A mysterious new fencer arrives at Halverton in the newest chapter of the GLAAD Media Award-nominated sports comic, perfect for fans of Heartstopper.
Publication: January 16, 2024 by BOOM! Box
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- Review: Fence Vol 1-4 ⚔ I’m getting invested in … sports?!
- Review: Fence Vol 5. by C.S. Pacat & Johanna the Mad ⚔️ finally more fencing!!
THE COMPETITION HAS BEEN RESET… EN GARDE! Return to the thrilling world of high-stakes, competitive fencing, with a brand new story featuring the beloved cast of characters from the original hit series. Are Seiji and Jesse really through? The rumors around Halverton, the prestigious fencing training camp, have spread like wildfire, but it’s not long before a mystery fencer arrives–one who may finally pose a threat to the #1 spot. Will Seiji’s unquenchable quest for rivalry take Nicholas’ place? Where will his loyalty lie? And, when Seiji gets an up close and personal look into Nicholas’ past and determination against adversity while preparing for the difficult road ahead and the State Championships, he’ll have to confront a tempting thought… are they on… a date? New York Times and USA Today best-selling author C. S. Pacat (Dark Rise, Nightwing) and acclaimed cartoonist Johanna the Mad (Wynd) continue their winning streak with this on-point entry in the GLAAD Media Award-nominated series! Collects Redemption #1-4.
Representation 🌷 Gay MCs, Japanese MC, Black MC
What do you think potential is, Bobby? It’s not what’s right in front of you. Most people can’t see it. Most people underestimate it, in others and in themselves. But sometimes, with the right conditions, it can be unleashed.
➽ Fence is back with another volume and I loved it! We’re nearing the end of the training camp so the focus of the story is on unlocking potential and learning to become a better fencer. I was blown away by the number of important developments for the characters, volume 6 really stepped things up and showed us the emotional growth needed for everyone.
➽ Nicholas is still at the bottom of the ladder and barely mastering his flicks, but he has boundless determination. While others see him as a lost cause, Nicholas never gives up. Especially infuriating is Kyle, Jesse’s cousin who grew up with the close ties and advantages of the Coste family. His privilege is a sharp contrast to Nicholas, who – as an illegitimate son – didn’t have that and had to make do with whatever training and support he could get. I loved that Seiji began to realize how Nicholas’ training before coming to their school was hard-earned and not on any professional level. Yet he’s come much farther than Kyle, who has been fencing his entire life with all the advantages of being ‘fencing royalty‘. Nicholas has so much potential and I liked that despite Kyle’s taunts and his own complicated feelings about his father, he never gave up. Even when he loses a match, he always gets back up!
➽ Seiji’s the complete opposite of Nicholas, as he’s a prodigy at the very top of the ladder. Nevertheless, his past friendship with Jesse and their falling out has him emotional, which isn’t like him at all. When Jesse and the Halverton boys appear to watch the training camp, Seiji is confronted with their rivalry again and everything he could have had. I loved seeing his internal struggles and slowly getting close to the true reason for their falling out. My guess is that Seiji might have had (unrequited) feelings for Jesse and the fact that Jesse is one of the few people who’s beaten him didn’t help. It was a huge step for Seiji to ask for help, as he’s still got weak points despite his great technique. Also, I squealed when Nicholas interrupted his talk with Jesse and impulsively took him on a date. These two are adorable!! Jesse’s definitely jealous though and now has his eye on Nicholas, as he sees how much of an underdog he is.
➽ Aiden and Harvard also have their issues to work through. I’m still rooting for their relationship so much even though Aiden’s playboy reputation and Harvard’s quiet pining make it difficult. I loved that Harvard learned to prioritise himself instead of giving up everything to help others. He’s a caring guy who always tries to be a good captain, but I love that he began looking out for himself and asking for help from others. I can’t wait to see what’s next for these two, as Aiden has realized how much Harvard means to him just as his best friend begins to flirt with someone else.
Have you read the Fence comics? What’s your favorite sports graphic novel? ⚔️
The Bookcheshire Cat 