After vol. 4 (Enter the Stingers) kind of fell flat, I was concerned about the future of this series. But I'm happy to report that Jem and the Holograms Truly Outrageous (v. 5), the concluding volume of this colorful comic saga inspired by the 1980s cartoon, ties things together nicely.
After the drama of the past several months, the Holograms are in desperate need of some R & R...so the ladies (and their love interests) head to Hawaii. They figure some sun and surf is just what the doctor ordered. Unfortunately, the Stingers just happen to be renting the beach house next door, and Minx and Rapture just can't keep from stirring up trouble. After Pizzazz and The Misfits were somewhat declawed at the end of vol. 3 (Dark Jem), this series needed a new villain. And these two ladies are truly diabolical!
But the main storyline seems to be that Jerrica has been feeling increasingly conflicted and isn't sure how much longer she can keep the whole alternate Jem-Secret-Identity charade going. Especially when it comes to her boyfriend, Rio. Unlike in the cartoon, author Kelly Thompson actually explores the outcome of this storyline. And, as you might expect, things don't exactly go well--for either party involved. But it adds a depth to the story that the show just didn't have. And that made me like it even better.
No spoilers this time, but I think you'll be pleased with how this fifth and final volume wraps up the saga. I know I was. Between the colorful illustrations, the ongoing themes about friendship, the strong female characters, and the adorable relationships (Kimber and Stormer are just the cutest thing ever!), this series has got to be one of my favorites. --AJB
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