This graphic novel wasn't on my radar until I got the digital galley from NetGalley (by the way, it's currently under the "Read Now" section), but I am so glad I picked it up!

Stage Dreams tells the story of a Latinx outlaw, Flor to her friends and The Ghost Hawk to her foes, and her friend (and former captive) Grace, a trans girl who has run away from home to escape enlistment into the Confederate army, as they attempt a heist at a Confederate ball.

This story has everything you could want in a short and sweet western graphic novel with an explicitly queer element:

The illustrations are beautifully done, all hand-drawn and colored gorgeously with colored pencil; Gillman's style is very unique and lends itself well to the genre.

The representation is well done (as far as I can tell, as I am not Latinx or a trans woman, but I am queer); it is wonderful to see such a visibly trans character on the page, and I enjoyed how Flor's character is so brazen, especially about her womanhood, which contrasted nicely to the more subdued Grace. My personal favorite character is Luis, the tailor who helps Grace and Flor dress for the heist, and whose specialty is tailoring clothes for trans people (as implied in the story). Each of the main characters was precious, and I enjoyed seeing their growth in the book. I would like to see a sequel, especially so I could see if the relationship between Grace and her father improves, and I would also like to see if she ever gets to pursue her acting dream in California.

The only criticism I can find of this book is that at times it felt like it was a little too fast-paced. Things wrapped up fairly quickly at the end, but there were a few loose ends that didn't get tied, so I am curious to see how those are handled if there is a sequel. Otherwise, I will be disappointed because I won't find out what happens!

Overall this was a precious queer western that was fluffy and sweet, but still had enough action to keep me on my toes.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review! ( )

november 2023 bingo challenge: trans protagonist

middlegrade/teen/adult ecomic (104pages, part 1 in a series) by a trans/nonbinary author, set in New Mexico Territory 1861, Civil War era--occupied in the southern half by the Confederates and in the northern part of the territory by the Yankees. Western adventure featuring a feared queer female outlaw and the trans Southern lady she mistakenly kidnaps with the thought to fetch a ransom--together they hatch a plot to become rebel spies so that they can make enough money to move West to California (dreams of a goat farm + the San Francisco stage).

fun, quick story with interesting historical notes at the end including info about known trans people throughout that period of American and indigenous history. ( )

This LGBTQ positive historical graphic novel is about a stagecoach bobber and her hostage. Her hostage becomes not only her love interest, but her co-conspirator in a plan to steal from the wealthy and set off in a new life. This is a quick, fun story that anyone’s sure to enjoy it. In the back, the author gives you different info tidbit about events taking place on different pages. They include information about real trans soldiers as well as historical movements, and things that happened. Overall, this is well done. It was a very entertaining and interesting read. ( )

Sweet story of chance encounters, stagecoach stick-ups and spur-of-the-moment counter confederacy spying. Very queer, very adorable. ( )

Featuring two queer heroines forging their own paths in the Old West, this graphic novel is a fun and thoughtful adventure romance. Grace is a trans Georgian belle (sans money) escaping service in the Confederate army when she meets Flor, a queer Latinx lady bandit. It's a meet-disaster that turns into a working relationship when Flor realizes that she can't ransom Grace. Then as the two of them work together to uncover a Confederate plot, their relationship turns into something more romantic. The whole thing is adorable.

Gillman's signature colored pencil artwork is perfect for the setting, rich in dusty desert hues and bright pops of color on clothing and blushing cheeks. The characters themselves are rendered with honesty and care, with Grace's soft, sweet face sometimes sporting a bit of a 5 o'clock shadow and Flor's propensity for wearing men's clothing matching her prominent nose and devilish grin. Annotations at the back of the book provide historical details and context, as well as insight into why Gillman made certain narrative choices.

What makes this book an absolute keeper, however, is the way that queerness both drives and doesn't drive the story. Grace's flight is why the two women meet and comes into play when she's seen by her father at the Confederate gala, but her gender is accepted by everyone as fact, especially by Flor. There's no lengthy angst-filled coming out, but we do get a gentle and funny scene in which both women are being fitted for formal gowns. (Flor tries to keep her falconry glove on while wearing a fancy dress.)

Overall, this is a fun, action-filled western adventure with a strong romantic plot and a big middle finger to the Confederate cause.


Suzanne received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )