Janes in Love (Plain Janes #2)

Janes in Love by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg is the sequel to The Plain Janes.

The members of PLAIN still want to create public art, but Jane is starting to feel like all of her ideas get people into trouble. Soon all but one member of the group is doing community service.

To try another track, PLAIN appeals to city council for permission to create an art installation that everyone can enjoy. The council, most of whom think that PLAIN is a group of young terrorists, deny their request.

But art cannot be stopped. Jane will find a way not only to create public art but find funding to begin larger projects. After all, there are some people in town who thing the art they create is beautiful.

Castellucci, Cecil. (2008). Janes in Love. New York: Minx Comics.

The Plain Janes

The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci, illustrated by Jim Rugg, is the story of the cool kids at school.

When Jane's parents move her to the middle of nowhere after she survive a bombing, she doesn't want to be the same oblivious teen she was before. She cuts her hair, remakes herself and ignores the popular kids for the table of outcasts.

Each of the three outcasts is also named Jane (or Jayne). Jane (the main character) has an idea to create a statement. She forms the P.L.A.I.N - People Loving Art in Neighborhoods - and convinces the other Janes to join her.

Soon the town is calling P.L.A.I.N. art exhibits "attacks" and the Janes hare in danger of being arrested.

This graphic novel is a refreshing look at self-expression in a positive way that can affect a whole community. It also started a new imprint at DC Comics - for teen girls. Look for the sequel: Janes in Love.

Castellucci, Cecil. (2007). The Plain Janes. New York: Minx Comics.