Content Warning: hate crimes, bigotry, assault, suicide, and violence (a content warning is listed on the graphic novel)

I have backed various graphic novel-based Kickstarter campaigns. It’s gotten to the point where I forget that I backed them. I received my copy of Glitter Vipers in the mail this month. When I received my package, I stared at it, wondering what I had ordered. I read Glitter Vipers the same day I opened it, and it was a fun graphic novel to read.

Before I begin writing my review, I want to highlight that I have no intention of discussing the hate crime, suicide, or violence in this book. I only include the content warning because it’s listed on the back cover of the graphic novel, so I figured it’s important to mention.

Glitter Vipers tells the story of several LGBTQIA+ people as they form the group, Glitter Vipers. The Glitter Vipers originally belonged to a support group where they could discuss their lives amongst their own community. Each member has faced some sort of harassment, violence, or discrimination based on their orientation or identity. They are sick and tired of their circumstances, so they form their own vigilante group to stick up for themselves, which leads to them bringing down a hate group.

I received stickers when I backed the campaign, and they were shiny, pink, with a punk twist. Paging through Glitter Vipers, the art is bright when it needs to be and dark when the story goes there. The art itself was a huge positive for me.

While I did enjoy reading Glitter Vipers, there were a couple of things I wished for. Glitter Vipers is extremely short. This novel is roughly sixty pages. I wish there were more background given for some of the characters. I felt Queenie, Cal, Mel, and Bri weren’t given enough development. I would have liked to know more about them.

Additionally, I wish there were a listing of the character’s pronouns with the character art. I can deduce which characters use which pronouns, but it’s not listed. For example, I believe Queenie is non-binary, so is it safe to assume they use they/them pronouns?? There are images in the back of the graphic novel with the pre-sketches of the characters, and I think it would have been a nice touch to list their pronouns.

I loved reading Glitter Vipers! I loved the art and the overall style of the graphic novel. I hope a sequel is eventually released. I want to know everything and anything about all the characters. If you missed the Kickstarter, Glitter Vipers can be purchased from Joe Glass’s online store. Joe Glass can be found on Twitter @JosephGlass