Smoove City

by Kenny Keil

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air meets Archie comics in a refreshingly funny love letter to New Jack Swing.

In a 90s kind of world, 4 young friends try to navigate a New Jack Swinging landscape of shopping malls, demo tapes, and shady record execs. Will Ronnie, Mikey, Vinnie and Ray achieve boy band stardom with their friendships intact – or will they learn all that glitters ain’t double platinum?

Welcome to SMOOVE CITY.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Music, Comics

152 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2020

About the author

Kenny Keil is a writer and artist. His work has appeared in MAD Magazine, Vibe Magazine, and The Devastator. His other works are Rhyme Travelers, Death Trip, and Tales to Suffice. He's also a stay at home dad and gangster movie enthusiast. He lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife and son and 0 cats.

Reviews

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the following sentence speaks to you on a visceral level, you will love this comic: "What was the name of y'all's lil' group again? Fauxdeci? Wack Street? Phony! Phoni! Phoné!?" There's not much of a plot here and it's aggressively silly, but this is a love letter to R& B music from an aggressively silly time, the new jack swing early 90s. I unashamedly love this music, and the technicolor art and plot and characters that don't take themselves to seriously are fun. Like a Bel Biv DeVoe's hit song 'Poison', there's not much here but it sure is fun.

**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Alexander Peterhans · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun comic about a '90s new jack swing boyband trying to make it in the music industry. The art is very '90s - think 7 Up's Fido Dido but with eyepopping colours. The story has fun with music industry clichés, and although it doesn't do anything special, it is nicely filled with jokes.

3.5 stars



(Kindly received an ARC from Oni Press through NetGalley)

[Juan Manuel Sarmiento · Rating 2 out of 5]

This comic is aimed for fans of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and I also got a glimpse of Hairspray in it but honestly the plot is conspicuous by its absence.
I liked the art style but didn't get to like any of the characters nor the confusing plotlines. The premise of this comic is about four singers trying to fit in the 90s music industry but I got quite bored pretty soon.

[Alex Sarll]

I'd never heard of this comic, or anyone involved with it, but grabbed it off Netgalley simply for that cover, which correctly gives the impression that this is one of the most nineties things you'll ever read. Not in the nineties comics sense of Image pouches, guns, and improbable anatomy (though there is a running joke about Spawn), nor of Vertigo's terribly serious brooding. No, this is the nineties of Fido Dido, big blocks of bright colour, new jack swing. Our heroes, for a given value of the word, being no-hoper R&B band Smoove City, whom we meet dreaming of success while running for their lives – and, which is the bit that makes it for me, each running from something different and meeting up over the course of their escape. Maybe it's the basic nature of a sitcom (which pretty much requires each of the characters to be an idiot in a slightly different way) combined with being in a band, but it reminded me a little of the much-missed Timewasters, the only good ITV show of the past decade. Still, this is more about the outright silliness, callbacks to ridiculous trends, and riffing on music biopic clichés. Can Smoove City escape the mockery of their peers ("What was the name of y'all lil' group again? Fauxdeci? Wack Street? Phony! Phoni! Phoné!?"), skintness and their own general hopelessness, and go on to fame and fortune? Almost certainly not, if they keep on accepting fabulously unconvincing explanations for what an 'ownership clause' is in a recording contract: "That's supposed to read ownership claws. All it means is, 'If ya own a pet, don't bring it into my booth!'"

[Mesho 👾 · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
Not my cup of tea, it felt too busy, the colors are too bright . i was excited to check it out.
i couldn't finish it. thank you for the ARC.

[Alex Nonymous · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Smoove City in exchange for an honest review!

This graphic novel is marketed as Fresh Prince meets Archie and it's easy to see why. An ensemble piece with a lot of heart and an art style unique enough to be its own, but familiar enough to transport you back to that classic comics you grew up with, Smoove City is a fun look at a group of friends trying their best to become a boy band.

I'd say my main issue was that a disproportion amount of jokes fell flat for me. I wasn't sure why because it does have a very simular vibe to Archie but after pulling out a few old Archie's to see if it was just my taste in jokes evolving, I think Smoove city's main issue is that it drags out it's jokes. Part of the charm of Archie is the quick, snippy wit most of the jokes have. We get a page or two of build up then one or two panels of the punch line and move on. Smoove city does this in reverse, with a few panels of build up then a page of the punchline. All in all though, it was a fun read.

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2☆

A group of four friends in the 90s try to be a successful R&B boyband in the music business, going through difficult phases to finally get to their goals. I was really excited when I got accepted for this ARC but I was sadly disappointed.

What I liked:

- the art style. It was perfect for the vibe of the 90s
- fun read

Why I gave it a 2☆:

- didn't like any of the characters and they were interchangeable
- didn't understand the jokes
- the story dragged a little- didn't get most of the plot points, like the jail part, and maybe bits were unnecessary

This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[gustavo · Rating 4 out of 5]

ENG - PT REVIEW

"Kids love you. Their parents hate you. Which makes the kids love you even more! You're urban legends!"


Thanks to the publisher for giving me an eARC in exchange of a honest review via Netgalley.


This is a PERFECT story for anyone who misses Cartoon Network's old shows. It's all humorous, colorful, frantic and brings some moral lessons.
I had so much fun and would love to read more stories in this musical universe.

The 4 protagonists are different and fun. Each has its own personality, and each made me laugh at the way them acted.
It was also nice to see the dynamics between them, with several games and discussions that took place for X reasons.
It is really cool to see the group going through the challenges (some SUPER exaggerated and surreal) to achieve stardom.
On each page they overcame some obstacle and I was happy for them!!!!!!
I really wanted to have more pages so I wouldn't be "abandoned".

The story is predictable and silly, without being something that will mark me forever. But even so I liked it too much to have fun and get out of a literary hangover.
The "villain" in the story is funny and cartoonish like all the other characters.

The art is VERY BEAUTIFUL!!! The line, together with the character design and the palette, made me feel in the city at that time.
Each protagonist has a palette and its variations depending on how they are.


I recommend the comic to anyone who wants to feel a nostalgia for these old Cartoon Network shows, and read something that doesn't require much thought. A light and fun story.

The story has a playlist on Spotify with artists who inspired the writer.

https://t.co/6KNaBzn9NX

~~~~~~~

"Kids love you. Their parents hate you. Which makes the kids love you even more! You're urban legends!"


Obrigado à editora por disponibilizar um eARC em troca de uma review sincera sobre a obra via NetGalley. 💙


Essa é uma história PERFEITA para quem sente falta dos desenhos antigos do Cartoon Network. É tudo bem humorado, colorido, frenético e traz uma lição de moral.
Me diverti demais e adoraria ler mais histórias nesse universo musical.

Os 4 protagonistas são muito divertidos diferentes. Cada um tem a sua própria personalidade, e cada um me fez rir na forma como agia.
Também foi legal ver a dinâmica entre eles, com várias brincadeiras e discussões que ocorriam por X motivos.
É muito legal ver o grupo passando pelos desafios (alguns SUPER exagerados e surreais) para conseguir alcançar o estrelato.
A cada página eles superavam algum obstáculo e eu ficava feliz por eles!!!!!!
Eu queria muito que tivesse mais páginas para não ser "abandonado".

A história é previsível e bobinha, sem ser algo que vai me marcar para sempre. Mas mesmo assim eu gostei demais para me divertir e sair de uma quase ressaca literária.
O "vilão" da história é engraçado e caricato como todos os outros personagens.

A arte é LINDA DEMAISSSSS!!!! O traço, junto com o design dos personagens e a paleta, fez eu me sentir na cidade nessa época.
Cada protagonista tem uma paleta e suas variações dependendo de como eles estão.


Recomendo a HQ para quem quer sentir uma nostalgia desses desenhos antigos do Cartoon Network, e ler algo que não exige muita reflexão. Uma história leve e divertida.

A história tem uma playlist no Spotify com artistas que inspiraram quem escreveu.

https://t.co/6KNaBzn9NX

[How to Love Comics · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit, RnB is not my jam. I've always been more of a rock guy. That being said, when I saw Smoove City, I thought I would give it a chance as it looked like a whole lot of fun. And you know what, I'm glad I did.

The graphic novel follows the rise of an amateur 90s RnB group as they try to navigate the music industry. Along the way, they get caught up in all kinds of misadventures, some being the victim of circumstances while others are of their own making.

Straight away, it oozes with the first half of the 90s. It's full of references to the period from gags around 90s RnB, mall karaoke booths, and how we used to consume our media. These establish the story's world and also allows for some good gags. If you're old enough to remember this period, then there's probably get a hit of nostalgia from it. For younger readers, it will offer a window into how things used to be like.

What also helps transport readers back to the 90s is how it's visually presented. From cover-to-cover, Smoove City uses a bright colour palette that's often accompanied by jazz design and geometric patterns of the era. These visual aspects tie so well into the book because of the way they intersected with music and fashion of the time.

With influences such as Archie Comics and possibly Hey Arnold, Kenny Keil's cartooning is expressive and compliments the 90s aesthetic. It has a bulkiness to it, full of rounded edges, but it's not weighed down by it. As a result, there's a lot of expression through the fluidness of characters motions, and gives them personality and carries the humour.

Smoove City is also very funny. It's full of humour, littered generously throughout with a healthy mixture of comedic dialogue, odd situations, background jokes, and making fun of the 90s. As is the nature of humour, not every joke is going to stick the landing with readers. But considering how many there are, there will be something tickle your funnybone.

As can often be with comedy, the characters are a little one-note. Although, I have a feeling this is by design. If you think of boy bands, especially of the 90s, every member was defined by one trait whether it be the bad boy, the sensitive one etc. It's a commentary on the boy band structure but by giving a character a particular kind of joke that they can own, mixing up the gags.

Overall, Smoove City is a lot of fun. You'll feel right at home if you're a fan of 90s RnB. If that's not your jam, then you'll enjoy the variety of humour.

[aroace · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first impression based on the cover: The only reason that I wanted to read this comic eagerly was the Memphis patterns in the background, the fonts, and the character outfits that took me back to the 90s hip!

Description: From the first page to the appendix part, it’s totally lit! It’s a journey of young quadruplets – Raymond (Ray), Ronnie, Mikey, and Vinnie – on their road to be a big-hit contemporary R&B group. It’s all started with Ray’s enthusiasm, ideas, and determination for bringing all of them to the top, after showing them one of the famous groups were been appeared in a Hype Sheet magazine. Then, he brings them to Uncle George’s Karaoke Magic booth for recording their first demo – Roni Time – and bringing the cassette tape to the famous Phat Kat Records. Unfortunately, when they reached there – they got rejected because they’re causing quite a ruckus with a guard (it’s Ronnie, actually) until getting thrown off by a bodyguard. But, their fate changed when Pip Calloway was trying to help them by signing off a record deal contract with Phat Kat Records and offering them a special signing bonus of $50. They really didn’t get (once again, except Ronnie) that he’s exploiting them for his own financial gain! Looking on the bright side, and even though Pip’s a phoney, he makes them succeed like involving with a girl group (which Ray totally objects in the first place) and getting themselves popular in some small stage shows. The saddest part in this comic was, after a terrible fight broke off between Ray and Ronnie, whereas Vinnie’s been in a catatonic state, their reputation plunged and being thrown into the jail in Texas. All the magazines, newspapers, and TV shows were badmouthing them, somehow. But, they granted a special ‘release’ from the jail if they’re agreed to sing (since the song, ‘Roni Time’ was getting hyped in the radio), and so they said ‘yes’ to it. When they got to their mics, Ray apologizes to them for forcing to become exactly what he’d wished for, but they shook it off and told him that because of it, the group wouldn’t become a big-hit. Finally, their fate once again saved by Uncle George, who shows the actual contract to Pip and Laverne Lavalle – the president of the record company – and she’s agreed to sign them – verified – but with two cassingle deal!

Conclusion: The comic artist adds some 90s songs, including Smoove City (their group name) official poster, and some ads (the ones that being appeared in a magazine or a newspaper) on the appendix part.

[Michelle Hogmire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Oni Press for an advance Netgalley of this title, in exchange for an honest review (expected pub date: Oct 20, 2020)--

Break out the Bell Biv DeVoe and Boyz II Men, because author Kenny Keil is taking readers back to the 1990s with his new graphic novel Smoove City--a brightly colored comic honoring the New Jack Swing era, when kids hung out in malls and passed out demo tapes.

The book follows Ray, Ronnie, Mikey, and Vinnie (the band members of Smoove City), as they try to get signed by Phat Cat Records and make it into Hype Sheet magazine. When an intern at Phat Cat wants to impress his tough boss, he pretends to be VP and decides to shape up Smoove City. The boys set out on an unglamorous tour, including plenty of nasty bus rides, small town shows, and jealous fistfights. Can the guys get it together and achieve stardom, or will they flail under the pressure of marketers trying to shape their image? Either way, there will be plenty of tenderoni.

Despite the generally upbeat nature of this boy band narrative, Keil takes the time to tackle tough subjects, like dealing with racist white cops and being in jail. Keil also captures the goofy fun of New Jack Swing, utilizing funny referential dialogue and thickly outlined characters with enough wiggle to do body rolls. So if you're feeling a little nostalgic for the 1990s right now, give Smoove City a read. Or, a listen.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a 1990s kid, this is a pretty hilarious romp with a group of guys trying to start a r&bb group. In the nature of romps, everything gets blown out of proportion and they become a boy band opening act before causing a controversy. The humor is over the top to match the very stylized art work. The art is very 1990s pop art with neons and bright colors against a black contrast like wearing Karl Kani into a 1990s Taco Bell. The character design is very Burger King's Kids Club Gang grown up. The character and art work are essential to the story and mood of this story.

I also enjoyed all the jokes jammed in like pun names for stores in the mall and 1990s R&B tropes like the training in body rolls, power thrusts, and beggin' legs. Every page has a reference to a 1990s song, whether rap or R&B or pop. At the end, there's even a reference to the music that inspired him and Spotify mixtape. This book sets me adrift of a memory bliss...

I just watched PM Dawn's " Set A Drift On Memory Bliss." Yes, this is a wonderful book. It hits all my favorite tropes and themes: humor, 1990s R&B and soul and pop, highly stylized art, a slight satire of the music industry controversies of the time, and a ton of 1990s pop culture references.

[Bobbie Bomber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an e-copy of Smoove City through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Smoove City follows a group of friends who are trying to make their big break into the '90s R&B boyband scene and a bunch of wacky mishaps happen on their way to the top. This is described as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air meets Archie and I can definitely see that.

Smoove City it such a fun and vibrant comic and it has so much potential. For the most part, I really did enjoy it and I absolutely loved the art and the coloring they are both so much fun and just so 90's I loved it, but Sadly that is kind of where the love kind of ended for me.

While the story was fun a lot of the jokes kind of when on a bit too long and for the first half of the book I did laugh but by the second half it just started to drag on and lost a lot of the humor for me as well as feeling like the story was getting dragged out.

[Areadinghuman · Rating 2 out of 5]

A colourful comic with a fun 90s vibe

Key words: music, boys band, colourful, fun, comic

I am unsure if I liked this comic or not. The drawings were really colourful and I enjoyed that a lot but sometimes, it was a bit too much and I was kind of lost in what to look at. I also felt like there was supposed to be a moral to this story but I cannot really find one. In a way, we can see that when you believe in your dreams, you can achieve them but at the same time, it didn’t show the work and perseverance you need to succeed at that. I didn’t really understand the polit points. Some jokes made me laugh in my mind but I think I missed most of them. Moreover, the characters were a little flat, not very relatable nor likeable. Overall, I didn’t enjoy the story a lot but I liked the art which was really colourful and had a real 90s vibe.

Thank you Netgalley for this copy in exchange of my honest opinion.

[Rae the Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger Warnings: Arrest, prison

Representation: Diverse cast, Black MC, Latino MC

The Good

The story was so funny. I found myself laughing out loud the whole time I was reading it. It was hard to put down because of all the shenanigans, it definitely kept me invested the whole way through.

Love the attention to detail. There’s one scene where people are outside of a prison and one of the signs says “Abolish Prisons though” or something along those lines. There are other little gems like that throughout the novel.

Reading Smoove City was honestly such a good time. I enjoyed the characters and the way they interacted with each other. I loved how the boys got themselves into such a huge mess. It was just so much fun to read.

The art style is so cute. It definitely reminds me of 90s cartoons, which is probably the point. It’s a really fun, loose art style.

The Not so Good

It’s a silly story that doesn’t take itself too seriously which is honestly what I needed right now but it may not be for you if you’re not into that. The author/illustrator is white and there isn’t really much mention of the character’s cultures.

All in All

Smoove City is basically an ode to early 90s R & B. It’s funny, lighthearted, and a really good time.

https://educatednegra.blog/

[Andrea Ayres · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book feels like summer. The colors, the story, the style; it's a great time and a smooth read. The story is less about individual characters and more about a vibe. It's trying to impart a mood and a feeling the '90s. Like an Archie comic, you'll probably identify with one character more than the others but don't expect deep character development. That''s totally fine because it is also not the intention of this comic. Like other reviewers have said, there are a few spots where the story drags a little but it's not a deal breaker by any means. It's a fun, cool story that invokes that imparts some of the best feeling of the 90s. It's a great little laid back read.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Smoove City’ with story and art by Kenny Keil is a graphic novel throwback to a certain time in the 1990s.

Friends Ronnie, Mikey, Vinnie and Ray want to form a band, but with no exposure and no money they are finding it hard. They need a mixtape to get heard. They make one at the mall which has some shady strings attached. More strings come in the form of a record company employee who wants to be a manager. He takes them on tour, but will it make them famous or land them in jail?

I loved the bright colors in the artwork and all the great 90s in-jokes.. The story fits the times perfectly and was fun to read.

[Ayesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley and ONI Press, was a sweet trip down memory lane into the 90's. It's a little goofy, the art style is very 90's American TV and fashion and the story is an easy fit like a well worn, comfortable well loved jacket. I enjoyed inhaling Archie and Betty and Veronica comics as a child. This was reminiscent of that, but better, I was surprised how 'into, the story I got after a while. Fun, straightforward yet engaging read. Beautiful drawings,

[Danielle Masterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of Smoove City. This book is described as Fresh Prince meets Archie, a love letter to New Jack Swing. I grew up on New Jack Swing, so I was excited to see this. I wish it was a little more New Edition, and a little less jail. At times it felt disjointed, but mostly because it was focusing on a random arrest. That said, the nod to Bell Big Devoe is 100% the reason I’ll buy this book for my library!

[Marte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed this graphic novel, and I think it was fun and a little different than others I've read in the past. I do think the story was a little bit confusing at times, since it tries to go over some stuff quickly to get to more "fun" stuff. I wish maybe it lingered on more of the moments and let us get to know the guys a little bit more, but really nice overall tho!

[1stLady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a comic inspired by Black 90's sitcoms and entertainment and follows a group of friends who have also formed a R&B group called Smooth City. Throughout the comic, you can find many scenarios inspired by episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. This was a very light and funny read with many comedic scenarios you expect to see in any sitcoms with teenage boys and all the internal drama you expect with boy groups trying to acquire a record deal and become popular.
#SmoothCity #NetGalley

[Tomas Ruiiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like and dislike at the same time.

At first it was very slow for me and I got lost because there was a lot of dialogue. As the plot progressed, I got used to it.

It's supposed to be a comic about trying hard and stuff, but the ending didn't make much sense with the message.

I really liked that the vibes of the 90s are felt because the drawing was very colorful. My favorite character was mickey without a doubt.

[Kelly Frazier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smoove City is a story of four best friends as they try to make their journey towards boy band stardom. As an ode to 90s R&B music, Smoove City not only grasp the joy we all have from that special time of R&B music from the 90s as hip-hop made its influence on the genre, but it also shows the downfalls that happen during that journey, both personally and professionally. Equally comical and heartfelt, Smoove City is nostalgic, but with timeless themes.

[Molly Roach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smoove City by Kenny Keil

Okay first of all this book is beautiful. The art style is so fun and the coloring is absolutely fantastic and transports you right back to the 90s. The story was cute, a group of teenage boy besties make an R&B record and accidentally get famous, with a lot of trips along the way. Overall this was a fun graphic novel that would be perfect for anyone who loves R&B and misses the 90s.
4/5⭐️

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a child of the late 80s/early 90s, the pop culture references made me laugh out loud, but that’s all I can say that I liked about this book. The premise was so cute, 4 dudes want to make a hit record, but yikes it took a cringey turn when they ended up in jail for no reason! Also, idk how you market this to teens when said references were very obscure. Art is cute though. I’ll see what kids think when we get back to school.

[Medusa :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I got an e-arc off netgalley*
This was a super cool and fun comic! The art was really different from anything I’ve read and I loved how different the characters were from each other. My favorite character was Vinnie cause all he wanted to do was vibe. But the story was cool too cause it involved the 90’s and music and a boy band and it was super cool!

[D.T. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t know why the story didn’t click for me. It’s a lovable homage to 90’s fashion and slang and New Jack Swing, but the story jumped very erratically, and I didn’t always care for the dialogue. I kept waiting for it to finish. lol all that just so the white man can scam them.

[Tamara✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got this via NetGalley! For real I don't understand the love for this???? SORRY! The art is really lovely mind you just... the plot was weird... I get it's making fun/reminiscent of late 90s R&B boybands and what not but ehhh... Glad I didn't have to buy it and that I read it while doing other things.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally 90s, totally fun way to spend a rainy afternoon. It was like watching a kooky raucous episode of the Monkees, only the Monkees are Color Me Badd while on tour with TLC. Especially enjoyed the Ford Pinto wagon jokes. Maybe you had to be there-which I was.

[Romina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars.

English: This Comic is very very 90's. I loved the illustrations and the styles are super novelty. Personally, I grew up in the nineties, so this book brought me a lot of nostalgia and I think it is what I liked the most. Apart from that the characters are very funny, with very different personalities and the story itself is light and fun.


Spanish: Este Comic es muy muy de los 90's. Me encantaron las ilustraciones y los estilos son super noventosos. Personalmente crecí en los noventas por lo que este libro me trajo mucha nostalgia y creo que es por lo que más me gusto. Aparte de eso los personajes son muy graciosos, con personalidades muy diferentes y la historia en si es light y divertida.

Gracias #NetGally y #OniPress por enviarme el ARC.