Newsprints by Ru Xu

Pages: 201

Intended Audience: Tweens and up

Genre: Graphic novel / Steampunk

Notes for Parents: Some mature content

The Back Cover

Blue is an orphan who disguises herself as a newsboy. There’s a war going on, and girls are expected to help the struggling economy by selling cookies. But Blue loves living and working at the Bugle, the only paper in town that tells the truth. And what’s printed in the newspapers now matters more than ever.

But Blue struggles with her secret, and worries that if her friends and adopted family at the Bugle find out that she’s a girl, she’ll lose everything and everyone she cares about. And when she meets and befriends Crow, a boy who is also not what he seems, together they seek the freedom to be their true selves…and to save each other from the effects of war.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

The author is the creator of the popular webcomic Saint for Rent and this is her first graphic novel.

What’s good?

This is a simple story set in an alternate world and told with bold, beautiful, manga-inspired illustrations. The plot is simple; the dialogue is sparse but strong; and the characters are very likeable. The setting is a quirky combination of the turn of the 20^th century newspaper wars and Victorian steampunk complete with robots and war machines. Themes include friendship, gender roles, identity, truth, war, humanity, and media.

Best Part: Crow.

What isn’t good?

The start was slow and I found it a little hard to follow at times (especially in the beginning). The story itself is nothing new – a girl pretending to be a boy in a society that has certain expectations of the “fairer” sex. Crow’s story isn’t original either (but I don’t want to give anything away). However, their combined stories, and the added action and adventure make it exciting and relevant.

Worst part: Jack was a bit of a weak character.

Recommendation ☺☺☺ (3/5)

Newsies, robots, and a boy named Crow highlight this fast-pace, well-drawn adventure story. It’s an unpretentious lesson about stereotypes and identity. However, it’s a predictable tale, and like many graphic novels, it lacks the depth required for true character growth. Regardless, it was entertaining, with impressive artwork and excellent characters.

Xu, Ru. Newsprints. New York: Graphix, 2017.