Jem and the Holograms: Infinite

Jem and the Holograms: Infinite #1-6

by Kelly Thompson

The FIRST-EVER Jem/Misfits Crossover Event takes both bands to a whole new world... like, literally!

Now a happy quintet, Jem and The Holograms are stronger than ever, which is a good thing because they're about to embark on an adventure unlike anything they'd ever imagined. After a public fight with The Misfits at a charity event, a strangely dressed Techrat shows up and takes them on a strange journey, a journey that is going to change EVERYTHING.

Collects the six issue series.

2018 Ringo Award Nominee for Best Kids Comic or Graphic Novel.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Young Adult, LGBT, Ebooks, Fantasy, Science Fiction

148 pages, ebook

First published February 13, 2018

About the author

KELLY THOMPSON has a degree in Sequential Art from The Savannah College of Art & Design. Her love of comics and superheroes have compelled her since she first discovered them as a teenager. Currently living in Portland, Oregon with her boyfriend and the two brilliant cats that run their lives, you can find Kelly all over the Internet where she is generally well liked, except where she's detested.

Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.

Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.

Reviews

[Blue Ghost · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars; This was my introduction to Jem and the Holograms. The art was gorgeous and I enjoyed the implementation of multiple artists with each chapter. There's a lot of characters and little time, and given this is the only installment I've read, I hope/assume there's character development across the greater arch of the series. However, Pizzazz was insufferable and Roxy boring. But I did enjoy the romance between Stormer and Kimber.

[Stef · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is Roxy ever going to have more to her personality other than "bagel lover"? The Holograms and Misfits travel to an alternate reality where all the Holograms are dead, tech is king, and the 1% is growing wealthier at the expense of the poor. I guess it's not such an alternate reality after all. It's a far-fetched, fun read, though, and helps scratch the I-need-more-Jem-comics itch.

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

*********** ARC FROM GIVEAWAY***********

I was really excited to receive this graphic novel since I hadn't read the last comic in the series yet so it was nice to start over and "refresh" before getting to the last one.
I am kinda pissed at the way it ended, but am hoping that just means there is more to come!

[Amy! · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ridiculous but fun, though I'll be glad to get back to the Holograms real life and adventures.

[Reagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

TLDR: Pretty dumb but there were some good costumes.

Long version with spoilers:

The art was much better than in the last book, which was a huge relief because the fashion and character design are a big part of this series.

Unfortunately this was let down by the writing. I love Kelly Thompson but it really felt like she was phoning it in here. There were occasional bits of good dialogue, but the plot was hard to buy into ("Jem and the Holograms, you have to come with me to SAVE THE WORLD") and then they go to an alternate dimension run by an evil Eric Raymond (but that's redundant). They lost me at "saving the world". (Arguably they already did that in the Dark Jem storyline when they saved the world from an evil AI but they were responsible for wrecking the world so it only seemed fair.) (Although you could argue they're morally responsible for fixing this alternate universe world since it was destroyed by Synergy's technology, but I don't buy that they have an obligation here. This world's existence implies a multiverse and you can't fix them all.)

Anyway, I really had a hard time with this plot. Idk. Maybe Dark Jem was equally ridiculous but it was still about fashion and music.

I'm not finding the words to quite pin down why this felt like such a departure. And maybe that's because it wasn't. Perhaps if it was written well I would have bought into it. But the execution was simplistic and so was the dialogue and the whole thing was pretty disappointing.

[Freddie🏳️‍⚧️🐀 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm surprised the spin-offs have been better than the last volumes of the main Jem line. The Misfits spin-off was probably my favorite from the series, but this was also really solid. A really cool plot with a sci fi dystopia setting? It's really fun, I think the cool plot carries the volume. As I think the main line was struggling with it's characters and therefore the band rivalry drama plot was all that it really had going, the fun fantastical stuff like Dark Jem were where I was more interested. So you get more of an adventure and less character stuff here. It's really fantastical and kinda unlike anything I've ever seen from Jem, I mean the alternate world holograms were straight up murdered in this. It's a very strange volume but still I really liked it. If you didn't like Dark Jem you'll probably not be into this volume either. But hey a "fuck corporations" lesson for the readers.
Though I will say Pizzaz finally softens up a bit to Jerrica, I love how she's actually trying to play nice but Jerrica is just so done with her, like give the girl some credit man. But also can I say how forced Raya feels, she came in pretty late to the comic and I never was interested in her character at all, she has not much personality. I think that's the fault of the comic being cut short, but also I feel like her character brought nothing to the story. It feels super awkard here, she doesn't do like anything here, and she doesn't feel apart of the holograms family. It's super aqkward writing when the Holograms are reunited with their dad who is alive in the alternate universe and she's just... there. Idk why she's here but yeah they don't do anything with her in this volume either.
Anyways that aside really solid volume it makes me frustrated that there's only one more spin-off volume! Because I like where the story was going... while the main line ended on a low note the spin-offs have really impressed me.

[Kyera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never seen the original tv show, but I discovered the Jem and the Holograms comics in my local comic book store and fell in love. Our main character Jerrica and her sisters Kimber, Aja and Shana are all in a band together - there's only one problem. Jerrica has major stage fright and can't perform in front of people. Thankfully their dad was a genius who created realistic hologram technology, which (although not its intended purpose) allows Jerrica to take on an alternate identity, Jem. This rockstar persona allows Jerrica to perform onstage and of course, shenanigans ensue over the course of the plotline.

As a singer myself, I really related to Jerrica because I don't like performing in front of people. I don't know if I could do what she does as Jem, even with the hologram technology but it's fascinating to think about. Despite the fact that it's a comic run and writers don't have the real estate to develop a world and their characters as much as authors can in their books, I still feel that the series is very well done. They tackle personal and social issues, which are so important and make the characters feel more authentic.

This particular bind up deals with a sci-fi style adventure they go off on and doesn't take place in their original universe. As a result, I would recommend beginning the comics series from the start and eventually delving into this storyline. It was very enjoyable and I liked it more than some of the previous storylines, so I would highly recommend it.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3½, but I'm rounding up. I've apparently missed some Jem titles (I mean, considering I've only read two, I'm not surprised...) so I was a little confused going into this - wasn't aware that there was a fifth Hologram, and actually couldn't remember who were the original Holograms. I didn't know that Rio knew their secret, and that he and Jerrica had broken up. (Did I even know they started dating? I can't recall.)

Anyway, I went into this slightly clueless, but it was all pretty easy to pick up along the way. The story was a little "out there" (alternate dimensions and whatnot) but it was still an enjoyable read. The art, the colours - it's all very fun. And the characters are enjoyable, the secondary Holograms and Misfits still have distinct enough personalities, though I don't know if I'd be able to tell you all their names or match them to faces lol.

But the Jem graphic novels are totally enjoyable, they're such a blast of fun and it bums me out that my library doesn't have any other titles, because I'd like to read all of them.

[Darcy Roar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little dystopian side step for a always cute series. while Jem has always been a little sci-fi, they throw caution to the winds in this trade with alternative universe jumping. I quite like the art, but I found myself skimming dialogue quite a bit. I think it's just too wordy and explain-y Why they decided to do 'bury the hatchet team up', & the big Jem reveal, while also having to explain the dynamics of a new sinister world at the same time is beyond me. It's cute as all get out, but I think they took a new direction poorly while also trying to move the plot forward & it bit them. Still adorable though!

[Ashley Beery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how these comics are exploring an even deeper part of Jem that never got to be explored in the cartoon. This takes us to an alternate universe with Jem and the Misfits. It. Was. Amazing. The art is back up where it needs to be, the story line was very interesting, and it explored some questions us original Jem fans had (though some of it honestly seemed a wee bit far fetched..) The ending does leave you wanting more and there will be in Jem Dimensions! I'm so glad they're keeping up with Jem still!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this one the Holograms and the Misfits team up to save an alternate world from an evil corporation. I can't imagine a better revolutionary leader than Pizzazz! I am totally in this series for the hair, makeup and clothes plus the friendships and the romances (Stormer + Kimber 4ever) but it really is so much deeper than these things. The stories always have a message and a real heart. I've gotten teary more than once and I'm kind of a hard-ass. I am loving this series and I hope it never ends!

[Maggie Gordon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ehh... go big or go home with your dystopia attempts, writers of Jem. I know you can't go super dark, but this was a bit too lazy with the alt world and deaths. Plus it felt like the entire story was written just to prolong Jem's identity reveal.

[Anjela Bugher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the story from the previous books, this one sends Jem and the Holograms -- and the Misfits -- into an alternate reality, where they have to work together to save the world. (Weirder things happened in the cartoons, so no big deal.)

[Sandridge Octavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jem in space!

I didn't think that the author could pull this off but, they did and I liked it. A bit of a quick wrap up towards the end but, still a pretty good read for a hardcore Jem and the Holograms fan.

[Simon Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

the artwork remains at a good status - the story line is begging to lose it focus that made the earlier volumes compulsive page turner - but I will stick with the series

[Katharama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved the art in this one.

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean, it's a fun enough read, but I don't really even get why we're doing dystopian alternate futures in Jem?

[M.L.D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 I think this could have been stretched out a couple more issues.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 Stimbers is the best world!!

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these lots. So much nostalgia but amazing representation

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly cannot fault this series. One of my favourite graphic novel series to date! Absolutely loved the concept in this one, and the art and colouring were beautiful as usual.

[StephanieNicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Cheesy but fun plot line! Everyone travels to an alternate reality called Jem World, and secrets are revealed.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. One of the best, most satisfying storylines of these books. If only the artwork hadn't been so inconsistent.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Jenni Norey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I'd like this better if Pizzazz had more personality than constant complaining.

[Laura Chiaino · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably should’ve read the other series first but it was nice to read a comic of one of my favorite movies

[Artemis Crescent · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as I'm concerned, 'Jem and the Holograms: Infinite' is the true - truly outrageous - ending to the comic series; infinitely more so than the comic volume actually titled 'Truly Outrageous'.

I mean, the stakes have never been higher, and it has a bit of everything, from the series proper and in general.

Behold! Therein lie: a dark alternate universe, not-so sci-fi horror, real deadly dangers, a class divide via a literal wall (which always means a kind of paywall), 'Mad Max' vibes and energy, Jem and the Holograms and the Misfits working together once again, major Stimber content and fanservice, tense, uh, tension between Jerrica/Jem and Pizzazz, dad Emmett Benton being alive in the alternate world, heartfelt and tearful reunions, Eric Raymond finally getting to be the evil corporate CEO he was always meant to be, Techrat is back! (alternate dimension Techrat, but still), a kind of reconciliation between Jerrica and Rio, and terrific, colourful artwork all around.

It is a sci-fi dystopia: 'Jem' edition.

It doubles as a sort-of sequel to the 'Dark Jem' arc.

All these music women with clashing personalities are dynamic and magnificent together, whether any one of them would admit it or not. But of course this time there is more at stake than their rivalry. The fate of the world lies in their hands. And in Synergy and her groundbreaking, revolutionary technology.

There are subtle little character moments throughout that mean something, too, if you've read the rest of the comics.

It is noteworthy and timely that 'Jem and the Holograms: Infinite' is a warning about the dangers of AI and how it can be exploited and abused at the cost of humanity - of the economy - and the unending, unsatisfied greed of the 1% and the unsustainable non-growth of capitalism are entirely to blame for it. The same can be said of other unethical actions taken by rich men, just so they can get richer.

'Jem and the Holograms: Infinite' - a better, more exciting, meaningful, and satisfying, and less-rushed, ending to this comic series, with sparkles and showers of potential still to be tapped.

The whole comic run and line had to have been cancelled for some unknown reason. A strong case for this argument in 'Infinite' is it ends on a 'The End?', and it has plot threads and even characters that're left hanging with no resolution as to what happens to them, or even what their point in existing is (I'm being vague due to spoilers). It was meant to be a sequel hook, I'm sure of it.

Despite my overall praise, and the return-to-form and gone-above-and-beyond in 'Jem''s sci-fi premise and content, there remains not enough Synergy. I swear she appears less and less in each comic release.

It could have found further use for Raya, the new Hologram, and given her a highlight; a chance to shine in the spotlight; a reason to be.

But I'll take it as it is. 'Infinite' is probably the closest we'll ever get to a real ending to the 'Jem' reboot comics.

Entertaining, loud, outrageous stuff - what 'Jem' and comics were made for.

Oh yes, one last thing: PUNK ROCK REVOLUTION!

Final Score: 4/5

[AquaMoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imagine, if you will, a not-too-distant alternate future where having the latest technology means everything: The difference between comfort and struggle, hope and despair, life and death. Only the most elite can afford this tech. And these fortunate few live a seemingly-privileged life in a shining walled city ruled by a power-hungry dictator. The majority of the world's population, those who cannot afford the tech, scrounges to get by in the ruined world outside the Wall. There have been a few revolutionaries who have spoken out against the authority, but these people have been violently silenced. Even the original founders of the tech, which actually started out as a good thing & a way to make the world happy, have been made to "disappear". Lies and deception abound. With an expensive tech upgrade on the horizon that less than 1% of the city's residents will be able to afford, and with an unspeakably evil plan about to be unleashed, the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

It is here, in the ruined world outside the Wall, that a determined young man takes the ultimate risk: Travel to the past, find the tech founders, and prevent said tech from falling into the hands of the evil empire, thus restoring the world to the way it should be. There's only a minuscule chance he will succeed. Not only must he convince his understandably-suspicious targets to trust him (because in THEIR reality, HE works for the Bad Guy), but he must also persuade sworn enemies work together for a common cause. But our hero believes his quest is worth all the risks. Because failure would be catastrophic on more levels than he wants to think about.

While this may sound like the first volume of the latest of many dystopian series, it's actually the next installment of Kelly Thompson's Jem and the Holograms graphic novel series. In Jem and the Holograms: Infinite, readers explore a reality where Synergy's holograms have fallen into the hands of Eric Raymond. Guided by Techrat (or, more accurately, an alternate reality Techrat), the Holograms and the Misfits travel to an alternate earth where they must band together to undo the evil created by hologram technology.

Although I am a huge fan of this series, Infinite was probably my least favorite (Which is not to say I didn't like it. I did. It was just a bit too Hunger Games-esque for my taste). It made for an interesting read, though. And killed some time whilest waiting for the internet to be fixed so I could get on with my To-Do list. So I didn't hate it, didn't adore it. Just a departure from the normal tone of the series.

[Rachael Eyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth the wait, with lots of nods to the original series. I love a female led dystopia at the best of times, so making Kimber and Stormer musical revolutionaries was a stroke of genius. I'm also glad that Eric was back to his old scheming ways - I've missed him as the ultimate evil executive. Add to this gorgeous artwork and a chance to let both bands shine, and it was possibly my favourite of the Jem comics so far, taking full advantage of the franchise's sci fi roots.