Goldie Vance #2by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 7 Goldie looks for new leads now that Ludwig, the necklace's owner, is missing and his room indicates a struggle. She and her mom chat, and we're introduced to a frenemy.At first I thought the clothing choices and even the vehicles in the first issue were just because it was a swanky hotel. Now, especially with the mention of a Chevy Impala being the most popular car choice, I'm think this is set in an older time period -- like the 1960s. There's not actual setting given yet, and there are some things too progressive for that time period (and no heavy use of technology), so it's really a sort of fictional mash-up of modern and retro. That's fine; it fits the Nancy Drew-esque plot, with the retro aspects just adding to the wholesome nature of the story and characters. However, as an older reader (older than the target audience), it's difficult to identify with the characters because it's not enough reality to be relatable. I find myself struggling to figure out the setting when that doesn't really matter. What does matter is this is a fabulous comic with a female, mixed-race (as we learn in this issue) lead. There cast is mostly non-white, which is a refreshing change from most mainstream comics. Goldie's outgoing, adventurous, curious, clever, and determined personality makes it easy to like and identify with her. In this issue we learn that Goldie's parents are no longer together; I like that it's not presented as something negative to any of the characters. In fact, with her dad owning a hotel and her mom working as a mermaid (what a fantastic, non-traditional job!), Goldie is allowed a fair amount of freedom and independence. I enjoy seeing her ride her bike all over the place, which is something kids used to be allowed to do; hopefully this independent streak and her lack of reliance on technology (no cell phones to be seen) will inspire kids to explore and investigate like this. I'm curious about the new character introduced at the end of this issue, though she certainly seems to have a bad (bitter and jealous) attitude. I love that we get to see an insightful bit of history between her and Goldie and and get a relevant tie-in to the race with Skunk that happened in issue #1! This new girl, Sugar Maple (yes, that's her name), strikes a very Speed Racer image when we see her confronting Skunk about his race. But there's also a confusion point here -- I thought Goldie's dad owned the hotel, but another character mentions that Sugar's dad owns it. Hopefully, this point will get cleared up, but I'm already having trouble picturing this series ending in two more issues. A good all-ages read, with interesting characters; I just wonder how well readers will identify with it given the ambiguous setting and old-timey feel. Written: June 4, 2016
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