Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is legitimately great—Eisner Award great, 4.8 Amazon stars great, 'Brian K. Vaughan is a legend' great. It's not trying to be a sanitized kids' comic; it's a smart, funny, emotionally honest story about being 12 in 1988 and stumbling into something way bigger than a paper route.

The swearing is real (one character has a mouth on her), the violence is present (some gore, people die), and the time-travel plot will occasionally make your brain hurt. But the payoff is worth it: four distinct, lovable characters; gorgeous art that makes every page a pleasure; and themes about growing up, friendship, and identity that stick with you.

If your kid is 12-13+ and ready for PG-13 content, this is a fantastic gateway into sophisticated graphic novels. If they loved Stranger Things or are curious about sci-fi that doesn't talk down to them, hand them this. Just know what you're getting: it's not wholesome in the 'clean' sense, but it's wholesome in the 'real kids facing real challenges with real friendship' sense.

Age Fit

Best for 12-13+ who can handle strong language, some violence/gore, and complex plotting. The rebellious edge and authentic tween voices will resonate with middle schoolers; high schoolers and adults who love smart sci-fi will also dig it. Not for younger kids or those sensitive to swearing.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Four 12-year-old girls navigating friendship, first jobs, and growing up creates an emotionally grounded core. The characters are 'fantastically written' per parent reviews, with authentic dynamics and a rebellious edge that feels true to the age. Strong language and some smoking/alcohol use by characters brings the score down slightly, but it's not gratuitous—it's part of depicting real 1988 suburban life. Models resourcefulness and loyalty without being saccharine.

Imaginative

91

Time-traveling newspaper girls uncovering 'the most important story of all time' is wildly creative. Vaughan (Saga, Y: The Last Man) brings his signature high-concept sci-fi storytelling, blending suburban nostalgia with otherworldly mysteries. The Eisner Award win signals genuine creative achievement. The premise invites readers to think about time, consequence, and identity in fresh ways. Cliff Chiang's art is consistently praised as extraordinary.

Safe

68

Strong language throughout (one character's personality leans heavily on swearing), some gore (not excessive but present), smoking, and alcohol use. Common Sense parent reviews note it's 'confusing' and has mature elements but 'not excessively or unnecessarily.' No sexual content or nudity flagged. The violence and language are the main concerns—this isn't a surprise-scary situation, but it's definitely not for younger kids who aren't ready for PG-13 territory. Most parents recommend 12-13+.

Enriching

83

Tackles big themes—nostalgia, the end of childhood, identity, friendship under pressure—with real depth. The time-travel mechanics invite thinking about cause and effect, history, and consequence. Four distinct female protagonists from different backgrounds provide multiple perspectives. The 'incredibly fun mystery' structure keeps readers engaged while delivering meaningful character growth. Vaughan's work consistently rewards close reading and discussion.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Four authentically written 12-year-old girls with distinct personalities and real friendship dynamics—no token characters here
Brian K. Vaughan (Saga) brings his A-game with mind-bending time-travel sci-fi that's clever without being pretentious
Cliff Chiang's art is genuinely exceptional—every panel earns the Eisner Award sitting on the shelf
Captures 1988 suburban nostalgia perfectly while telling a story that feels urgent and modern
The complete 30-issue collection means no waiting, no hunting for volumes—the whole epic in one satisfying package

⚠

What to Watch For

One character swears constantly—it's her personality, and it's very much there throughout all 30 issues
Some gore and violence (people get hurt, blood is shown) plus characters smoking and drinking—not gratuitous but definitely present
The time-travel plot gets legitimately confusing at points; younger or less patient readers might struggle to track what's happening when
This is a 1988 story with 1988 attitudes—some language and behavior that wouldn't fly today

Conversation Starters

"If you could travel to any time period, would you want to meet your parents when they were your age? What would you ask them?"
"The girls are doing paper routes—what was your first job or responsibility where you earned money? How did it feel?"
"The story is about the 'last days of childhood.' When do you think childhood ends? Is there a specific moment or is it gradual?"
"If you found out something huge about the future, would you try to change it or let it happen? Why?"

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Paper Girls