REVIEW: The Plain Janes

So here it is - my first graphic novel review. And what heavy hitter have I chosen for this prestigious occasion...? Well - it's that well known book called... The... Plain... Janes...? Wait a minute - what happened to my Essential Marvel Team-Up review?!?

***SPOILER ALERT***

Jane lived peacefully in Metro City, up until the day she was caught in a terrorist attack (although saying that, it is worth noting that the word 'terror' is never used in this book - instead it's implied by characters' reactions and comments).

As you would expect, the shock of such an attack jarred her quite a bit. Jane began to harden herself to the city, cutting her hair, dying it black, and starting to visit an unconscious victim in hospital, whom she had woken up next to on the day of the attack.

Jane's parents, fearful of another incident, decided to move Jane out of the city, into a safer environment far away from threats. In doing this however,  Jane had to leave her friends in Metro City, and begin afresh, making new friends - still not having fully recovered.

The Plain Janes obviously wasn't written for someone my age (good lord that sentence makes me feel old), instead being aimed at a young person going through the difficult mid-to-later school years. This doesn't however, make it impossible for me to appreciate The Plain Janes.

As I was reading the book, I couldn't help thinking back to the time that I moved schools when I was 15. I didn't go through exactly the same emotions as Jane (as it was my choice), but I did have that awkward 'how on earth do I make friends all over again' thought in my brain for the first few weeks.

Despite drawing parallels between the book and my own life - I still found The Plain Janes to be a mixed bag. As a semi-adult (I will never relinquish the kid in me - not growing up - ever), I wasn't all that keen on the book. But - as someone who can remember the experiences of a kid changing schools - I'd say it was worth a read.

Pete's Score: 3 out of 5

(worth a quick read, as it will make you wander briefly down memory lane - but if you have teenage kids, do one better and buy the book for them - it'll be far more appreciated)