Review by Ian Keogh
In the world of general fiction there have been celebrities transferring from other careers whose books are respected. The mysteries of Richard Osman and the children’s stories by David Walliams come to mind. As yet, such occasional creative successes haven’t occurred with graphic novels (see recommendations), but musician Alicia Keys has bucked the trend, not least for crediting co-writer Andrew Weiner.
Girl on Fire is named after Keys’ last big hit, and the primary plot is the standard capable young woman being crushed by high school and developing super powers. It’s with the sub-plots and supporting characters, though, that Girl on Fire comes to life. It isn’t only the sympathetic Loretta Wright who develops super powers, and while her immediate family is likeable and supportive, there’s a gaping hole as her troubled mother has been missing for ten years, with addiction an issue.
The confident cartooning of Brittney Williams brings Loretta and her Brooklyn neighbourhood to life, and there’s variety to the people populating it. When the super powers emerge, Williams serves up a neat visual effect.
It’s the personalities carrying Girl on Fire, though, not the super powers, which eventually become a means to an end. Your heart goes out to Loretta, struggling in some respects, yet with the inner strength to overcome issues, and to others. A second, more troubled person gradually becomes more and more important, and they’re also well rounded, their circumstances shown to explain who they are and why. That’s consistent throughout, even down to minor characters being fleshed out and given credible motivation.
The blight of drugs and the tactics of those who sell them become ever increasing issues, with Loretta being dragged in against her will, but although empowerment of readers is a definite subtext, this is introduced by example, not preaching. There’s definitely enough left unexplained for a sequel, not least the manifestation of super powers, but not in a way that leaves readers feeling they’ve missed out on the full dose of drama and excitement.
