Foothold: Rigsby WI by S.E. Case is a typical coming of age story that has some mature themes and language, therefore it is not for the too young or sensitive reader. Overall, it feels like a realistic and interesting portrayal of five high school students (four in high school, one who is homeschooled by her aunt). It is a story that is familiar and has a typical feeling of the era it is set (early 2000s, high school). As this seems to be volume one and it ends on an open note, I am curious how things unfold and when/if other volumes will come out. While I was not ‘WOWED’ by things, it was enjoyable.
I read via an online reader copy and it will be available March 2025. I do not think I will be getting finished copies for my library, but I would recommend it to a few teens. There is something about it that gives it an edge (yes, there is drug, sex, and rock-n-roll) but it also does not seem over the top or too gratuitous. Yet, it is there, it is obvious, especially the drug use. The kids fit a “stoner/grunge” genre, while one has a smidge vibe of probably doing football or wrestling (there is a bonus comic at the end that says he is) though he has a more “emo” look. 
It has some social themes with mental health, sexuality (are you gay or not), when is the “big anniversary” that marks you’ll be “forever” or at least a long time, losing virginity, self-esteem and even a “she doesn’t like you that way but she’ll go to homecoming with you but leave you to hang with her friends” story (and if you don’t believe that, trust me, I knew a kid this happened too. Only it was prom and she dumped her date to get with the guy she really wanted to go with…..but I don’t why she dumped the date, as he was hotter than Saturday night in July, but you know no accounting for tastes….)
The illustrations are pretty much what you will see on the cover as they are typical graphic novel images with colors, medium details, busy but not too busy and can support without being too much a character on their own, but do tell part of the story as well.