This was a cute queer graphic novel that I was just starting to really get into, when the story ended. This was a very quick read with a diverse set of main characters (a female POC and trans woman) set in New Mexico Territory in the 1800s. I think this was my first ever western graphic novel, and of course it's a queer western graphic novel, which was great. I actually really liked that the parent figure in this story was actually really supportive--that was quite touching to see. I really enjoyed reading the annotations at the end of the comic, which gave more information and a deeper backstory to the time period and location of Stage Dreams, particularly illuminating the fact that there are records (albeit, only a few) of trans people from that period of history.

That said, the artwork of this graphic novel wasn't to my tastes. I really didn't like it but I can appreciate how it does fit the western style of the story. Like I said, I was really only starting to get into the story right when it ended, so that was a little disappointing. I thought their adventure was only just getting started! Still, it was an enjoyable fast read.

"To our queer and trans ancestors. For too many
of your stories were lost, but we remember you."
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This is the dedication of this delightful graphic novel and it surely delivered a fun, fast-paced story with great queer and trans representation in a western adventure setting.
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On the way to escaping her old life, Grace encounters an outlaw infamously called "Ghost Hawk" and she is "kidnapped" for ransom. Upon learning of Grace's story, Ghost Hawk - Flor, really - realizes that they're better team mates to thwart a Confederate plot in the New Mexico Territory and they decide to crash a Confederate gala to steal important items.
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I know very little about western stories, US history, and the like, but I absolutely loved the representation of minorities in this comic. The tone is light, but it doesn't gloss over the heavy, real-life themes that queer and PoC's have had to go through in the past. Instead, it draws interest into these it, and injects a positive and hopeful message for readers of today. I take it that this is intended for young readers (which is great!) but it is still v enjoyable for adults, especially ones who are looking for well-handled representation of trans lead characters in media.

The soft, color-pencil artwork is amazing and the paneling was just right to convey the story clearly. I especially loved the spreads of the desert landscape and the parts that didn't need speech balloon/narration, just the dynamics of the scene in the panels was enough.
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I guess what I appreciate most were the notes after the story. I already loved the novel, but to know that the creator took time to portray the setting as accurate as possible made it even more awesome to me.

*The eARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

A beautifully illustrated story that is equal parts exciting and romantic. I loved seeing queer women in love in a historical setting.

I read a few reviews for this graphic novel across the blogosphere and was interested in it, especially because I’m always on the lookout for new discoveries. And I don’t think I’ve ever read a western, so I decided to give it a try.

As it’s just 100 pages long, I didn’t expect a lot of plot or character development, just something fun - and it totally delivered on that aspect. Grace is a trans southern belle running from her family because she doesn’t wanna fight in the war and has dreams of her own, while Flor is the stylish queer Latinx outlaw who robs stagecoaches and wants to save money for a secure future. Though Flor kidnaps Grace, they eventually settle on a plan to work together and what follows is a cute adventure of their own where they discover some truths about themselves and develop feelings in the process. This story is hella cute and sweet, and so full of acceptance that it made me very happy. The art style is also very unique, and while I didn’t know anything about how colored pencil art would work for a graphic novel, it’s perfect here. The color palette and style feel very appropriate for the dry New Mexico setting, while also giving out a cutesy vibe. And I especially loved the cotillion gowns.

Finally, I just wanna say that if you love westerns or queer graphic novels, you should definitely check this one out because it’ll leave you with a big smile on your face. Just go into it without any expectations and ready to have a rollicking time.

Let me preface this review by stating that I was beyond excited to get my mitts on this. I’ve watched it come to life as Melanie Gillman shared work in progress shots on Twitter, and each update amped me up. This went beyond any expectation that I could conceive.

Stage Dreams was such a treat that I read it twice! I’m pretty sure that I might have a cheeky third read later this week too.

I love a western, and to not only have a queer western centered on queer women, but for it to be a graphic novel was delightful! From the moment you open the novel you are drawn into the colourful and atmospheric world of Grace and Flor. It’s a work of art.

There were so many frames and spreads which I would love to see as prints; Gillman’s work is stunning. How could you not want to lose yourself in the story?

The soft blends of colours provide a whimsical edge, and fill the pages with warmth and love. Gillman’s dedication to their colouring and pencilling craft (there’s probably a more formal way of expressing this) can be seen in every panel and will leave you wishing that this style was more widely utilised.

It was also pleasurable for such a readable font to be used. This font choice is likely due to it being targeted to those with a Grade 7 reading level, but I appreciated it nonetheless.

The book ends with annotations which further furnish the story and provide necessary context. I just wish I’d know that they’d existed before. It was a lovely starting point to conducting some additional research on the queer histories of the Civil War.

Overall, this graphic novel was short, sweet and well-paced. I definitely wouldn’t limit it to the targeted age range; everyone can take something from it. What I’m really trying to say is that I’m desperately hoping that there’s another instalment to follow!

Although the art style wasn't my favourite, the story follows a trans woman and a Latinx cis woman in a western adventure in New Mexico in 1861. The story is based on real historical events, while the characters are fictional but represent all those people that were erased from history. It's a very short graphic novel, just 100 pages long, and I was left wanting for more because the ending is quite abrupt, not in a cliff-hangery way but as in a rushed attempt to finish the story. I would have liked a longer story or a more open ending where we can assume that the story will continue in another issue or something.

Anyway, the story is diverse and heart-warmingly cute, with a lot of historical notes at the end provided by the author to contextualise the events in the story, which made it more interesting and clear for those like me who didn't know the background of the State of New Mexico.

A great western queer adventure in the 1800s full of robbery and romance. Grace is a trans runaway looking to get to The Stage and join the teather looking for acceptance. But she ends up with someone totally different from her, Flor, and both embark in an amazing adventure.

Really enjoyed the art style and color that was really fitting for a western and have you the right feeling and atmosphere.

Absolutely loved the cute romance and all the history lessons and how much you learn thanks to this story.

This was a very sweet graphic novel. The story was quite quick, I would love future instalments. The main characters both have great representation, so its the perfect read for PRIDE month.

I received a copy of Stage Dreams by Melanie Gillman from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. Queer, western comic set in 1861? Sure, why not?! This was a fun romp of a comic. A stage car is traveling in the New Mexico territory when it gets attacked by the bandit know as Ghost Hawk ( a Latina woman named Flor). Ghost Hawk decides to take the young woman in the stage for ransom as she’d likely get a pretty penny for her safe return. This part made me uncomfortable since Flor also made a joke about how young women are also good company *wink*, which leaves one wondering about her perception of consent. Once Ghost Hawk takes the woman, Flor realizes that the woman is hiding in her bonnet and, when she forcibly removes it, she realizes that the woman is trans. Rather than treat Grace poorly, Flor treats her with no added fanfare and asks her what her name is. From this point on, the two women become friends and begin to plan a heist with Grace playing the role of wealthy debutante. I loved the positive depiction of Grace and for that I gave this 3 stars. Gillman also based this off of real historical transfolks, which is wonderful. That said, I felt Flor character could have been more nuanced and the coloring style was not my favorite.

Such a cozy and funny comic book to read!!!

I didn't think I would have this reaction but I loved Stage Dreams so much. It's such an unpretentious comic book that at the same time, has a tremendous depth. I loved being with Flo and Grace in that crazy journey of theirs.
The drawings and the color pallete were stunning and for so many times I caught myself just gazing at them.

I really appreciate the fact that Melanie Gillman focus on Queer stories and on the power that they have. The most amazing thing for me here, was being able to read a Queer story that happened in another century and in a war time.
I really look forward to reading more of Melanie's material!!!

This was an awesome LGBTQIA graphic novel about a cross-dressing southern boy (or maybe a girl) who goes by the name of Grace, and actually has some, and a lesbian stage-coach robber who goes by Flor. I was not sure of her heritage. She's described as Latinx by some, but to me, she had an American Indian look to her from what I saw, so maybe she was a mix of both? Not that it's that important in the big picture of the story, which consists of Flor kidnapping Grace during her robbery of a stagecoach, and eventually entering into an alliance with the latter, to steal from a function being organized by some southern gentlemen of military mein.

All I will say about that is 'the best laid schemes o' mice an' men...' and you know how it goes (or you ought to! It involves gang, aft, and agley). This was a sweet, fun story, easy on the eye and the ear, and I commend it whole-heartedly. The rather sepia artwork gave an antique glow to the novel, and it was a fun romp all the way through. You can find Melanie Gillman at pigeonbits on tumblr and elsewhere online no doubt. Her artwork has a habit of getting around!

Stage Dreams takes a few marginalized histories and puts them on display at the same time that it tells you a quick heist setup, and it does both of these well. When then story ended I missed each main character and some of the side ones as well. The art style is visually pleasing and goes well with the time frame of the story. This is a quick graphic novel that you wont want to miss a chance with.

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.

This was a very sweet, short read! This was unlike anything I've read before. The art was beautiful and the story was incredibly unique!

In this rollicking queer western adventure, acclaimed cartoonist Melanie Gillman (Stonewall Award Honor Book As the Crow Flies) puts readers in the saddle alongside Flor and Grace, a Latinx outlaw and a trans runaway, as they team up to thwart a Confederate plot in the New Mexico Territory. When Flor–also known as the notorious Ghost Hawk–robs the stagecoach that Grace has used to escape her Georgia home, the first thing on her mind is ransom. But when the two get to talking about Flor’s plan to crash a Confederate gala and steal some crucial documents, Grace convinces Flor to let her join the heist.

Goodreads
I received an eARC of Stage Dreams in exchange for an honest review.
I had a phase in college where the only thing I read for fun was webcomics. That is when I first discovered Melanie Gillman and their lush, queer work. I haven’t kept up with my webcomic reading or finished As The Crow Flies, but when I heard they had a graphic novel coming out, I knew I had to read it.

Stage Dreams needs trigger warnings for mentions of war conscription, mentions of assumed transphobia, kidnapping, discussion of the Confederacy in the Civil War, robbery at gunpoint, and physical violence. I know that seems like a lot for a graphic novel that is absolutely sweet as pie, but it’s not as bad as the trigger warnings make it seem.

This was everything I wanted to be. It was beautifully illustrated, completely affirming for every queer character in it and full of rebellion. What more could a girl ask for from a graphic novel?

I loved how Flor and Grace got to know each other and slowly learn to trust each other. As far as the romance goes, it’s pretty slow burn with only one kiss at the end. There isn’t anything I would change about it except that I wish there was more of the story coming out soon! I’ll be waiting with bated breath for the next story!

You can pick up a copy on Amazon, Indiebound or The Book Depository and read this story for yourself! I highly recommend it.

I picked up this graphic novel because of Chandler Ainsley on YouTube, and she made it sound so enticing and fun!

Which it definitely was!

Stage Dreams is a Western graphic novel set in New Mexico, featuring a wlw relationship and a main character who is trans. I love that diversity rep! Which is the main reason for my adoration of this book honestly.

The characters were definitely nice to read about but when a graphic novel takes twenty minutes to read as it's only 100 pages long, there isn't going to be much development in it. You go in probably knowing that. I do wonder if there will be more added to the story, and I hope there is! Generally it feels like it's left open and there isn't much of a plot.

These two women meet after Ghost Hawk 'kidnaps' her but then they go on an adventure together and then moves onto something cute and lovely.

I don't read much graphic novels so my review on them probably isn't great and doesn't have much in terms of content. I did like the art, which were drawings rather than high-en graphics! I felt like it added something into the story though, it helped the atmosphere and made the book enjoyable. I think if it were digitally created, it would have changed a lot of the graphic novel!

Melanie Gillman's Stage Dreams is a new take on the wild west stories we usually imagine, and I am HERE FOR IT! This graphic novel centers Flor, the dreaded outlaw also known as The Ghost Hawk, and Grace, a trans runaway. Part adventure, part blossoming friendship, ALL adorable yet badass, this book opens with their unexpected meeting, and continues with a plan to infiltrate a Confederate gala. I loved every second of the girl power and the beautiful colored pencil illustrations! I hope this is the first in a sequel or series. This book would be an easy hit and perspective changer for middle school readers and up.

Copy of this book supplied through NetGalley in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own

Oh my goodness! This was such a cool setting and plot for a graphic novel. I found the art style to be absolutely fantastic and the story was really incredible. i wish it was longer or I hope for there to be more to the story so we can follow these characters as they continue on in their journey.

This story follows 2 main characters Flor and Grace. Flor is a Latinx outlaw and Grace is a trans woman running away from her home in Georgia. This unlikely duo find themselves teaming up on an adventure set in the time of the civil war. Despite having both a POC and a trans main character, there is no racism, transphobia, or homophobia presented. It is just a super cute graphic novel.

As an artist myself, I really liked the artistic style of this graphic novel and the chapter headings. I did find the conversations a bit hard to follow sometimes, but that is most likely reliant on the fact I usually don't pick up graphic novels. This novel also does feature a F/F romance which was nice to see for its representation. It is VERY short so the romance is quickly onset and there's not a lot of character development. We do hear a tiny bit of a back story in regards to some of the character's lives.

I enjoyed this story a whole lot and I wish it was longer.

I decided to read this one based on the author. I have enjoyed their work in the past. They have an amazing voice and I have enjoyed everything from this author. I can not wait to continue to read more from this author. Highly recommend.

Absolutely beautiful. I kinda want more. A short read but a brilliantly written one. These characters had more depth in the 100ish pages then some do in 300 to 400. Baffled and stunned by the honesty and beauty between the 2 characters. The art style was very cute and didn’t belittle the plot but enhanced it with a fitting colour scheme and emotions drawn excellently. I will definitely be looking out for more work by Melanie.