It’s time for the Hall Ball and everyone’s going- yes, Susan, even you. McGraw goes along for the experience (he’s a “try everything once” kind of man), while Ed goes in the hopes of wooing Esther, despite having yet to indicate that he’s interested. Esther goes because she’s a woman seeking adventure, and Daisy’s gaining some key life experiences she’s thus far missed out on (uncomfortable school dances absolutely are key life experiences). Right off the bat I need to say this: I want more Giant Days. These issues are too short for me, and I’m always left wanting more. I don’t mean that the story is lacking in any way, but that I get so engrossed in the story and these characters that when I hit that final panel, I’m left kinda bummed.

There’s a lot that goes down in each issue, so the story is definitely not lacking. In #5, we’ve got a decent amount of relationship drama. Daisy’s still dealing with Nadia’s rejection, Susan and McGraw’s feud reaches a turning point, and Esther’s night doesn’t turn out as planned.

As far as Giant Days goes, this issue was fairly low-key. Not many shenanigans happened, which surprised me, since a ball seems like the perfect place for shenanigans. I’m not complaining, though- feelings won out over shenanigans this time, and it was good to see certain issues get worked through. Worked through, though not necessarily resolved, which is good in that it both makes the story more relatable and leaves us with plenty of questions for the next issue. Especially considering the ominous text McGraw and Susan receive at the end

Other great points in this issue: Ed and McGraw’s friendship, the line “being a statuesque consumptive must be exhausting,” Daisy gaining a cowboy hat at some point during the night, and the friends “inevitably” being kicked out of a boutique. Oh, and the over-glittered disco ball.

Giant Days has always had me grinning from start to finish, and #5 was no exception. Though the melodrama seemed toned down in this issue, I have no complaints, because at this point in the series, we’ve got well-established characters and relationships, and they are rightfully the heart of this story.

Score: 4/5

Giant Days #5 Writer: John Allison Artist: Lissa Treiman Colorist: Whitney Cogar Publisher: BOOM!/Boom Box Price: $3.99 Release Date: 7/15/15 Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital