While the issue is stand-alone in the sense that it exists between arcs, it is an absolutely essential and cathartic piece of the story that greatly benefits from the context of the previous issues. I wouldn't exactly recommend this for new readers, but I strongly suggest you pick up the first volume when it releases in July, or at least catch up digitally so you can stay current with this marvelous series. Read Full Review

What has impressed me the most about Castellucci's writing is her ability to delicately and realistically navigate the life of a teenager while juxtaposing it with the level of unreality needed to properly be a Shade title. The magical realism that has been present throughout the entire story, but particularly in this issue, makes Shade one of my favorite books currently on the market. Although a stand-alone issue, this issue will, no doubt, have ripple effects on the story moving forward. Read Full Review

Perhaps the origin story of Shade, the Changing Girl, the delightful bucket list of her dreams, and her dramatic choice of action at the conclusion of the tale, would be reprehensible to those who pride themselves on the pure white nature of their Christian fascism, but for me, this was the best issue so far, and a sign of great things to come for this book. Read Full Review

I think the overarching question is, what do we own? Shade, the Changing Girl looks at the pieces, what lead from there to here, but it doesn't justify. Instead of having it all be in service of creating the present, the events of the past aren't robbed of their individual importance. We see the injustice. We see the mistakes. We decide. Loma glibly wonders what her ex-boyfriend is up to. The answer is being tortured in space prison because of her actions. It's in her nature to abandon the things she brings into her nest. Does that make it right? Rac Shade, poet, mad oracle, he gets it. The life you dream about is beautiful, says Shade. And it also sucks. Read Full Review

A nice standalone issue that gives us tons in the way of backstory... and provides us with a pretty surprising ending.  Guest artist Marguerite Sauvage brings some amazing work to this book.  What I feared might be a "fill-in" issue turned out to be anything but. Read Full Review

A fun somewhat self-contained story that captures Shade well and puts her on a new path. Read Full Review

This is such a good book, why aren't you reading it? You should be reading it. I'm willing to bet it's better than whatever you have next in your stack. Open up your mind and let this one just wash over you. It's worth it, I promise. Read Full Review

I will be honest I thought this was going to be filler, but instead what I got was an origin and some interesting plot progression that pushes the series in a new direction. Cecil Castelucci and Marguerite Sauvage work in tandem to deliver an interesting tale with a unique cast.

I have read all the young animal imprints, yet this will be my first review on the imprint :'(. This is issue is a must buy, to fans of rac shade the original shade, they complained on how different meta is compared to 90's shade. you get your answers here. For fans of Loma, you get an origin story, this issue fleshes out loma,why she acts like she does, what kind of parents raised her, all while progressing to another storyline. This may only be a filler issue, but it executes a really good transition to next story arc.

Marguerite Sauvage does well here, but when I think of this title I think of Marley Zarcone's signature work here. It's a good fill-in, but I still miss the original. We get a lot of background here, and a lot of feeling in Shade's reaction to music and friendship and the powerful feelings that they create. Good stuff.