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Safety Dance: Degrassi The Next Generation Extra Credit    by J. Torres & Steve Rolston Amazon.com order for
Safety Dance
by J. Torres
Order:  USA  Can
Fenn, 2007 (2007)
Paperback
* *   Reviewed by Hilary Williamson

This is the fourth in a series of Degrassi The Next Generation Extra Credit graphic novels, based on the TV shows. It opens with a one page 'Previously on Degrassi ...' summary to set the scene. This episode shines the spotlight of Marco, who's come out of the closet, fallen for Dylan, been betrayed by him, and given him a second chance. Also on stage is Ashley, a popular student politician until she tried Ecstacy - after a year in England, she's back and trying to rekindle her romance with Jimmy.

Dylan ends up in a fight with a 'homophobic hockey punk'. He's unhappy that Marco doesn't want his company at his cousin's wedding, and even more hurt that Marco hasn't told his parents about their relationship. Though Marco tells him, 'We're on the same page. You're just a faster reader than I am', he eventually screws up his courage and goes out on a limb with Dylan. Ashley bickers with her brother, doesn't understand why no-one likes her new hat, and misses her favorite Britcoms. But Jimmy gives her good advice.

The characters - and their real-life issues and concerns - come across clearly in the (black and white) graphic novel presentation of the popular teen sitcom.

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