3.5/5 stars

Short and Sweet:

I’ve been on a graphic novel kick lately, and I really enjoyed this one! This is a great read if you’re looking for something different and cool.
To Elaborate…

Though this isn’t the kind of premise I’m usually drawn to, a blogger friend recommended it to me, and her review won me over. This is the perfect reminder for me that I need to read both in and out of my usual spectrum because I liked this one so much. The story follows Tom as he and his friends form a band for the school Battle of the Bands contest. On the surface, the four high schoolers seem your run of the mill types (football player, smart musician, etc.), but the story soon delves into deeper issues.

As much as I enjoy reading kickbutt female characters, I had forgotten how important sensitive male leads are. All four of the guys are strong, mentally speaking, but they also have softer sides that they aren’t afraid to show. The story opens up areas of masculinity that aren’t presented often enough (in my opinion) in other stories, and it is so refreshing to see that here. This book offers up a strong chance to gain some empathy.

While I generally like the graphics (especially the incredible facial expressions and use of diversity), they do have kind of a raw, sketchy feel to them. I wanted to see a little more of a finished look in areas. The dialogue is also a bit stiff at times, but the majority of it definitely feels realistic and sincere.

Readers wanting an emotional, nicely off beat, and fun story can find an excellent pick in The Stereotypical Freaks. I definitely want to read more from this author, and I’m so glad I got to read this.

Originally posted at The Forest of Words and Pages: http://www.forestofwordsandpages.com/2015/06/review-the-stereotypical-freaks-by-howard-shapiro/