Jem And The Holograms #20 Review: A Riot At The Holograms’ Home

Riot continues to live up to his name! The Holograms and the Misfits are once again enemies! And Shana is still leaving! But who is her replacement drummer?

Jem and The Holograms #20

Writer: Kelly Thompson

Artist: Meredith McClaren

Colorist: M. Victoria Robado

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Shana describes one scene in this issue as “several weeks worth of drama.” This certainly sums up yet another wildly entertaining issue of everyone’s favorite ’80s girl band! The arrival of Riot and his European pop band the Stingers have thrown everything into chaos. Via his desires for Jem and leverage at 5X5 Studios, he’s arranged for the Misfits to get dropped from their label. Pizzazz and the rest of the Misfits are furious, to say the least.

Image by IDW Productions

Pizzazz, as usual, blames Jem and the Holograms specifically. Their brief alliance to save the world from Silica seems to be a fading memory. Blaze fears that her addition to the group has altered their sound too much, and Stormer’s affair with Kimber continues to irk Pizzazz. The hot tempered front woman sees to it to settle things directly, which means meeting with a mysterious woman. She is Dahlia Shen, otherwise known as “the Fox,” a truly original character for this comic series.

Image by IDW Productions

Isn’t It Funny How Rio and Riot Almost Have the Same Name?

Meanwhile at the Holograms’ house, they have their own complicated drama. Things seem ideal as Kimber and Aja are preparing for a triple date with their steadies. But when Rio calls out from work, Jerrica finds herself alone until Riot drops by for a visit. His casual disregard for the Misfits brings Stormer to tears, but he seems to have some genuine chemistry with Jerrica’s alter ego, Jem. Things are certainly about to heat up in the love triangle territory!

Image by IDW Productions

Shana is still intent on leaving to go on a fashion internship in Milan. Presumably this means readers will eventually meet Danielle DeVoisin, who was involved in similar things with Shana in the original cartoon. Shana is still intensely conflicted. She doesn’t want to miss the opportunity, nor does she want to bring stress to her sisters or their careers. Yet Shana also feels as if she’s already been replaced by the Holograms’ search for a back up drummer, and their overall drama.

Image by IDW Productions

Aja’s attempts to fill this gap in the Holograms’ roster seem to be resolved when she and Craig (her boyfriend and Stormer’s brother) go to a “super secret” concert. It’s there that they find the drummer of their dreams. Unfortunately, they may end up playing right into Pizzazz’s scheme. Fox certainly has a brilliant introduction here, and subsequent issues will no doubt flesh her out further. As fun as recreations of old characters are, it’s wise to add new ones to the franchise.

Everyone Will Want Fox’s Cool Jacket!

As with every issue, Kelly Thompson infuses the script with boundless energy and an ever expanding cast of well-fleshed characters. She also is willing to play with or even shatter reader expectation with a shift in the status quo. Having Shana leave is one obvious way, with Riot’s involvement being another. It makes perfect sense that someone would fall for Jem, and since Rio isn’t the one being juggled between Jerrica’s two personas, having Riot like Jem adds tension.

Image by IDW Productions

Riot himself is a smooth operator, almost a polar opposite to Pizzazz. He’s very manipulative and direct with what he wants, although his approach is different. Pizzazz rules with a lot of sound and fury, while Riot is far more subtle and charming. Riot has no idea that beneath Jem’s hologram is the incredibly shy Jerrica, which may allow his wooing attempts to have more effect. He’s infatuated, which is not the same as Rio’s genuine feelings. Riot simply plays it off as seduction.

Image by IDW Productions

The rest of the cast always get a lot to do. It’s cute seeing the couples interact on the couch. The rest of the Stingers also poke some fun at each other. Pizzazz and the Misfits easily can fill a comic by themselves, which is why they’re getting one. And it’s hard to imagine a better introduction for Fox. Readers are given enough to peak their interest, yet not so much that they’re not overwhelmed. Comics, like music, are always about leaving the audience wanting more.

May the Shipping Wars Begin!

Meredith McClaren, flanked with Robado’s colors, continues to bring her distinct style to the series. It’s certainly a different style than most of the artists on the series before, but it has a charm all its own. McClaren certainly has a ball with facial expressions, as well as exaggerated displays of emotion. It may remind some readers of some visual antics which pop up in manga art.

Image by IDW Productions

Most fans of Jem tend to be open-minded and supportive, embracing the themes of the series. That said, as a man who is on the internet, I certainly know how some may think. I certainly hope that Jem agreeing to go on a date with Riot isn’t misunderstood. Jerrica and Rio may be dating, but they’ve not become specifically exclusive. Jerrica’s free to date who she wants in either persona. Besides, love triangles are fun, and Riot’s adding a dramatic new element to the series.

Next: See the Stingers debut in #19

Jem and the Holograms remains one of the most fun of IDW’s licensed comic books. Kelly Thompson puts her all into the scripts, and it shows. The widening cast and the antics they get into are a draw every time. There aren’t enough musical puns to compliment this series. Get on the stick and go on tour with the Holograms, and you won’t get disappointed.