Honestly, I had the hardest time in the world coming up with my rating for <i>Grease Bats </i>by Archie Bongiovanni, a collection of comic strips about roommates Andy, who is trans-genderqueer, and Scout, who is gay. And initially I was really excited to read this collection, thinking that it was going to be a lot of fun but I just found myself rather bored with everything and didn't really like the characters all that much. I recognize, however, that this is more personal feelings on my end and less a commentary on the material itself, which is why this was ultimately one of the most difficult books for me to rate.

One of the cool things I did appreciate and notice about the various comic strips was the way in which the characters' outfits--shirts for Andy and the hat for Scout--changed periodically throughout, featuring a variety of different phrases with each different moment of story being told. I think that the comics have some merit to them, but I found myself not really connecting with Andy's promiscuity or Scout's hang-up on her ex-girlfriend. I couldn't really bring myself to feel invested in the characters or their stories, which was unfortunate and kind of a let down.

In the end, I feel as though it's fairly obvious that this story simply isn't for me. And while I was drawn in by the Friends quote adaptation, the series wasn't really what I was expecting. I think this was partially due to the fact that promiscuity is not something I ever enjoyed on my own end--though I have no problem with others doing it--and pining after one's ex is something that reminds me of an awful time in my life. These factors ultimately left me feeling detached from the work as a whole, though I hope others enjoyed it more than I did.

<i>I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

Grease Bats by boom studios is a collection of short comics about LGBTQ life. It’s so whitty and fun! My favorite part is definitely all of Andy’s t-shirts!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This graphic novel and all the LGBT+ and POC representation were amazing! I loved the art style and the shorter stories which all related to each other in some way later on. I love how unique all the characters were and how they taught each other to be accepting of themselves and of each other. It was a beautiful, wholesome message which was lovely to see.

Grease Bats is a collection of comics by Bongiovanni on Autostraddle except they're all in one place now! Featuring all sorts of diverse characters, Grease Bats is a comic that should be read for anyone who wants to see issues of trans representation, body dysmorphia, and more! It's one of those collections that inspires me to find more comics like this. A perfect blending of awareness, tough conversations, and friendship.

Adorable queer slice-of-life comic that feels very much like it's picking up the baton from the much-missed Dykes to Watch Out For. Wry, sharp and crammed full of genderfeels.

This is a tough book for me to rate.

While I did enjoy it to a certain extent and I know that for some people this book may be a virtual representation of their everyday lives which is something we all should see, understand and maybe sometimes think twice before saying certain things, I cannot rate this book higher.

My main issue was probably with the art, and yes, I get it that it's a part of the image. However, I did not enjoy the art. Seemed like a scatch which was supposed to be improved.
Also, the handwriting was sometimes a bit tiring to read.
I have to say that visual is the place where this book lost one star.

The second? Sometimes I found myself skipping ahead, stopping mid "story" and going to the next. Also, I had to stop repeatedly before continuing with this book. I don't want to say "why are you always so angry?" But unfortunately, this was too much angst for me to read for longer periods of time. And while it's okay to be angry and we all should get angry to stand for things that are important for us (there is no shame in being angry), it was sometimes a bit overwhelming.

This book definitely has its audience out there. However, I don't think I'm definitely that audience.

A wonderful graphic novel that manages to combine a compelling narrative and illustrations to create a wonderful experience for the reader.

As a queer person in my 30s, I found this collection of comic strips super fun and recognizable in a lot of ways. There's a good amount of variety among the main characters, with different personalities, identities, and personal journeys being represented. A lot of the conversations among the characters, both in the ways they spoke and the topics they focused on, seemed familiar to me; I could see myself and my friends in them. The art is expressive and drawn in a loose comic strip style. On the whole, a fun collection that feels like hanging out with your good friends.

Grease Bats is entertaining in the full-on comic strip extreme. The book works as a collection of short stories about its major characters, and humor brims through, along with life and sparking dialogue. Illustration meets story in a creative way. Highly recommended!

First up a big thank you to the publisher for granting my wish. Sadly this comic and I didn't click. I have been trying for some time now to get through this book but it just doesn't work. Now at page 100+ and I am giving up and spending my time on something more enjoyable and with characters that I will actually like more. I already spend 3/4 days of my life with another ARC with gruesome characters and I could use some loveable ones. I am sure this comic is important, it talks a ton about gender and equality, how to use pronouns, how it is to be queer. It just wasn't for me. Though plus points for Andy's shirts which always brought a smile (or laugh) when they had a new one on. The art was also pretty OK.

This was an adorable comic that reminded me of a modern Dykes to Watch Out For. I loved how they portrayed character dynamics and the way that the two main characters navigate life together. Truly just very heartwarming.

I really wanted to like this a lot but I just didn’t. I’m still giving it 3 stars because I think maybe it just wasn't for me and other people would really love it.

First of all, I should say that I love Boom! Studios as I have been following many of their series for years now, so with that in mind, I knew I was going to enjoy this collection of stripes. I wasn't wrong.

It was awesome to follow the life of these two friends, navigating exes, friends, going out... conversations about gender and sexuality... Yup, it was funny! Also: The collection of t-shirts they have (and other items of clothing) is amazing!

Grease Bats is a funny and realistic look at queer life told through comic strips. I'd seen a few of these on @autostraddle but it was great to read through the whole collection and get a proper feel for the characters and their storylines (and decide which one I'm most like - I'd love to be confident femme slut Gwen but am probably more like emotional awkward bean Scout!)

Grease Bats faces all the dilemmas and delights of being queer, trans and genderqueer, from that weird way straight people buy you drinks because they think you're so precious, to nightmare families, to figuring out if you look queer enough to get a date, to what to wear on Halloween, the most important gay holiday of the year. Buy a copy for all your friends!

This is one of my favorite comics in a long time! It reminds me a lot of Dykes To Watch Out For for the millenenial generation. The characters are so vivid and three dimensional! And it touches on issues of gender, sex, and emotional health without being preachy. A very fun read!

"I just don't think any knuckle tattoo will beat 'BOOK CLUB'"

This is such a funny comic bind-up! It consists of mini-comics surrounding best friends and roommates Scout and Andy and their queer friends. Aside from it being hilarious, it doesn't shy away from serious topics and feelings. I really enjoyed it, as it was a quick and light read for the most part, but also very validating. I loved how it was centered mostly around friendship and not romance, and the characters were entirely different from each other.

CWs: homophobia, transphobia, misgendering

I'd read a few of these comics before on Autostraddle.com but hadn't really followed who everyone was. I really enjoyed reading a collection of the comics, getting to know all the characters and following all their (mis)adventures.

When I "made a wish" for this comic book, I didn't really know what I was getting into. I read queer, I loved the cover, and that was it for me. I was sold!

Then my wish got granted and, wow, I was in for a crazy ride. I know ver few people who are trans, since I go to my town's lgbt community center, but since I'm very introverted, and usually spend my days at home after work and on the weekends, I don't really know any of them for real. We talked, we played, we went to prides together, but that was it.

Grease Bats gave me a little insight of what maybe I could've learned if I wasn't so afraid of going out and meet new people. Being misgendered sounds awful, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. With all the sadness Andy clearly deals with everyday, they are hilarious to be with, all the shenanigans, the billion hookups, the fashion (I'm living for their shirts!!). How can they get 7 new boyfriends after a bachelorette party? I'm impressed!

And Scout, super shy, unable to date, forever single. She's so relatable! So so relatable. But if I have to think about it, I think I relate the most to Ari: Alone Saturdays and Sundays of Solitude are my jam!

Grease Bats is really fun, raw, and life! You should read it as soon as it's released!

This is one of the best comics I have read in a while and it made me feel like a young queer punk again. Archie Bongiovanni has crafted a fantastic cast of characters who feel so familiar it is sometimes spooky. I can see why it has been compared with Dykes To Watch Out For--it portrays a queer community that, for someone like me who grew up in small Southern cities, I can only wish I grew up in. Required LGBTQIA reading.

Guys, I really wanted to love this one. It's so freaking important to have queer representation across all lit genres. But alas, I wasn't super jazzed. This comic compilation about two friends navigating the difficulties of life off the gender binary should have been a homerun for me. But honestly, I think it is way too long and reads way too slow. Also, the narrative is patchy and jumps around which I don't think short comics support very well when trying to keep a reader engaged. I wanted to love it. I really did.