty', plus a sleazy photographer guy, and that's it. 'Dimensions' is truly girl power and femme empowerment central.
The index page at the beginning of the comic lets the readers know (in parentheses) when each story is supposed to take place in the 'Jem' canon, most notably whether it's set before or after 'Infinite'. The parentheses in the final story, 'Jemojis', misspells 'Misfits' as 'Misfist'. Typo. Oops.
Sorry, I have to add: Why do Kimber, Shana, Aja, and Raya look utterly stoned on the comic's cover? Seriously, the way they stare, they look dopey as hell. Shana looks like she's seeing some %$*@!
I think I'll end my crowning 'Jem' review by mentioning something in the comics that I had previously barely touched on, and that I wish to rectify now. It is, specifically, about a character:
Clash, real name Constance Montgomery.
Basically, she is the Misfits' eternal groupie and coffee girl. Which is fitting, considering she worked in a café before Pizzazz hired her, as seen in 'The Misfits'. She possesses no musical talent; she is only their toady and tool woman. She is a complete simp who will go along with, and even orchestrate, any of the Misfits' schemes, no matter how dangerous and deadly. You never really feel sorry for this hopeless, hapless yet enthusiastic fangirl.
Clash's relationship with her girlfriend Blaze, the Misfits' lead guitarist and singer, who may leave to front her own band someday, is the cutest.
'Catnap' shows Clash at her best. It's her own wacky skiing misadventure, where she cat-sits for cute little Madmartigan, and it ends on her and Blaze kissing!
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand that's it.
And I mean it this time.
Farewell, IDW's 'Jem and the Holograms'. I will be coming back to reading you again and again. You are a gem of a magical girl series, a dark horse, when I'm not normally into music bands and brands.
Thank you for your colours, style, cuteness, and diversity, and your rebooting, retooling, and updating of a nostalgic property done right.
Best of all, thank you for your girl power. These are the stars in my eyes.
'Jem' and 'The Misfits' - such good girly comics.
I stand by my claim that 'Jem' deserves a reboot cartoon series, and a real movie adaptation.
Final Score (for 'Dimensions'): 3/5
I'll try to make it brief. We'll see how that fares.
'Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions' is an anthology comic, featuring titchy little "adventures" with the characters. It is the only 'Jem' comic not to be written by Kelly Thompson. Instead, we have multiple writers and artists for each story, including Kate Leth, Sarah Kuhn, Sarah Winifred Searle, Sam Maggs, Kevin Panetta, and the return of Sophie Campbell for the first one, 'Catnap' (alongside regular colourist M. Victoria Robado).
These stories are... okay. Mostly mediocre.
'Catnap' and 'Shooting Stars' are cute. In 'Catnap', I like Misty (hijabi rep FTW!), and seeing Clash and Blaze together is awesome. It's like a toxic fangirl/internet troll fight in the snow, on a ski trip, but in a fun, goofy, campy way, reminiscent of the classic eighties cartoon. Plus it has Pizzazz's cat, Madmartigan, as a star. Speaking of, 'Shooting Stars' has the 'Starlight Girls', the young foster girls and the Holograms' protégées, take center stage. Though why does Jem's dress have a boob window in this one?
'Stargirl' (a lot of stars, huh?) is very good. It has the best art - the prettiest art - and it showcases Shana and her talent as a fashion designer exceptionally well. I adore Andre - fellow fashion designer, model, and drag queen.
'Tasty', about the Misfits, Pizzazz, photography, magazines, imagery, and celebrity exploitation, is also pretty excellent.
But the rest are definitely mediocre, in writing and art.
The 'Dungeons and Dragons' story, 'Roll with It', which this whole anthology supposedly owes its existence to, is random, baffling, illogical, and disjointed. What was the point of it? However, at least it contains more of Synergy than any of the later 'Jem' comics. In fact, I don't think she appears in any of the other stories here! WTF?
What the hell is up with the art and ending of 'Haunted'? The ending is far too rushed, and Jem and the Holograms and the Misfits look like bodybuilders and construction site workers, and their smiles are more terrifying than anything in their "haunted" spooky TV environment.
Some of these 'Jem' tales are cute, but some others are flat and pointless.
Hardly any male characters are present. No Rio, no Craig, no Tony, and yeah, you can forget about Techrat. I do not miss Riot, though. There's Andre, and Eric Raymond in 'Tasty', plus a sleazy photographer guy, and that's it. 'Dimensions' is truly girl power and femme empowerment central.
The index page at the beginning of the comic lets the readers know (in parentheses) when each story is supposed to take place in the 'Jem' canon, most notably whether it's set before or after 'Infinite'. The parentheses in the final story, 'Jemojis', misspells 'Misfits' as 'Misfist'. Typo. Oops.
Sorry, I have to add: Why do Kimber, Shana, Aja, and Raya look utterly stoned on the comic's cover? Seriously, the way they stare, they look dopey as hell. Shana looks like she's seeing some %$*@!
I think I'll end my crowning 'Jem' review by mentioning something in the comics that I had previously barely touched on, and that I wish to rectify now. It is, specifically, about a character:
Clash, real name Constance Montgomery.
Basically, she is the Misfits' eternal groupie and coffee girl. Which is fitting, considering she worked in a café before Pizzazz hired her, as seen in 'The Misfits'. She possesses no musical talent; she is only their toady and tool woman. She is a complete simp who will go along with, and even orchestrate, any of the Misfits' schemes, no matter how dangerous and deadly. You never really feel sorry for this hopeless, hapless yet enthusiastic fangirl.
Clash's relationship with her girlfriend Blaze, the Misfits' lead guitarist and singer, who may leave to front her own band someday, is the cutest.
'Catnap' shows Clash at her best. It's her own wacky skiing misadventure, where she cat-sits for cute little Madmartigan, and it ends on her and Blaze kissing!
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand that's it.
And I mean it this time.
Farewell, IDW's 'Jem and the Holograms'. I will be coming back to reading you again and again. You are a gem of a magical girl series, a dark horse, when I'm not normally into music bands and brands.
Thank you for your colours, style, cuteness, and diversity, and your rebooting, retooling, and updating of a nostalgic property done right.
Best of all, thank you for your girl power. These are the stars in my eyes.
'Jem' and 'The Misfits' - such good girly comics.
I stand by my claim that 'Jem' deserves a reboot cartoon series, and a real movie adaptation.
Final Score (for 'Dimensions'): 3/5
August 27, 2023
I adore this series, but most of this one missed the mark for me. I only liked two of the stories, and about that much of the art. Still worth adding to your library if you’re a Jem fan.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews