A really lovely coming of age story about a seventeen year old, and her journey to find her own voice and happiness.

Set in the early 90s, we find Val, a ballerina rehearsing for Swan Lake, who is trying to figure out who she really is and what she likes, beyond the path which her conservative family have set out for her. She feels unable to conform to who her parents want her to be, and their overbearingness is starting to wear her down.

After being persuaded to start smoking to help her lose weight so she can be the perfect ballerina, she meets Kat and Rudie and together they form a punk rock band. Over the course of the story we meet more characters, some who help Val, and some who try to hold her down, and many who project their feelings of inadequacy on to her.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. I really liked the artwork and the story had a timeless quality to it. Whilst I was not a ballerina, nor did I join a band in my youth, as a fellow emo kid, many of the issues that Val deals with are so relatable. It is a great story of female friendships and girl power. About where to find positive support from others and when to gain independence away from toxic relationships.

Content warnings: eating disorders, body shaming, sexism, self-harm

My Riot is an empowering coming-of-age story that revolves around Valerie, an aspiring ballerina whose life is radically changed by her new friend Kat and the civil unrest that’s building in her city which results in her starting a feminist punk rock band.

It carefully handles sensitive issues that are all too relatable in that in weird period between being a teenager and an adult. For instance, it covers identity (including sexual, romantic and gender), body image, the complexities of relationships in all shapes and sizes and of course, finding yourself. I especially enjoyed the dynamic between mother and daughter and how that relationship evolved throughout.

My favourite part of the story was actually the ending and the reminder that we’re all constantly changing, that over time we become different versions of ourselves. So while this is primarily about that transition from teen to adult, this graphic novel can be relevant and relatable to anyone who’s identity is shifting at any stage of their life.

Another thing I loved about My Riot is that the artwork is brought to life in striking pink, purple and blue hues which is a nice contrast to the graphic novels I’ve read previously. It’s a much softer colour palette without being overly feminine.

The only things I disliked about My Riot were the derogatory remarks and slurs that were there to highlight relevant social issues such as racism, transphobia and fat-shaming – which I obviously understand were needed in order to fully understand the context of the story. I’d also add that I didn’t enjoy the use of expletives but that’s just personal preference really.

Content warnings: fat-shaming, eating disorders (bulimia), addiction (nicotine), racism, transphobia, riots

Many thanks to Rick Spears, ONI Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a good coming of age mixed with punk rock culture and feminism.
I loved it from the beginning until the very end. There was just something about it that I could relate with. The characters were 10/10; The plot was super interesting and I loved the ending and it was warped up.

The whole storyline seemed kind of unrealistic, especially the main character. Although I relate to the pressure she’d experienced from her ballet class but the rest were just plain boring and unrealistic to me.

I wasn't a huge fan. While the shading was beautiful, the art didn't feel distinctive otherwise. I was slightly startled by the tone of the comic from the beginning -- it was a bit darker than I expected, and jumped into several very intense social issues quickly without much connective tissue between them. I couldn't get a solid grip on any of the main characters or their personalities. I think there's definitely the bones of a good story here but as it stood I just wasn't a huge fan.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: eating disorder, puking on purpose (idk the word for that in English, maybe purging?), smoking, minor fistfights

There's a short list of things that made me go "WOMANHOOD!!! I LOVE BEING A WOMAN!!!!!" and this graphic novel just got added to that list. Despite the darker themes it eventually dives into, at its core it's just a celebration of free womanhood, and what we can do when we get together.

The beginning was a bit slow, and I didn't really get how it was going to turn into a riot grrrl story, but that's about all the complaints I have.

Thank you for giving me a copy of this book to review, I flew through this book and I really enjoyed it. It is about a trio of three girls forming a band and their journey. The main character has struggles and she tries to lose weight to be a better ballet dancer but quits when it all gets too much. The band becomes her freedom and her way out. This is set in the 90s and there are plenty of cliches in the comic but it didn’t stop my enjoyment. I enjoyed the story but the main character annoyed me a little, the other two girls were great though.
I really liked the art style and how it used a simple colour palette. It flowed really well and the art conveyed the story.
Overall it was a quick fun read!

I didn't know what to expect going into this one, and if I had to use one word to sum it up I would say it was very raw. It really tackles a lot of things mirrored in today's society and does not shy away from it. We follow Val who isn't quite sure what she wants in life, she just knows that something is missing and she transforms as she goes on her journey to find out who she really wants to be. It's something everyone goes through, but in their own way and it was great to see her victories, missteps and heartbreaks along the way.

I really enjoyed the reading experience of this one, especially watching Val grow and define herself, while battling her own internal demons. The art style perfectly fit the feel of the story and changed to fit the mood perfectly.

This was a fun 90s story about starting a band and figuring out who you are. I felt like the story had so much promise, but I was disappointed in the execution. The main character's love of music was so well written, it was almost tangible, but unfortunately the rest of her personality felt flat. None of the other characters were fleshed out either which was disappointing. I couldn't get invested in the friendships or relationships when I knew so little about the characters. The plot was also quite rushed at times. The art, however, is great! The artist manages to capture so much energy and raw emotion.

I really enjoyed this coming of age story. It was well written and versed in the 1990's.

The art style is done in such a way to show a lot in one image while still staying minimal in design.

I am going to pick this up when it comes out in October.

‘My Riot’ was a really fun read that whilst being fun also touched on more sensitive subjects, for example eating disorders. I liked how this graphic novel touched on the darker side of doing ballet and having to be small and skinny, which then leads to some people developing eating disorders. I felt like this subject was done well.

I loved the art style of this graphic novel. It was really beautifully done. I loved the feminist themes throughout and I loved the friendship between Val, Rudie and Kat.

‘My Riot’ was a really fun coming of age story with a good feminist message.

I enjoyed this. The main character was likeable and I was engaged enough to want to see where her story was going. The setting and coming of age storyline was cool and interesting. The feminist themes were well done. Her story arc was cute. I enjoyed the side characters and their interactions.
Unfortunately, I also thought there were a lot of problems. The idea that a police shooting/riot is what started this story, really made me uncomfortable. It was basically just a footnote to start this girls discovery of her "punk" self. A riot should not be used as a white girls catalyst for starting a band. It's kinds gross. Also, the comic felt like it was dealing with too many things at once and not doing any of them justice. They start an eating disorder storyline that is barely touched on later. It just doesn't feel well done. The pacing is also extremely off. The rush to the end was frustrating.

2.5 stars.

4.5 stars
"My Riot" is a coming of age story set in the 90's following a group of girls who start a band and make it big in the Riot Girl scene.
I loved this graphic novel!! I didn't know what to expect going into "My Riot" but it did not disappoint! Val as a main character was super relatable and empowering and watching her navigate being a teenager and then a young adult really struck a cord with me. You get to watch Val have to make tough decisions, disappoint some people, and really go after her dreams. I loved the incorporation of the Riot Girl movement of the 90's and the art style was fantastic. The colour palette and the art style complimented the story really well and elevated to overall story.
This was a fantastic stand-alone graphic novel that I honestly can not wait to add to my collection!


Thank you to NetGally & Oni Press for providing me an e-arc of "My Riot" in exchange for an honest review.

I really wasn't sure what to expect just from the description but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this graphic novel. I think I read it at the right time and I am the perfect audience for this book. I am my most happiest when at a concert for a band I love. There's something about the energy in the room that I can't get enough of. I I loved seeing Val explore a different part of herself and falling in love with music. As a concert goer, I loved seeing things from the perspective of the band. I enjoyed seeing how the scale of the shows progressed and how they treated other bands in the community. It was very encouraging to see that even though her parents were tough, they supported her and her dreams. The 90s vibes were also fantastic. The only things I can really critique were that the side characters were just side characters. I would have loved to see more about their lives and backgrounds. There should be trigger warnings somewhere in this book and I hope that gets added before publication. I will definitely be checking out more by this author!

ARC recieved from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was completely different from what I expected. It was serious and gut punching, with hard hitting messages. I definitely didn't expect it to be so serious and I feel like the main characters didn't get the resolution to their problems, they just continued so I'm a little put off about the lack of resolution there. The art took a few panels to get used to, but by the end I loved it. I actually have no idea whether i'd recommend it or not, It was very powerful but I do wish there were some problem solving mixed to help the characters figure things out a bit more.

"I'm not a lot of things, but I'm happy."
I liked that this covered so many topics about growing up and learning who you are, including standing up for yourself and learning to love yourself for all of your flaws and insecurities. I really liked the art and the aesthetic of it all, and the music scenes really resonated with me even though I wasn't alive during the punk/rock/grunge era. This story show cases teenage frustration and rage so well, and ends with an inspiring twist.

It's 1991 and Valerie is sick of following the rules. She teams up with two girls to form a punk-rock band and through feminist Riot Grrl anthems they challenge who society says they should be.

This read brought back all the nostalgia of going out and moshing at punk and hardcore shows back in the pre-digital age. When fliers, word-of-mouth, and music venues reigned along with the confusion of those menacing teenage years that are crucial to finding out who you're meant to be. This was a really great, empowering read. My favorite parts were the raging song lyrics and the way the color palette changed with Val's mood. The art style had a cool, raw edge to it that felt like something you'd find in the back of a scene zine. Awesome read, I'd highly recommend for anyone who enjoys coming of age stories and the punk rock music scene.

Trigger Warning for body issues and eating disorder.

I really enjoyed reading this graphic novel. The art style was amazing, as was the underlying message of female empowerment and not changing yourself to fit the standards of others. Would recommend for readers who like Moxie.

So I started this book on high expectations because I seem to be reading a lot of good graphic novels lately and this book was good but I felt like it was a bit too drawn out and I lost interest halfway into the story. Let me explain
The first half was fantastic, we got to know Val as a character and I love the diversity of the characters and the representations. However, Val wasn't a character that I necessarily enjoyed. She is a teenage girl who just got her first job and she also has a love-hate relationship with ballet. as her teacher is always on her case about her weight and she advised her to start smoking because it would curb her hunger (I mean, an unhealthy way to curb your hunger). So she starts smoking and she also develops an eating disorder.
Then we have her mother who is a conservative mom and she freaks out when she finds Condoms in Val's bag and I remember thinking that 'this is not the right way to handle finding condoms in your teenage daughter or son's bag'. Her mother slut-shames her even though we know that Val isn't having sex.
Then riots begin around the state with everything being destroyed and there is one line that stood out to me "Last night's riot was the release of pent-up racial tension" which explains what is happening today. Val and her family seemed very removed from the situation as they enjoy their suburban life until her workplace is smashed by a brick during the riot. A statement she made, "I never saw the brick until it was part of my life" made me realize how much she didn't recognize her privilege. Anyways she makes a friend on the same day and through her friend, Val's love for punk rock began.

There were so many hilarious moments in the story and I love the art style although the absence of color in the book made it hard for me to read. The facial expressions were just so hilarious.

Review to come August 28th on blog/goodreads.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

Something attracted me to this book, I just love graphic novels and this seemed so interesting. A ballerina who falls in love with punk and starts her own band. OMG.

Since I am dead tired at this moment (and some other stuff) I will write a review.. but it will be a bit chaotic as I write while reading with some addings to parts as I read further. :P

Well, given the beginning I can imagine this girl goes to punk/falls in love with something else. Dear lord, she is 115 pounds, 52 fucking kilo. That is NOTHING. How the fuck do you dare to make suggestions she is fat? How dare you suggest she goes smoking or losing weight? This girl is 17, she is still growing. She is developing. Fuck you dance instructor. :| I hope one day you realise the shit you said and maybe discover you have throw a lot of kids into eating disorders or lung cancer.
I did like the ballet parts, despite the whole you are fat despite not being fat stuff. I have always been a fan of ballet stories.
Also what the fuck is up with that guy she dances with. How is he able to judge that she never has been in love? I also never heard a dude of his age say swollen heart, so that had me in stitches next to wanting to punch him for saying stuff like: "I make no promises but I will do my best to help her.".
I am glad that eventually she decided to fuck it, and I was just applauding and cheering for her because hot dang this was about time. You shouldn't be forced to smoke a pack a day, puke out your guts, not eat anything because you are afraid of being weighed, of being too fat. WHICH SHE ISN'T. I was so proud of my girl. Good job girl! Fuck ballet, fuck that lady and her constant whining about weight and how a ballerina should be. That isn't healthy and someone should talk to that lady.

While I never agree of riots and destroying property, no matter what anyone's cause is, this was a change for Valerie. She made a new friend (who is showing her new things and giving her new music). And slowly she is changing to who she really wants to be. And what she wants to be. And I was so happy for her.

I loved her first experience with seeing a band (guessing punk/rock) live. How she immediately jumped and danced no matter that she got a nosebleed. And OMG, those sweet moments with that guy, I was just swooning and hoping these two would get together. Though Jake was just a bit of a dick at times. I am sorry, but really? He got upset over that? She never said she never had x... And why does it matter that she had x? Also later he started to get really pissy about the band and such and I just wanted to throw him in a cold river so he could freaking cool down.

Though there is also the guy she dances with. I do hope sincerely that this isn't going to be a freaking love triangle or I may just drop the book. While dancer dude has gained a bit more of my liking, I still don't like him fully. Oh dear, it became a slight love triangle and I guess Valerie was too absorbed in everything to notice. I actually feel sorry for that guy. While he was a bit of a dick at the beginning I really started to like him.

Haha, her playing the guitar.. or trying and saying this: "Yeah, I need some backup, or maybe an exorcism." Sounds fair, given what I know about guitar playing and how it can mess your fingers.
I loved seeing her play and Jake/Jack helping her along the way. I loved her proud moments and how she eagerly shared them with her dog or with Jake/Jack. I loved that the two girls formed a band over a phone, and practised that way. Though I can only imagine the phone bill. :P

I loved their first concert and how they stumbled through it, but still seemed to do fairly well for beginners. OK, they still hurt people's ears, but they were trying their best and it is amazing what they learned in 2 months.

And then they became super awesome and I just ADORED their lyrics, their energy, everything. I would love to be there just like those are women and rock my socks off. I loved their tour during the summer, it was just perfection.

The ending just had me smiling and I am glad that the author ended the GN with this. I would have still liked to see what happened to Kat, but I am happy we get to see most of the characters or learn about them and what happened after.

Can I say that I really appreciate the parents? Like so much? They were a bit strict at times (like with the condoms stuff), but they really seemed to be open to what their kid wanted, and eventually also become more open to what she wants. They supported her. They saw that she was happy with her singing, and that she was good at it.

I am also a big fan of the art. It is just so fun and punk!

All in all, I loved this book so much. Sorry for my chaotic review, but I am sure it still conveys my feelings just right. I would highly recommend this book.