Comment

Apr 29, 2017forbesrachel rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
She's cool, smart, witty, loves fast cars, and solves mysteries. She's Goldie Vance, and she'll hook you within just a few pages. Volume one delves right into this character's life. We learn that she, her dad, and most of her friends work at the Crossed Palms resort in Florida where small "mysteries" regularly need solving. Romantic interests are at the forefront in these teens' minds, including a potential burgeoning relationship between Goldie and a certain young woman from the record store. Also, there is Goldie's nemesis, whose brief appearance hints at the sort of tensions to come. This graphic novel has been compared to Nancy Drew, and in terms of the vibe, that is definitely true. Goldie pokes her nose into places she shouldn't, she has a strong sense of right and wrong (although she is willing to bend the law to do the right thing), and the mystery itself is just beyond the boundary of realism. However, there are ways in which it distinguishes itself; Goldie is a middle class working girl, her friends play important roles and have lives of their own, and the world is full of diverse individuals (Goldie is a multiracial American, and, as implied, a lesbian). Many modern readers will probably find it easier to relate to this wonderfully rounded character. The artwork is just superb too. There is clearly some manga and even animation influences in the style; panels skew in moments of action, thoughts aren't always divulged with words, the pace moves at a good clip, the colours are bright and fun, etc. Middle grade and teen readers (and even adults) will devour volume one, so here's hoping that volume two comes out quick.