Verona Comics

There are some things that bother me in this book.
First of all, this is definitely not a fresh and funny, light-hearted novel.

Trigger/Content warnings include: panic attacks/disorders, mental illness, emotional abuse, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, toxic relationship and mention of biphobia

Second of all, I have some issues with this being YA because to me it borderline romanticises people with mental illnesses as it is one of the (perhaps also the only) defining characteristics of one of the main characters. Some may be able to pick up on it and see it as more of the book addressing this issue of casually talking about it but not really taking it seriously, which could lead to some more serious consequences.
But I understand and perceive it as romanticising mental illnesses in particular anxiety and panic attacks because the other protagonist, Jubilee, describes them as cute and dorky and almost endearing..? Being teenagers they are definitely not able to deal with this on their own but do they talk to some adults before something really bad happens? No. So this is maybe realistic but also very frustrating because it basically shows that all these characters just accept Ridley has panic attacks all the time. Even Vera witnessing one and not being concerned enough to talk to him about getting some help? Or talking to Jubilee? Or considering to talk to his parents? Then there's also the toxic relationship. Jubilee neglecting everything but her relationship with Ridley/Bats and her friends talking to her once about it and they got better but when it gets worse again, where did they go? Also, this whole relationship is built on what exactly? Some attraction they felt at that comic con? Some texts they sent each other? Liking the same comics? Ridley also says that she's a good influence on him and has shown him some good things.. Like what? There is so much telling but no showing, so I have no idea what he's talking about. She's amazing and has her life together. How does that influence him? We only see him being sad that he does not have such a loving relationships with other people, in particular with his family. But how is that a good influence? It doesn't really show me how.. Because if she has a healthy relationship with her mums, the novel could've shown that and Ridley may have some realisation or something. Learn from seeing. But nope, she only gets told that she's a good influence and all I saw was her taking care of him because he can't do it himself, because he's struggling and has a lot of panic attacks and a lot of anxiety that lead to bad decisions. Even Frederick or what's-his-name, he could've done something because Ridley apparently talked to him. Have none of these characters heard of therapy or something? That accident was really not necessary and really stupid. At that point I was just disappointed. I couldn't care any less about these characters. Jubilee knowing it's wrong but for once she doesn't think of her audition. Weird. What kind of character development is this?

There are some parts that I really liked in this novel though, so it wasn't all too bad. But I was just very disappointed because it started out nicely until I caught on what is really going on and after that it all went south for me at least.

3/5 stars

I only dropped this because I realized that it contained the Romeo and Juliet trope. I personally don't like this trope. If I do read a book containing this trope, it's usually due to the insistence of a friend or because it contains another trope I really like. If you like this trope, go ahead and check it out.