Comic Review: Paper Girls #29

Paper Girls #29

Image Comics

Writer: Brian K. Vaughn

Artist: Cliff Chiang

Brian K. Vaughan and his creative team still have many questions to answer in the second to last installment of the series. Not only do us readers have a few questions, but more importantly, our paper girls still have questions. As they attempt to reunite, they begin to understand just how much this journey has impacted each of them. They’ve seen the women they will become and gained friendships as well. Too bad they won’t remember any of it.

They’re not the only ones suffering from memory loss. Our antagonist Jahpo has a major revelation as well. Vaughan may catch some flak from readers since there wasn’t a ton of action involved, but he seems to be pretty self-aware of this fact. This series has seen plenty of action for me. At this point, I’m just looking for answers.

Although there isn’t a ton of action in this issue, there’s plenty of emotion: angst, anger, and anxiety are all depicted and are easily identifiable on each character’s face. Kudos once again to Chiang for making these emotions so understandable to the reader. No other comic has brought a tear to my eye quite like this one, and Chiang’s art has played a huge role in characterizing these girls.

The art in this series has been extremely compelling, and this issue is no different. By occasionally utilizing tilting panels and other unique devices, the creative team tells a story that couldn’t possibly be told in words alone. Jahpo’s revelation, for example, created suspense using this method.

Time travel has caused a war for the ages, therefore the question must be asked: Should time travel be banned forever? Sure, it might end the war, but it may also erase history. We won’t know that answer until July 31, when the series finale is released. Hopefully, our paper girls will be safely returned to Stony Stream by then.