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My Riot
"Full of raw noise & 90's angst, MY RIOT delivers an electric gut-punch of a tale that will have you aching for the return of the riot grrrl movement." — Kim Liggett, New York Times Bestselling author of THE GRACE YEAR
Set in the early '90s, My Riot is about a trio of teen girls team up to form a rock band and shake off society's expectations of what it means to be a young woman coming of age in the modern world.
1991—Val, a teenager from a conservative family, has grown up dreaming of becoming a ballerina, but recently something has changed. She’s begun feeling pressure to conform to a specific idea of beauty, body type, and a personality that just doesn’t fit.
Val meets Kat, a smart, witty girl that doesn’t take any crap off anyone. Kat introduces Val to punk rock. Along with Rudie, another new friend, the three form an all-girl punk band they ironically name The Proper Ladies.
Soon Val and her friends find themselves caught up in a movement with other girls also starting bands—also finding their voice. Collectively, these “riot grrrls” discover that their songs ring out loud and powerful, and for Val, there’s no going back.
Set in the early '90s, My Riot is about a trio of teen girls team up to form a rock band and shake off society's expectations of what it means to be a young woman coming of age in the modern world.
1991—Val, a teenager from a conservative family, has grown up dreaming of becoming a ballerina, but recently something has changed. She’s begun feeling pressure to conform to a specific idea of beauty, body type, and a personality that just doesn’t fit.
Val meets Kat, a smart, witty girl that doesn’t take any crap off anyone. Kat introduces Val to punk rock. Along with Rudie, another new friend, the three form an all-girl punk band they ironically name The Proper Ladies.
Soon Val and her friends find themselves caught up in a movement with other girls also starting bands—also finding their voice. Collectively, these “riot grrrls” discover that their songs ring out loud and powerful, and for Val, there’s no going back.
184 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2020
1 person is currently reading
865 people want to read
About the author
Rick Spears
80 books21 followersRick Spears is an American comic book writer, best known for Teenagers from Mars and other independent comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
August 18, 2020
This book was a roller coaster ride and it at times felt like to much was going on. My Riot is a very short and fast paced read and i think it needed a lot more detail. This is a very short read, being under 200 pages, because there was so much to the plot and it brought some great issues to discuss but it was not detailed. Like one of issues is eating disorders, and the MC stops eating to try and lose weight and starts smoking because the instructor said that’s one way of losing weight. The smoking gets resolved but there was no further discussion of eating disorders. The art is beautiful and goes really well with the theme of the book. I also loved the female representation in this book and how women should never be ashamed or made to feel bad about sex. I also liked that because of the situations with the MC’s relationships that she ended the story being single because it shows that it’s okay to be single and that you don’t need anyone but your friends and family. The characters I thought were great and so relatable, but I wished we got to learn more about them. There just wasn’t a lot to them especially the side characters. Overall, this is a really fun read but I think it would be better if it was longer to help build on the points that the author brings up.
September 5, 2020
This cute, fun, messy graphic novel has a lot of important stuff to say and I loved the 90s RiotGrrrl aesthetic so much, but I don't know how I felt about the actual art of storytelling here. I found myself bored at times and experiencing whiplash at others due to the complete inconsistency of pacing, and the entire final chapter was rushed and felt untidy and strange. While I'm glad I picked it up, I don't foresee myself recommending it much simply because it feels like the sort of forgettable story I won't think back on very often after today.
✨ Content warnings for: girl-hate, fat-shaming, eating disorders (incl. bulimia & vomiting), smoking addiction & withdrawals, racism, slut-shaming, misogyny (all behaviors are eventually challenged in the text, though sometimes vaguely)
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this review copy in exchange for an honest review!
✨ Content warnings for: girl-hate, fat-shaming, eating disorders (incl. bulimia & vomiting), smoking addiction & withdrawals, racism, slut-shaming, misogyny (all behaviors are eventually challenged in the text, though sometimes vaguely)
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this review copy in exchange for an honest review!
July 7, 2020
A coming of age tale set in the riot grrrl 90s, that succumbs to a glut of clichés, which makes the whole thing feel a bit fake.
Time has to be compressed to tell a story, of course, but here it feels like every possible band life/coming of age cliché happens in quick succession. The new band has barely rehearsed, and here's their first performance! There's a reporter from the local rag there, who instantly publishes a positive piece on the band! Val (our main character) is in ballet class, where she is told to lose weight to qualify, so Val almost instantly acquires an eating disorder! She then quits her ballet class, and the eating disorder is never mentioned again.
Val's mother freaks out when she thinks her daughter is having sex. A couple of chapters later she thinks it's okay for her 17-year-old daughter to drive across America.
It all feels weightless and unimportant, it all has too little impact, and for me makes the whole story feel unrealistic.
It doesn't help that I feel Val doesn't talk like a 17-year-old. Sometimes the writing feels overwritten, leaning too much into prose. There's quite a lot of talk about music, but it's nothing you haven't heard or read before.
Val has a best friend, Kat, who she sets up her band with. We learn pretty much nothing about Kat, which feels really weird. At that age your friends are everything, they're your life - especially when you're in a band with them.
I did enjoy the art, which has a messiness that feels perfect for a 90s era comic.
If you're looking for a coming of age story, or a band story, I'd say you can do better on both fronts.
(Kindly received an ARC from Oni Press through NetGalley)
Time has to be compressed to tell a story, of course, but here it feels like every possible band life/coming of age cliché happens in quick succession. The new band has barely rehearsed, and here's their first performance! There's a reporter from the local rag there, who instantly publishes a positive piece on the band! Val (our main character) is in ballet class, where she is told to lose weight to qualify, so Val almost instantly acquires an eating disorder! She then quits her ballet class, and the eating disorder is never mentioned again.
Val's mother freaks out when she thinks her daughter is having sex. A couple of chapters later she thinks it's okay for her 17-year-old daughter to drive across America.
It all feels weightless and unimportant, it all has too little impact, and for me makes the whole story feel unrealistic.
It doesn't help that I feel Val doesn't talk like a 17-year-old. Sometimes the writing feels overwritten, leaning too much into prose. There's quite a lot of talk about music, but it's nothing you haven't heard or read before.
Val has a best friend, Kat, who she sets up her band with. We learn pretty much nothing about Kat, which feels really weird. At that age your friends are everything, they're your life - especially when you're in a band with them.
I did enjoy the art, which has a messiness that feels perfect for a 90s era comic.
If you're looking for a coming of age story, or a band story, I'd say you can do better on both fronts.
(Kindly received an ARC from Oni Press through NetGalley)
September 30, 2020
Riot Grrrl music was really important to me in my high school and college years (and heck, it's still important to me now) which is why I'm disappointed in this comic. It is a good coming of age story, but everything is so fast and compressed; success comes so easy that it feels like nothing that happens is all that important. And the standard plot, good message, and stock but interesting characters weren't enough to overcome the poor pacing that really throws everything off. the thing they did get right was the rawness and emotion in the music and lyrics; the drawings conveyed that so well. But on the whole this was a miss.
**Thanks to the author, artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to the author, artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2020
My Riot by Rick Spears is a fast paced, short, 80s/90s romp that brings all the angst and fun of the teenage years.
This was a very fun read that kept me hooked! The illustrations were also great! This coming of age tale is a great read for lovers of graphic novels.
Three out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
This was a very fun read that kept me hooked! The illustrations were also great! This coming of age tale is a great read for lovers of graphic novels.
Three out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
September 18, 2020
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Something attracted me to this book, I just love graphic novels and this seemed so interesting. A ballerina who falls in love with punk and starts her own band. OMG.
Since I am dead tired at this moment (and some other stuff) I will write a review.. but it will be a bit chaotic as I write while reading with some addings to parts as I read further. 😛
Well, given the beginning I can imagine this girl goes to punk/falls in love with something else. Dear lord, she is 115 pounds, 52 fucking kilo. That is NOTHING. How the fuck do you dare to make suggestions she is fat? How dare you suggest she goes smoking or losing weight? This girl is 17, she is still growing. She is developing. Fuck you dance instructor. 😐 I hope one day you realise the shit you said and maybe discover you have throw a lot of kids into eating disorders or lung cancer.
I did like the ballet parts, despite the whole you are fat despite not being fat stuff. I have always been a fan of ballet stories.
Also what the fuck is up with that guy she dances with. How is he able to judge that she never has been in love? I also never heard a dude of his age say swollen heart, so that had me in stitches next to wanting to punch him for saying stuff like: “I make no promises but I will do my best to help her.”.
I am glad that eventually she decided to fuck it, and I was just applauding and cheering for her because hot dang this was about time. You shouldn’t be forced to smoke a pack a day, puke out your guts, not eat anything because you are afraid of being weighed, of being too fat. WHICH SHE ISN’T. I was so proud of my girl. Good job girl! Fuck ballet, fuck that lady and her constant whining about weight and how a ballerina should be. That isn’t healthy and someone should talk to that lady.
While I never agree of riots and destroying property, no matter what anyone’s cause is, this was a change for Valerie. She made a new friend (who is showing her new things and giving her new music). And slowly she is changing to who she really wants to be. And what she wants to be. And I was so happy for her.
I loved her first experience with seeing a band (guessing punk/rock) live. How she immediately jumped and danced no matter that she got a nosebleed. And OMG, those sweet moments with that guy, I was just swooning and hoping these two would get together. Though Jake was just a bit of a dick at times. I am sorry, but really? He got upset over that? She never said she never had x… And why does it matter that she had x? Also later he started to get really pissy about the band and such and I just wanted to throw him in a cold river so he could freaking cool down.
Though there is also the guy she dances with. I do hope sincerely that this isn’t going to be a freaking love triangle or I may just drop the book. While dancer dude has gained a bit more of my liking, I still don’t like him fully. Oh dear, it became a slight love triangle and I guess Valerie was too absorbed in everything to notice. I actually feel sorry for that guy. While he was a bit of a dick at the beginning I really started to like him.
Haha, her playing the guitar.. or trying and saying this: “Yeah, I need some backup, or maybe an exorcism.” Sounds fair, given what I know about guitar playing and how it can mess your fingers.
I loved seeing her play and Jake/Jack helping her along the way. I loved her proud moments and how she eagerly shared them with her dog or with Jake/Jack. I loved that the two girls formed a band over a phone, and practised that way. Though I can only imagine the phone bill. 😛
I loved their first concert and how they stumbled through it, but still seemed to do fairly well for beginners. OK, they still hurt people’s ears, but they were trying their best and it is amazing what they learned in 2 months.
And then they became super awesome and I just ADORED their lyrics, their energy, everything. I would love to be there just like those are women and rock my socks off. I loved their tour during the summer, it was just perfection.
The ending just had me smiling and I am glad that the author ended the GN with this. I would have still liked to see what happened to Kat, but I am happy we get to see most of the characters or learn about them and what happened after.
Can I say that I really appreciate the parents? Like so much? They were a bit strict at times (like with the condoms stuff), but they really seemed to be open to what their kid wanted, and eventually also become more open to what she wants. They supported her. They saw that she was happy with her singing, and that she was good at it.
I am also a big fan of the art. It is just so fun and punk!
All in all, I loved this book so much. Sorry for my chaotic review, but I am sure it still conveys my feelings just right. I would highly recommend this book.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Something attracted me to this book, I just love graphic novels and this seemed so interesting. A ballerina who falls in love with punk and starts her own band. OMG.
Since I am dead tired at this moment (and some other stuff) I will write a review.. but it will be a bit chaotic as I write while reading with some addings to parts as I read further. 😛
Well, given the beginning I can imagine this girl goes to punk/falls in love with something else. Dear lord, she is 115 pounds, 52 fucking kilo. That is NOTHING. How the fuck do you dare to make suggestions she is fat? How dare you suggest she goes smoking or losing weight? This girl is 17, she is still growing. She is developing. Fuck you dance instructor. 😐 I hope one day you realise the shit you said and maybe discover you have throw a lot of kids into eating disorders or lung cancer.
I did like the ballet parts, despite the whole you are fat despite not being fat stuff. I have always been a fan of ballet stories.
Also what the fuck is up with that guy she dances with. How is he able to judge that she never has been in love? I also never heard a dude of his age say swollen heart, so that had me in stitches next to wanting to punch him for saying stuff like: “I make no promises but I will do my best to help her.”.
I am glad that eventually she decided to fuck it, and I was just applauding and cheering for her because hot dang this was about time. You shouldn’t be forced to smoke a pack a day, puke out your guts, not eat anything because you are afraid of being weighed, of being too fat. WHICH SHE ISN’T. I was so proud of my girl. Good job girl! Fuck ballet, fuck that lady and her constant whining about weight and how a ballerina should be. That isn’t healthy and someone should talk to that lady.
While I never agree of riots and destroying property, no matter what anyone’s cause is, this was a change for Valerie. She made a new friend (who is showing her new things and giving her new music). And slowly she is changing to who she really wants to be. And what she wants to be. And I was so happy for her.
I loved her first experience with seeing a band (guessing punk/rock) live. How she immediately jumped and danced no matter that she got a nosebleed. And OMG, those sweet moments with that guy, I was just swooning and hoping these two would get together. Though Jake was just a bit of a dick at times. I am sorry, but really? He got upset over that? She never said she never had x… And why does it matter that she had x? Also later he started to get really pissy about the band and such and I just wanted to throw him in a cold river so he could freaking cool down.
Though there is also the guy she dances with. I do hope sincerely that this isn’t going to be a freaking love triangle or I may just drop the book. While dancer dude has gained a bit more of my liking, I still don’t like him fully. Oh dear, it became a slight love triangle and I guess Valerie was too absorbed in everything to notice. I actually feel sorry for that guy. While he was a bit of a dick at the beginning I really started to like him.
Haha, her playing the guitar.. or trying and saying this: “Yeah, I need some backup, or maybe an exorcism.” Sounds fair, given what I know about guitar playing and how it can mess your fingers.
I loved seeing her play and Jake/Jack helping her along the way. I loved her proud moments and how she eagerly shared them with her dog or with Jake/Jack. I loved that the two girls formed a band over a phone, and practised that way. Though I can only imagine the phone bill. 😛
I loved their first concert and how they stumbled through it, but still seemed to do fairly well for beginners. OK, they still hurt people’s ears, but they were trying their best and it is amazing what they learned in 2 months.
And then they became super awesome and I just ADORED their lyrics, their energy, everything. I would love to be there just like those are women and rock my socks off. I loved their tour during the summer, it was just perfection.
The ending just had me smiling and I am glad that the author ended the GN with this. I would have still liked to see what happened to Kat, but I am happy we get to see most of the characters or learn about them and what happened after.
Can I say that I really appreciate the parents? Like so much? They were a bit strict at times (like with the condoms stuff), but they really seemed to be open to what their kid wanted, and eventually also become more open to what she wants. They supported her. They saw that she was happy with her singing, and that she was good at it.
I am also a big fan of the art. It is just so fun and punk!
All in all, I loved this book so much. Sorry for my chaotic review, but I am sure it still conveys my feelings just right. I would highly recommend this book.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 8, 2020
My Riot is about a trio of teen girls team up to form a rock band and shake off society's expectations of what it means to be a young woman coming of age in the modern world.
I haven't read many graphic books but I did enjoy this one. I liked the feminist tone of this book as well as how it tried to depict the pressures that teenagers face thanks to body shaming. It brought back memories of the rebellious teenage years.
I just felt that the last few pages and the ending was slightly rushed.
Overall a fun and quick read!
Thank You NetGalley and Oni Press for this ARC!
I haven't read many graphic books but I did enjoy this one. I liked the feminist tone of this book as well as how it tried to depict the pressures that teenagers face thanks to body shaming. It brought back memories of the rebellious teenage years.
I just felt that the last few pages and the ending was slightly rushed.
Overall a fun and quick read!
Thank You NetGalley and Oni Press for this ARC!
July 4, 2020
I received this from Oni Press as an ARC. Thank you.
This was a flash back to my University years. I was a straight edge kid for the longest time. And some of those values still stick with me.
The book only gives a brief glimpse as to what life was like during this time. Hopefully it inspires a new group of kids.
This was a flash back to my University years. I was a straight edge kid for the longest time. And some of those values still stick with me.
The book only gives a brief glimpse as to what life was like during this time. Hopefully it inspires a new group of kids.
August 30, 2020
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars
my riot was a roller coaster. this graphic novel is a coming of age story about a girl in the '90s who, while she's battling to discover herself, decides to form her own band with a friend.
i enjoyed certain aspects of this book while there were some others that didn't do it for me. first, i liked how it touched on serious social issues like eating disorders, the pressure of society on teenage girls' bodies and consent. however, the way they were handled felt superficial and left room for inconsistencies in the novel. for example, the riots happening in the city were introduced to the story but never got explained at all.
now, the main character was another thing that kept me from liking this completely. while i appreciated how "real" the authors tried to make her, i also thought that her extreme rebellious personality made her an insufferable character tremendously easy to hate. she had no filter and managed to push away important people in her life. i did like the first half of the book, when we get to see a nice girl and not a jerk that didn't have any consideration for other people's feelings.
it's not a story that i'd personally come back to, but i'm sure it's something others might enjoy.
2.5 stars
my riot was a roller coaster. this graphic novel is a coming of age story about a girl in the '90s who, while she's battling to discover herself, decides to form her own band with a friend.
i enjoyed certain aspects of this book while there were some others that didn't do it for me. first, i liked how it touched on serious social issues like eating disorders, the pressure of society on teenage girls' bodies and consent. however, the way they were handled felt superficial and left room for inconsistencies in the novel. for example, the riots happening in the city were introduced to the story but never got explained at all.
now, the main character was another thing that kept me from liking this completely. while i appreciated how "real" the authors tried to make her, i also thought that her extreme rebellious personality made her an insufferable character tremendously easy to hate. she had no filter and managed to push away important people in her life. i did like the first half of the book, when we get to see a nice girl and not a jerk that didn't have any consideration for other people's feelings.
it's not a story that i'd personally come back to, but i'm sure it's something others might enjoy.
September 10, 2020
This graphic novel could've been fantastic and I really, really wanted it to be. It had all the framework, all the potential, but just missed the mark.
It felt like storylines were flung around for the sake of it and not seen through (for instance, the random rioting seemed to be there purely for the title of the book). The characters, similarly, were left half developed, not delved into.
This will forever be for me one of those "could've been great" stories.
It felt like storylines were flung around for the sake of it and not seen through (for instance, the random rioting seemed to be there purely for the title of the book). The characters, similarly, were left half developed, not delved into.
This will forever be for me one of those "could've been great" stories.
July 2, 2020
Thank you to the publisher for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
That's what I'm talking about when I talk about character development. The character development was very good in this one and I'm super happy with the way it was written.
One thing to note though. The story (especially during the ending) was a bit all over the place. Sometimes it seemed a bit rushy between destinations and events however it wasn't too rushy where you can't follow it anymore. Just a simple opinion.
This comic is very fun to read and very refreshing from the usual comic that I read. It shows a very bright main character through her life. Starting a band, her ballet classes, you name it. It's very good.
I would definitely recommend this one!
That's what I'm talking about when I talk about character development. The character development was very good in this one and I'm super happy with the way it was written.
One thing to note though. The story (especially during the ending) was a bit all over the place. Sometimes it seemed a bit rushy between destinations and events however it wasn't too rushy where you can't follow it anymore. Just a simple opinion.
This comic is very fun to read and very refreshing from the usual comic that I read. It shows a very bright main character through her life. Starting a band, her ballet classes, you name it. It's very good.
I would definitely recommend this one!
August 24, 2020
Ableist slurs. Fat shaming. Assaults. Adults behaving badly. No recourse or discussion in the text. I’m disappointed in Oni for publishing this.
November 29, 2020
(I recieved an ARC of this graphic novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
As much as I wanted to adore this feminist and empowerment-full graphic novel, it ended up being kind of a miss for me. I felt like it lacked a lot of things regarding the plot - there were some parts of the book where it didn't flow seamlessly, it seemed like the author just jumped from one action to another without interconnecting them in any ways. Moreover, I feel like I didn't really connect with the main character enough (maybe 'cause she's seventeen and I'm quite past that age already).
Besides these personal preferences, which made the graphic novel get such a low rating for me, I loved the colour scheme and how the colour tonality changed almost like from one part of the main character's life to another, from one facade she offered the world to another. Although there was one dominant colour on the page, I didn't feel like that took away from the beauty of the art. If anything, it added to it, showing how much artists can create although not using a variate colour palette. '
I also really appreciated the fact that it was very diverse in tackling race, sexuality (and other problems teen girls face in relation to sex) and possibly even gender identity (don't quote me on this one though as I'm not really 100% sure it did).
I think this graphic novel could be very empowering for young women, especially teenagers that are trying to find themselves, to create themselves. The journey that the main character goes through (although quite a too fast paced one for me) might be a kick-starter, an example for other young girls to try and overcome their own limits so as to be better and stronger.
As much as I wanted to adore this feminist and empowerment-full graphic novel, it ended up being kind of a miss for me. I felt like it lacked a lot of things regarding the plot - there were some parts of the book where it didn't flow seamlessly, it seemed like the author just jumped from one action to another without interconnecting them in any ways. Moreover, I feel like I didn't really connect with the main character enough (maybe 'cause she's seventeen and I'm quite past that age already).
Besides these personal preferences, which made the graphic novel get such a low rating for me, I loved the colour scheme and how the colour tonality changed almost like from one part of the main character's life to another, from one facade she offered the world to another. Although there was one dominant colour on the page, I didn't feel like that took away from the beauty of the art. If anything, it added to it, showing how much artists can create although not using a variate colour palette. '
I also really appreciated the fact that it was very diverse in tackling race, sexuality (and other problems teen girls face in relation to sex) and possibly even gender identity (don't quote me on this one though as I'm not really 100% sure it did).
I think this graphic novel could be very empowering for young women, especially teenagers that are trying to find themselves, to create themselves. The journey that the main character goes through (although quite a too fast paced one for me) might be a kick-starter, an example for other young girls to try and overcome their own limits so as to be better and stronger.
July 26, 2020
I am not okay with this graphic novel.
Maybe it's trying to say how bad it was in the 90s for the coming of age kids but no, it is just too horrible to read.
I do appreciate the efforts of the author and the team (love the illustrations even though the art sequence gets a bit haphazard here and there) but no, it seems like I am reading a nightmare of encouraging someone to have a poor image of themselves.
First of all, I am not okay with the fat shaming or body shaming even though it is still happening in real.
Second, adults encouraging bulimia or eat less leading to eating disorders is a big no for me to read anyday.
I have so many other issues like drugs, misguided sexual education, assaults just into chapter two.
No, I cannot do this.
The book may turn out good.
I don't know but I couldn't think straight anymore.
And then I still kept on reading because I know how teens get confused and misguided too often.
Everything started so that the main character had to please others in authority and to qualify for the ballet dance group.
Then somehow she joined a band and she just lost focus.
Nothing much developed.
Lots of smoking, lots of bulimia, lots of abusive scenes,
I feel like the characters did not develop at all.
No, I just couldn't like this one at all.
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC.
Maybe it's trying to say how bad it was in the 90s for the coming of age kids but no, it is just too horrible to read.
I do appreciate the efforts of the author and the team (love the illustrations even though the art sequence gets a bit haphazard here and there) but no, it seems like I am reading a nightmare of encouraging someone to have a poor image of themselves.
First of all, I am not okay with the fat shaming or body shaming even though it is still happening in real.
Second, adults encouraging bulimia or eat less leading to eating disorders is a big no for me to read anyday.
I have so many other issues like drugs, misguided sexual education, assaults just into chapter two.
No, I cannot do this.
The book may turn out good.
I don't know but I couldn't think straight anymore.
And then I still kept on reading because I know how teens get confused and misguided too often.
Everything started so that the main character had to please others in authority and to qualify for the ballet dance group.
Then somehow she joined a band and she just lost focus.
Nothing much developed.
Lots of smoking, lots of bulimia, lots of abusive scenes,
I feel like the characters did not develop at all.
No, I just couldn't like this one at all.
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC.
August 18, 2020
My Riot is a charming, coming-of-age graphic novel set in the 90s Riot Grrrl scene. We follow Val, a ballerina struggling to fit in to that world in the same way she used to (Massive respect to our girl for recognising a shitty situation and saying FUCK THAT before it got out of hand). Her first day at a new job, Val becomes involved in a riot which sets off a series of changes which lead her to discover and explore her true passions, and meet her new best friend.
The story is laced with strong themes of female empowerment, which is always a delight to read. It also did a really good job of being realistic. None of the characters were too perfect or too wild. They all had their own personality and their own motivations for being the way they were, and I loved that. The ending too, was very natural. It didn't round up perfectly or finish exactly the way we all would have expected which made it so much more interesting to read.
It wasn't perfect - I wasn't fully invested the whole way through, and the situation with the boys frustrated me - but it was short and fun and just what I was looking for.
The story is laced with strong themes of female empowerment, which is always a delight to read. It also did a really good job of being realistic. None of the characters were too perfect or too wild. They all had their own personality and their own motivations for being the way they were, and I loved that. The ending too, was very natural. It didn't round up perfectly or finish exactly the way we all would have expected which made it so much more interesting to read.
It wasn't perfect - I wasn't fully invested the whole way through, and the situation with the boys frustrated me - but it was short and fun and just what I was looking for.
July 28, 2020
I received a free e-arc of this book by Netgalley and the publishet in an exchange of an honest review.
TW: Fat shaming, slut shaming and mentions of abortion (also throwing up food but no mentions of eating disorders so keep that in mind)
My Riot was different from any novel and/or graphic novel I've ever read. This graphic novel is about a girl trying to find out who she truly is. She starts as a ballet dancer, but finds out she also wants to form a band.
The premise was really good and it touched important topics but I hate to say that in my opinion it should have been a little bit longer and explore those topics a little bit better. The story seemed to jump from on point to the other very quickly.
I love how the fat shaming and slut shaming parts were handled, even though I felt a bit uncomfortable in the beginning. I also really enjoyed how the story ended, it felt very realistic and so did the characters. They were flawed but they felt like real people.
Overall, a unique story exploring important topics that should have been a little bit longer. Give it a go if you are interested in stories with girl bands especially!!
TW: Fat shaming, slut shaming and mentions of abortion (also throwing up food but no mentions of eating disorders so keep that in mind)
My Riot was different from any novel and/or graphic novel I've ever read. This graphic novel is about a girl trying to find out who she truly is. She starts as a ballet dancer, but finds out she also wants to form a band.
The premise was really good and it touched important topics but I hate to say that in my opinion it should have been a little bit longer and explore those topics a little bit better. The story seemed to jump from on point to the other very quickly.
I love how the fat shaming and slut shaming parts were handled, even though I felt a bit uncomfortable in the beginning. I also really enjoyed how the story ended, it felt very realistic and so did the characters. They were flawed but they felt like real people.
Overall, a unique story exploring important topics that should have been a little bit longer. Give it a go if you are interested in stories with girl bands especially!!
July 17, 2020
Thanks to #Netgalley for making this book available to me.
So I started this book on high expectations because I seem to be reading a lot of good graphic novels lately and this book was good but I felt like it was a bit too drawn out and I lost interest halfway into the story. Let me explain
The first half was fantastic, we got to know Val as a character and I love the diversity of the characters and the representations. However, Val wasn't a character that I necessarily enjoyed. She is a teenage girl who just got her first job and she also has a love-hate relationship with ballet. as her teacher is always on her case about her weight and she advised her to start smoking because it would curb her hunger (I mean, an unhealthy way to curb your hunger). So she starts smoking and she also develops an eating disorder.
Then we have her mother who is a conservative mom and she freaks out when she finds Condoms in Val's bag and I remember thinking that 'this is not the right way to handle finding condoms in your teenage daughter or son's bag'. Her mother slut-shames her even though we know that Val isn't having sex.
Then riots begin around the state with everything being destroyed and there is one line that stood out to me "Last night's riot was the release of pent-up racial tension" which explains what is happening today. Val and her family seemed very removed from the situation as they enjoy their suburban life until her workplace is smashed by a brick during the riot. A statement she made, "I never saw the brick until it was part of my life" made me realize how much she didn't recognize her privilege. Anyways she makes a friend on the same day and through her friend, Val's love for punk rock began.
There were so many hilarious moments in the story and I love the art style although the absence of color in the book made it hard for me to read. The facial expressions were just so hilarious.
So I started this book on high expectations because I seem to be reading a lot of good graphic novels lately and this book was good but I felt like it was a bit too drawn out and I lost interest halfway into the story. Let me explain
The first half was fantastic, we got to know Val as a character and I love the diversity of the characters and the representations. However, Val wasn't a character that I necessarily enjoyed. She is a teenage girl who just got her first job and she also has a love-hate relationship with ballet. as her teacher is always on her case about her weight and she advised her to start smoking because it would curb her hunger (I mean, an unhealthy way to curb your hunger). So she starts smoking and she also develops an eating disorder.
Then we have her mother who is a conservative mom and she freaks out when she finds Condoms in Val's bag and I remember thinking that 'this is not the right way to handle finding condoms in your teenage daughter or son's bag'. Her mother slut-shames her even though we know that Val isn't having sex.
Then riots begin around the state with everything being destroyed and there is one line that stood out to me "Last night's riot was the release of pent-up racial tension" which explains what is happening today. Val and her family seemed very removed from the situation as they enjoy their suburban life until her workplace is smashed by a brick during the riot. A statement she made, "I never saw the brick until it was part of my life" made me realize how much she didn't recognize her privilege. Anyways she makes a friend on the same day and through her friend, Val's love for punk rock began.
There were so many hilarious moments in the story and I love the art style although the absence of color in the book made it hard for me to read. The facial expressions were just so hilarious.
July 14, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
3.5🌟
It was such a fun and cool read! It’s a heartwarming story about self-discovery, girls friendship, and body positivity. The illustration is AMAZING. It gave me 90s vibe and i can felt the panels featuring the punk shows radiating the energy.
However, I would have liked to see more of the friendship between the girls. Kat and Rudie’ characters are so interesting and it’s dissapointing we learn pretty much nothing about them. It would be amazing if their characters were explored more, not just as ‘the girl in the band’. Another issue is that the pacing was slightly inconsistent, the ending was good but it felt rushed.
Overall, i did enjoy most of it. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a fun and quick read!
Trigger warnings for: body image, eating disorder, slut-shaming.
3.5🌟
It was such a fun and cool read! It’s a heartwarming story about self-discovery, girls friendship, and body positivity. The illustration is AMAZING. It gave me 90s vibe and i can felt the panels featuring the punk shows radiating the energy.
However, I would have liked to see more of the friendship between the girls. Kat and Rudie’ characters are so interesting and it’s dissapointing we learn pretty much nothing about them. It would be amazing if their characters were explored more, not just as ‘the girl in the band’. Another issue is that the pacing was slightly inconsistent, the ending was good but it felt rushed.
Overall, i did enjoy most of it. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a fun and quick read!
Trigger warnings for: body image, eating disorder, slut-shaming.
November 3, 2020
I am not okay with this graphic novel.
Maybe it's trying to say how bad it was in the 90s for the coming of age kids but no, it is just too horrible to read.
I do appreciate the efforts of the author and the team (love the illustrations even though the art sequence gets a bit haphazard here and there) but no, it seems like I am reading a nightmare of encouraging someone to have a poor image of themselves.
First of all, I am not okay with the fat shaming or body shaming even though it is still happening in real.
Second, adults encouraging bulimia or eat less leading to eating disorders is a big no for me to read anyday.
I have so many other issues like drugs, misguided sexual education, assaults just into chapter two.
No, I cannot do this.
The book may turn out good.
I don't know but I couldn't think straight anymore.
And then I still kept on reading because I know how teens get confused and misguided too often.
Everything started so that the main character had to please others in authority and to qualify for the ballet dance group.
Then somehow she joined a band and she just lost focus.
Nothing much developed.
Lots of smoking, lots of bulimia, lots of abusive scenes,
I feel like the characters did not develop at all.
No, I just couldn't like this one at all.
The representation was not done well at all.
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC.
Maybe it's trying to say how bad it was in the 90s for the coming of age kids but no, it is just too horrible to read.
I do appreciate the efforts of the author and the team (love the illustrations even though the art sequence gets a bit haphazard here and there) but no, it seems like I am reading a nightmare of encouraging someone to have a poor image of themselves.
First of all, I am not okay with the fat shaming or body shaming even though it is still happening in real.
Second, adults encouraging bulimia or eat less leading to eating disorders is a big no for me to read anyday.
I have so many other issues like drugs, misguided sexual education, assaults just into chapter two.
No, I cannot do this.
The book may turn out good.
I don't know but I couldn't think straight anymore.
And then I still kept on reading because I know how teens get confused and misguided too often.
Everything started so that the main character had to please others in authority and to qualify for the ballet dance group.
Then somehow she joined a band and she just lost focus.
Nothing much developed.
Lots of smoking, lots of bulimia, lots of abusive scenes,
I feel like the characters did not develop at all.
No, I just couldn't like this one at all.
The representation was not done well at all.
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2020
I received a e-ARC of My Riot through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
TW for: body issues and eating disorders.
I really didn't know what to expect when I requested My Riot I was hoping for a cool and fun 90's inspired graphic novel, and you know what that is exactly what I got and so much more! My Riot follows a girl Val while she not only tries to figure out who she is but has also started a punk band with her best friends during the height of the 90's punk rock riot grrrl movement.
I loved seeing just how much Val grew as a person through the whole story and just much punk can open up a person in to not only finding who they are but accepting it as well.
As someone who was punk in her teen years I loved this whole comic so much the story is amazing and just so relatable for girls no matter when they grew up. The art is freaking amazing, seriously it was hands down my favorite part even though I loved the story as well.
Thank you so much to both Oni Press and NetGalley for letting me read this!
TW for: body issues and eating disorders.
I really didn't know what to expect when I requested My Riot I was hoping for a cool and fun 90's inspired graphic novel, and you know what that is exactly what I got and so much more! My Riot follows a girl Val while she not only tries to figure out who she is but has also started a punk band with her best friends during the height of the 90's punk rock riot grrrl movement.
I loved seeing just how much Val grew as a person through the whole story and just much punk can open up a person in to not only finding who they are but accepting it as well.
As someone who was punk in her teen years I loved this whole comic so much the story is amazing and just so relatable for girls no matter when they grew up. The art is freaking amazing, seriously it was hands down my favorite part even though I loved the story as well.
Thank you so much to both Oni Press and NetGalley for letting me read this!
July 5, 2020
I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Raw, real and inspiring. A fantastic feminist graphic novel set in 1991, a look at Riot Girls, a true story of self discovery during a turbulent time. All told through fantastic illustrations that embody movement and emotion. Couldn't put it down, loved it. Highly recommend for anyone with a rebel inside them that needs that nudge to come out.
Raw, real and inspiring. A fantastic feminist graphic novel set in 1991, a look at Riot Girls, a true story of self discovery during a turbulent time. All told through fantastic illustrations that embody movement and emotion. Couldn't put it down, loved it. Highly recommend for anyone with a rebel inside them that needs that nudge to come out.
January 21, 2021
CW: Fat shaming, bulimia
August 18, 2021
A real pageturner, full with raw grrrl energy!
August 20, 2020
3.5 stars.
This graphic novel is a quick read that feels very autobiographical/like a real person's story, even though it appears to be fiction.
I was really not sold on this to begin with — the ballet mean girls, the eating disorders, the main character using background race riots as “suddenly my world is dangerous,” it just felt a little…ick. The angst and hating her parents is relatable and realistic, but also kinda hard to read.
Once the band stuff gets going though, it’s much more fun to read, and I ended up loving the vibe of the last third or so. And I really like the art style and character designs. I think this will be very relatable to (and nostalgic for) people who grew up in the 90s. I honestly can’t imagine what today’s teens will think, whether it will appeal to them or seem like a completely different world. But it’s hard not to feel swept along by the band’s rise, general badass-ness and raw, angry feminism, and growing fandom.
TW disordered eating/eating restriction, binging/purging, body/fatshaming (all mostly in the first bit where the mc does ballet).
ARC provided by Netgalley.
This graphic novel is a quick read that feels very autobiographical/like a real person's story, even though it appears to be fiction.
I was really not sold on this to begin with — the ballet mean girls, the eating disorders, the main character using background race riots as “suddenly my world is dangerous,” it just felt a little…ick. The angst and hating her parents is relatable and realistic, but also kinda hard to read.
Once the band stuff gets going though, it’s much more fun to read, and I ended up loving the vibe of the last third or so. And I really like the art style and character designs. I think this will be very relatable to (and nostalgic for) people who grew up in the 90s. I honestly can’t imagine what today’s teens will think, whether it will appeal to them or seem like a completely different world. But it’s hard not to feel swept along by the band’s rise, general badass-ness and raw, angry feminism, and growing fandom.
TW disordered eating/eating restriction, binging/purging, body/fatshaming (all mostly in the first bit where the mc does ballet).
ARC provided by Netgalley.
August 13, 2020
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via the Publisher and Netgalleyin exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
I have been on a graphic novel kick recently; they give me respite for a couple of hours and I find myself reading a whole new perspective in a whole new medium.
My Riot is about a straight – laced teenage ballet dancer; who always walks the straight narrow but the demands of her career in ballet leads her down on a path of eating disorders making her wanting to hate ballet – but she has something to look forward to; her first job.
Her job becomes a refuge, especially when her conservative mother finds condoms in her backpack (the slut shaming in the book is something I do not condone; nor do I think it was handled properly!) – but when riots break out; even though with the protagonist’s suburban life, she is mostly sheltered from the actual consequences; a brick through the window at her workplace, brings about a change that leads her to new friends a punk rock band.
The feminist undertones that the novel starts with and what I think the author wants to put forward; tends to get lost in the typical teenage issues that end up overwhelming the storyline; and the fact that Val sometimes doesn’t come across as a character you would even like; let alone emphasize with.
However, it was a good read; with some hilarious and indulging times that would be recognizable to anyone reminiscent of their own teenage years! Worth a one time read.
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February 15, 2025
AMAZING!!!! So glad to read another book that is centered around the Riot Grrrl movement! <3
July 15, 2020
It's the early 90's and teenaged Val feels the pressure from her ballet instructor to lose those final 5 or so pounds to get under 110 pounds. She is starting to feel dissatisfied with her life. Then she meets Kat, a girl with a wild streak, who quickly becomes her best friend. The two teach themselves to play instruments and form a punk band. This is during the height of the Riot Girl scene.
This was a fun, well-written graphic novel full of 90's teen girl angst. There was great character development so I feel like I really grew to understand Val. She was a complex character and the author & artist did a good job of getting that across. It was cool to see Val's sense of self AND her relationship with her mother evolve as the story progressed.
What to Listen to While Reading (or during reading breaks)
Sleater-Kinney
Bikini Kill
Siouxsie and the Banshees
Plus: The Ramones & The Cramps.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun, well-written graphic novel full of 90's teen girl angst. There was great character development so I feel like I really grew to understand Val. She was a complex character and the author & artist did a good job of getting that across. It was cool to see Val's sense of self AND her relationship with her mother evolve as the story progressed.
What to Listen to While Reading (or during reading breaks)
Sleater-Kinney
Bikini Kill
Siouxsie and the Banshees
Plus: The Ramones & The Cramps.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2021
I loved this. The jagged artwork and monochromatic colour palette was perfect for the story, the characters were all great and real, the story was tons of fun - the only reason I'm giving it four stars instead of five is because the ending felt so completely rushed. And I guess it's not the destination, it's the journey, but it totally felt like whooooosh. But other than that I loved it. I loved Val, and her becoming the person she was meant to be. I love any books about starting bands, and gaining a following, so this hit the spot. (It's just too bad Jake ended up being such a suck.) And the song lyrics were perfect, especially the song about Val's dog: "This song is for Pepper. She is my dog! This is a dog song. You can sing along! BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK! You better believe she bites! Yeah, that's my Pepper! She's my bitch!" It's just so punk rock and I am here for it.
July 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this! Its was a story of a girl becoming of age and who she wanted to be. I lived how she took her chance and became someone that she wanted to be and not someone that someone else wanted her to be. And she never let anyone get in her way. Or let someone tell her wanted she needed to do for herself.
August 12, 2020
DNF @ Chapter 3
Trigger warnings: Abuse, fat shaming, bulimia, slut shaming.
I'll keep this review short.
Were I to know there were going to be so many trigger warnings, I wouldn't have picked this up. The book starts with Val in a job interview, and from therw the book tries to be too edgy, and it bothered me from the start. I personally couldn't stomach the fat shaming, abuse, and adults forcing teenagers to lose weight by smoking cigarettes. This book wasn't for me, and I couldn't force myself to continue reading it when I felt so uncomfortable.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: Abuse, fat shaming, bulimia, slut shaming.
I'll keep this review short.
Were I to know there were going to be so many trigger warnings, I wouldn't have picked this up. The book starts with Val in a job interview, and from therw the book tries to be too edgy, and it bothered me from the start. I personally couldn't stomach the fat shaming, abuse, and adults forcing teenagers to lose weight by smoking cigarettes. This book wasn't for me, and I couldn't force myself to continue reading it when I felt so uncomfortable.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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