20 Fists

by Frankee White, Kat Baumann (Illustrations)

A comic about fistfights and bad romance.

This is a comic about fist fights and bad romance. The No Names are new to the 20 Fists Fight League. As they begin to make a name for themselves the worst possible thing their leader, Chel, falls for Billie, the leader of their rival crew, The Big Jackets. Now, with their crews about to meet up for another battle, Chel and Billie need to decide... to make love or war?

Genres: Graphic Novels, LGBT, Comics

88 pages, Paperback

Published September 7, 2021

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was going to come on here and try to come up with what I thought of this book, but the summary basically says it all.

[Johna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story overall and I really hope it continues on into another volume. However, I do think it's important to point out that the central relationship is WAY more toxic and abusive than I thought it would be. To the point where if the story were intended to continue and Billie/Chel are endgame, I would like the story much less.

The reason for that is that the reader is shown pretty clearly from the flashbacks to their newly-ended relationship that Billie does not listen to Chel and does not care about Chel's feelings. Meanwhile, Chel is drawn to Billie, but didn't like the tension of being on opposing crews OR the way Billie ignored/minimized her feelings around this. This eventually leads to an event that obviously causes a breakup and at this point, I could have been ok with them re-uniting eventually if Billie worked on her toxicity.

But then the final chapter happens and during their fist fight Billie pulled out a knife! And actually slashed Chel's leg, then beats the shit out of her more (even casually back-handing her), then slashes her face, all while telling Chel that SHE makes it so hard to love her because Chel is just soooo difficult for not doing what she's told.

I was really proud of Chel when she stood up for herself and turned the fight around! I loved that as far as the story stands with it's ending right now, Billie is cast as an abuser that Chel has the strength to move past because she's bad for her overall, even if they had great moments that made Chel feel special sometimes.

[Anfisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

A corny snoozefest. You can check my ratings—I give most books the benefit of the doubt. This one was a drag. Definitely not adding this to my pulls. Got worse and worse as it progressed. I blew through it fast so it would be over.

[Fell H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite comics. Frankee, Kat and DC have created an incredible, character driven story about fist fighting leagues and the troubled relationship of star crossed lovers. Its a nitty gritty punchy comic, but will leave you on the edge of your seat and break your heart.

[Kirsten · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is an abusive, manipulative relationship with no hints that it has ever been anything but. I was looking for full people, and maybe they get there in future story, but I there's no indication of who these people are and I didn't care.

[Jorge Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. It's not only full of action, but it portrays toxic relationships in an interesting manner.
I hope to see a sequel soon, if possible!

[Aurora · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worldbuilding was terrible. At least it was quick to read and they didn’t end up getting back together.

[James Zaksek · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I liked the premise at the beginning, the writing just took a dive for me after the first issue. There wasn't that much romance at all and the overall story ultimately bored me toward the end. Shame.