“I’m not going to stand here and be eaten by some bitch’s dinosaur. I am finally doing something with my life.”
― Brian K. Vaughan, Paper Girls, Vol. 1
Summary
From the publisher, “In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time. Suburban drama and otherworldly mysteries collide in this smash-hit series about nostalgia, first jobs, and the last days of childhood.”
My Thoughts on Paper Girls Vol. 1
I am just starting Paper Girls, so my review is limited to the first volume. With that said, I can tell you volume 1 is an absolute rabbit hole. Half the time I had no idea what was going on. There are dinosaurs, crazy disfigured teenagers from the future, and some old dude with an Apple logo on his shirt. I have no idea what the four girls’ names are that star in the story. All I know is one is Vietnamese, one is adopted, one is Jewish, and one is a spirited red-head on her way to being a criminal. I wish I had a bit more than cliches to tell you, but I honestly have no idea.
“…you girls… reminded us… of us…
…kids just trying… to make a living…
are always… the good guys…”
― Brian K. Vaughan, Paper Girls, Vol. 1
Here are the things I absolutely know for sure. First, this series is an unmistakable nod to the 80s and pop culture. The book is full of Bon mot’s about 80’s fashion, movies, music, language, and general attitudes about the world. This speaks to me. I remember being one of these girls in the eighties. Secondly, this book is no Saga, but that is ok. It doesn’t have to be. It has badass girls, friendship, space, time travel, and dinosaurs. I mean cmon. It is pretty damn impressive. Thirdly, it has tons of room to grow and develop. The first book is apparently setting the stage for more awesome. I am not in love with it, but the characters are fresh and exciting, the story is rad if not slightly confusing and the graphics are clean. Lastly, don’t get too deep into why this series is called Paper Girls. It isn’t some clever allusion to young girls with paper-thin identities or emotions. The girls run a paper route… I am on to volume 2. Looking forward to it. It can’t get any weirder or more confusing but it sure is fun
Check Out Paper Girls Vol. 1
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Read Some of Our Other Review
Review – Against All Odds by Jeffery H. Haskell
Review of John Dies at the End by David Wong