Saturdays in Books

An interesting set of interconnected backstories for several dead ladies modeled on DC and Marvel characters, but set in a unique superhero universe.

I was familiar with most, but not all of the source material. The section reinterpreting Jean Grey was by far the best. Even teenage me thought Dark Phoenix Saga was some serious bullshit, and it's nice to see a smart, articulate writer tackle this particular criticism. There's a reason I went Excalibur instead of X-Men back in the day. The Harley Quinn section felt far less successful as feminist critique, but can't be faulted for not being true to the character. Mera's section is so well done that I both wish I were familiar with the referenced backstory and never, ever want to read that shit.

This is a strange, sharp collection. An angry gem. A beautiful diamond made from compressing garbage so tight it has to shine.

Not a title for everyone, but definitely for me.