Black Dolls Vol. 1
Four girls, four extremely different characters. Jada, the band founder, is an impassioned feminist who can’t wait to shake up the music industry. Dina, an ex-child star, is still running from her past. Sassy is an influencer and girlie-girl who may live up to her name. And finally, Silvee, a sweet, but shy girl, who has chronic stage fright. Under the name Black Dolls, they enter into a Battle of the Bands competition with the hopes of gaining traction and potential fame.
Although there are so few pages in this graphic novel, there are so many topics tastefully discussed. Topics covered include women’s traumas, being a strong independent young woman of colour and misogyny, prejudices that are day-to-day injustices for young women. Having adoption, therapy and self-improvement spoken about without prejudice is great; these themes are something that deserve a platform and space in literature. On a lighter note, Queenie, Jada’s cat, is hilarious. If you appreciate having cats’ personalities depicted, you are going to really enjoy Queenie’s interactions and monologues. Like most cats, they like to make other’s lives a misery, somehow always maintaining their innocence. The graphics, although monochromatic, are playful, creative and extremely detailed. Woolley is extremely talented and their outside the box designs complement the girls’ personalities, the imagery often projecting their thoughts and fears.
It is not often a reader will come across a graphic novel like this; dramatic, high-stakes and one hell of a ride, you are sure to have a laugh with this one!
