Paper Girls

Summary

Paper Girls” begins in the quiet suburbs of 1988, following four twelve-year-old newspaper delivery girls—Erin, Mac, Tiffany, and KJ—who stumble into a world-changing mystery during their early morning route. What starts as a coming-of-age story quickly unravels into a mind-bending sci-fi epic when they encounter time travelers, cryptic technology, and warring factions from different eras. The series maintains its grounding in the perspective of kids growing up, while simultaneously throwing them into surreal situations that test their trust, courage, and friendship. The heart of the comic lies in the bond between the four girls. They’re not superheroes or chosen ones but ordinary kids who react in realistic ways to extraordinary circumstances. Their friendship becomes both their shield and compass as they navigate dangers well beyond their comprehension. Time travel in “Paper Girls” isn’t just spectacle—it’s a metaphor for the uncertainty of adolescence, where the future is overwhelming, full of choices and fears. The story leans into the strangeness of growing up, mixing awkward humor with the awe of discovering how much bigger the world really is. The shifting timelines allow for rich contrasts: the analog world of the late 80s collides with futuristic weaponry, alien-like beings, and glimpses of the girls’ possible adult selves. This creates layers of tension as the characters are forced to confront who they might become and whether they can trust those future versions. Each encounter challenges their sense of identity while exploring themes of fate versus free will. Stylistically, “Paper Girls” embraces the nostalgia of the 80s but subverts the rose-tinted lens often applied to that era. Instead of pure retro homage, it shows both the grit and wonder of the time: suburbia at dawn, kids biking through quiet streets, and the looming anxiety of the unknown. The art balances muted pastels with bursts of neon futurism, underlining the clash between childhood normalcy and cosmic chaos. Ultimately, “Paper Girls” is about friendship tested across impossible circumstances, growing up in a world that feels too big, and realizing that the scariest part of the future might be yourself.