Pride Month Graphic Novel Review of “The Miracles” by Joe Glass with Vince Underwood
A Review of The Miracles
Joe Glass, Vince Underwood
I’ve reached the point where if I see Joe Glass is doing any crowdfunding for a comic, I’m going to back it. I said the same with his previous campaign for Glitter Vipers. Here’s what you should do, immediately: go to the Queer Comix shop and get all of his back catalogue, because his work is excellent. This also applies for any comics he releases without Kickstarters, by the way – I’d pick them up however I can.
Something Glass is great at, as well as inclusive, queer stories, is matching up with a team who suit the type of story he’s telling. In this instance, that includes artist Vince Underwood, with colours by Harry Saxon, letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, cover art by Kevin Wada, logo design by Dominic Xavier, and book design by Daniel Gruitt (information taken from the Goodreads page for The Miracles).
Elliot is a high school senior and obsessive comic geek. Like many, he dreams of a world where superheroes are real and the bad guys don’t always win. But when he discovers he really is a superhero, Elliot learns his family’s biggest secret: they’re characters from his favourite comic book, now refugees in the real world. Elliot embraces his powers and becomes a superhero, dedicated to protecting others.
The main element of The Miracles is the focus on the family as refugees – it’s their need to hide that puts them in danger, and Elliot has a secret he’s keeping even from them. Still, Elliot proves over and over what it means to be a hero, and even when he messes up, he’s truly trying to do the right thing. The family at the core of the story are supportive, looking out for each other and just trying to live normal lives.
The character designs are wonderful, and the movement on the page – a requirement when portraying superheroes – is done really well. Elliot has this lanky, fidgety, almost Miles Morales feel to him. His brother is more subdued and quiet, initially unsure of himself before he really comes into his own later.
Elliot represents so much, not just in the world of the comic but even as representation in a comic – it’s easy to imagine the media highlighting his ethnicity and his sexuality. And you can see brilliantly the weight this puts on his shoulders. He’s trying to be and do so much, before he realises there are some fights too complicated to be solved with one person.
This is a really excellent graphic novel, and one I definitely urge picking up. Joe Glass goes from strength to strength with his projects, and The Miracles is a great one.
Joe Glass’ Website
Review by Elle Turpitt
Twitter & Instagram: @elleturpitt
As part of our Pride Month celebrations, we asked our contributors to provide a link to a charity of their choice. Elle chose Trans Aid Cymru and we would ask, if you are able, if you could please consider a donation to support their work.
I received this book via the Kickstarter campaign.