4 stars
I started reading this on Webtoon and enjoyed it. It was fun to read it again as a graphic novel.
When the fashion-loving high school freshman Arcus moves from England to the Netherlands, he isn’t off to a great start. The other students make fun of his fashions, bully him about his gender identity and expression, and refuse his friendship. But that doesn’t stop Arcus from doing his best to make friends and spread good cheer with glitter and optimism.
This volume covers the Season 1 of the Webtoon (through Episode 42).
The story incorporates themes of secrecy, family, friendship, bullying, self confidence, and identity.
The artwork is wonderful. So colorful and bright. Includes fun fashion details. These bright visuals help to balance out the book’s heavier topics of bullying, alcoholism, and illness without feeling overwhelming.
The backmatter contains an adorable paper doll of Arcus and some of his awesome fashion designs as well as a bit of additional artwork.
Really looking forward to the next volume. It’s been a while since I read the Webtoon so I don’t remember what happens next.