Paper Girls, Vol. 1
By Brian K. Vaughan, Illustrated by Cliff Chiang & Matthew Wilson
Release Date: March 30, 2016
Publisher: Image Comics
Genre: All Ages Sci-Fi
ISBN: 978-1632156747
Source: E-Version Netgalley & Received Physical Copy From Read.Sleep.Repeat
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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.
Collects Paper Girls #1-5.
***
Yes!! This fed my sci-fi heart so, oh yes it did. I loved this! It starts out very mysterious and vague and it kind of gave me a J.J. Abrams vibe in that regard. While Brian K. Vaughan’s Saga left me very curious, there was still way more presented, way more level ground in the beginning so this was a stark contrast – a welcome one as I get to go on this new path of his work.
The story is told through Erin’s Point of view. She is Asian and there are not enough stories with Asian female main characters on the shelves so I am so happy to add this to mine. On her paper route, 12 year old Erin meets three other paper girls, KJ (great Jewish representation here), Mackenzie also known as Mac, and Tiffany who is also known as Tiff. I can’t say enough how much I love, love, love that the writers touched on appropriation in regards to Mac being known as the first girl on the paper route when in fact it was Tiffany, the black girl in the group. People of color, especially females of color are often overlooked in this way and to see it so clearly pronounced here…I can’t thank the writer, Brian Vaughan enough for making the mainstream audience aware of this issue. Because it is problematic. Speaking of issues…
The story is set in 1988 Connecticut and is certainly authentic to the times and not just in the fun throwback kind of way. While there is a very diverse cast of characters, the dated and not so tolerant way of thinking in regards to the LGBT community is present. So if this is something that you’re not okay with being presented, this might not be the book for you. This book isn’t for anyone who is sensitive and will get their feelings hurt over realistic portrayals of the human heart, even if that heart isn’t as wide as yours. Also, you might want to hold onto the end of the book because the ending opens doors.
Back to the paper girls. I do want to mention that Tiffany is adopted and I hope that in the future, we’re able to explore her backstory more, not just because she’s adopted but because of the many layers that are present with intersections to acknowledge and with everyone’s unique backgrounds. Very much looking forward to getting to know these girls over the course of the story, however long that may be. I’m all in. As for Mac, I didn’t really talk about her before but I must say that I love how candid she is. She’s smart and scrappy and I’m so intrigued by the way that she approaches life. I can’t wait to get to know her more. In volume one, we visit her home and learn that her father and step-mother met in A.A. Again, I’m so happy that Vaughan is unashamed and free when touching on real, everyday issues, thoughts, and behaviors of everyday people. It’s so important to present the truth, no matter how brash, especially in a story that will allow itself to explore how all of this changes and evolves over time. I don’t see any other way to do it when storytelling in this construct. It’s wonderful. I won’t say anything else about the story, it’s best to go in blind and enjoy the ride, even if you do guess it. As a sci-fi fan, you’ll still very much enjoy it.
As for the paper girls as a whole? I love how these ladies refuse to be undermined and demand to be not just noticed but respected. And the art? Whoa. I loved it! I am very much looking forward to more beautiful, crisp, colorful art. Oh, it’s a beauty. A definite standout, it’s that wonderful. Truly. So, overall, an easy five stars for me. I love how the story took form, I love the characters, I love the setting, the pacing. Everything about it, I’m on board for. Now I just need to get my hands on volume Two! And while I usually wait for volumes, I think this is one story I’m definitely going to have to get issue by issue because I don’t want to wait too long for the rest.
Paper Girls, Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan, Illustrated by Cliff Chiang & Matthew Wilson is available now.