Review Detail

ENCORE is a YA graphic novel that follows Clay and Aron, two ex-best friends who are forced to reconnect when Aron has no choice but to join theater class. Featuring a trans main character, self-discovery, and a host of supporting characters; this book is filled with both sweetness and drama.

The friendship and romance between Clay and Aron is so fun to experience. There are flashbacks to before, when they were younger and friends, but most of the book is set in the present day. Clay is reluctant to work with Aron again, though Aron doesn’t quite seem to notice this hesitance or understand why. It’s forced proximity that gradually thaws the ice between them, allowing them to get closer with one another again. As the book progresses, the relationship between the two deepens but it doesn’t always run smoothly. The bond between Clay and Aron felt real; tainted by past wrongs and fears but still propelled by a hope that this time will be different.

The angst in this book isn’t one propelled by some false narratives or forced confrontations. Rather, it is something so simple and human. Misunderstandings, fears, and even self-discovery. Most of the time these topics are given the space to grow. They are built up, shown on the page, and eventually resolved in one way or another. Without spoilers, the handling of Erica was one of my favorite things in the book. I wish there had been a bit more before the ending, but since she isn’t a main character it makes sense that there wasn’t. There was one fear that didn’t feel as built up as the others, but that may have been down to me not interpreting it when it appeared.

The side characters in this book don’t feel fully fleshed out all the time, but that didn’t bother me as I was reading. They weren’t the main characters, and I didn’t expect them to have the same level of development as Clay and Aron. For what they are, they work really well within the book. They are supporting characters, ones that force the main character to confront truths about themselves.

In a graphic novel, artwork is very important. It needs to capture the reader’s attention and fit with the story being told. The art in ENCORE does that really well. It has a light feel to it, full of colors and with soft edges. There is a heavy focus on the foreground, the background being given much less detail to not detract from the action happening in the main scene.

ENCORE is a sweet graphic novel with well-developed characters and drama that fits with both the age range and characters we are given. Add in a cast of supporting characters, a growing romance, and gorgeous illustrations and you’ve got a recipe for a great graphic novel.