Something happened a few weeks ago that rocked the world of every Jem fan: that movie trailer was released. Some were pretty upset, while others were just bewildered. What was given was a one-dimensional coming-of-age fart fest. Definitely not a film anyone would want to see and definitely not about Jem, surely. Though, I say there is hope.

When I wrote about the film back in May, I gave a passing mention that IDW was currently publishing a Jem comic saying it was worth checking out. After issue #4 came out on the 24th, I still stand by that claim, but now with a little more emphasis because this comic is SO great. Out of the series I am currently reading, this is one that I genuinely can’t wait until the next issue comes out. The book is

Now I have to admit, I was a little put off by the art when I saw it. Everything was so bright and colourful my mind somehow translated that into meaning there would be a ‘silly and senseless’ story. I do love it when I’m wrong. Once I dipped into the story I completely understood Sophie Campbell’s art and why it worked so well (and it’s insanely beautiful). Because remember what the theme song told us:

“Jem is excitement! Jem is adventure! Glamour and glitter, fashion and fame! Jem is truly outrageous truly, truly, truly outrageous.”

And excitement, adventure, and all the fashion is all there. But of course there isn’t a straight re-hash of the cartoon. Be thankful for that. Kelly Thompson has taken the story forward in re-invented it in many ways. I’m not going to promise that this will be everyone’s cup of tea, but personally I find it a refreshing way to look at several characters who have been around for so long.

While watching a YouTube review of the trailer, one woman pointed out that there isn’t a single woman on the writing or production team for the movie. That’s pretty damn sad for a movie with a cast that is almost entirely women. No one is going to say that is has to be all women, but hello? No women? Fear not! IDW has struck a great balance of equality and talent – how it really should be.

Thankfully, the delivery is both sweet and exciting – very much like Christy Marx’s original characters. But everyone is updated to present day with new tastes and full personalities.

If you’re interested in starting the comic, there are have been loads of re-prints that are sure to be easy to find. I picked up a “Plugged in Edition” of issue number one just a couple weeks ago. I’ve genuinely enjoyed reading this series and really recommend it to both Jem and non-Jem fans alike. There are so many fun variants it’s a bit difficult not to go totally nuts and buy them all. It sure beats moaning about the movie.

Issue #5 should be out by the end of July.