Here’s a detailed review-style breakdown of Elle(s) Vol. 2: The Elle-Verse by Kid Toussaint — the second installment in this vibrant, emotionally layered YA graphic novel series.
📖 Overview
- Author: Kid Toussaint
- Illustrator: Aveline Stokart
- Series: Elle(s) (#2)
- Length: ~120 pages
- Genre: YA Graphic Novel, Contemporary Fantasy, Mental Health Fiction
- Tone: Emotional, imaginative, and visually dynamic
- Goodreads Rating: ~3.9★ from 3,600+ ratings
📝 Story Snapshot
After a family tragedy and a double psychological shock, high schooler Elle — a girl with multiple distinct personalities, each represented by a different hair color — finds herself trapped inside her own subconscious.
While Elle navigates the surreal “hidden worlds” of her various selves in search of a way back, Blue — her most manipulative, thrill-seeking personality — takes full control of her body in the real world. Blue’s charm hides a tendency to lie, cheat, and steal, and her behavior quickly raises red flags among Elle’s friends.
The tension builds as her friends try to figure out what’s wrong, while Elle battles internally to reclaim her life before Blue causes irreversible damage.
🎯 What Works Well
- Inventive Visual Storytelling: Stokart’s art is Pixar-esque, using color palettes to instantly signal which personality is in control.
- Mental Health Metaphor: The personalities serve as a creative lens for exploring identity, trauma, and self-acceptance.
- Dual-World Narrative: The split between the subconscious “Elle-Verse” and the real world keeps the pacing fresh and layered.
- Friendship Dynamics: The supporting cast adds warmth and stakes, grounding the fantasy elements in relatable teen relationships.
⚖️ Points to Note
- Middle-Volume Feel: As the second book, it deepens the mystery but leaves some threads unresolved for future installments.
- Tone Balance: While it’s accessible for teens, some emotional beats may resonate more with older readers who’ve grappled with identity struggles.
💡 Verdict
Elle(s) Vol. 2: The Elle-Verse is a visually stunning, emotionally resonant continuation that expands both the internal and external stakes of Elle’s journey. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven YA with a dash of surrealism — and for anyone who appreciates graphic novels that use art as an integral part of the storytelling.
