The Plain Janes (2007)

Graphic novel about 4 young women with a variation of the name Jane. Though it's populated entirely by stereotypes, the story rings true, and the guerrilla artists are interesting and fresh. ( )

A very unique story that worked well in the graphic format. ( )

A thoughtful, fun, and provocative response to the culture of fear that terrorist attacks have created, this book is instead being marketed as a "high school misfit overcomes social restrictions" title. The only bad point - it doesn't appear there are any plans currently to continue the story. Previously read and reviewed July 1, 2007 - I'm pleased to see that since this first review there's now a sequel. ( )

A pretty standard art-can-overcome, I-am-stronger-than-I-thought high school story, complete with the obligatory does-he-like-me subplot and one-dimensional, cliche characters. It's not a bad story, but it's nothing I'm going to remember a week from now, either. ( )

This is the story of Jane, and how she is trying to overcome and make sense of the bombing in Metro City. After the bombing, Jane's parents sell the shop and move to suburbia. Jane's mother becomes very over-protective as a result of the bombing, constantly phoning to see where she is. As Jane struggles with the aftermath of the bombing and moving to a new place, she starts to think about how she can give her life meaning. In response to the emotions she is experiencing and the questions she is asking herself, she convinces her friends to create a secret group called P.L.A.I.N., People Loving Art In Neighborhoods. What follows are great art attacks, funny and over- reactive responses from the adults, and the start of healing for Jane. This is an awesome read for people who don't care about fitting in and making life beautiful and meaningful.

The Plain Janes won the Joe Shuster Award. ( )