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Suburban Glamour
Life's tough when you're a teenager - homework, boy trouble, and meddling parents. So when you throw in imaginary friends turned real, monster attacks, and faerie magic - well, that's just not fair, is it? "Suburban Glamour" follows Astrid Johnson as she and her best friend Dave get caught in a faerie family battle that stretches back through the centuries. Modern teenage life meets age-old magic in this story from the co-creator of "Phonogram"!
104 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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314 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 27, 2015
This is neither a terribly interesting nor a terribly exciting fairy story. The main character is a changeling, and her fairy parents are coming to fetch her. And that's basically it. The fairy politics are somewhat convoluted, and aren't explained very effectively in the short space this miniseries allows. I really don't think that was at all the point, though.
Still, I liked the main character and her friends. Having likeable characters to hang on to made it a much easier read. And I do so love McKelvie's art. Which was, after all, the sum total of my reasons for reading this book, just to look at more of his art. That much didn't disappoint at all. Otherwise, fair to middling.
Still, I liked the main character and her friends. Having likeable characters to hang on to made it a much easier read. And I do so love McKelvie's art. Which was, after all, the sum total of my reasons for reading this book, just to look at more of his art. That much didn't disappoint at all. Otherwise, fair to middling.
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January 19, 2020this is so 2007 that it made me realize that eventually kids are going to be doing retro throwback scene hair, plugs and fluorescent stripes
May 28, 2017
An interesting storyline that's totally unique. I wasn't sure how it would play out but I liked it and I'll continue reading. Of course the art and color blocking are amazing!!
March 31, 2018
Plot was weak, art was expressionless, and the writing was way too wordy in an attempt to be conversational. I only give single star ratings to books I bail/those that are outwardly offensive, but this two star is a HEAVY do not recommend.
July 9, 2012
Interesting read. Characters I want to care about, decent story premise, pacing is good. Dialogue seemed a bit clipped in parts - wasn't quite following how these people were relating to each other.
When it ended I wasn't sure if I wanted to read more of it or let it stay wrapped up. It was good, and there's potential for building a whole universe - but the story felt just slightly light and superficial enough that I don't know if there would be a lot more to it.
I wouldn't mind seeing a whole lot more of McKelvie's art however. This is purely digital and it's hard not to judge by analog standards, but it is imaginative and expressive all the same.
Here are my plot notes because I can never remember who when and what, when I'm reading later books:
When it ended I wasn't sure if I wanted to read more of it or let it stay wrapped up. It was good, and there's potential for building a whole universe - but the story felt just slightly light and superficial enough that I don't know if there would be a lot more to it.
I wouldn't mind seeing a whole lot more of McKelvie's art however. This is purely digital and it's hard not to judge by analog standards, but it is imaginative and expressive all the same.
Here are my plot notes because I can never remember who when and what, when I'm reading later books:
March 23, 2009
I don't really know why I got this. McKelvie is the artist on the completely baffling Phonogram, and his art wasn't too impressive there, so I'm not sure what compelled me to pick up a book where he's writing and drawing.
I will say that the art here is some of the most lifeless I've seen in a comic, ever. There's absolutely no sense of movement or energy on the page anywhere.
It all looks like a series of isolated animation cels from a really boring cartoon. To make up for it, though, the story is SOOOO trite and obvious that it wouldn't make much difference. The fact that you feel like it's something you've already read almost conceals the fact that it reads like about 1/3 of a much more involved story, and he couldn't get Image to give him 12 issues to do it in, so he cut it back to 4.
I will say that the art here is some of the most lifeless I've seen in a comic, ever. There's absolutely no sense of movement or energy on the page anywhere.
It all looks like a series of isolated animation cels from a really boring cartoon. To make up for it, though, the story is SOOOO trite and obvious that it wouldn't make much difference. The fact that you feel like it's something you've already read almost conceals the fact that it reads like about 1/3 of a much more involved story, and he couldn't get Image to give him 12 issues to do it in, so he cut it back to 4.
July 24, 2013
Eeehhhh, nothing super exciting, but nothing horrible, either.
A so-so story about a frustrated teenager who suddenly has fantastical things start to happen to her. I actually liked the first two issues that focus on the boring teenage stuff; it was realistic without going overboard as other writers tend to do with teens (especially in TV).
It could have used a few more issues instead of just four, as well. There wasn't enough time for any reveals or the ending to have any true impact.
A so-so story about a frustrated teenager who suddenly has fantastical things start to happen to her. I actually liked the first two issues that focus on the boring teenage stuff; it was realistic without going overboard as other writers tend to do with teens (especially in TV).
It could have used a few more issues instead of just four, as well. There wasn't enough time for any reveals or the ending to have any true impact.
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March 4, 2016Story was okay. Plot was a bit rushed for me, but the art just gets me every time. Not sure you'll like it (Brian) but it sure is pretty to look at.
March 4, 2017
Beautiful art, design work, and coloring. Unremarkable story.
March 25, 2018
It’s ok, the art is nice. I personally wasn’t hooked by the story but it’s not bad. 🤷🏽♀️
June 30, 2021
Got this in a Humble Bundle with the glorious Wicked + The Divine, which McKelvie worked on. Didn't notice it til today! It was a pleasant and short surprise.
It's a one-shot/one-off, and as such, a lot is hand-waved or just not explained about the magic. But it doesn't, in my opinion, detract from the story.
The story is your average coming of age, misfit teen tale, with magic mixed in. The time it was written in, 2008, which feels like forever ago but was when * I * was in high school, is pretty perfect for the misfit teen angle: emo culture was at its height, girls were into an alternative culture of music and found a new form of independence in it. Albeit one that was often mocked by peers and adults alike.
It is such a stunningly perfect time capsule of the era -- MCR, Astrid's wardrobe and hair, the iPod screen on the title page and of course the Nokias-- that two things came to me. I thought, damn this is a good throwback! Someone other than me got nostalgic!
Then I saw the year published and the second thing hit me: I'm an old lady. This feels so ancient (and beloved) compared to today's pop culture, and yet the comic charmingly brought it all back as if it were yesterday.
So, good story, good encapsulation of counter culture in the late 2000s. Excuse me while I find some wrinkle cream...
It's a one-shot/one-off, and as such, a lot is hand-waved or just not explained about the magic. But it doesn't, in my opinion, detract from the story.
The story is your average coming of age, misfit teen tale, with magic mixed in. The time it was written in, 2008, which feels like forever ago but was when * I * was in high school, is pretty perfect for the misfit teen angle: emo culture was at its height, girls were into an alternative culture of music and found a new form of independence in it. Albeit one that was often mocked by peers and adults alike.
It is such a stunningly perfect time capsule of the era -- MCR, Astrid's wardrobe and hair, the iPod screen on the title page and of course the Nokias-- that two things came to me. I thought, damn this is a good throwback! Someone other than me got nostalgic!
Then I saw the year published and the second thing hit me: I'm an old lady. This feels so ancient (and beloved) compared to today's pop culture, and yet the comic charmingly brought it all back as if it were yesterday.
So, good story, good encapsulation of counter culture in the late 2000s. Excuse me while I find some wrinkle cream...
November 1, 2025
This was fine. I didn't know anything going into it, otherwise I probably wouldn't have picked it up. But I saw it at the shop and loved the cover. I was expecting this to be a fashion comic or something similar. Just given the name and the cover. It was definitely not that. Suburban Glamour is actually more of a fantasy book. Mixing the real world with the world of Faerie. A world where all that is imagined can live. Though it wasn't too clear that other people's imaginations lived there too. Or where these royal sisters came from. It's a bit confusing and very rushed. I felt the idea was okay. But the actual execution fell flat. If the series were 8-12 issues long, you could have gotten to know the characters and lore a lot better. Outside of just "here's the idea!" Thing happens! Thing happens! Thing happens! Done! There's no real time to grow or mourn or learn. It's all just thrown at you. Oh well. The art was nice. It wasn't anything crazy, but it was clean and pleasing to look at for the most part. All in all this series was fine. Not really worth seeking out though.
October 8, 2023
Astrid is a newly 17 yo teenager in the suburbs of London. Her life involves school, her family, and hanging out with her friends and sneaking into clubs. Pretty normal. To her it’s pretty boring. But then something happens. She received word that she is not king for this earth. She is actually a princess of a planet called Faerie who has been placed here to be allowed to age through adolescence in relative safety before being brought back home to claim what’s rightfully hers. But, like any good fairy tale, there are those who don’t want to see this happen.
I absolutely love this story. I mean it’s not entirely unique but it has great characters and Jamie McKelvie’s totally original voice and art style. I also love that, like his previous work on Phonogram with Kieron Gillen, it has that late 90s/early 00s Brit vibe that I just wish would be made into something for the big screen or streaming. But they’d probably botch it all up.
I absolutely love this story. I mean it’s not entirely unique but it has great characters and Jamie McKelvie’s totally original voice and art style. I also love that, like his previous work on Phonogram with Kieron Gillen, it has that late 90s/early 00s Brit vibe that I just wish would be made into something for the big screen or streaming. But they’d probably botch it all up.
August 15, 2017
I really enjoyed this book when I read it. I am sad that it is a one shot (made of four comics). Thinking about what review I would write, I started to see the holes in it. It has a light touch on the characters and events move very quickly but don't seem to have weight when it comes to repercussions or effects. People sort of blow in the wind in whichever direction suits whatever is happening. It could have been a lot tighter.
But it was an enjoyable read, I would like to read more. It has potential to be much more than it is. I am not sure if I went back in time that I would choose to read it. It was a pleasant experience but it has left an after effect of feeling like something is missing. I may not have even noticed the after effect if I wasn't working on what I would say about it and what I liked so much.
But it was an enjoyable read, I would like to read more. It has potential to be much more than it is. I am not sure if I went back in time that I would choose to read it. It was a pleasant experience but it has left an after effect of feeling like something is missing. I may not have even noticed the after effect if I wasn't working on what I would say about it and what I liked so much.
April 6, 2018
pretty cool. very british, which strangely elevated it. great early art by Jamie mckelvie and Matt wilson. more than anything, I was reminded of the changeling role playing game by white wolf. I definitely enjoyed it, but am sad there isn't any more. it works as a self contained story, but I really would like to see more of what the main character grew up to be. Oh well. and one more thing: why doesn't it include the issue's original covers? there are mostly-black pages dividing the issues, so I thought the covers would be in the back, but theyre just nowhere to be found. sad, and for seemingly no reason.
December 4, 2019
Eh. The pacing of the story moved a bit too quickly for my liking. In fact, some parts moved so quickly they seemed a bit unbelievable and I’m not referring to the scenes pertaining to magic and faeries. The plot could have been more interesting if the story had been developed a bit further. Again, just felt rushed in some areas. The art was decent but nothing to rave about. The only aspect of this story I found truly satisfying was the main characters’ dress reminded me of my high school days. The back cover of the trade says this is four issues in one binding. Perhaps a 6-issue run could’ve benefited the story by including more in-depth scenes.
August 7, 2021
Tonight I am reading some comics I borrowed from Comixology Unlimited.
I read Suburban Glamour a couple of years ago and rated it three stars. On second reading, I stand by that three stars. Suburban Glamour is a perfectly fine comic. The story moves along well, the art is great, and it's a quick read.
Suburban Glamour doesn't break any new ground story-wise, but it's a fun read. For something with a little more punch I would suggest Singles Club, the second volume of the Phonomancer comics by McKelvie and writer Kieron Gillen.
I read Suburban Glamour a couple of years ago and rated it three stars. On second reading, I stand by that three stars. Suburban Glamour is a perfectly fine comic. The story moves along well, the art is great, and it's a quick read.
Suburban Glamour doesn't break any new ground story-wise, but it's a fun read. For something with a little more punch I would suggest Singles Club, the second volume of the Phonomancer comics by McKelvie and writer Kieron Gillen.
December 9, 2025
A little short lived.
A girl finds out she is a fairy and decides to leave her human life behind. She only has a year in high school left but the town she is stuck in is so boring, she is willing to take an early out. Except, the drama caused by her fantasy family maybe worse than they had lead on….
This series was fun for how short it was. Pacing wasn’t bad either. Nothing felt rushed or unanswered. And of course the art was great. There maybe one or two moment that’s feel a little awkward in transition from scene to scene but overall, it’s a not bad enough to ruin the story.
A girl finds out she is a fairy and decides to leave her human life behind. She only has a year in high school left but the town she is stuck in is so boring, she is willing to take an early out. Except, the drama caused by her fantasy family maybe worse than they had lead on….
This series was fun for how short it was. Pacing wasn’t bad either. Nothing felt rushed or unanswered. And of course the art was great. There maybe one or two moment that’s feel a little awkward in transition from scene to scene but overall, it’s a not bad enough to ruin the story.
December 18, 2016
I'll give Jamie McKelvie credit for a unique take on the changeling tale with Suburban Glamour, which is a quick hit of faerie warfare with a lot of fun twists. If I have a complaint at all, it's about how short this was and how it felt like a lot of threads could have been looked at differently. On the other hand, brevity is often a rarity in these cases, so I'm ultimately just happy this one-off series was as good as it ended up being. Definitely recommended.
February 28, 2018
I think this had some interesting ideas, but something about it fell really flat for me. The general illustration was nice enough, but compared to McKelvie's other art was somehow lacking, either like an early draft or a carbon copy of something.
I hope that Wic/Div does more with the otherworldliness that is hinted at in here, but if not I am more than happy for Saga to fill that spot on my reading list.
I hope that Wic/Div does more with the otherworldliness that is hinted at in here, but if not I am more than happy for Saga to fill that spot on my reading list.
June 30, 2019
3.4 stars
Pretty decent debut from McKelvie but i felt like it could have been streamlined more and it didn't feel like there was much of a story in this, now i get that it is a debut and not all debuts are instant hits but i felt like a little more work could have been put into it. McKelvie's art was fantastic as always but i prefer when he works with Matt Wilson (the colorist of WicDiv) although it wasn't a bad book so I'd recommend for a quick and fun read
Pretty decent debut from McKelvie but i felt like it could have been streamlined more and it didn't feel like there was much of a story in this, now i get that it is a debut and not all debuts are instant hits but i felt like a little more work could have been put into it. McKelvie's art was fantastic as always but i prefer when he works with Matt Wilson (the colorist of WicDiv) although it wasn't a bad book so I'd recommend for a quick and fun read
December 16, 2022
Wasn't sure what to expect from this comic coming from the mention of Phonogram, but was happily surprised with how it actually turned out. I was expecting a purely contemporary story (which it was), but I loved the added bit of fantasy (the Glamour in the title was the clue, really).
It's a nice little adventure and I could go for more stories with these characters. Not the most original setup but a pretty solid ending.
It's a nice little adventure and I could go for more stories with these characters. Not the most original setup but a pretty solid ending.
April 13, 2024
3.5 rounded up with a good part of my enjoyment coming from seeing the artist earlier work of McKelvie. I'm a big fan of this artist so seeing some of their earlier work was really enjoyable.
The story is alright. What I enjoy much more is how McKelvie captures the element of the rebelliousness and feeling of not belonging in teenagehood really well and the 2000's era. I do wish it was a bit longer. With its four issues it has to be very concise but it handles it short page space well.
I’m a big fan of McKelvie’s art style especially earlier on like in Phonogram and WicDiv so of course I’d want to devour this when his art was at it’s earliest. Me getting to experience his writing chops is just the cherry on top. It has that pose-like fashion doll rigid-y I like from McKelvie. Albeit it can be a bit too rigid here and doesn't always work with the fantastical elements. You can see his penchant for fun paneling. While the composition is fairly typical panels what is inside those panels can be fun and creative (if a bit stuck to the rigid box-y standard from the typical panels). Once an issue McKelvie really does a fun layout too which I always appreciate his fun styling and choices. Matt Wilson also colors this and I love his coloring work with McKelvie on WicDiv. He does good here but due to the nature of the story we don’t get to see as much amazing stuff from him here as we see in WicDiv.
The story is alright. What I enjoy much more is how McKelvie captures the element of the rebelliousness and feeling of not belonging in teenagehood really well and the 2000's era. I do wish it was a bit longer. With its four issues it has to be very concise but it handles it short page space well.
I’m a big fan of McKelvie’s art style especially earlier on like in Phonogram and WicDiv so of course I’d want to devour this when his art was at it’s earliest. Me getting to experience his writing chops is just the cherry on top. It has that pose-like fashion doll rigid-y I like from McKelvie. Albeit it can be a bit too rigid here and doesn't always work with the fantastical elements. You can see his penchant for fun paneling. While the composition is fairly typical panels what is inside those panels can be fun and creative (if a bit stuck to the rigid box-y standard from the typical panels). Once an issue McKelvie really does a fun layout too which I always appreciate his fun styling and choices. Matt Wilson also colors this and I love his coloring work with McKelvie on WicDiv. He does good here but due to the nature of the story we don’t get to see as much amazing stuff from him here as we see in WicDiv.
November 7, 2017
It isn't clear from the cover what this story is supposed to be about, which is why the fantasy element took me by surprise. Nothing that happens really makes much sense and is glossed over -- a lot of telling instead of showing. The epic battle that threatens to break out in the end dissolves seconds after it was introduced. There's little tension.
January 4, 2019
Underwhelming, to say the least. Typical girl-finds-out-she's-special story, but without the backstory to back it up or any hooks to make her or her story interesting. A whole lot of magic, lore, and potential, all underutilized and rushed. The art was beautiful, but too simple to carry a story that needed more depth.
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April 27, 2022Good story .. Great illustration
The book was a good read. The revolving around a teenage girl with a past she's not aware of having. The story itself was nothing new but together with the artistry leaves the reader with a comfy story that's made to be read during a lazy afternoon. Highly recommended.
The book was a good read. The revolving around a teenage girl with a past she's not aware of having. The story itself was nothing new but together with the artistry leaves the reader with a comfy story that's made to be read during a lazy afternoon. Highly recommended.
August 11, 2023
In "Suburban Glamour" Jamie McKelvie combines, teen angst and fairies to create a touching coming of age story about a young woman who dreams of escaping her drab and stultifying environemnt. This book is a quick read and a fun ride with a strong theme of self empowerment. Oh, - and fairies, don't forget the fairies !
July 2, 2017
It is hard to rate this fairly since it was only four issues. I feel that it got a lot accomplished, but the story didn't have as much depth as I would have liked (and again, it is short and that might not have been a choice).
January 1, 2020
The art was very pretty, but the story is a bit on the bland side. Very few surprises and some very abrupt character decisions which seemed to be in direct contradiction to what happened on the page before.
I love the premise, and the art is tidy and nice but won't be reading this again.
I love the premise, and the art is tidy and nice but won't be reading this again.
May 6, 2021
This is rather insubstantial in terms of plot and characters, and the cutesy atmosphere is a bit off putting; as a whole, it never really rose above being mildly enjoyable. McKelvie’s artwork shines as always, though. It simply seems as if he needs a little assistance in the writing end of things.
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