Good Game Well Played: A Great Time Capsule

Good Game, Well Played is a request from Mad Cave Studios’s Maverick imprint. Unlike their mainline comics like Battlecats, this imprint focuses on YA audiences and bookstores. Don’t worry there’re no dystopias or love triangles in this graphic novel, this is just slice-of-life. It’s a genre I’m beginning to have a better appreciation for unlike the exploitive blockbusters. This OGN is a good reason why; because it has genuinely human characters in a down-to-earth setting. I mean this is probably the only way I’m going to see Boston in 1999.

Good Game, Well Played Synopsis

From the official press release:

It’s 2009, and Sienna is really not looking forward to flying back into her hometown to say goodbye to one of the people she called family. Though that feels like a lifetime ago.

It’s 1999, and Sienna is looking forward to what is shaping up to be the Perfect Summer in her Perfect Life. She has a job working in the local video game store, Game Champ, with her four best friends, and that was how it was going to be forever…

Writing An Era

I’m of the mind that believes a great story makes the setting a character in its own right. That’s what 1999 Boston feels like with writer Rachael Smith and artist Katherine Lobo. It’s a city full of personality that interacts with the cast in broad strokes. For most of the book, there’s a warm and welcoming presence where people from all walks of life interact. Even the lights on skyscrapers look like a party’s going on. That is until a dark and foreboding presence like Mr. Silver comes around to suck the joy out of his surroundings. But, forgive the pun, there is a silver lining. In 2009, Boston has matured along with the rest of the cast while retaining its welcoming spirit.

The Good Game, Well Played Party

Speaking of, the cast is a pretty authentic spectrum of personalities coming-of-age.

On the arguably most stable side, Sienna seems to have a perfect life in 1999; with good friends, family, and job she does whatever she can to keep supporting them. Even if Sierra does get a bit too bossy when things turn sideways. Don’t worry there’s a reason for that, and as someone on the neurodivergent spectrum I can say it’s legitimate.

On the other side of the spectrum, is goth girl Hope, Sienna’s opposite. Unlike her hardworking and outgoing friends, Hope is withdrawn and defensive. But she’s not hostile or anything, Hope wouldn’t be friends with the cast if she was. But imagine living alone in a rundown apartment full of lecherous older men; does that sound like something that inspires positive thinking? Out of everybody Hope has the most to lose but is stuck bracing for the worst to happen.

As for Jo, Sid, and Art, they each have their own struggles and expectations. They’re all just so lovable as the book goes on. I mean Sid’s music is probably the best use of Justin Birch’s lettering.

I’m Not Gonna Cry…

Probably one of the most arresting elements of Good Game, Well Played is an ongoing suspense. Remember one of the characters had died and readers are wondering what Sienna did in the past. Which is really tragic considering readers are falling in love with these characters with each page. Worse did Sienna’s actions lead to the death of this character? That’s the feeling from my first read through as events unfold. With all of that mind, spoiling the ending would be a crime.

Good Game, Well Played Rated For Everyone

Good Game, Well Played gets 9/10 for solid characters, setting, dynamics, and an engaging plot. I just can’t give it a perfect score because it’s best read the first time. So find this OGN at a comic store or an online retailer. Or you can wait for its release to bookstores on May 3rd.