Book Review for Heavy Vinyl (Graphic Novel)
Heavy Vinyl (Vol 1)
By Carly Usdin, Nina Vakueva, Irene Flores, and Rebecca Nalty
5 out of 5 stars
Spoiler Free
Synopsis: (From back of graphic novel) Starry-eyed Chris has just started the dream job every outcast kid in town wants: working at Vinyl Destination. It's as rad as she imagined--her boss is boss, her co-workers spend their time arguing over music, pushing against the patriarchy, and endlessly trying to form a band. But when Rosie Riot, the staff's favorite singer, mysteriously vanishes the night before her band's show, Chris discovers Her co-workers are doing more than just sorting vinyl...her local indie record store is also a front for a teen girl vigilante squad!
I instantly picked Heavy Vinyl off of the shelf at Barnes and Noble because of two things. One, the title! Hell yeah, I'm interested in things to do with music and records! And two, because of the coloring and design of the characters on the cover. I mean, honestly, just scroll up and look at it again. Those girls look freaking awesome and ready to kick butt.
Truth be told, I didn't even read the synopsis until just now when I was typing it up for the review! The cover was so captivating that I opened it and immediately started reading the first few pages. Even the creator page caught my attention and I knew I was going to love it. All that girl power writing about girl power?! YES! Not only was the art work beautiful, but I truly enjoyed the story as I read it! I look forward to finding more of their work already.
This Graphic novel is one for all ages! It doesn't have any swearing or adult content in it and features a lot of young girls who are strong, independent and unafraid of being in charge. The characters are all unique and easy to identify and tell apart. Chris, the main focus of the story has amazing expressions that really capture a wide range of emotion.
There's a lot to love about this graphic novel. The characters, the friendships, the ass-kicking, and so much more. But my favorite part of the whole thing, is all of the Queer Representation! It's not just seen in one or two characters, but it's seen all throughout the novel in many forms! I love seeing pieces from my community painted in such pretty and awesome lighting.
Everyone should check out Heavy Vinyl and take a break from the drama and darkness. Enjoy these beautiful girls destroying the patriarchy!
-Jayna Ostler