The Backstagers, Vol.1

Author: James Tynion IV | Illustrator: Rian Sygh

Publisher: Boom! Box

Genre/Themes: Comics, Fantasy, LGBTQIA+

Release Date: July 25th 2017

Page Count: 112

Format: Digital Comics (Single Issues)

ISBN: 9781608869930

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Author Website | Illustrator Website | Book Depository
Amazon | Chapters/Indigo | Goodreads

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*Note: The first issue of The Backstagers by James Tynion IV was provided to me via NetGalley through the publisher Boom! Box. This does not effect my opinion in any way.

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Well wasn’t that just fun and adorable. I don’t remember the last time I read something so happy and colourful. I know, I have no soul apparently. Anyways, this was just a refreshing and unique read compared to what I’m used to and I absolutely loved reading it! I read it as individual issues and it was so hard to be patient and wait a month for each new issue! I’m not sure if this story is continuing or if it was a stand alone graphic novel, but I’m already itching for more!

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Synopsis

All the world’s a stage . . . but what happens behind the curtain is pure magic literally! When Jory transfers to an all-boys private high school, he s taken in by the only ones who don t treat him like a new kid, the lowly stage crew known as the Backstagers. Not only does he gain great, lifetime friends, Jory is also introduced to an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain. With the unpredictable twists and turns of the underground world, the Backstagers venture into the unknown, determined to put together the best play their high school has ever seen.

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What I Liked

The story. It was fun and refreshing and terribly cute. I love the idea of a story about the stage crew rather than the actual actors/drama group on stage. I mean, we all know the crew has more fun right?

The adventure. Not only was it super cute and refreshing, but it was jam packed full of adventure. Not just your regular everyday adventure either. Oh no, this was magical and eccentric and all kinds of amazing.

The diversity. There is just so much representation throughout this entire series. It’s one big giant LGBTQIA+ love fest and I loved every minute of it.

The colours. This is probably one of the most colourful and vibrant comics I have ever read! Totally not anything like the dark and dreary stuff I usually read. It was a nice change for me to read something so bright!

The characters. I loved each and every single on of them. Each member of the stage crew is unique and I loved them all for very different reasons.

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What I Didn’t Like

A little juvenile. As mentioned, I usually read comics that are a little more dark and depressing, so I’m not sure if it was because this story was so happy and cute, but it did feel a little too juvenile at times for my tastes.

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Overall, this was everything that I needed in a comic at the moment. It was completely out of my norm in terms of comics that I tend to drift toward and I’m so glad that I decided to take the chance and try something new! This was cute, fun and all kind of adorable.

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About The Author

NYT Best Selling Writer of DETECTIVE COMICS for DC Comics. Creator of THE WOODS, THE BACKSTAGERS, and MEMETIC for Boom! Studios.

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Thank you for reading!