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

I have been backing many 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. When I opened my package, I was reminded how in June of last year, I backed this vigilante, drag queen graphic novel. I read Glitter Vipers the same day I opened it from its packaging 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 titled 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. These members are sick and tired of their circumstances, so they form their own vigilante group to stick up for their own which leads to them bringing down a hate group.

My first impression of Glitter Vipers is this bubblegum pop type graphic novel. 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 into a darker tone. The art itself was a huge positive for me.

On another positive note, I appreciate the way Ms. Fletcher is written. Ms. Fletcher is the villain of the story. There’s a comment she makes when she’s giving a public speech that echos almost word for word some of the comments J.K. Rowling has made about trans people. I’m sure this was intentional, but I read it and immediately this popped into my mind. The idea of a “Ms. Fletcher” type character in our society is spot on.

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 60 pages. I wish there was 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 was 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 to 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. My main complaints with this graphic novel are the lack of character background and how the graphic novel is short. 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