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Love Letters to Jane's World
"Jane Wyatt is a sweet, likeable butch trying to navigate her way through the choppy waters of love, life, and career." — Lambda Literary
This essential Jane's World collection debuts twenty years after Jane Wyatt first appeared in Paige Braddock's trailblazing comic strip about a young lesbian woman making her clumsy way in the world and the friends who help (or hinder) her along the journey.
The Eisner-nominated Jane's World was the first syndicated comic strip with a lesbian main character to appear in many major newspaper markets. This new volume collects the most quintessentially "Jane" storylines from the strip's early, middle, and later years, and pairs them with "love letters" and notes of appreciation from notable fans.
This essential Jane's World collection debuts twenty years after Jane Wyatt first appeared in Paige Braddock's trailblazing comic strip about a young lesbian woman making her clumsy way in the world and the friends who help (or hinder) her along the journey.
The Eisner-nominated Jane's World was the first syndicated comic strip with a lesbian main character to appear in many major newspaper markets. This new volume collects the most quintessentially "Jane" storylines from the strip's early, middle, and later years, and pairs them with "love letters" and notes of appreciation from notable fans.
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 21, 2018
4 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Paige Braddock
68 books65 followersPaige Braddock is a Sparky Award winner, an Eisner-nominated artist and writer, and Creative Director Emeritus at Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates. She won a Children's & Family Emmy Award for her work on the Apple documentary, "Who Are You, Charlie Brown?" which won for outstanding nonfiction program.
Braddock has illustrated several Peanuts children’s books. Her other graphic novels for children include the series Stinky Cecil with Andrews McMeel and Peanut, Butter, & Crackers with Penguin Kids. New editions of the Peanut, Butter, & Crackers series are now available in the UK, Italy, Greece, and in Arabic by publisher Nosy Crow.
She lives with her wife Evelyn and their two dogs and a cat in Sebastopol, California.
Braddock has illustrated several Peanuts children’s books. Her other graphic novels for children include the series Stinky Cecil with Andrews McMeel and Peanut, Butter, & Crackers with Penguin Kids. New editions of the Peanut, Butter, & Crackers series are now available in the UK, Italy, Greece, and in Arabic by publisher Nosy Crow.
She lives with her wife Evelyn and their two dogs and a cat in Sebastopol, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 24, 2018
3.5 stars
Review to come. The drama gave me too much of a headache to write it now.
Review to come. The drama gave me too much of a headache to write it now.
March 4, 2019
Jane's World is a comic that has been around for twenty years. This collection is like a highlights reel, with some endorsements and quotations from longtime fans and readers (including some famous people.) You jump right into Jane's relationships with a string of women, many who cycle back through her life or have dated one another at various times. Jane is a bit fumbling in her job, life, and relationships, but is very likeable. I only wish the stories in this collection had been organized in a linear fashion among themselves because there were a few that stuck out as being in the "wrong" order. I'm not sure what logic was applied (I suspect they may be in order comic book wise but that the comics have not told a linear story either.) Anyone looking around for more queer comics should definitely check Jane out!
January 20, 2019
Getting into a long-running series can be daunting, especially if it’s been around for twenty years, like the brilliant Jane’s World by Paige Braddock, which recently ended. Luckily, Braddock’s given us an easy way in with Love Letters to Jane’s World, a special twentieth-anniversary collection that is a perfect sampler of the fun and quirky comic strip.
Full review: https://www.lambdaliterary.org/review...
Full review: https://www.lambdaliterary.org/review...
July 15, 2018
Paige Braddock is apparently the first cartoonist to write a comic strip with a lesbian as the main character, that was widely distributed. If you are thinking, well, what about Dykes to Watch Out For, that had much more limited distribution.
And while there have been gay and lesbian "episodes" in comic strips, Jane's world didn't shove the lesbian theme in the background, but had it front and center throughout.
If you have been following Jane's World, this is some of the stories that have run in the series. This is not all, since it has been going for 20 years. If you are new to Jane's World, this is an interesting selection to give you an idea of what you have been missing.
For example, this story, below, is when Jane had a dream about being washed up on the shore of an island of Amazons.
In this one, she has to deal with Chelle, her on again, off again, love interest.
And here the cartoonist herself breaks the fourth wall to complain about what the characters are up to.
There are zombies. There are aliens. There are spies. And there are normal, every day things, that lesbians and straight people do, such as work, and drink coffee.
For those who want to be introduced, and for those who know Jane's World, and want others to know about her too.
#LoveLettersToJane'sWorld #NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
And while there have been gay and lesbian "episodes" in comic strips, Jane's world didn't shove the lesbian theme in the background, but had it front and center throughout.
If you have been following Jane's World, this is some of the stories that have run in the series. This is not all, since it has been going for 20 years. If you are new to Jane's World, this is an interesting selection to give you an idea of what you have been missing.
For example, this story, below, is when Jane had a dream about being washed up on the shore of an island of Amazons.
In this one, she has to deal with Chelle, her on again, off again, love interest.
And here the cartoonist herself breaks the fourth wall to complain about what the characters are up to.
There are zombies. There are aliens. There are spies. And there are normal, every day things, that lesbians and straight people do, such as work, and drink coffee.
For those who want to be introduced, and for those who know Jane's World, and want others to know about her too.
#LoveLettersToJane'sWorld #NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
July 11, 2018
A funny strip comic collection.
The stories are Jane's everyday experiences mixed in with some of her daydreams. She has a vivid imagination. She also has a complicated relationship with her co-worker Chelle.
If you expected a continuous memoir style graphic book, this is not for you. Again, it's a collection of comic stories.
I myself don't read a lot of black and white comics, and the font used in the book made it a bit hard for me to read the words. Would've liked it better if the words were easier to read.
The stories are Jane's everyday experiences mixed in with some of her daydreams. She has a vivid imagination. She also has a complicated relationship with her co-worker Chelle.
If you expected a continuous memoir style graphic book, this is not for you. Again, it's a collection of comic stories.
I myself don't read a lot of black and white comics, and the font used in the book made it a bit hard for me to read the words. Would've liked it better if the words were easier to read.
August 20, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley for the free e-copy.
I read this when it was printed in comic book form. I met Paige at comic-con and bought the first issue directly from her. So I'd read most of this before.
This was, in large part, the storylines I would have picked. I was pleased that the long Chelle storyline wasn't included, not because I didn't like it (I did.) But because it didn't focus on Jane. Paige was following her muse but I wasn't sure Jane's World was the place for it.
I'm hoping this does well so that we might get a complete set in this format.
I read this when it was printed in comic book form. I met Paige at comic-con and bought the first issue directly from her. So I'd read most of this before.
This was, in large part, the storylines I would have picked. I was pleased that the long Chelle storyline wasn't included, not because I didn't like it (I did.) But because it didn't focus on Jane. Paige was following her muse but I wasn't sure Jane's World was the place for it.
I'm hoping this does well so that we might get a complete set in this format.
March 11, 2019
This book is a great introduction to Jane’s World.
“And just what is this Jane’s World you speak of, Stewart?”
I’m glad you asked. Among other achievements, JW was one of the first comic strips to appear regularly online, this long before web comics were really a thing. Jane herself is a young woman … not sure how old actually, but out of college and with a fair amount of job experience under her belt. Anyway, she and her friends have adventures, fall in love, occasionally acknowledge their status as characters in a comic strip, and are generally fun to read about. It tends to be reality-based, with occasional fantastic elements.
While it's a comic strip, and there are funny bits, Paige Braddock is not afraid to go for drama and tension if the story requires it. And she excels at character-based humor. We laugh because we know that person, or, more likely, have been that person. Some of my favorite moments in this book are the crowd scenes where everyone's ex just happens to show up and the awkwardness just builds to ridiculous levels. Braddock’s sense of comic timing is a joy to experience.
Oh, and Jane is a lesbian. I almost hate to mention it because she's a multidimensional character of which that's only a single aspect. Jane is, first and foremost, a person. But, yes, the strip is definitely LGBTQ friendly.
This book collects a sampling of the many storylines that have occurred over the years. Jane’s World has been running since the 90's, and there are plenty of collections out there if this one piques your interest. Recommended!
“And just what is this Jane’s World you speak of, Stewart?”
I’m glad you asked. Among other achievements, JW was one of the first comic strips to appear regularly online, this long before web comics were really a thing. Jane herself is a young woman … not sure how old actually, but out of college and with a fair amount of job experience under her belt. Anyway, she and her friends have adventures, fall in love, occasionally acknowledge their status as characters in a comic strip, and are generally fun to read about. It tends to be reality-based, with occasional fantastic elements.
While it's a comic strip, and there are funny bits, Paige Braddock is not afraid to go for drama and tension if the story requires it. And she excels at character-based humor. We laugh because we know that person, or, more likely, have been that person. Some of my favorite moments in this book are the crowd scenes where everyone's ex just happens to show up and the awkwardness just builds to ridiculous levels. Braddock’s sense of comic timing is a joy to experience.
Oh, and Jane is a lesbian. I almost hate to mention it because she's a multidimensional character of which that's only a single aspect. Jane is, first and foremost, a person. But, yes, the strip is definitely LGBTQ friendly.
This book collects a sampling of the many storylines that have occurred over the years. Jane’s World has been running since the 90's, and there are plenty of collections out there if this one piques your interest. Recommended!
August 13, 2018
I hadn’t read Jane’s World before reading the free advanced copy of Love Letters to Jane’s World, but I’m so glad to have stumbled onto it on NetGalley. Paige Braddock paved the way for queer comics and this ode to Jane is a fun peek into her adventures in love and life. Heavy on the comics and lighter on the love letters, I felt like I was able to get to know Jane in this reflective compilation.
April 10, 2023
2.5 stars
if i was already familiar with jane's world, perhaps i would have enjoyed this more, but as i wasn't the overarching plot was difficult to follow, the characters felt underdeveloped, and the characters drifted in and out of the storyline seemingly at random. i also didn't find any of the panels very funny. the fantastical storylines (aliens, zombies, etc) were particularly not my cup of tea.
i admire paige braddock greatly for the place her work has in lesbian history, but this comic isn't for me and i wouldn't recommend this volume to any jane's world newbie.
if i was already familiar with jane's world, perhaps i would have enjoyed this more, but as i wasn't the overarching plot was difficult to follow, the characters felt underdeveloped, and the characters drifted in and out of the storyline seemingly at random. i also didn't find any of the panels very funny. the fantastical storylines (aliens, zombies, etc) were particularly not my cup of tea.
i admire paige braddock greatly for the place her work has in lesbian history, but this comic isn't for me and i wouldn't recommend this volume to any jane's world newbie.
August 21, 2018
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Love Letters to Jane’s World is a mix between comic strips and letters about the comic, mostly from friends.
The comic is apparently well-known as the first daily comic with mainly LGBT+ characters.
I had never heard of it before picking it up on Netgalley.
The first strips were drawn in 1998.
This book was an interesting insight into the comics, and I get how this was a pioneer.
However, the world has changed since and I found it had several issues.
Also, I didn’t really like Jane. These extracts made her seem a bit stupid and careless and I just didn’t fall for her. The side characters were interesting but I also didn’t really love them.
The plots were a bit all over the place and the humor in them wasn’t really my kind of humor.
Also, i had trouble with the love letters from friends of the author when they were in the middle of a story.
All in all, an intriguing glimpse into a classic but aged comic.
Love Letters to Jane’s World is a mix between comic strips and letters about the comic, mostly from friends.
The comic is apparently well-known as the first daily comic with mainly LGBT+ characters.
I had never heard of it before picking it up on Netgalley.
The first strips were drawn in 1998.
This book was an interesting insight into the comics, and I get how this was a pioneer.
However, the world has changed since and I found it had several issues.
Also, I didn’t really like Jane. These extracts made her seem a bit stupid and careless and I just didn’t fall for her. The side characters were interesting but I also didn’t really love them.
The plots were a bit all over the place and the humor in them wasn’t really my kind of humor.
Also, i had trouble with the love letters from friends of the author when they were in the middle of a story.
All in all, an intriguing glimpse into a classic but aged comic.
August 20, 2018
Note: I received a copy of Love Letters to Jane's World by Paige Braddock via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Love Letters to Jane's World is a collection of strips that Paige Braddock started twenty years ago. Jane Wyatt, a young lesbian woman, is making her way through the world alongside friends who help her along the journey. Jane's World was the first comic strip published in many major newspaper markers that featured a lesbian main character. Love Letters to Jane's World collects some of the main storylines in Jane's life, and pairs them with love letters and notes of appreciation from fans.
Having a physical copy of Love Letters to Jane's World to pick up whenever you needed a little laugh would be absolutely wonderful. The dialogue & communication in the strips are warm and laugh-out-loud funny. And, each story flows into each other, but they all can definitely stand up on their own.
I absolutely loved how real the relationships got, even when placed in the most outrageous circumstances. I mean, come on, one strip Jane finds herself on an island filled with Amazons, and the next? She's being abducted by aliens. Sounds ridiculous, but it was still so much fun to read. There are even references to nerdy pop culture like Superman, Star Trek, and Star Wars; anyone that knows me, knows I love a good pop culture reference.
One of my favorite aspects of Love Letters to Jane's World is the simple fact that the leading character is a lesbian. Sexual orientation clearly plays a role for the characters, but it doesn't define them. I think this is very important, especially as Jane's World was the first strip to be published in major newspapers.
There's a collection of supporting characters in Jane's World, that pop out throughout the comic strips, and it's just as easy to fall in love with them, as it is to fall in love with Jane. All of them are out there helping her through her many obstacles (or, in some cases, hindering her).
Following the collection of comic strips in Love Letters to Jane's World is a collection of rave reviews & fan mail. I truly believe that these reviews are well-deserved. As I didn't read Jane's World��in the past, I wouldn't say that Love Letters to Jane's World is something I would pick up. For me, there's no nostalgic factor and I rarely read comic strips in the newspapers to begin with. However, It was an enjoyable read, and it's something that I believe others could find enjoyment in.
Love Letters to Jane's World will be released on August 21st!
Love Letters to Jane's World is a collection of strips that Paige Braddock started twenty years ago. Jane Wyatt, a young lesbian woman, is making her way through the world alongside friends who help her along the journey. Jane's World was the first comic strip published in many major newspaper markers that featured a lesbian main character. Love Letters to Jane's World collects some of the main storylines in Jane's life, and pairs them with love letters and notes of appreciation from fans.
Having a physical copy of Love Letters to Jane's World to pick up whenever you needed a little laugh would be absolutely wonderful. The dialogue & communication in the strips are warm and laugh-out-loud funny. And, each story flows into each other, but they all can definitely stand up on their own.
I absolutely loved how real the relationships got, even when placed in the most outrageous circumstances. I mean, come on, one strip Jane finds herself on an island filled with Amazons, and the next? She's being abducted by aliens. Sounds ridiculous, but it was still so much fun to read. There are even references to nerdy pop culture like Superman, Star Trek, and Star Wars; anyone that knows me, knows I love a good pop culture reference.
One of my favorite aspects of Love Letters to Jane's World is the simple fact that the leading character is a lesbian. Sexual orientation clearly plays a role for the characters, but it doesn't define them. I think this is very important, especially as Jane's World was the first strip to be published in major newspapers.
There's a collection of supporting characters in Jane's World, that pop out throughout the comic strips, and it's just as easy to fall in love with them, as it is to fall in love with Jane. All of them are out there helping her through her many obstacles (or, in some cases, hindering her).
Following the collection of comic strips in Love Letters to Jane's World is a collection of rave reviews & fan mail. I truly believe that these reviews are well-deserved. As I didn't read Jane's World��in the past, I wouldn't say that Love Letters to Jane's World is something I would pick up. For me, there's no nostalgic factor and I rarely read comic strips in the newspapers to begin with. However, It was an enjoyable read, and it's something that I believe others could find enjoyment in.
Love Letters to Jane's World will be released on August 21st!
July 14, 2018
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Love Letters to Jane's World is an anthology collection by Paige Braddock with an anticipated release date 21st August, 2018. Published by Lion Forge, it's 304 pages of previously released material with new background info and commentary. It's available in paperback and ebook formats.
I love the ensemble cast in Jane's World because they highlight the innate random absurdity of the universe (talking dogs, aliens, bigfoot (bigfeet?) glasses wearing crabs), whilst still remaining firmly human in their day-to-day travails (crap job, relationship problems, money issues). I love the escapism and humor (and there's lots of both to be found here). The book doesn't spend any page content getting new readers up to speed, so it's good to have a little background familiarity going in.
Underneath the random weird stuff, the cast seem to be (mostly) decent and kind. There's no hidden agenda, they're just folks living their (slightly weird) lives. Jane's something of an everyperson dork and she's really easy to like, even when she's being clueless and annoying.
I would strongly recommend not trying to compare this series to anything else. I think a lot of reviewers have such strong preconceived ideas of What It Means To Be A Gay Comic that they sort of miss the point. Jane & co. are people going about their lives, buying wine and groceries and going to work and don't HAVE (and shouldn't need to have) an agenda. It's a mostly humorous comic book about life whose titular character happens to be gay. Don't read it just for the gay.
I really enjoyed the book a lot.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Love Letters to Jane's World is an anthology collection by Paige Braddock with an anticipated release date 21st August, 2018. Published by Lion Forge, it's 304 pages of previously released material with new background info and commentary. It's available in paperback and ebook formats.
I love the ensemble cast in Jane's World because they highlight the innate random absurdity of the universe (talking dogs, aliens, bigfoot (bigfeet?) glasses wearing crabs), whilst still remaining firmly human in their day-to-day travails (crap job, relationship problems, money issues). I love the escapism and humor (and there's lots of both to be found here). The book doesn't spend any page content getting new readers up to speed, so it's good to have a little background familiarity going in.
Underneath the random weird stuff, the cast seem to be (mostly) decent and kind. There's no hidden agenda, they're just folks living their (slightly weird) lives. Jane's something of an everyperson dork and she's really easy to like, even when she's being clueless and annoying.
I would strongly recommend not trying to compare this series to anything else. I think a lot of reviewers have such strong preconceived ideas of What It Means To Be A Gay Comic that they sort of miss the point. Jane & co. are people going about their lives, buying wine and groceries and going to work and don't HAVE (and shouldn't need to have) an agenda. It's a mostly humorous comic book about life whose titular character happens to be gay. Don't read it just for the gay.
I really enjoyed the book a lot.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
April 25, 2019
Did not finish the book, so take my review with a grain of salt if you will. I expected stronger, lengthier storylines, but instead found myself plowing through a vast number of daily comic strips. Three panels, punchline at the end. I certainly read and loved Calvin & Hobbes as a child, and I'll still go back to Bloom County on occasion as an adult, but I'm simply not cut out for reading a massive amount of daily strips in one sitting. If I could hang on to the book for several weeks and knock out a few strips at a time, I might be able to make it through the whole dang book. Alas, it's on hold at the library.
I guess I'm not that sad to put it down, though. The characters largely feel interchangeable or just in the strip for a certain comedic effect. Jane is fun, which is important. But everyone else just plays off her or is a wallflower. And the text is dense. One of the keys to a daily strip is simplicity. Jane's World breaks that mold, and not for the better. Even reading a small number of strips, I found my eyes glazing over, looking for the next break in the dialogue. I'd argue Love Letters to Jane's World is for true fans only.
I guess I'm not that sad to put it down, though. The characters largely feel interchangeable or just in the strip for a certain comedic effect. Jane is fun, which is important. But everyone else just plays off her or is a wallflower. And the text is dense. One of the keys to a daily strip is simplicity. Jane's World breaks that mold, and not for the better. Even reading a small number of strips, I found my eyes glazing over, looking for the next break in the dialogue. I'd argue Love Letters to Jane's World is for true fans only.
September 14, 2018
I bought a second-hand copy of Jane's World Collection, Vol. 1 after hearing about the strip's novelization, The Case of the Mail Order Bride, a couple years back. The collection is a delicious, thick steak of a book, with the first fifteen issues leading readers through the adventures of Jane, Chelle, Ethan, and their friends and family. For readers new to the humorous adventures of Braddock's quirky cast, Love Letters to Jane's World offers a condensed introduction to the strip's early, middle, and later story lines. Alien abductions, Amazon fantasies, undercover agents, and in the midst of it all, a woman trying to navigate friendship, romance, and career. Interspersed throughout are affectionate, candid quotes from folks who found a home with the series. While I had anticipated short letters, the quotes, few and far between, still add warmth to the collection. Maybe after reading this fun sampler, you'll add reflections of your own.
August 5, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
Love Letters to Jane's World contains both selected comics from the series and comments written by reviewers and other cartoonists. The comic starts with a list of characters who appear in the comics and how they relate to Jane, so that the new readers will know and old readers can refresh their memories. It ends with fan letters and a note from the author.
Jane's World features feelings such as insecurity and trying to figure life out that everyone will relate to; it also contains some far out there story lines, such as alien abduction and zombies. This was my first exposure to Jane's World, and I enjoyed it. The selections provided make me want to go back and find out what happened in the story in between the scenes included in this book.
Love Letters to Jane's World contains both selected comics from the series and comments written by reviewers and other cartoonists. The comic starts with a list of characters who appear in the comics and how they relate to Jane, so that the new readers will know and old readers can refresh their memories. It ends with fan letters and a note from the author.
Jane's World features feelings such as insecurity and trying to figure life out that everyone will relate to; it also contains some far out there story lines, such as alien abduction and zombies. This was my first exposure to Jane's World, and I enjoyed it. The selections provided make me want to go back and find out what happened in the story in between the scenes included in this book.
September 5, 2018
Love Letters to Jane's World by Paige Braddock, who created the first syndicated comic to feature a lesbian main character, is a funny, goofy book with a ridiculously likeable cast of characters that I found myself enjoying more and more as I read about them. While not a progressive series of stories from the comic, this is more of a "greatest hits" collection of Jane & Co's shenanigans, paired with "love letters" from fans. I'm going to have to find Jane's World either online or in print and read this in order. It's a gem of a fun story.
August 6, 2019
I had never heard of “Jane’s World” so I was very intrigued when I came across this very nice book at Chicago’s best LGBT selection at Unabridged Books.
This title is totally a time capsule comic!!! The hair and fashions are so 90’s (however the hair styles are still rocked by many in Chicago)! I loved it!!! If only I was able to read this when it was being published.
I plan on checking out Paige’s other works!!!
This title is totally a time capsule comic!!! The hair and fashions are so 90’s (however the hair styles are still rocked by many in Chicago)! I loved it!!! If only I was able to read this when it was being published.
I plan on checking out Paige’s other works!!!
February 2, 2022
I didn't realize I still loved comics until this book❤️❤️ It has the hijinks vibes of Calvin & Hobbes, but with adult characters and a lesbian protagonist. Very light-hearted stuff. It always improved my mood, whether I read 1 page at a time or 30.
October 1, 2022
This was a good way to revisit the series, since I read it so long ago. It's dense with comics. The "love letters" are nice, but don't take up much of the book.
September 17, 2018
This was an endearing 20th anniversary collection of the groundbreaking comic Jane's World. This collection takes readers on a highlights reel of comic strips about Jane, Chelle, Ethan, and Dorothy as well as an extensive ensemble of friends and lovers. Overall the comics are fun, fresh, and funny, but I couldn't help rolling my eyes at some of the fantastical tangents Jane would get into (alien abductions, Amazonian daydreams, and straight male co-workers sexing up the narrative with some misogynistic male gaze... yawn). Luckily, the latter half of the book focuses less on fantasy hijinx and more on Jane's search for love in all the wrong places. Readers looking for a light-hearted read that puts lesbian relationships front and center will fall in love with Jane's World.
December 30, 2018
I'm a bit baffled at how many authors I respect gave a blurb for this book. I found it incredibly dull and terribly arranged for newcomers to understand what was happening. I really really tried to make it through but I couldn't. It was like if One Big Happy met Cathy and was gay in the 90s. I used to think Dykes to Watch Out For was boring as, but when I read the collected works I was enraptured--these were interesting people with interesting things to say about the world and humanity. I thought this would be similar, but it has no appeal aside from what must have been the marvel of reading about dull normal people who happen to be gay in the comic section of the newspaper in the 90s. Which, like, I'm glad that existed and confused about how I never heard of it.
Recommended for those who were fans of the strip already.
Recommended for those who were fans of the strip already.
January 21, 2022
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC of this book.
I had never heard of Jane’s World until I saw that this collection was up for grabs. I also didn’t have consistent access to newspapers at any point in my life. So it isn’t all that surprising that I was not able to get into this comic when it was on going. I am very thankful that parts were collected, but I really wish they had been collected in order and released in a multi-volume way instead of selected pieces. I would have been able to follow the story line better if the story line wasn’t organized in any which way the way it seemed, unless Chelle and Jane really were together five or six times. This is my first of three major complaints.
The second complaint was how often the straight male characters “stole” the comic and made it into a “lesbians just really need a good man” grossness. The first time it happened, it was pretty amusing because Jane shut it down and made it clear that that behavior wasn’t ok. The fact that it kept happening and that Jane was still best friends with the guy who did it is just really gross to me.
The third complaint is the couples always just seemed random. I think that is mostly due to the collection not being complete so the buildup was missed in the sections that were not in the book. I didn’t hold this one against the book or the author, because it was easy to blame it on limited space in a collection.
It read like a more gay version of Ellen (the sitcom). Jane very much was a calmer version of Ellen, well, since the comic came first, Ellen was a more hyper and anxious version of Jane. Jane/Ellen lived with a straight guy and had feelings for women. Jane/Ellen never really had good luck with dating. The basics were similar, but Jane’s World went much further than Ellen ever did. Jane was allowed to have more queer friends. Jane got abducted by aliens, not sure if this is a good or a bad thing. It seemed really odd and out of place for the rest of the collection even.
The book itself wasn’t funny. This was more a slice of life variety than a regular funny pages comic. I am a tentative fan. I would like to see more to see how I really feel about the series.
I got an ARC of this book.
I had never heard of Jane’s World until I saw that this collection was up for grabs. I also didn’t have consistent access to newspapers at any point in my life. So it isn’t all that surprising that I was not able to get into this comic when it was on going. I am very thankful that parts were collected, but I really wish they had been collected in order and released in a multi-volume way instead of selected pieces. I would have been able to follow the story line better if the story line wasn’t organized in any which way the way it seemed, unless Chelle and Jane really were together five or six times. This is my first of three major complaints.
The second complaint was how often the straight male characters “stole” the comic and made it into a “lesbians just really need a good man” grossness. The first time it happened, it was pretty amusing because Jane shut it down and made it clear that that behavior wasn’t ok. The fact that it kept happening and that Jane was still best friends with the guy who did it is just really gross to me.
The third complaint is the couples always just seemed random. I think that is mostly due to the collection not being complete so the buildup was missed in the sections that were not in the book. I didn’t hold this one against the book or the author, because it was easy to blame it on limited space in a collection.
It read like a more gay version of Ellen (the sitcom). Jane very much was a calmer version of Ellen, well, since the comic came first, Ellen was a more hyper and anxious version of Jane. Jane/Ellen lived with a straight guy and had feelings for women. Jane/Ellen never really had good luck with dating. The basics were similar, but Jane’s World went much further than Ellen ever did. Jane was allowed to have more queer friends. Jane got abducted by aliens, not sure if this is a good or a bad thing. It seemed really odd and out of place for the rest of the collection even.
The book itself wasn’t funny. This was more a slice of life variety than a regular funny pages comic. I am a tentative fan. I would like to see more to see how I really feel about the series.
August 17, 2025
First I'll say that I love Jane's World! The characters are all extremely likeable and it often had me laughing out loud. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories about lesbians and friendship, and to anyone who enjoys just having a good time, in general, regardless of sexuality.
But... Having already read the Jane's World Collection Vol. 1, I was already familiar with about half of this book. I was hoping that it would include a lot of what happens after the collection vol.1, but I think a lot of things were skipped over. That's fine, it's a compilation, it's not meant to include every strip, but it's just not what I was looking for, and honestly the cast of characters got confusing at some points because they hadn't been introduced properly, and characters kept referring to things that had happened in stories that weren't included.
What I'm trying to say is, it's a good introduction, but not at all comprehensive. I think this book is good for people just getting into Jane's World, or people who have already read it all as it was coming out and just want a kind of 'best hits' compilation. But for people like me who are trying to read the whole story start to finish, it's not really useful.
But... Having already read the Jane's World Collection Vol. 1, I was already familiar with about half of this book. I was hoping that it would include a lot of what happens after the collection vol.1, but I think a lot of things were skipped over. That's fine, it's a compilation, it's not meant to include every strip, but it's just not what I was looking for, and honestly the cast of characters got confusing at some points because they hadn't been introduced properly, and characters kept referring to things that had happened in stories that weren't included.
What I'm trying to say is, it's a good introduction, but not at all comprehensive. I think this book is good for people just getting into Jane's World, or people who have already read it all as it was coming out and just want a kind of 'best hits' compilation. But for people like me who are trying to read the whole story start to finish, it's not really useful.
August 17, 2018
**I received a review copy via NetGalley in exchange for my opinions.**
I like that "Love Letters to Jane’s World" is relatable, but all the words are too much. If I’d had a physical copy for review, I think my experience reading it would have been less of an issue. I can see myself taking this along to wait at a doctor’s office or something and reading then. The anthology gives a good overview of Jane’s life without needing to get the other comics. I’ve never read Jane’s World, of course, so…I don’t know if this is the whole of them! 🤷
I rated it 3/5 stars because of the words—wordiness might be a turnoff for peeps, and I know I’d want to be warned about it, given my eyesight. Comics have come a long way since 20 years ago. I’m not expecting them to be redrawn or anything—this just seems to be something before my comics-reading time. I’m fine with Jane and her friends being chatty and all that—but I really feel like, if the medium is comic form, there should be less words and more visuals.
Full review on Janepedia, 8/27.
I like that "Love Letters to Jane’s World" is relatable, but all the words are too much. If I’d had a physical copy for review, I think my experience reading it would have been less of an issue. I can see myself taking this along to wait at a doctor’s office or something and reading then. The anthology gives a good overview of Jane’s life without needing to get the other comics. I’ve never read Jane’s World, of course, so…I don’t know if this is the whole of them! 🤷
I rated it 3/5 stars because of the words—wordiness might be a turnoff for peeps, and I know I’d want to be warned about it, given my eyesight. Comics have come a long way since 20 years ago. I’m not expecting them to be redrawn or anything—this just seems to be something before my comics-reading time. I’m fine with Jane and her friends being chatty and all that—but I really feel like, if the medium is comic form, there should be less words and more visuals.
Full review on Janepedia, 8/27.
December 17, 2018
This is a collection of the comics Jane’s World.
Jane is an ordinary girl. She goes through life experiencing every day things, that I think most people can relate to. I don’t think I’ve ever read a graphic novel where the main character steps in gum, but Jane does.
I loved the way the comics broke the fourth wall, and talked about creating the comics. The artists made an appearance in some of the stories. I love this technique because it brings the reader right into the story, by commenting on how it is created.
Another thing I loved about these stories was that being gay was the norm. The majority of the characters were gay. It was a world where being gay was the norm rather than being straight. This was a refreshingly modern take on a romantic story, where the female lead could date any of the women who walked into her life because they were also gay.
I really enjoyed this collection!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jane is an ordinary girl. She goes through life experiencing every day things, that I think most people can relate to. I don’t think I’ve ever read a graphic novel where the main character steps in gum, but Jane does.
I loved the way the comics broke the fourth wall, and talked about creating the comics. The artists made an appearance in some of the stories. I love this technique because it brings the reader right into the story, by commenting on how it is created.
Another thing I loved about these stories was that being gay was the norm. The majority of the characters were gay. It was a world where being gay was the norm rather than being straight. This was a refreshingly modern take on a romantic story, where the female lead could date any of the women who walked into her life because they were also gay.
I really enjoyed this collection!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2018
I didn't expect to fall in love with this story, but I think it's impossible to not relate to Jane and her friends.
They are extremely relatable, adorable with their distinct personalities, entertaining in their own ways and Jane is a layered protagonist, while she is energetic and impetuous, she has a dreamy side that leads her to live the most insane and impossible situations inside your head.
Developments in relationships are believable and at times, I found myself fighting with the characters for little attitudes that bothered me.
The representativeness is one of the highlights and I loved meeting the first lesbian character in a comic strip.
I missed reading comics in black and white. The traits of art are very cool. My only complaint is the font size in some chapters, too small. It disrupted the reading, but I believe that in a physical edition this wouldn't be a problem.
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
They are extremely relatable, adorable with their distinct personalities, entertaining in their own ways and Jane is a layered protagonist, while she is energetic and impetuous, she has a dreamy side that leads her to live the most insane and impossible situations inside your head.
Developments in relationships are believable and at times, I found myself fighting with the characters for little attitudes that bothered me.
The representativeness is one of the highlights and I loved meeting the first lesbian character in a comic strip.
I missed reading comics in black and white. The traits of art are very cool. My only complaint is the font size in some chapters, too small. It disrupted the reading, but I believe that in a physical edition this wouldn't be a problem.
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2019
This is a little fumbling and out of order and disjointed, but it kind of works because Jane is a little fumbling and out of order and disjointed. She's an adult, kind of. Mostly? She stumbles her way through relationships and jobs in a way that teens and twenty-somethings will relate to. She has a good heart. and she still manages to screw up a lot. I like her. I think I'd probably be frustrated as all get out if I were forced to hang out with her, but in like ten years we could be friends. And really, this is about Jane, so if you like her and want to spend time with her, you'll enjoy this.
July 20, 2018
I didn't rally think this was all that funny. I had never read Jane's World before and was intrigued. It wasn't a lack of being able to empathize, I mean relationship problems are relationship problems, I just didn't connect with the main character and did really care much about the mundane parts of her life. The best parts are when she was screwing up her relationships which were emotional but not overly amusing.
This wasn't a comic for me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley; but all opinions are my own.
This wasn't a comic for me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley; but all opinions are my own.
July 21, 2018
So, lesbian readers took to this comic, due to it being the first daily mass-market strip from a lesbian to feature lesbians? Well it sure couldn't have been for the coherence. I thought to get daily relationship problems, life in a newspaper office and reality. Instead I got a fantasia about a shipwreck on an island of Amazons, then an alien abduction. You also get no 'in' to who the heck half the supporting cast are, meaning these love letters are completely pointless to the newcomer. Needless to say, DNF.
August 20, 2018
This is a wonderful collection of some of the best of the Jane's World strip. Paige Braddock is a very gifted artist. This collection would appeal to anyone who appreciates well drawn cartoons that are a terrific mix of comedy and sentiment. Her attention to little details and her sense of humor are well represented on the page. This is a comic collection I am happy to have on my bookshelf in a place of honor between Alison Bechdel and Roz Chast. If you enjoy those two, you'll love Paige Braddock.
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