Shades of A and Shades After by Tab Kimpton: a review
I have read the first part of this online, but it was while I
was in my first year of uni, so there’s only so much of it that I can remember.
I’ve read rather a lot since then. I meant to buy this edition with both parts
when Tab Kimpton came to do a talk at uni, and then again on a trip to
Manchester at the beginning of Summer, but it took me until comic con at the
end of Summer to actually get myself a copy.
Shades
of A follows Anwar. His friend (and ex), JD, takes him to a kink club where
he meets Chris, who is “Mr Red Vixen” in the club. The book shows how Chris and
Anwar’s relationship grows, and explores many areas of sexuality and gender;
Anwar is a-sexual, Chris is a cross-dresser, JD uses they/them pronouns, and
there is a look into aspects of the kink community. This book is intended for
mature audiences.
I have
previously reviewed books by Kimpton, so you know I love their art style. Check
out my double feature to see examples of their work.
“I think I accidentally
had a first date” is such a wonderfully sweet line. The scene that it refers to
is absolutely fantastic. I have accidentally been on a date myself, so I really
appreciated how awkwardly cute this was. I feel lovely and soft throughout most
of this book, and this scene is one of the pinnacles of this.
Communication
being a key part of a healthy relationship is such a key part of this book. I adore
how much this is a part of every aspect. Anwar’s happiness depends on him
voicing his a-sexuality, and communication is key when enjoying any form of
kink. Chris and Anwar also have an open relationship, and it would not be
successful without communication.
The exploration
of a-sexuality in this book is absolutely stunning. There are many people who have
the opinion that a romantic relationship isn’t possible without sex, and this
can make a-sexual people struggle with coming to terms with their sexuality. It
can also make a-sexual folk struggle to enter relationships. Tab Kimpton
handles all of this so well.
There were
so many parts of Shades of A that brought me to tears. Sometimes I cried
with joy, other times with sadness, but this book is brilliant at making me
very emotional.
The little
extras at the end are absolutely fantastic. I especially love the bit from the
point of view of Poof the cat, but I do have a soft spot for him. If anyone wants
to buy me the sticker from Kimpton’s site, I’ll love you forever.
I
absolutely recommend this book. I recommend this especially to those in the
LGBTQ+ community that feel that they’re on the fringes of this community.
Basically, if you fall in any way in the “+” then get your hands on this book.
I’m sure you’ll love this book. If you aren’t able to purchase the book, Kimpton
has the comic online.
Aye, amazing!
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