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Jem and the Holograms
Jem and the Holograms Vol. 3: Dark Jem (Jem and the Holograms
Something is wrong with SYNERGY! As JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS' first tour begins, something—or someone—called SILICA is after them... but who, or what, is she? Meanwhile, THE MISFITS need to replace their lead singer fast—and maybe even... permanently?!? Collects issues #11–16.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2016
5 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Thompson
742 books993 followersKELLY THOMPSON has a degree in Sequential Art from The Savannah College of Art & Design. Her love of comics and superheroes have compelled her since she first discovered them as a teenager. Currently living in Portland, Oregon with her boyfriend and the two brilliant cats that run their lives, you can find Kelly all over the Internet where she is generally well liked, except where she's detested.
Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.
Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.
Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.
Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
July 11, 2016
I've been really impressed with the revamped Jem comic book run. I've been a fan since the first issue. Artwork-wise, this volume doesn't disappoint - it's got the same beautifully vibrant art and colours. The full page spreads that represent the bands performing are dynamic and really bring out the music in true Jem fashion. There is also a subtle shift in colour tone and art style when the story gets darker.
The plot of this third Jem arc threw me off a little bit. Yes, it's got a lot of the same fun that's present in the earlier story lines, but Jem and the Holograms becoming 'dark' seemed to happen very suddenly and without much warning. Silica is a virus or something broken in Synergy's programming. However, she just appears out of nowhere, and I wish the progression into the story line had bit more forewarning.
That said, if you actually ignored the Silica story, the rest of the issue was fantastic. I loved Blaze's story, which was extremely well-handled and her and Clash are totally friendship to the max. I loved seeing more of Pizzazz, I also love seeing Stormer and Kimber as a couple because they are the cutest. There is also the slightest hint of the Rio/Jem/Jerrica love triangle for fans of old, but it was done very nicely (good job Rio). All in all, enjoyable, but not as strong story-wise as the first two volumes.
The plot of this third Jem arc threw me off a little bit. Yes, it's got a lot of the same fun that's present in the earlier story lines, but Jem and the Holograms becoming 'dark' seemed to happen very suddenly and without much warning. Silica is a virus or something broken in Synergy's programming. However, she just appears out of nowhere, and I wish the progression into the story line had bit more forewarning.
That said, if you actually ignored the Silica story, the rest of the issue was fantastic. I loved Blaze's story, which was extremely well-handled and her and Clash are totally friendship to the max. I loved seeing more of Pizzazz, I also love seeing Stormer and Kimber as a couple because they are the cutest. There is also the slightest hint of the Rio/Jem/Jerrica love triangle for fans of old, but it was done very nicely (good job Rio). All in all, enjoyable, but not as strong story-wise as the first two volumes.
July 11, 2017
I gotta say, after the first two volumes I was pretty pumped for Dark Jem -- it's been pretty obvious for awhile that something terrrible was going to happen with Synergy, and in theory i am totally in support of evil AI as supervillains.
But within the scope of Jem -- which is pretty light, localized, and mostly about making out -- I feel like Thompson bit off more than she could chew, here. The story goes from "battle of the bands" to "world domination" so fast that it doesn't really make a lick of sense (even for Jem). The main emphasis thus far has been that Synergy's power is sort of otherworldly, not that it's, um, worldly, duplicatable, and evil. I feel like the pagespace that could have been devoted to giving Synergy a stronger backstory and more complexity was, instead, devoted to creating a totally new villain that mostly wants the world to speak in Hot Topic fonts.
I think that everything that's going on with the Misfits, who are ramping up in complexity, was really awesome and shouldn't be ignored, but the rest is just kinda off-tone and, I dunno -- stupid.
But within the scope of Jem -- which is pretty light, localized, and mostly about making out -- I feel like Thompson bit off more than she could chew, here. The story goes from "battle of the bands" to "world domination" so fast that it doesn't really make a lick of sense (even for Jem). The main emphasis thus far has been that Synergy's power is sort of otherworldly, not that it's, um, worldly, duplicatable, and evil. I feel like the pagespace that could have been devoted to giving Synergy a stronger backstory and more complexity was, instead, devoted to creating a totally new villain that mostly wants the world to speak in Hot Topic fonts.
I think that everything that's going on with the Misfits, who are ramping up in complexity, was really awesome and shouldn't be ignored, but the rest is just kinda off-tone and, I dunno -- stupid.
February 28, 2021
The Dark Jem Saga remains my favorite of the entire series because it's one of the most emotionally driven. I especially loved how we got to see a very vulnerable Pizzazz aka Phyllis.
From the cover alone, Jem looks like she's channeling her inner Misfit...I'm talking about the Glenn Danzig style Misfit. Something is very wrong with Synergy, and it's going to get really weird. Scary weird. However, Dark Jem and the Holograms look absolutely amazing and a welcome contrast to the pastel pop art of their typical attire. I quite like Shana's short hair.
I am SO very glad the writers didn't treat Shana like the asexual "sassy Black friend" who only serves to advise her sisters on their love lives. It's a misogynoirist trope that both writers of books and films are way guilty of and it has its roots in slavery aka The Mammy figure.
Tony and Shana are tres cute as a couple. He's that sweet, cute cinnamon roll nerd who obviously thinks his girlfriend being in a famous band is pretty darn cool. He's not intimidated by her success. Meanwhile Aja is dating Stormer's brother (cool points for the 'Bella Morte' tattoo). That's got to be a wee bit weird, but hey.
Meanwhile, in The Misfits camp, the rest of the group are auditioning a *gulp* replacement vocalist for Pizzazz. It's not going well, and frankly, the band doesn't want it to. Unfortunately, the label wants a new record and that means fulfilling their contract. For all The Misfits riot grrl mayhem, theirs is a true sisterhood of yes, misfits. Add one more Misfit with her own secret to tell...
Why I love The Misfits, in case you missed it:
1) Their songs ARE better.
2) Stormer has a coffee mug which says 'Male Tears' on it.
3) Pizzazz named her cat Madmartigan. Uh hello, that's so boss!
From the cover alone, Jem looks like she's channeling her inner Misfit...I'm talking about the Glenn Danzig style Misfit. Something is very wrong with Synergy, and it's going to get really weird. Scary weird. However, Dark Jem and the Holograms look absolutely amazing and a welcome contrast to the pastel pop art of their typical attire. I quite like Shana's short hair.
I am SO very glad the writers didn't treat Shana like the asexual "sassy Black friend" who only serves to advise her sisters on their love lives. It's a misogynoirist trope that both writers of books and films are way guilty of and it has its roots in slavery aka The Mammy figure.
Tony and Shana are tres cute as a couple. He's that sweet, cute cinnamon roll nerd who obviously thinks his girlfriend being in a famous band is pretty darn cool. He's not intimidated by her success. Meanwhile Aja is dating Stormer's brother (cool points for the 'Bella Morte' tattoo). That's got to be a wee bit weird, but hey.
Meanwhile, in The Misfits camp, the rest of the group are auditioning a *gulp* replacement vocalist for Pizzazz. It's not going well, and frankly, the band doesn't want it to. Unfortunately, the label wants a new record and that means fulfilling their contract. For all The Misfits riot grrl mayhem, theirs is a true sisterhood of yes, misfits. Add one more Misfit with her own secret to tell...
Why I love The Misfits, in case you missed it:
1) Their songs ARE better.
2) Stormer has a coffee mug which says 'Male Tears' on it.
3) Pizzazz named her cat Madmartigan. Uh hello, that's so boss!
October 10, 2016
I really liked this installment of Jem and the Holograms. The hint from Volume 2 about Synergy being in trouble plays out in full here, in Dark Jem. A virus in Synergy's programming takes over and using the Holograms' music to infect others. In true comic book fashion, this virus, Silica, wants to take over the world.
Unlike Volume 2, this was a complete A-plot storyline. I loved that this emphasized the Misfits and the Holograms having to work together to save the day, instead of the rivalry that was at the forefront of the TV show. Whether or not this more amicable relationship continues will be seen. Blaze also gets to step up and become a more realized character, which was nice. I appreciated her coming out to the Misfits, and their nonchalant response.
The art appeared more seamless than in Viral -- or at least I didn't notice as much when the art styles changed. No, wait, that's a lie. Tony the Bartender was drawn completely differently from the first time we saw him in Volume 2, and it took me a second to realize it was the same person. Differing art styles may not be a problem for other readers, but it is for me.
Still, a solid third volume that was stronger than the last one, and as strong--if not stronger--than the first. Kudos.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
Unlike Volume 2, this was a complete A-plot storyline. I loved that this emphasized the Misfits and the Holograms having to work together to save the day, instead of the rivalry that was at the forefront of the TV show. Whether or not this more amicable relationship continues will be seen. Blaze also gets to step up and become a more realized character, which was nice. I appreciated her coming out to the Misfits, and their nonchalant response.
The art appeared more seamless than in Viral -- or at least I didn't notice as much when the art styles changed. No, wait, that's a lie. Tony the Bartender was drawn completely differently from the first time we saw him in Volume 2, and it took me a second to realize it was the same person. Differing art styles may not be a problem for other readers, but it is for me.
Still, a solid third volume that was stronger than the last one, and as strong--if not stronger--than the first. Kudos.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
August 30, 2017
It is so fun to read a silly drama adventure (sentient computer virus! pool party drama!) with so many supportive girls, whether they're friends, family, in relationships, or artistic rivals. Just tons of drama and fun.
July 7, 2016
I was worried about the Jem series. Volume 1 was a fantastic introduction, screaming with vibrancy and outrageousness. Volume 2 was… lackluster at best. The plot stumbled, and the entire book was drab and uninspired. Given how much potential I thought the series had, I read volume 3 with trepidation. However, my fears were unfounded. Jem is back, with all the silliness, neon colours, and crazy hair you could want!
Jem and the Holograms Volume 3 covers the Dark Jem saga. A corruption in Synergy’s code has grown into its own sentient entity and it’s turned the Holograms into an evil band that will spread Silica’s will across the world with sound waves that enthral and brainwash. Sound ridiculous? Yep! But this is Jem we’re talking about. Outrageous, weird and silly is what you signed up for when you picked up the book!
The art style in volume 3 is back to normal, and the evil designs are a delight to look at. The book makes good use of musical splash pages, and the characters look dynamic and vital. It’s a pleasure for the eyes.
Plot wise, you have the corrupt Synergy plot, but also some character development for the Misfits. Pizazz is still out of commission, so the band has to cope with the fact that they need a temporary singer for the tour. Blaze ends up being top contender, Another thing I loved about this volume was the friendship between Clash and Blaze. Clash is the ultimate fangirl of the Misfits, so when her best friend gets the gig, it would have been easy to write her as jealous and betrayed. However, while Clash is hurt, she stands by her friend and provides some wonderful support. It’s refreshing to see writers show that women can have feelings without tearing each other down. The core of this book seems to be positive relationships between women, and that’s so heartening in a media landscape where catfights and “I’m not like other girls” is so common.
All in all, Jem and the Holograms Volume 3 was a delight to read, full of impressive visuals, female friendship, and some truly bizarre and outrageous events on the band’s first musical tour. I highly recommend for those who loved Jem in their youths, and for younger readers today!
Jem and the Holograms Volume 3 covers the Dark Jem saga. A corruption in Synergy’s code has grown into its own sentient entity and it’s turned the Holograms into an evil band that will spread Silica’s will across the world with sound waves that enthral and brainwash. Sound ridiculous? Yep! But this is Jem we’re talking about. Outrageous, weird and silly is what you signed up for when you picked up the book!
The art style in volume 3 is back to normal, and the evil designs are a delight to look at. The book makes good use of musical splash pages, and the characters look dynamic and vital. It’s a pleasure for the eyes.
Plot wise, you have the corrupt Synergy plot, but also some character development for the Misfits. Pizazz is still out of commission, so the band has to cope with the fact that they need a temporary singer for the tour. Blaze ends up being top contender, Another thing I loved about this volume was the friendship between Clash and Blaze. Clash is the ultimate fangirl of the Misfits, so when her best friend gets the gig, it would have been easy to write her as jealous and betrayed. However, while Clash is hurt, she stands by her friend and provides some wonderful support. It’s refreshing to see writers show that women can have feelings without tearing each other down. The core of this book seems to be positive relationships between women, and that’s so heartening in a media landscape where catfights and “I’m not like other girls” is so common.
All in all, Jem and the Holograms Volume 3 was a delight to read, full of impressive visuals, female friendship, and some truly bizarre and outrageous events on the band’s first musical tour. I highly recommend for those who loved Jem in their youths, and for younger readers today!
February 6, 2017
This was a fantastic instalment in the series. I loved Dark Jem mostly for her fashion. The shoes people! THE SHOES!!!!!!! Anyways I thought the story line was engaging but I didn't really see how they got Silica in the end. It just seemed to conveniently wrapped up there however this was my only gripe. I enjoyed it all the way through till that last point and would have given it a 5 star rating if it was flushed out a bit more there. Anyways as always the art is outstanding. Honestly I would use any one of these pages and make a mural in my home. They are just so spectacular and vivid and dynamic. Just gorgeous. Anyways this of course is a definite read. Get to it.
August 14, 2016
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars.
I received an e-arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this one, not as much as the first volume but still entertaining.
I received an e-arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this one, not as much as the first volume but still entertaining.
Read
October 23, 2016AKA When All The OTPS Come Together <3
May 30, 2024
Finally got my hands on the next volume. I missed reading this series.
Much better than the last volume. And the art is really great in this. Amazing character designs and costumes. Seriously the detail in the designs. Though it is kinda corny that when character get corrupted in this volume they turn emo. Though I think the designs looked cool as usual and liked that because they changed their hair it returns to its original color and style over the course of the volume. But yeah seriously such great art every page is full of so much life.
The story I thought was fun. Evil AI controlling people with song is a perfect plot for this comic. Though I think it maybe done too fast, there was a whole Pizzaz subplot, and a Blaze subplot, that kinda were pushed aside to focus on the Silica plot. Also idk this feels like a weird plot to plop in the middle of the volume and have it resolved at the end. And when the Holograms get infected they kinda just act emo for a bit and then are back to normal. They also added a whole backstory that Silica was always there or something, and there's a brief plot where they plan to disconnect Syngery, and while Kimber is against it at first the other Holograms are like well it has to be done sadly. Also Aja says that she isn't even alive so it's not like they would be killing her. Obviously they don't go through with this but huh? They were just gonna do that? I mean is Synergy even alive, robots and AI in fiction always confuse me because sometimes they're very much not sentient, but sometimes it feels like they have a soul and all that jazz. So what about Synergy? Idk. Again it all feels rushed cuz there's a weird tone shift where the holograms go off to be cute with their partners. Idk.
I really am starting to like Pizzaz but by the end of the volume she's kinda back to where she was, seeming to not have changed much. Oh well, I'm still holding on that the comic won't just make her the stock mean girl again. So while the Silicia plot is fun it really is distracting. I mean we're on the 3rd volume and some of the characters still don't feel as fleshed out. Really only really Kimber, Stormer, Pizzaz, and Jerrica feel like developed characters.
Also the band that was being controlled by Silicia, doesn't appear again according to the wiki. I feel like since they gave them character profiles and had that weird creepy scene with one member breaking out of the control only to be brainwashed again. I thought they would be new supporting characters. Honestly there's enough characters so it's fine if they don't appear again. BUT then we get a tease that a new band is showing up, and the next volume features them on the cover soo... idk. I'm kinda worried, I feel like the series is throwing too much new stuff without resolving the main arcs. MAINLY Pizzaz! Come on!
Also another gripe but I feel like a lot of the ships are forced. Like man IS EVERYBODY getting a special someone? Usually when every character in a group has a love interest it feels like too much, at least have one single group member. Anyways I love Kimber and Stormer. And Jerrica and Rio, I mean they were together in the cartoon (I haven't watched it), and they're a fine enough couple, no complaints here. But the other Holograms have to get paired off as well, alright I guess they're living the rockstar life. I must have forgotten about Aja's boyfriend, I think he was in the last volume idk but he feels like Aja but boy. I mean do they both have to have blue hair! And Shana gets a boyfriend here too, alright. It's too much and it's distracting. Like again Aja and Shana don't have much character and giving them boyfriends just distracts from that even more. Cuz that's kinda all they do in this volume is hang out and be cute with their boyfriends. Kimber and Stormer at least ties into the rival band drama, also they're really cute sorry. Idk, Aja and Shana's Misfit counterparts don't have much personality besides "British" and "bagels" (though I find the Misfits more interesting).
But idk this was an odd volume, very fun and enjoyable though. Kinda sad there's only 2 volumes left from the main series!
Much better than the last volume. And the art is really great in this. Amazing character designs and costumes. Seriously the detail in the designs. Though it is kinda corny that when character get corrupted in this volume they turn emo. Though I think the designs looked cool as usual and liked that because they changed their hair it returns to its original color and style over the course of the volume. But yeah seriously such great art every page is full of so much life.
The story I thought was fun. Evil AI controlling people with song is a perfect plot for this comic. Though I think it maybe done too fast, there was a whole Pizzaz subplot, and a Blaze subplot, that kinda were pushed aside to focus on the Silica plot. Also idk this feels like a weird plot to plop in the middle of the volume and have it resolved at the end. And when the Holograms get infected they kinda just act emo for a bit and then are back to normal. They also added a whole backstory that Silica was always there or something, and there's a brief plot where they plan to disconnect Syngery, and while Kimber is against it at first the other Holograms are like well it has to be done sadly. Also Aja says that she isn't even alive so it's not like they would be killing her. Obviously they don't go through with this but huh? They were just gonna do that? I mean is Synergy even alive, robots and AI in fiction always confuse me because sometimes they're very much not sentient, but sometimes it feels like they have a soul and all that jazz. So what about Synergy? Idk. Again it all feels rushed cuz there's a weird tone shift where the holograms go off to be cute with their partners. Idk.
I really am starting to like Pizzaz but by the end of the volume she's kinda back to where she was, seeming to not have changed much. Oh well, I'm still holding on that the comic won't just make her the stock mean girl again. So while the Silicia plot is fun it really is distracting. I mean we're on the 3rd volume and some of the characters still don't feel as fleshed out. Really only really Kimber, Stormer, Pizzaz, and Jerrica feel like developed characters.
Also the band that was being controlled by Silicia, doesn't appear again according to the wiki. I feel like since they gave them character profiles and had that weird creepy scene with one member breaking out of the control only to be brainwashed again. I thought they would be new supporting characters. Honestly there's enough characters so it's fine if they don't appear again. BUT then we get a tease that a new band is showing up, and the next volume features them on the cover soo... idk. I'm kinda worried, I feel like the series is throwing too much new stuff without resolving the main arcs. MAINLY Pizzaz! Come on!
Also another gripe but I feel like a lot of the ships are forced. Like man IS EVERYBODY getting a special someone? Usually when every character in a group has a love interest it feels like too much, at least have one single group member. Anyways I love Kimber and Stormer. And Jerrica and Rio, I mean they were together in the cartoon (I haven't watched it), and they're a fine enough couple, no complaints here. But the other Holograms have to get paired off as well, alright I guess they're living the rockstar life. I must have forgotten about Aja's boyfriend, I think he was in the last volume idk but he feels like Aja but boy. I mean do they both have to have blue hair! And Shana gets a boyfriend here too, alright. It's too much and it's distracting. Like again Aja and Shana don't have much character and giving them boyfriends just distracts from that even more. Cuz that's kinda all they do in this volume is hang out and be cute with their boyfriends. Kimber and Stormer at least ties into the rival band drama, also they're really cute sorry. Idk, Aja and Shana's Misfit counterparts don't have much personality besides "British" and "bagels" (though I find the Misfits more interesting).
But idk this was an odd volume, very fun and enjoyable though. Kinda sad there's only 2 volumes left from the main series!
July 2, 2021
Jem and the Holograms continues to just be such a fun series. This one discusses the dangers of AI and the power it can have. How we can make sure it is used for good. I'm not sure if that's what was intended for the graphic novel, but it's certainly all I could think about. I enjoyed, as always, the band dynamics, especially as they gain more exposure. But my issue is still how it doesn't feature all the characters as much. I know that there's a huge cast of characters, and the ways they intertwine, but I still sometimes feel like I'm not getting a whole picture.
July 5, 2018
Really enjoyed this one. While I wasn't sure if I would since I started losing interest with volume 2. However, I really enjoyed this story arc. Not to mention the absolute eye candy of the artwork in this Volume!
January 1, 2019
Just for the makeup and wardrobe alone this gets all the stars! I loved the fight against Silica and the transformation into dark Jem and the Holograms. This is such a diverse, inclusive comic and I completely love it!
July 1, 2017
FA BU LO SO. Este cómic es fabuloso. Las relaciones entre las chicas son fantásticas. Y los plot twist de este han sido de primera.
July 1, 2019
I forgot just how enjoyable the Jem books are.
October 12, 2020
And...we're back! Great story arc, Sophie Campbell returns - excellent volume.
March 5, 2018
Synergy has a virus and it's caused the Holograms to go evil and try to bring the world with them, through music. As always, the art just shines--all the characters look different, which is so rare in comics featuring women, and the colors are fabulous. Love Blaze's entry into the Misfits and everyone's support of her.
September 1, 2018
full disclosure: I skipped volume two because Sophie Campbell didn't draw it 😬 yes, I'm a bad person. whatever. I was infected by Silica's darkness. anyways, this story is all about giving all the girls gothy makeovers & alternate costumes. but the story reasoning works, and provides some great opportunities for character growth for Jerrica & Kimber & Pizzazz, especially. more fun, with a little darker edge. 🖤💖
May 18, 2018
Still loving this series! It's nice to see this volume drops a lot of the relationship angst, it has an actual storyline!
The Misfits and Pizzaz get some character development and I think that was a very good decision. It keeps things interesting and adds the potential for more inventive storylines. I always preferred The Misfits to The Holograms so it makes me very happy to see that they are treated as more than the 'bad band'.
The art is as good as ever, the outfits are stunning and the meatier storyline pays off, making this my favourite volume so far.
The Misfits and Pizzaz get some character development and I think that was a very good decision. It keeps things interesting and adds the potential for more inventive storylines. I always preferred The Misfits to The Holograms so it makes me very happy to see that they are treated as more than the 'bad band'.
The art is as good as ever, the outfits are stunning and the meatier storyline pays off, making this my favourite volume so far.
August 19, 2016
(Copy supplied by NetGalley)
So, Synergy is infected by something, and goes evil.
This is the premise of this story arc, and is also the brainchild of the original illustrator (and my favourite Jem artist) Sophia/Ross Campbell (even if the story treatment belongs to the original writer). And that is why we once again have Campbell back in the pencils which is an enough reason to buy it. One extra star for the Campbell art.
The story itself would normally lend this three stars, as it is a very revisited concept: the good godlike entity is corrupted by evil, infects the main cast, who (after taking a turn to the punkgoth and starting to wear a lot of black) must find it in them their goodness and return to their former selves.
While the concept itself is nothing particularly original, it allows some interesting ideas and situations, but I still am not happy with the lack of explanation how Synergy got infected. All we know is that "it happened because it already had something corrupted inside it" (as was hinted at very heavily in volume 2).
But despite the lack of originality or interest of the plot, I am not finding myself resentful of it. The series is excellent in the message of positivism and sisterhood (while including male characters who are not idiots and are well fleshed out) - although our main male villain is still as ridiculous and flat as in the TV series, and Rio, for no reason whatsoever, hates Jem. Now, I could understand him not liking divas, but the way he acts, he either is totally in love with her (which he doesn't seem to be taking into consideration some of his reactions in the book) or he loathes her for no reason. I mean, she doesn't do half the shit Pizzazz does, and yet, for some reason, Rio keeps constantly attacking and belittling Jem to Jerrica. I am not sure if this is to be different from the main series, but it desperately needs some subtlety in its attempts, then.
Other than that, I am glad I am buying this series, as I plan to continue to do so -- and there is an extra nod to the fans with the cameo of a certain German band at the end of the volume.
So, Synergy is infected by something, and goes evil.
This is the premise of this story arc, and is also the brainchild of the original illustrator (and my favourite Jem artist) Sophia/Ross Campbell (even if the story treatment belongs to the original writer). And that is why we once again have Campbell back in the pencils which is an enough reason to buy it. One extra star for the Campbell art.
The story itself would normally lend this three stars, as it is a very revisited concept: the good godlike entity is corrupted by evil, infects the main cast, who (after taking a turn to the punkgoth and starting to wear a lot of black) must find it in them their goodness and return to their former selves.
While the concept itself is nothing particularly original, it allows some interesting ideas and situations, but I still am not happy with the lack of explanation how Synergy got infected. All we know is that "it happened because it already had something corrupted inside it" (as was hinted at very heavily in volume 2).
But despite the lack of originality or interest of the plot, I am not finding myself resentful of it. The series is excellent in the message of positivism and sisterhood (while including male characters who are not idiots and are well fleshed out) - although our main male villain is still as ridiculous and flat as in the TV series, and Rio, for no reason whatsoever, hates Jem. Now, I could understand him not liking divas, but the way he acts, he either is totally in love with her (which he doesn't seem to be taking into consideration some of his reactions in the book) or he loathes her for no reason. I mean, she doesn't do half the shit Pizzazz does, and yet, for some reason, Rio keeps constantly attacking and belittling Jem to Jerrica. I am not sure if this is to be different from the main series, but it desperately needs some subtlety in its attempts, then.
Other than that, I am glad I am buying this series, as I plan to continue to do so -- and there is an extra nod to the fans with the cameo of a certain German band at the end of the volume.
February 21, 2017
The representation in this series continues to be amazing and the story is really addicting. Just read it, okay?
July 9, 2016
I didn't know there was a Jem and the Holograms comic book, so obviously I missed Volume 1 and 2.
This is not your mum's Jem and the Holograms!
As a huge fan of the cartoon, I had a small meltdown reading this modern incarnation, and I mean it in a good way. For one, I barely recognised anyone. I could only tell them apart from their hair colour (and by Kimber's rebellious response to everything!) but the girls have been given very different body types and I love it! This makes you think about how the 80's cartoon versions were boxy-shouldered carbon copies of each other cept for the different hair and skin colour. Synergy is sleek and sexy, yet still quite sci-fi.
So Synergy somehow acquired a virus called Silica who takes over and creates evil personalities for everyone. Aim? To take over the world. What else right? Not too surprisingly the cure was for Jem and the Holograms to combine forces with the Misfits, leading to several gorgeous musical montage spreads which tragically is silent on an ebook page.
Other stuff that I found different, new or outstanding compared to the cartoon include a couple of gay/lesbian relationships, one transgender woman, and some very lovely examples of female friendships. Truly outrageous and utterly timely!
Honestly speaking, the sexual orientation and dating life of anyone who is not Jem/Jerrica falls in the background when you're 10 years old. The only thing I remember is the insipid Jem-Jerrica-Rio love triangle.
Recommended for both past fans and new ones!
This copy digital was courtesy of NetGalley.
This is not your mum's Jem and the Holograms!
As a huge fan of the cartoon, I had a small meltdown reading this modern incarnation, and I mean it in a good way. For one, I barely recognised anyone. I could only tell them apart from their hair colour (and by Kimber's rebellious response to everything!) but the girls have been given very different body types and I love it! This makes you think about how the 80's cartoon versions were boxy-shouldered carbon copies of each other cept for the different hair and skin colour. Synergy is sleek and sexy, yet still quite sci-fi.
So Synergy somehow acquired a virus called Silica who takes over and creates evil personalities for everyone. Aim? To take over the world. What else right? Not too surprisingly the cure was for Jem and the Holograms to combine forces with the Misfits, leading to several gorgeous musical montage spreads which tragically is silent on an ebook page.
Other stuff that I found different, new or outstanding compared to the cartoon include a couple of gay/lesbian relationships, one transgender woman, and some very lovely examples of female friendships. Truly outrageous and utterly timely!
Honestly speaking, the sexual orientation and dating life of anyone who is not Jem/Jerrica falls in the background when you're 10 years old. The only thing I remember is the insipid Jem-Jerrica-Rio love triangle.
Recommended for both past fans and new ones!
This copy digital was courtesy of NetGalley.
July 20, 2016
Jem and the Holograms Volume 3: Dark Jem is a graphic novel composed of comic books 11-16 in the series. The main character Jerrica aka Jem undergoes a sudden change in attitude, appearance, and singing style. Soon everyone who hears their music turns into an emotionless puppet, including the band members themselves. But just who is it pulling the strings? It seems that the problem is originating from within the Synergy hologram. Can Jem and her bandmates break away from the brainwashing long enough to fix the problem?
I would first like to state that I received this free through NetGalley for an honest review. I must admit I requested this title as I absolutely loved the Jem cartoon as a kid. I was a bit disappointed in some of the drastic changes to the characters and the story overall. Sure, I expected some changes to bring the show into the 21st century but this was a complete overhaul. The characters are barely recognizable. And what happened to Jem & the Holograms and the Mizfits being enemies? They were all friendly for the most part in this book. The rivalry was what kept it interesting in the tv series and the comics felt a bit boring without it. I did like the artwork overall, but I did have trouble reading some of the warped irregular text in places. I had to zoom way in just to be able to make out the words. All in all this was a decent reboot, I enjoyed reading it but it can't hold a candle to the original.
I would first like to state that I received this free through NetGalley for an honest review. I must admit I requested this title as I absolutely loved the Jem cartoon as a kid. I was a bit disappointed in some of the drastic changes to the characters and the story overall. Sure, I expected some changes to bring the show into the 21st century but this was a complete overhaul. The characters are barely recognizable. And what happened to Jem & the Holograms and the Mizfits being enemies? They were all friendly for the most part in this book. The rivalry was what kept it interesting in the tv series and the comics felt a bit boring without it. I did like the artwork overall, but I did have trouble reading some of the warped irregular text in places. I had to zoom way in just to be able to make out the words. All in all this was a decent reboot, I enjoyed reading it but it can't hold a candle to the original.
July 7, 2016
I watched the Jem cartoons when I was a little kid and thought this comic book would be a nice trip down memory lane. Except that Jem here has been totally re-done - the characters are not the long-limbed, slim and straight women that I remember admiring in my childhood. They've also been modernized, and can be seen blankly gazing into their mobiles or playing mp3s.
But the story drags a bit towards the middle, and there are often too many characters and episodes to keep up with. It gets confusing, and I don't think I would pick up the next volume in this series...
The artwork is creative and gorgeous throughout with zangy, juicy colors and a bit of an 1980s punk/goth aesthetic, which I love.
But the story drags a bit towards the middle, and there are often too many characters and episodes to keep up with. It gets confusing, and I don't think I would pick up the next volume in this series...
The artwork is creative and gorgeous throughout with zangy, juicy colors and a bit of an 1980s punk/goth aesthetic, which I love.
April 19, 2021
Being a tad outside the recommended age range I did feel like the plot was a bit too... Hidden? I guess I'm more used to feeling more inside of the story - beside the characters? In this story, characters are constantly talking about having plans or being smart but they never show their work. Results just happen.
I don't know, I feel like that is just something that happens in kids comics? So, if we just stopped there it would certainly be a two-star read. A pretty average read, if outside of my true enjoyment range. But then we get to the art. Sophie Campbell never ceases to impress me. The way she incorporates such a variety of female bodies, letting them express themselves and be beautiful.
I don't know, I feel like that is just something that happens in kids comics? So, if we just stopped there it would certainly be a two-star read. A pretty average read, if outside of my true enjoyment range. But then we get to the art. Sophie Campbell never ceases to impress me. The way she incorporates such a variety of female bodies, letting them express themselves and be beautiful.
July 27, 2016
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good comic or graphic novel and especially strong female oriented ones. I love how modern Jem and the Holograms is in this series and the artwork is gorgeous! The story is intriguing and kept me interested. All around great volume!
I love a good comic or graphic novel and especially strong female oriented ones. I love how modern Jem and the Holograms is in this series and the artwork is gorgeous! The story is intriguing and kept me interested. All around great volume!
October 9, 2016
Much more coherent than volume 2 (although obviously it's continuous, but has story arcs, you know the deal). There's amaaaaazing art (I love Sophie Campbell's style!) and costumes and some drama. Jem continues being fun and doing superbly on representation front.
December 8, 2016
The art is again so gorgeous, the outfit designs and colours so breathtaking, that I would've loved to give this five stars! I left it at four stars, though, because of some vague parts in the plot that left me with a few unanswered questions.
December 5, 2016
I enjoyed this arc.
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