Quince #6 & #7
Publisher: Fanbase Press
Creator: Sebastian Kadlecik
Writer: Kit Steinkellner
Artist: Emma Steinkellner
Review by Anelise Farris
In Quince #6 and Quince #7 summer may officially be over, but the creators behind the comic have offered a special treat for readers by offering two issues of Quince this month!
In Quince #6, the big question that is circulating around Lupe’s school on everyone’s social media feeds is “Who is Q?” Lupe has been catching everyone’s attention as she has been tirelessly fighting crime around town—thanks to her Grandma’s Amazon purchase: a police scanner. Lupe is full of lovable sass and humor in this issue, eating and sleeping when she can, and enjoying all of the interest that Q has attracted—though she does admit that the hashtag #bulletproof is debatable.
There is one person’s interest that Lupe is particularly intrigued by: Devin, her crush. When her parents receive her progress report in Quince #7, full of less than ideal grades, they hire none other than Hot Devin to be her tutor. Lupe could not be more thrilled, but she struggles to come to terms with the fact that everyone needs help from time to time. Lupe is thrilled to be getting closer to Devin, but what happens when Devin makes a grand gesture to ask Q to homecoming? Can crimefighting stop for one night?
Both of these issues offer a lot in terms of progressing Lupe as Quince’s narrative: she is blowing up social media, being asked out by the hot guy at school, and being thanked by local law enforcement for her crimefighting abilities. What makes this such an intriguing read, however, is that all of the action is layered in with more theoretical and philosophical inquiries. What are the effects of having an alternative identity: how is Lupe jealous of Q when she is Q? Why do people assume that all superheroes have to be skinny? Why does standing up for bullying earn “regular Lupe” disdain rather than admiration?
Not only are Quince #6 and Quince #7 thought-provoking in terms of their writing but they are also wonderfully illustrated. In both of these issues, perhaps more so than previous ones, there are a lot of moment-by-moment panels and the use of various shades and textures to evoke different emotions. From the very first issue of Quince, what has really drawn me into this story is the distinctiveness and likability of each of the characters, which is achieved by the fantastic dialogue and strong facial expressions. And, while I am delighted that we got two issues this month, I am sad that we are now officially halfway through Quince’s journey!
Verdict: Buy it! Quince #6 and Quince #7 bring readers fully into Quince’s world as a crimefighting Latina superhero, who is finding it hard to balance grades, social life, and sleep with saving civilians from danger. Quince will appeal to readers both young and old who are looking for a refreshingly different take on the modern female superhero. Check out ComiXology the 15th of every month for a new issue (available in both English and Spanish).
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