Smoove City

Oni Press shares yet another beautiful graphic novel experience. Smoove City is absolutely gorgeous, complete with an engaging narrative and a fluid style all its own. So glad I had the chance to read it!

Thanks NetGalley and ONI Press, was a sweet trip down memory lane into the 90's. It's a little goofy, the art style is very 90's American TV and fashion and the story is an easy fit like a well worn, comfortable well loved jacket. I enjoyed inhaling Archie and Betty and Veronica comics as a child. This was reminiscent of that, but better, I was surprised how 'into, the story I got after a while. Fun, straightforward yet engaging read. Beautiful drawings,

This is a wonderfully-written graphic novel about individuality, drive, and the many pitfalls of the music industry. The artwork is delightfully bright, original, and sure to catch the eye of young adult readers, Keil uses the medium to highlight the struggles of being young, talented, and ambitious in a world that jumps at the opportunity to exploit new artists. However, while some of the themes are heavier than they first appear, readers will love the vibrant personalities, relationships, and hilarious rapport between the characters. An exuberant addition to any young adult collection.

A fun comic about a '90s new jack swing boyband trying to make it in the music industry. The art is very '90s - think 7 Up's Fido Dido but with eyepopping colours. The story has fun with music industry clichés, and although it doesn't do anything special, it is nicely filled with jokes.

3.5 stars

Stars In Their Eyes: A Review of Smoove City
Written and illustrated by Kenny Keil, edited by Amanda Meadows
Published by Oni Press
Available on September 29, 2020
Ages 12-18

You haven’t heard of Smoove City? They’re the dynamic group reminiscent of Boyz II Men, except even handsomer. Maybe you haven’t heard of them because Smoove City is still a dream. Its members–Ray, Ronnie, Vinnie, and Mikey–are squeezing in music practice between restaurant gigs and rollerblading sessions. When the group pools their money for a demo cut at the mall, they know exactly where they’ll send it: Phat Cat Records, headed by the goddess of hip hop, Ms. Laverne Lavalle. Ray, Ronnie, Vinnie, and Mike barely make it past the front door. When a duplicitous Phat Cat Records intern hoodwinks the group into signing onto his side project, hijinks ensue. Smoove City finds themselves touring around the country and eventually getting thrown into jail for promoting devil-inspired music. The media sensation that follows throws Smoove City into superstardom, but can they ever get out from under their bogus record deal? Kenny Keil’s graphic novel is an ode to early ‘90s R&B. While the story of best friends trying to make it big is a familiar tale, Keil’s saturated pictures and pop culture references give the story a fresh twist. Keil gives readers a double narrative: the main plotline focuses on the four friends navigating tour buses, run-down motels, and empty audiences; the secondary plot involves Smoove City’s demo tape catching on at house parties and becoming an underground sensation. Smoove City’s plotline is jam-packed with action and wacky jokes, while the underground mixtape provides some subtler humor amidst the group’s gags. This is a fun, nostalgic, and lighthearted read for middle schoolers and high schoolers alike.

This book feels like summer. The colors, the story, the style; it's a great time and a smooth read. The story is less about individual characters and more about a vibe. It's trying to impart a mood and a feeling the '90s. Like an Archie comic, you'll probably identify with one character more than the others but don't expect deep character development. That''s totally fine because it is also not the intention of this comic. Like other reviewers have said, there are a few spots where the story drags a little but it's not a deal breaker by any means. It's a fun, cool story that invokes that imparts some of the best feeling of the 90s. It's a great little laid back read.