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catcherinthepi's review
3.0
3.5 stars -- as with lots of anthologies, with some stories it's hit and miss. I gotta say, I loved the art for pretty much all of them, so regardless of the story content at least the art was amazing. Also, HUGE win for representation here! So even if my rating seems kinda low, you should read this for undersung takes on democratized space travel, or the consequences thereof.
However, some stories simply felt unfinished or rushed. Others weren't the best constructed. And some I simply didn't agree with the premise/conclusion. Again, that's what you get with an anthology, but I was hoping for more of the stories to feel better-formed.
All that said, my favorites were "Granddad's second wife", "The senior project", "Prodigal sunset", "My stars and garters", "Soft physics", and "Words from the dead".
However, some stories simply felt unfinished or rushed. Others weren't the best constructed. And some I simply didn't agree with the premise/conclusion. Again, that's what you get with an anthology, but I was hoping for more of the stories to feel better-formed.
All that said, my favorites were "Granddad's second wife", "The senior project", "Prodigal sunset", "My stars and garters", "Soft physics", and "Words from the dead".
maiakobabe's review
5.0
I need to say up top that my review of this book is biased, because I am one of the contributors. Regardless- this book is FANTASTIC. Each story plays with the premise of a world in which faster than light speed engines exist, and can be built at a relatively low cost by a layperson. Many of the stories feature queer or POC characters. Some include contact with alien life- others with colonization, scientific exploration, families, separation and reunion, depression, joy- it's a rich feast. I can't even pick out favorites, because all of the stories were so strong!
inamerata's review
adventurous
dark
funny
reflective
slow-paced
2.5
This is a mixed bag, with a great premise and a wide variety of styles and tones across its 19 entries. Unfortunately, a lot of the comics felt rushed or incomplete, with abrupt endings that didn't seem to benefit the story. Others were simply hard to follow because of confusing art and/or writing, which was frustrating.
My favorite was Senior Project by Maia Kobabe, which embodies what I expected when I picked up FTL Y'all. Not only is it a complete story, it's one where characters look to the future and use all kinds of technology to help one another. The art was cute, the characters and their relationships believable, and it was refreshing after some of the bleaker comics.
Other highlights include Failsafe, Finders Keepers, Granddad's Second Wife, Lia, M.S.P.I.P.S.P, My Stars and Garters, Space to Grow, Solitary, and Words From the Dead.
My favorite was Senior Project by Maia Kobabe, which embodies what I expected when I picked up FTL Y'all. Not only is it a complete story, it's one where characters look to the future and use all kinds of technology to help one another. The art was cute, the characters and their relationships believable, and it was refreshing after some of the bleaker comics.
Other highlights include Failsafe, Finders Keepers, Granddad's Second Wife, Lia, M.S.P.I.P.S.P, My Stars and Garters, Space to Grow, Solitary, and Words From the Dead.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Suicide attempt, Bullying, Racism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Body horror
echthroi's review
5.0
This collection is like a bag of candy. Every story in it is short enough to be properly punchy, and there's a good variety of directions the themes/plots/characters went in response to the core idea. I didn't hate any of them, and some of them were simply fantastic.
catapocalypse's review
5.0
Another fantastic anthology of comics from Iron Circus! Backed this on Kickstarter and let me tell you, it's a gorgeous book. The stories deliver on quality, creativity, and variety. Rating them individually, most were 5/5 stars, the rest 4/5 stars. Nothing disappointed!
My personal favorites of the collection were "Soft Physics," "Words from the Dead," and "Granddad's Second Wife." The last especially charmed me with Cheez Hayama's art--I fawned over the little space grub's adorable face for several minutes, haha.
My personal favorites of the collection were "Soft Physics," "Words from the Dead," and "Granddad's Second Wife." The last especially charmed me with Cheez Hayama's art--I fawned over the little space grub's adorable face for several minutes, haha.
dytiscusfriend's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Confinement, Medical content, Xenophobia, and Body horror
nex3's review
5.0
Another excellent Iron Circus anthology. I love the idea of building an anthology around a premise rather than a vague theme.
sbisson's review
5.0
Recent Reads: FTL Y'all! What if a warp drive was $200 and the plans were online? A comics anthology explores the world that might evolve, with every kind of story, and every kind of protagonist. A diverse and empowering book.
gilldaniels's review
5.0
A solid, fascinating collection that is by turns hilariously and brutally honest about human nature.
destdest's review
3.0
Fun, imaginative, and subversive stories. I really liked Space to Grow by N N Chan and Finders Keepers by Ahuenao.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars