It is very realistic that some teens are self-centered, don’t get along with their parents because of irrational things, and feel outcast and full of angst. Add in the layer of not wanting to be in a beautiful, accomplished superhero mom’s shadow. With that being said, Mandy wasn’t likable. In real life, an older Mandy would look back, embarrassed, at her younger self’s behavior. Many times (60% - 70% probably) I thought my parents were embarrassing me and ruining my life, and, now, I realize how immature I was being. Anyway, I get Mandy was a brat and didn’t communicate well, but I didn’t hate the story. 

In addition, Mandy has a conflict about life after high school. She has test anxiety and does not want to go to college. Nothing wrong with that, but the topic of learning a trade never came up. Or what was the cause of the anxiety. It’s like it magically disappears.

I also think it was a cliche move to give Mandy powers. And she knew how to fight and everything??? She could’ve had a Deku (MHA) model, where they have all this power built up but don’t know how to use it well or without hurting themselves. Blackfire got hands and evil in her. She not going down that easily. Like, what was that? Starfire couldn’t whoop her, but “baby just got her first taste of magic” can? Unless her first starbolt was that concentrated…

 

Onto positives, I enjoyed the flat artwork and Lincoln and Claire (love when the popular kids have depth or aren’t all stereotypical) weren’t bad. Starfire looked good! I love that you could see she was trying with Mandy.

I also like whenever Blackfire comes to wreck everything. I think the line about the true anti-Starfire being Blackfire was fitting

 

2.5