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rachiiebookworm2710's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This was ok, beautiful artwork/drawings though.
Library book đź“–
3.75/5
Library book đź“–
3.75/5
mehsi's review
3.0
I received this one from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
Multiple short stories are bundled in this pretty graphic novel by Tillie Walden. I was delighted I got the chance to read these as I have been trying to read more of TW.
The first story in this book was three parts about terminal disease, endless winter, cabin fever, paranoia, and tons of wtf is going on. At times I just didn’t have a clue what was happening which got worse as the story continued. The last part was just one big UM wait? Sexual abuse (at least I am guessing given things)? Murder of an animal in a gruesome way? The ending, I am still not sure what happened. But in overall, it was an interesting story with that long lasting winter and a house with tons of rooms, secret areas, and more. I am curious what kind of world has such long winters, and I wonder if the summers are also long.
The next story is about romance, about first love, about coming out, and breaking up. I loved how it was just one big page showing a scene in the lives of these girls. See them hang out, listen to music, cuddle up, see how they got together… but also ultimately break apart and see the heartache. This one was supersad and bittersweet. Really loved it. Loved that the colours throughout were black/white/purple, lots of purple.
Then next is a story about a girl? About a city? About love and leaving. I am still unsure what I was reading, haha, guess I am just not the audience for this one. It was beautiful but I just had no clue what was real and what just a memory. And then the ending just had me wondering if it was all a dream? Sorry if I am supposed to see something in this, but I just couldn’t. Maybe I will read again when my mind is clearer and less cluttered and chaotic.
Next up is a collection of comics. About all the things. Autobiographical and not. About home, school, family, and death (that one scene at the end of one of these comics shocked me). Including bits from the first story in which we see how Nemo and Lars met and got close. I was delighted to see some other season in this comic as well. Finally summer/spring! I loved the various art styles in this section.
And lastly we have Q&A with Tillie Walden and I was delighted that this one was added! I learned quite a few new things about this artist. I loved that this Q&A was also done in comic form.
All in all, I am happy I tried this bundle and got a chance to read it. The stories were a bit hit/miss, sometimes strange and what am I reading, other times heartbreaking and (bitter)sweet.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Multiple short stories are bundled in this pretty graphic novel by Tillie Walden. I was delighted I got the chance to read these as I have been trying to read more of TW.
The first story in this book was three parts about terminal disease, endless winter, cabin fever, paranoia, and tons of wtf is going on. At times I just didn’t have a clue what was happening which got worse as the story continued. The last part was just one big UM wait? Sexual abuse (at least I am guessing given things)? Murder of an animal in a gruesome way? The ending, I am still not sure what happened. But in overall, it was an interesting story with that long lasting winter and a house with tons of rooms, secret areas, and more. I am curious what kind of world has such long winters, and I wonder if the summers are also long.
The next story is about romance, about first love, about coming out, and breaking up. I loved how it was just one big page showing a scene in the lives of these girls. See them hang out, listen to music, cuddle up, see how they got together… but also ultimately break apart and see the heartache. This one was supersad and bittersweet. Really loved it. Loved that the colours throughout were black/white/purple, lots of purple.
Then next is a story about a girl? About a city? About love and leaving. I am still unsure what I was reading, haha, guess I am just not the audience for this one. It was beautiful but I just had no clue what was real and what just a memory. And then the ending just had me wondering if it was all a dream? Sorry if I am supposed to see something in this, but I just couldn’t. Maybe I will read again when my mind is clearer and less cluttered and chaotic.
Next up is a collection of comics. About all the things. Autobiographical and not. About home, school, family, and death (that one scene at the end of one of these comics shocked me). Including bits from the first story in which we see how Nemo and Lars met and got close. I was delighted to see some other season in this comic as well. Finally summer/spring! I loved the various art styles in this section.
And lastly we have Q&A with Tillie Walden and I was delighted that this one was added! I learned quite a few new things about this artist. I loved that this Q&A was also done in comic form.
All in all, I am happy I tried this bundle and got a chance to read it. The stories were a bit hit/miss, sometimes strange and what am I reading, other times heartbreaking and (bitter)sweet.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
rashellnicole's review
fast-paced
5.0
I’ve read most of Tillie Walden’s work at this point and her work never ceases to amaze me. Always thought-provoking, tinged with the sadness of nostalgia/hope/regret, and always ALWAYS beautiful. The art and color schemes are enough to leave you speechless. This work was particularly wonderful because we got to dive back into some of her comic archives and see some previously unpublished work. I will never pass on reading her work. If you’re looking for contemplative, atmospheric, and queer - any of Tillie Walden’s works is for you, and this one is no exception!
maihlovesbooks's review
4.5
Her artwork is so good. I love the colour selection and the overall look. Seeing her different art styles, was really enjoyable.
I love her story telling too.
I love her story telling too.
analyticalchaos's review
5.0
Tillie Walden’s work is nothing short of otherworldly.
Enchanting, enrapturing, and engrossing.
It was such a privilege to read this book. I loved seeing her progression throughout the years; this collection certainly contextualized so much of her artistic development.
Architecture was such a core theme of this collection. Stories like I Love This Part, A City Inside, In The Palm of Your Hand make the characters larger than life to portray an emotional state that transcends size limitations. In the foreword, Warren Bernard explains that Walden draws this architectural influence from American cartoonist Winsor McCay, which was such a treat to see.
On the opposite end, Walden also makes the buildings enormous to showcase isolation, which is evident in the The End of Summer .
I’ll admit, The End of Summer was the biggest “what did I just read” of this year, but its art was haunting and beautiful.
All in all, this collection is one of my favorites.
Enchanting, enrapturing, and engrossing.
It was such a privilege to read this book. I loved seeing her progression throughout the years; this collection certainly contextualized so much of her artistic development.
Architecture was such a core theme of this collection. Stories like I Love This Part, A City Inside, In The Palm of Your Hand make the characters larger than life to portray an emotional state that transcends size limitations. In the foreword, Warren Bernard explains that Walden draws this architectural influence from American cartoonist Winsor McCay, which was such a treat to see.
On the opposite end, Walden also makes the buildings enormous to showcase isolation, which is evident in the The End of Summer .
I’ll admit, The End of Summer was the biggest “what did I just read” of this year, but its art was haunting and beautiful.
All in all, this collection is one of my favorites.
geekwayne's review
5.0
'Alone in Space: A Collection' with stories and art by Tillie Walden is a graphic novel collection of short stories and art by Hugo-nominated cartoonist Tillie Walden.
The main longer story is 'The End of Summer' about a group of people living in a castle with a large cat named Nemo and some tense family relationships. Other stories focus on various stages of relationships.
In a style inspired by Winsor McKay and Hayao Miyazaki, characters are larger than the areas they live in. The whole thing has a dreamlike feel, but also borders on melancholy. I loved the tone of the stories and art in this collection. It's got the feel of ephemera at times, but I think that fits the art quite well, a loose disconnected style that speaks to our inner longings.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Letter Better in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
The main longer story is 'The End of Summer' about a group of people living in a castle with a large cat named Nemo and some tense family relationships. Other stories focus on various stages of relationships.
In a style inspired by Winsor McKay and Hayao Miyazaki, characters are larger than the areas they live in. The whole thing has a dreamlike feel, but also borders on melancholy. I loved the tone of the stories and art in this collection. It's got the feel of ephemera at times, but I think that fits the art quite well, a loose disconnected style that speaks to our inner longings.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Letter Better in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
mlovesbooks's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Very interesting to see Walden's style evolve through this collection.
unforth's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Very interesting collection. It's cool to see someone this skilled developing as a creator.
caroliney514's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0