Very nice art. Interesting subjects---racism/police violence and non-traditional genders, oh my!---even though none of the characters was likeable or relatable. (Actually, that's not completely true---Lord what's-his-face was interesting, even though he's supposed to be the main antagonist.)

The thing that really charmed me was a liberal sprinkling of what we'd call trans* women, and effeminate butches of indeterminate assigned sex (many with facial hair, OH MY). My heart went pitter-patter. All my favorites were antagonists, though (the deliciously butch personal stylist, the racist/"ditzy" sideburns-sporting real-estate agent on the bus)... HM.

I wish the story had been more comprehensible without having to read the notes in the back, but it's possible that's my fault for jumping into the series at random. ( )

2727

It's been five years since I've read a Finder book, but the second I opened this one I was immediately sucked back into Carla Speed McNeil's fantastically drawn and written world of clan intrigue and aboriginal culture. The most shallow of the Grosvenor sisters, Rachel, takes center stage in a coming of age tale as she competes in a beauty pageant to earn full citizenship in the Llaverac Clan, which places high value on looks, fashion, and gender ambiguity. When a mugging separates her from the ring she needs to prove her qualification to compete, she sets out on a search through the seamier sections of the city for an old family friend, Jaeger, who might be able to track down the ring for her. Hissy fits, adventures, and personal growth ensue.

And after the story, McNeil treats us to an in-depth writer's commentary with over a dozen pages of notes, explaining page by page how people and scenes fit into the tremendous tapestry of world-building that they have done over the years. This is the ninth book in the series, so it is obviously not a great place for new readers to begin, but I highly encourage everyone to seek out the early collections. Most are available in two big Finder Library omnibuses. ( )

More now! ( )

The skill with which Carla Speed McNeil weaves the world of Finder never ceases to amaze me. Every installment in this series brings out new information, new cultural information, and elaborates upon old characters that we may only have met for a second three volumes before. McNeil's imagination is vast, and I feel truly blessed to be given the chance to delve into it through these volumes.

Unlike previous volumes, Voice focuses more heavily upon the Llaverac clan and the way in which one becomes a full member of it. Rachel is the focus, much as Marcie was the focus of Talisman and the Llaverac beauty pageant is something that would put Toddlers in Tiaras to shame. The questions of beauty, of authenticity, and of personal identity are all delved into.. as are certain questions of societal mores. The footnotes that I love so in these comics also have grown more confident, and elaborate.

Also: how can't you love a comic book that questions why society is increasingly finding it all right to wear underclothes as normal day to day clothing (i.e. t-shirts.)? I love that she thinks of these things. ( )