readingpicnic's Reviews (500)

Solid. Some of the concepts weren’t the best visually, or at least didn’t seem as well thought out as many of Wick’s work, and there was an Israel flag in one spread…

Such a beautiful graphic novel that emotionally destroyed me in a way I wasn’t expecting. The relationship between the mom, Lulu, and Cam being so fortified and loving at the end, and the overall support they have for Lulu in their gender presentation and sexuality had me crying. The page where Lulu was telling Yoyo that nobody likes it when they wear their t-shirt hair WRECKED ME. I had to put the book down for a while after that. The art style is amazing, and the panels where it’s just the characters’ eyes are so powerful, especially when Lulu stares at their dad while hugging Yoyo. 

SUCH a unique manga. The way the panels are drawn all shaky like they’re filmed on a shaky cell phone was incredible, especially the scene where Eri’s friend’s face has that creepy distorted smile. I absolutely did not expect the twist with the mother halfway through, and that’s when I started crying. It’s just such a smart concept, and the execution was flawless and packed a punch. I would love to see this animated, but it’s honestly such a talented piece as it is now. The ending was awesome. The repeated motif of Yuta filming himself shitting was bizarre and so on brand for Fujimoto, that weirdo.

What a fascinating book. Gave me a lot of context for the trans gender debates in sports nowadays and how tied in they are with Naziism. And also gets into how cisgender women are also targets of transvestigations in sports, especially if they’re muscular or have any traits perceived as “masculine.” One of the most engaging history books I’ve ever read, honestly.

Lots of lore dumps, and not sure I like this arc as much as the previous, but I still love them. What is Gojo doing here?

Very introspective about labeling people from the past, people from different cultures, people from non-western contexts, but the author still includes these people even if it’s a little messy and complicated, as gender is wont to be. 

I love Asako and Yuuki are so cute. I love a good mlm and wlw duo in manga (and then Maki’s just there I guess). I had to set the book down and go on a long walk after

Yoshiki stabbed Hikaru.

I’m so obsessed with the art style of Hikaru’s gory, swirly insides—would be SUCH a cool tattoo.

I feel like the pacing really quickened after RuPaul got his big break and skipped over a lot, but overall this was a well told memoir. I really enjoyed the narration of the audiobook since he has such a nice voice. I can see the growth in acknowledging and respecting trans people in the drag scene present in the language used in this book, which is good to see. I feel like this could have been longer, but oh well!

The metaphors for experimenting with gay smex in a close-minded country town D: God, I love this art style and want a tattoo of Hikaru going monster-mode. Major Omori vibes. They’re so cute it makes me sick!!!

This was a very brief book, but I liked the idea of taking the introductions of people from this book and pursuing more in depth biographies and writing on your own time, which the author suggested. I didn’t love the poems at the beginnings of the chapters, but I’m just not a big poetry person in general. I will have to find a physical copy so I can see the pictures!