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Dear Azula, I Have a Crush on Danny Phantom
Dear Azula, I Have a Crush on Danny Phantom is a crossover of our coming of age universes. Exploring the interplay of adolescence and media, Dear Azula is a masterclass on how Generation Z see themselves reflected on screen, how they find themselves in characters when the world does not grant them the possibility. These poems pay homage to the cartoon characters who made us the wicked lovestruck people that we are. These ubiquitous stories of teen ghost boys and water bending women gave wonder to a generation raised by recession. In illustrious villains we learned our own glamour. In chiseled chins and 2D teeth we learned desire. In Dear Azula, I Have a Crush on Danny Phantom we bring the early 2000s renaissance of animation into our modern lives to unpack, celebrate, revel, and remember.
56 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
June 25, 2021
*3.75/5
This is a short collection of poems inspired by cartoon characters, such as Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender and Shego from Kim Possible.
What picked my interest, was definitely the title, since I am a big geek and the cartoons mentioned her are some of my all time favourites.
This was a very easy and quick read, and I loved how vulnerable the creators were and how they used their childhood faves in order to project/talk about their own trauma and their own personal issues, such as experiencing racism, questioning your sexuality or your gender identity, among others. I find that idea to be so unique and relatable. And despite being very picky when it comes to poetry, I like it when poems aren't only smart but talk about something I can relate to while using language that is easy to understand.
Another thing, the creators used some lines directly from the tv shows mentioned in the poems or by other poems altogether, which I completely overlooked, but they did mention them in the end and don't take credit. Good for them.
The collection was good but not perfect. In my opinion, some poems did not hit as hard as others, some had only a few strong lines and some were a little longer than they should. But still, I am glad I read it.
Also, high five to my fellow geeks! Isn't it cool when our interests (our love for animated tv shows in this case) are heavily featured in other media we consume?
If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :) :) :)
I received a free e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a short collection of poems inspired by cartoon characters, such as Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender and Shego from Kim Possible.
What picked my interest, was definitely the title, since I am a big geek and the cartoons mentioned her are some of my all time favourites.
This was a very easy and quick read, and I loved how vulnerable the creators were and how they used their childhood faves in order to project/talk about their own trauma and their own personal issues, such as experiencing racism, questioning your sexuality or your gender identity, among others. I find that idea to be so unique and relatable. And despite being very picky when it comes to poetry, I like it when poems aren't only smart but talk about something I can relate to while using language that is easy to understand.
Another thing, the creators used some lines directly from the tv shows mentioned in the poems or by other poems altogether, which I completely overlooked, but they did mention them in the end and don't take credit. Good for them.
The collection was good but not perfect. In my opinion, some poems did not hit as hard as others, some had only a few strong lines and some were a little longer than they should. But still, I am glad I read it.
Also, high five to my fellow geeks! Isn't it cool when our interests (our love for animated tv shows in this case) are heavily featured in other media we consume?
If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :) :) :)
I received a free e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2021
As a writer who occasionally attempts autobiographical poetry influenced by the formative media I’ve consumed, I was really interested to read this collection.
As with a lot of short story/poetry collections it was a bit of a mixed bag. The stylistically strongest to me by far was Marrow, featuring the hyenas from The Lion King, although I also found My Mom and Mrs. Incredible Have the Same Haircut and Beast/Boy to be interesting pieces.
As with a lot of short story/poetry collections it was a bit of a mixed bag. The stylistically strongest to me by far was Marrow, featuring the hyenas from The Lion King, although I also found My Mom and Mrs. Incredible Have the Same Haircut and Beast/Boy to be interesting pieces.
September 8, 2022
Excerpts:
My whole life
someone told me
to be a weapon,
when all I wanted
was to weep.
(from “Black Fire Ballad (I Feel Most Evil in My Mother’s Gowns)”)
—
Every man is an apocalypse. So what
of their daughters?
Our inheritance?
Are we born to clean their wars?
To lick iron where they open?
I do not believe in any prophecy,
except the ones I wrote.
(from “Murder Ballad, Raven: Patricide”)
My whole life
someone told me
to be a weapon,
when all I wanted
was to weep.
(from “Black Fire Ballad (I Feel Most Evil in My Mother’s Gowns)”)
—
Every man is an apocalypse. So what
of their daughters?
Our inheritance?
Are we born to clean their wars?
To lick iron where they open?
I do not believe in any prophecy,
except the ones I wrote.
(from “Murder Ballad, Raven: Patricide”)
May 7, 2021
I loved these poems, some more than the others, but overall it was great. The poems mash together cartoon characters that we grew up with, with experiences that the reader may have gone through. I loved how each poem was based around a character, yet were written in a way that even if you don't particularly relate to said character you can relate to the poem. My only problem with this book was its size, in my opinion it was super short.
July 21, 2021
I'm extremely conflicted on this one. While I think the idea and concept behind the collection is extremely creative and novel, I think the execution doesn't work through most of it. The majority of poems, while mostly well written, don't convey anything meaningful to the reader. Am I reading these poems from the position of the character that inspired them, or am I reading them from the position of the person who was inspired by the character? Honestly, the extreme variations of theme and subject from one poem to the next with no clear way of how they are meant to be interpreted made reading this collection sort of mindless. With all that said, I think there was one that I took exception to: "My Mom and Mrs. Incredible Have the Same Haircut". While it begins kind of cringe-worthily, I think ultimately this is what rest of the poems should have aspired to. It makes it completely clear who you are relating to (the person inspired by the character) and how that character impacts their life in someway. I felt the most emotional connection to this poem,
Who are these white-toothed women? And where do they put their grief? When I was little, my mom used to take long car rides, just to get away. Sometimes, she'd take me with her. Sometimes, she'd go alone. The car was always quiet as her eyes. Even with the radio on, I could tell there was no sound inside her.
Otherwise, most of the collection, even if well written, fell flat for me due to the distance between me and the subject matter.
Thank you to NetGalley and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) & Members' Titles for the opportunity to read this and provide my honest review.
Who are these white-toothed women? And where do they put their grief? When I was little, my mom used to take long car rides, just to get away. Sometimes, she'd take me with her. Sometimes, she'd go alone. The car was always quiet as her eyes. Even with the radio on, I could tell there was no sound inside her.
Otherwise, most of the collection, even if well written, fell flat for me due to the distance between me and the subject matter.
Thank you to NetGalley and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) & Members' Titles for the opportunity to read this and provide my honest review.
June 30, 2021
Dear Azula was such a fun collection of poetry to read! I am a twenty three year old who grew up around watching Danny Phantom and I really appreciated the tie in's to my childhood! I flew through the poems and enjoyed every single word I read. I loved the aspect that songs and other media were also included besides Danny Phantom too because it reminded me of other aspects of my childhood as well. This collection definitely could be seen as lgbtq+ representation depending on how the reader interprets some of the writing. I recommend this collection to absolutely anybody!
September 26, 2021
- i like pop-culture poems alot, especially if they're kinda playful, kinda childish but also sly-ly intense and dramatic
- short, fun read
- my favorites were Zuko's Ode, Murder Ballad and Beast/Boy
- short, fun read
- my favorites were Zuko's Ode, Murder Ballad and Beast/Boy
May 3, 2021
I loved this, I really did. Each poem was tailored to it's cartoon character while bringing an element of realism. For example in the poem I Have A Crush on Shego, Shego is used as a way to explain unrequited love through violence because growing up in early 2000's being a lesbian still wasn't fully accepted yet, so most girls grew up thinking their choices were only friendship or riverly. You'll find something like this with all the poems but it uniquelly works with all the characters chosen. Hands down my favourites were Black Fire Ballad, I Have A Crush on Shego, & Beast/Boy. I can see myself re-reading these ones over and over again, but honestly they all were great.
My only complaint, if you could call it one, is that it was way too short and there are so many animated characters you wish Tyabji & Neal would touch upon. I also think that the cover put's people off from picking this one up. I get what the cover artist was going for but unless a reader takes a hard look at the title, I can see them passing this one over for a shiner cover; which is a shame because it is among the best poetry collections I have ever read and needs far more love.
Perfect for fans of poetry and early 2000's cartoons. I highly recommend.
My only complaint, if you could call it one, is that it was way too short and there are so many animated characters you wish Tyabji & Neal would touch upon. I also think that the cover put's people off from picking this one up. I get what the cover artist was going for but unless a reader takes a hard look at the title, I can see them passing this one over for a shiner cover; which is a shame because it is among the best poetry collections I have ever read and needs far more love.
Perfect for fans of poetry and early 2000's cartoons. I highly recommend.
April 29, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Button Poetry for the ARC!
Despite having taken a peek at the existing Goodreads reviews for this title before delving into the ARC, I found myself under the assumption that it would be more of a “silly” poetry collection (possibly due to the title, which makes more sense after having read the collection) — but I was pleased to find out that the collection was both distinct in style and hard-hitting in content.
It sharply communicated the concepts it set out to get across, which were rooted in childhood experiences that are equal parts unique to these two individuals and collective to a generation, and mixed nostalgia itself with the experience of carrying it into adulthood. While I do think there’s a “niche” audience that will enjoy the collection more than some due to having these shared experiences, I think everyone could glean something it. I enjoyed the structure, style, and formatting that falls within the authors’ style and would have loved for it to be a bit longer.
Despite having taken a peek at the existing Goodreads reviews for this title before delving into the ARC, I found myself under the assumption that it would be more of a “silly” poetry collection (possibly due to the title, which makes more sense after having read the collection) — but I was pleased to find out that the collection was both distinct in style and hard-hitting in content.
It sharply communicated the concepts it set out to get across, which were rooted in childhood experiences that are equal parts unique to these two individuals and collective to a generation, and mixed nostalgia itself with the experience of carrying it into adulthood. While I do think there’s a “niche” audience that will enjoy the collection more than some due to having these shared experiences, I think everyone could glean something it. I enjoyed the structure, style, and formatting that falls within the authors’ style and would have loved for it to be a bit longer.
May 3, 2021
I just finished reading it, but I can already see quotes from the poems being posted on those instagram accounts “dark academia” kids are all about, so when the book gets hyped I can see it going two ways, either being harshly criticized by those who dislike Rupi Kaur’s style or deeply loved by those who constantly feel nostalgic about their childhood aka “the last time they felt genuinely happy”. I’m somewhat in the middle, while I do like the idea of writing about characters from cartoons I felt like the relation between the lyrical speaker and the subject/character was sometimes not as deep as the authors intended it to be — don’t get me wrong, poems like “Fiona Chose to Be an Ogre” and “My Mom and Mrs. Incredible Have the Same Haircut” totally accomplished it and resonated with me as a reader, but there were some others where it was even hard to identify who was speaking.
That said, I would totally recommend this book to someone looking for a light read or to the very next person that says they miss the early 2000’s
That said, I would totally recommend this book to someone looking for a light read or to the very next person that says they miss the early 2000’s
April 30, 2021
I received an eARC copy from Button Poetry via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love poetry; I have always loved it. This short poetry collection hit the spot, reminding me of just how much I enjoy reading poetry.
The poems in this collection were inspired by many movies and TV shows, such as Avatar: The Last Airbender, Shrek, The Lion King, The Emperor's New Groove, Mulan, etc. Many of these poems discuss complicated issues, i.e. the identity issue, for example, or distorted image of perfection.
This collection was an incredibly quick read, which left me feeling a bit incomplete, unfinished. I feel like I did not get the chance to immerse myself in these words, to let them touch me and allow me to reflect on them and fully comprehend the raw emotions these poems bear.
Praise for the refreshing step forward from the current short-and-sweet style we encounter in modern poetry.
I love poetry; I have always loved it. This short poetry collection hit the spot, reminding me of just how much I enjoy reading poetry.
The poems in this collection were inspired by many movies and TV shows, such as Avatar: The Last Airbender, Shrek, The Lion King, The Emperor's New Groove, Mulan, etc. Many of these poems discuss complicated issues, i.e. the identity issue, for example, or distorted image of perfection.
This collection was an incredibly quick read, which left me feeling a bit incomplete, unfinished. I feel like I did not get the chance to immerse myself in these words, to let them touch me and allow me to reflect on them and fully comprehend the raw emotions these poems bear.
Praise for the refreshing step forward from the current short-and-sweet style we encounter in modern poetry.
December 12, 2022
"I am not the pretty sister, I am the bitch who wins. [...] My whole life, someone told me to be a weapon, when all I wanted was to weep." - Black Fire Ballad (I Feel Most Evil in My Mother's Gowns)
"The story still wants a villain. But we are not monsters, we are girls gnawing for the love we believed a throne would break for us. I love you, I do. I am not afraid of you anymore." - Dear Azula, Farewell
As a person in the correct age range to relate to the characters mentioned throughout this collection, as I too grew up with them, and as a person who adores exploring characterization and finding ways to relate to, learn from, and expand on the lives of fictional characters, I was incredibly excited to dive into this book. For the most part, it delivered. There were a few pieces I didn't relate to and many I felt could've been tightened up, but there were several quotes throughout that gave me the "gut punch" feeling I always look for in poetry.
"The story still wants a villain. But we are not monsters, we are girls gnawing for the love we believed a throne would break for us. I love you, I do. I am not afraid of you anymore." - Dear Azula, Farewell
As a person in the correct age range to relate to the characters mentioned throughout this collection, as I too grew up with them, and as a person who adores exploring characterization and finding ways to relate to, learn from, and expand on the lives of fictional characters, I was incredibly excited to dive into this book. For the most part, it delivered. There were a few pieces I didn't relate to and many I felt could've been tightened up, but there were several quotes throughout that gave me the "gut punch" feeling I always look for in poetry.
April 22, 2021
I adored these poems by Azura Tyabji and Jackson Neal about some of my favourite fandoms! The movies/shows that inspired the poems are Avatar: the Last Airbender, Danny Phantom, Shrek, The Lion King, The Emperor's New Groove, The Incredibles, Mulan, Kim Possible and last but not least Teen Titans. Since these are all movies or shows that I enjoyed, I really enjoyed the poems.
Of course, I lived for the poems about Avatar: the Last Airbender. I loved them so much. As soon as I saw the title Dear Azula, I Have a Crush on Danny Phantom I knew I had to read this poetry collection and it did not disappoint!
If any you are part of any of these fandoms, please do yourself a favour and read this poetry collection. You will not regret it.
Of course, I lived for the poems about Avatar: the Last Airbender. I loved them so much. As soon as I saw the title Dear Azula, I Have a Crush on Danny Phantom I knew I had to read this poetry collection and it did not disappoint!
If any you are part of any of these fandoms, please do yourself a favour and read this poetry collection. You will not regret it.
June 26, 2021
I definitely requested this based solely on my love for Azula from ATLA and im not embarrassed to say it :/ this is a super short read with some good poems in (Dear Azula and Refraction were my faves) but the rest felt kind of bland and surface level in regard to their subject matter. I don't really have too much to say about it because it didn't really make me feel anything that the actual piece of media didn't already make me feel.
it's a cool concept and it's executed okay but i think it was missing something
Thanks NetGalley for the review copy!
it's a cool concept and it's executed okay but i think it was missing something
Thanks NetGalley for the review copy!
May 14, 2021
I was so intrigued by this title and description. The poems are interesting each referring to a nostalgic cartoon character. Some of my favourite poems are the ones to do with; Mulan, Shego, and Yzma. I wish there had been a few more poems in this collection but otherwise no complaints!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providign me with an arc for an honest review!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providign me with an arc for an honest review!
May 23, 2021
ok, but what even was this. i feel like i didn't understand any of the poems or what they were trying to get at in the slightest. it was confusing and pretentious and i did not have a good time.
i received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
i received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2021
This was original and moving. It was unique with its various pop culture connections, yet was still relatable. My personal favorite was titled “Yzma Dresses for the Llama Funeral”, it was a little dark (which I loved).
Thank you to Netgalley and Button Poetry for this arc ebook!
Thank you to Netgalley and Button Poetry for this arc ebook!
July 20, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for making this available..
I enjoyed the thought of reading poetry about the characters I grew up with. I tried to imagine what the authors where going through whilst they wrote this book but I just couldn't. Some of the poems were nice and I found myself truly imagining it but the rest of the book just seemed like they were making it up on the spot.
I enjoyed the thought of reading poetry about the characters I grew up with. I tried to imagine what the authors where going through whilst they wrote this book but I just couldn't. Some of the poems were nice and I found myself truly imagining it but the rest of the book just seemed like they were making it up on the spot.
January 3, 2023
Quick read. Good concept, who doesn’t love nostalgia and self-reflection through beloved cartoons?
Execution felt lukewarm.
Favorite line: “I learn love in the steam rising from your tea.” (Zuko’s Palinode)
Execution felt lukewarm.
Favorite line: “I learn love in the steam rising from your tea.” (Zuko’s Palinode)
July 21, 2021
When I read poetry, I'm looking for a shared experience, which is much harder with this co-authored piece. It's lovely, familiar, short, but has me thinking about my own influences.
Read
October 5, 2021this was such a fun little chapbook!
October 7, 2021
Best chapbook I've ever read.
August 31, 2022
Superb. My only complaint is it is so short (14 poems/pieces) and I want more.
February 3, 2023
3.5 stars - I haven't seen Teen Titans unfortunately :( The Avatar: The Last Airbender poems were my favorite for sure.
May 29, 2021
A short and fun collection of poems for the 2000s kids ie. Gen Z and younger millennials, those that grew up on Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon. Each poem references a different character to explore themes of childhood, puberty, relationships, and the existential notions of who do I want to be, who do I want to love, and what do I want to contribute to this world?
I don't think this will have as wide of a reach outside Gen Z, but those that these do speak to will have a lot of fun reading them!
I don't think this will have as wide of a reach outside Gen Z, but those that these do speak to will have a lot of fun reading them!
May 29, 2021
Wow, I dont even know what to say.
Like some poetry books, this was a very quick read, but often I found myself choosing to reread poems and rereading lines because of how brilliantly they were written. I loved the poems. I was wary about how good it would be considering it sounded like some form of fanfiction but I would HIGHLY reccomend this.
I commend Tyabji and Neal for so expertly interweaving beloved cartoon characters with hard hitting issues, and the metaphors that run throughout the poems were just incredible. My favourite poems were without a doubt both the zuko and azula ones, as well as "my mum and mrs incredible have the same haircut".
I would 100% (and already have) recommend this to a friend and I'm glad I took the time to read it because it felt meaningful and it just felt worth it.
Like some poetry books, this was a very quick read, but often I found myself choosing to reread poems and rereading lines because of how brilliantly they were written. I loved the poems. I was wary about how good it would be considering it sounded like some form of fanfiction but I would HIGHLY reccomend this.
I commend Tyabji and Neal for so expertly interweaving beloved cartoon characters with hard hitting issues, and the metaphors that run throughout the poems were just incredible. My favourite poems were without a doubt both the zuko and azula ones, as well as "my mum and mrs incredible have the same haircut".
I would 100% (and already have) recommend this to a friend and I'm glad I took the time to read it because it felt meaningful and it just felt worth it.
July 29, 2021
This collection of poetry is a time capsule for Gen Z and Milennials. Every poem hits you with bitter-sweet nostalgia as you relive teenage angst, coming-of-age memories, the fears and anxieties of teenagers searching for their identity.
I LOVE each and every poem in this book, most notably Self Portrait: Danny Phantom, Murder Ballad: Raven's Patricide, Black Fire Ballad and Zuko's Palinode. The poems feel close to my heart as they conveyed the emotions I felt during my teenage years really well.
However, this book isn't for every generation. The authors referenced a lot of cartoons watched by Milennials and Gen Z during their childhood, so other generations might find it hard to relate to the poems.
So let's talk about why I love this book:
1. The writing.
Azura Tyabji and Jackson Neal served every poem like a five-Michelin-star dish. Every word and line captured the tender hearts of teenagers, from childish anger and repressed emotions to innocence and confusion. The cartoon references add depth to those emotions by weaving them with nostalgia.
The writing is also smooth and easy to understand, so beginners to poetry can enjoy this poem as much as others.
2. The themes.
The main theme of this poetry collection is coming-of-age experiences. The authors touched on toxic masculinity, acceptance of sexuality, environmental issues, experiences of POC, motherhood and patriarchy. Through the poems, Tyabji and Neal managed to portray the angst and emotions felt by teenagers regarding those issues perfectly.
Here are some excerpts from the book:
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧
𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦?
- Zuko's Ode -
𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐩𝐬𝐞. 𝐒𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭
𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬?
𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞?
𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐬?
- Murder Ballad: Raven's Patricide -
All in all, this book was a joyous masterpiece that Gen Z and Milennials would thouroughly enjoy.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
#DearAzulaIHaveaCrushonDannyPhantom #NetGalley
I LOVE each and every poem in this book, most notably Self Portrait: Danny Phantom, Murder Ballad: Raven's Patricide, Black Fire Ballad and Zuko's Palinode. The poems feel close to my heart as they conveyed the emotions I felt during my teenage years really well.
However, this book isn't for every generation. The authors referenced a lot of cartoons watched by Milennials and Gen Z during their childhood, so other generations might find it hard to relate to the poems.
So let's talk about why I love this book:
1. The writing.
Azura Tyabji and Jackson Neal served every poem like a five-Michelin-star dish. Every word and line captured the tender hearts of teenagers, from childish anger and repressed emotions to innocence and confusion. The cartoon references add depth to those emotions by weaving them with nostalgia.
The writing is also smooth and easy to understand, so beginners to poetry can enjoy this poem as much as others.
2. The themes.
The main theme of this poetry collection is coming-of-age experiences. The authors touched on toxic masculinity, acceptance of sexuality, environmental issues, experiences of POC, motherhood and patriarchy. Through the poems, Tyabji and Neal managed to portray the angst and emotions felt by teenagers regarding those issues perfectly.
Here are some excerpts from the book:
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧
𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦?
- Zuko's Ode -
𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐩𝐬𝐞. 𝐒𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭
𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬?
𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞?
𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐬?
- Murder Ballad: Raven's Patricide -
All in all, this book was a joyous masterpiece that Gen Z and Milennials would thouroughly enjoy.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
#DearAzulaIHaveaCrushonDannyPhantom #NetGalley
March 29, 2022
VERY fun, goofy title and concept with shaky up-and-down execution. I wish that the two poets had specified who wrote what so that I could get a better idea of which person kept dropping the ball. Based on the themes in the poems and her biography I think Tyabji is the better of the two, but I'm only guessing at which ones she wrote.
I would say that I liked "I Have a Crush On Shego" and "Refraction" best. "Yzma Dresses for the Llama Funeral" was my absolute favorite; it felt very much in line with something that I would write, to be honest. I enjoy themes related to beauty, gender, and transmogrification, which is probably obvious from my expansive Beauty and the Beast shelf here on goodreads.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this collection skewed to have predominantly Avatar: The Last Airbender poems. I didn't particularly like any of them save for perhaps "Zuko's Palinode" but even that felt a bit overwrought at points. It's too bad, because it's a truth universally acknowledged that ATLA is in a league of its own when it comes to Western animation.
My heart was bleeding over the fact that there was only one devoted to Danny Phantom mostly because I'm on a nostalgia kick about the ghost boy. The poem had some interesting imagery but felt a tad too overornate in places. Silver lining is that it made me want to try my hand at writing one of my own inspired by my sheer love for the way that Danny Phantom has a pretty disturbing premise on its face (kid essentially half dies in the first fifteen seconds of the theme song).
All that to say I really liked this idea and I'm happy that we're at the point in time where people are having nostalgia for media from the 2000s. Wish I could rate it higher but there were just too many instances where I was dragged out of the experience by language that I suspect was from Neal (the "can I speak to the manager" haircut line made my eyes roll back into my head).
Also, a typo slipped through at one point, which was unfortunate.
I would say that I liked "I Have a Crush On Shego" and "Refraction" best. "Yzma Dresses for the Llama Funeral" was my absolute favorite; it felt very much in line with something that I would write, to be honest. I enjoy themes related to beauty, gender, and transmogrification, which is probably obvious from my expansive Beauty and the Beast shelf here on goodreads.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this collection skewed to have predominantly Avatar: The Last Airbender poems. I didn't particularly like any of them save for perhaps "Zuko's Palinode" but even that felt a bit overwrought at points. It's too bad, because it's a truth universally acknowledged that ATLA is in a league of its own when it comes to Western animation.
My heart was bleeding over the fact that there was only one devoted to Danny Phantom mostly because I'm on a nostalgia kick about the ghost boy. The poem had some interesting imagery but felt a tad too overornate in places. Silver lining is that it made me want to try my hand at writing one of my own inspired by my sheer love for the way that Danny Phantom has a pretty disturbing premise on its face (kid essentially half dies in the first fifteen seconds of the theme song).
All that to say I really liked this idea and I'm happy that we're at the point in time where people are having nostalgia for media from the 2000s. Wish I could rate it higher but there were just too many instances where I was dragged out of the experience by language that I suspect was from Neal (the "can I speak to the manager" haircut line made my eyes roll back into my head).
Also, a typo slipped through at one point, which was unfortunate.
May 6, 2021
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Button Poetry to review.
I love referencing my favorite things in my own writing, but it's just that: a reference. It's not a whole poem/song/story themed to some fandom I'm a part of. I honestly think the poetry would have a much stronger impact if they weren't so blatantly themed to each character or show. Let the audience pick it up on their own and then it feels like a little secret between the poet and reader. Also, if you wanted to make a poetry book based on Avatar: The Last Airbender, just say so. Most of the poems were Avatar themed and they were the best ones in my opinion. My favorites were "Zuko's Palinode" and "My Girlfriend Turns Into the Moon". I like that they quoted The Ballad of Mulan in the Mulan poem, I just didn't like the poem.
I think most of the enjambment used throughout this book was clumsy. There were moments that it worked but mostly it was distracting and kind of pointless.
"Fiona chose to be an ogre over being a white woman. What does that tell you? - Luther Hughes, Twitter" Dear Azula, I Have A Crush On Danny Phantom pg. 11
I have no problem with the above quote except for the fact it was directly quoted in a poem from this book. The whole concept of this book is very try hard and pandering to the "youths". The authors both seem to be early Gen Z but I sense publisher interference. It's so gimmick-y. Did they have anything to do with the quote or was it the authors' choice? It feels very much like the publishers are trying to capitalize on Gen Z's inside jokes but missing the mark because memes get old fast. "My Mom and Mrs. Incredible Have The Same Haircut" is a perfect example of this. We don't need a poem that opens up talking about Karen hair. We just don't.
So overall it's not as bad as Gabbie Hanna's poetry but... It's not great either.
I love referencing my favorite things in my own writing, but it's just that: a reference. It's not a whole poem/song/story themed to some fandom I'm a part of. I honestly think the poetry would have a much stronger impact if they weren't so blatantly themed to each character or show. Let the audience pick it up on their own and then it feels like a little secret between the poet and reader. Also, if you wanted to make a poetry book based on Avatar: The Last Airbender, just say so. Most of the poems were Avatar themed and they were the best ones in my opinion. My favorites were "Zuko's Palinode" and "My Girlfriend Turns Into the Moon". I like that they quoted The Ballad of Mulan in the Mulan poem, I just didn't like the poem.
I think most of the enjambment used throughout this book was clumsy. There were moments that it worked but mostly it was distracting and kind of pointless.
"Fiona chose to be an ogre over being a white woman. What does that tell you? - Luther Hughes, Twitter" Dear Azula, I Have A Crush On Danny Phantom pg. 11
I have no problem with the above quote except for the fact it was directly quoted in a poem from this book. The whole concept of this book is very try hard and pandering to the "youths". The authors both seem to be early Gen Z but I sense publisher interference. It's so gimmick-y. Did they have anything to do with the quote or was it the authors' choice? It feels very much like the publishers are trying to capitalize on Gen Z's inside jokes but missing the mark because memes get old fast. "My Mom and Mrs. Incredible Have The Same Haircut" is a perfect example of this. We don't need a poem that opens up talking about Karen hair. We just don't.
So overall it's not as bad as Gabbie Hanna's poetry but... It's not great either.
July 17, 2021
Thank You to NetGalley, the publishers and the authors for allowing me to read this and give it an honest review.
“Dear Azula, I Have a Crush on Danny Phantom is a crossover of our coming of age universes. Exploring the interplay of adolescence and media, Dear Azula is a masterclass on how Generation Z see themselves reflected on screen, how they find themselves in characters when the world does not grant them the possibility. These poems pay homage to the cartoon characters who made us the wicked lovestruck people that we are. These ubiquitous stories of teen ghost boys and water bending women gave wonder to a generation raised by recession. In illustrious villains we learned our own glamour. In chiseled chins and 2D teeth we learned desire. In Dear Azula, I Have a Crush on Danny Phantom we bring the early 2000s renaissance of animation into our modern lives to unpack, celebrate, revel, and remember.”
Being someone (still) growing up in that era, I found this idea endearing to see these characters center focused in poetry of all things. Reading fanfic in my past, I completely understand the appeal of showcasing inspiration from characters on the screen in this form and these two poets did an amazing job. I loved Raven’s and Danny Phantom was the reason I clicked to read it so fast. The Last Airbender is another treasure trove of lines that keeps you locked into the story.
My only issue was that while I did love the poems, there were moments of odd pacing or breaks with a line or two here and there. Nothing crazy. I still enjoyed them. My favorites: Marrow (the genius behind that) Beast/Boy, Yzma Dresses for the Llama Funeral (that was just wickedly fun) and Zuko’s Palinode.
Rating: 3.5 Stars Rounded up to 4.
(Also posted at my blog 👻Cassie's Haunted Library👻 )
“Dear Azula, I Have a Crush on Danny Phantom is a crossover of our coming of age universes. Exploring the interplay of adolescence and media, Dear Azula is a masterclass on how Generation Z see themselves reflected on screen, how they find themselves in characters when the world does not grant them the possibility. These poems pay homage to the cartoon characters who made us the wicked lovestruck people that we are. These ubiquitous stories of teen ghost boys and water bending women gave wonder to a generation raised by recession. In illustrious villains we learned our own glamour. In chiseled chins and 2D teeth we learned desire. In Dear Azula, I Have a Crush on Danny Phantom we bring the early 2000s renaissance of animation into our modern lives to unpack, celebrate, revel, and remember.”
Being someone (still) growing up in that era, I found this idea endearing to see these characters center focused in poetry of all things. Reading fanfic in my past, I completely understand the appeal of showcasing inspiration from characters on the screen in this form and these two poets did an amazing job. I loved Raven’s and Danny Phantom was the reason I clicked to read it so fast. The Last Airbender is another treasure trove of lines that keeps you locked into the story.
My only issue was that while I did love the poems, there were moments of odd pacing or breaks with a line or two here and there. Nothing crazy. I still enjoyed them. My favorites: Marrow (the genius behind that) Beast/Boy, Yzma Dresses for the Llama Funeral (that was just wickedly fun) and Zuko’s Palinode.
Rating: 3.5 Stars Rounded up to 4.
(Also posted at my blog 👻Cassie's Haunted Library👻 )
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