Customer Reviews

Kimmie66 (Minx Books)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Minx line is supposed to be aimed at teen girls, but from what they tell me at Eide's Comics in Pittsburgh, a lot of books get picked up by regular comic book readers like myself -- older and male.

I picked up "kimmie66" by Aaron Alexovich a couple weeks back and only now got around to reading it. About halfway through, I caught on to what Aaron was up to and was astonished by where it was headed. The book is far more than one would expect for the Minx line or comic books in general. No, it's not as good as Straczynski's "Midnight Nation" or even "Spider-Man: Revelations" but I'd rank it as a "must read."

This story will be enjoyed by anyone who has ever experienced a meaningful relationship online: friendship, romance, or even a deep 6 hour conversation with a complete stranger. If you are thirsting for a book that helps you understand the mindsets of the new world we live in, this is one of those books. It may be set in the future, but everything in this story directly applies to the present day.

It hits home with the world we now live in; where physical barriers are becoming less important; where corporations are organizing international employee training sessions in virtual worlds, and are recruiting in Second Life; a world where you have close friends internationally but have no clue who your next door neighbor is.

Information and technological advancement is happening so rapidly that what a person learns in their first year of college can become outdated by the time they graduate. This book captures the modern feeling of infinite access, infinite exploration, infinite creation. In a time when virtually anything is possible (pun intended), we need stories that target, capture, explore and encourage that feeling for all generations living here and now on our very, very small Earth.

The story itself is as old as time: it is the story of friendship, understanding, self-discovery and growing up. I would go so far as to say that I think parents might benefit from reading this book, to better understand the world their children are growing up in. And to simply enjoy the book itself; it is truly for all ages.

The ghost in the machine is a common theme in science fiction and fantasy and has been for many years. But what if a story were set in the future when most people spent more time plugged into the net then they do in real life interacting with other people? Telly Kade is a typical 23rd century teen, living most of her life in the lairs in a virtual world. But then her best friend goes missing supposedly to commit suicide. Telly cannot handle that and goes in search of Kimmie66, even if it means breaking the rules of VR and laws, to find out who she really was and what happened to her. Her search for the truth will lead her into a deeper understanding of the VR world and of the real world.

The short-lived MINX graphic novel line was supposed to feature stories about strong women and girls and be quality graphic novels for young women. This was a great story well written and with interesting plot twists and surprises. I plan on keeping the whole series set aside for my daughters for when they are older, but I will probably pull this one and a few of the others out again and again from time to time to reread.

Telly lives in the 23rd century. A time when virtual reality means virtual lives. Most people spend a good part of their time in Lairs, which are sort of like second life. Telly gets a suicide letter from her friend Kimmie, but she doesn't know if it's just a prank or not. The further she dives in the more she finds out. The more Telly begins to think that maybe you never really know your friends in the Lairs at all. Telly wants to help Kimmie, but it's going to take more minds than hers to figure out what is going on and save Kimmie from herself.

This was a weird book. The whole idea of Lairs and the weird avatars people come up with is a bit much. I really cannot image no human interaction. Coil sort of bothered me he looked like a juggalo (ICP), and it made me not like him very much. Telly was also sort of an annoying character, because she seemed to stumble and mutter a lot and never really get anything out. I liked how intricate the story was though. Aaron Alexovich did a great job building this eerie world, and then the worlds inside the world too. It was a fast little mystery and a little spooky. If you're really into virtual reality and sci-fi this might be right up your alley.

First Line:
"But...is it real, Telly?"

Favorite Line:
"I'm a reality check, poodlebuns."

A sleuthing tale that moves between online persona and waking-world, Kimmie66 is a wild exploration of the question of identity and how much we really know about a person, even those we love. The b&w graphics are striking. Adult cyberpunk lovers, psychonauts, and those interested in consciousness studies will likely enjoy this one too.

I had previously heard of Aaron A. when I read the online issue of Serenity Rose at his art website, so I recognized his art style as soon as I saw the girl on the cover.
Kimmie66 is a soft science-fiction story about a girl trying to solve a mystery concerning her best friend, Kimmie66, who has sent her a suicide note. Unfortunately, this is difficult since people now socialize through "lairs" or a hi-tech version of a MMORPG, complete with virtual reality goggles.
The characters are interesting, especially Kimmie66. The heroine may remind Aaron A. fans of Serenity Rose - almost similar dress style, mannerisms, etc. The topic of technology and virtual communities would also appeal to modern readers. The art mixes a crisp, cookie-cutter style similar to anime or Junko Mizuno, along with a sketchy, horror edge resembling the works of Jhonen Vasquez. My only complaint is that it is not very long. I would have liked to learn more of Kimmie66 and her life outside of the virutal one, and a few things as well.
For the price of 9.99, I would say its worth buying.

Art: A
Plot: A
Readability: A
Average score: A (worth buying)

But Kimmie66 is not just another Minx comic. Sure, girls age 13 - 17 will like Kimmie66, but so will you! Sci-fi/fantasy/techno-goth/awesome! An intiguing story in a hugely new world, creative and brilliant art style with endearing character design.
Buy this comic.