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woodlarks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
danielles_reads's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Man, I am so disappointed! I was really looking forward to this book, ever since I saw someone mention it on Bookstagram along with a bunch of other amazing queer sci-fi with found family that I've loved.
To start on a semi-positive note, I really did enjoy the artwork, especially in the first 4 issues. I loved the variety of colors and wispiness, along with a ton of cool irregular panel shapes that really brought the world alive. However, it started to go downhill as the volume continued on. The battle scenes were incomprehensible with so many contrasting and wispy colors (though this seems to be a common issue among the sci-fi GNs I read). And then towards the end of the volume, the art seemed to be getting more and more rough. Two of the last panels in the volume are basically just sloppy sketches with none of the life of the previous panels. Seems like the artist got tired near the end I guess.
The plot was pretty incomprehensible to me. I didn't understand the significance or meaning of any of the character's actions until one of the characters outright explains what happened to another character. And even then, I don't see why what they found was so important (it makes sense why no one else in the galaxy would care).I can see why the Renunciation aka “nones” (lol) getting money from Lux aka Amazon would be a scandal, but what does Lux get out of the arrangement? I feel like the characters should have figured that out before they broke the news a day after they found it with little effort (probably because the parties involved knew it didn’t prove any wrongdoing).
There were a lot of characters and I could barely keep track of them. We never learn the names of their species or their home worlds, and they all seem to be basically humans with different skin tones (which annoyingly changed colors drastically in different lighting). The plot moves at such a breakneck speed that there isn't any time to connect with the characters either. Vess gets to the Renunciation monastery, immediately becomes trusted by the Mother Superior (it seemed so sudden that the Mother comes across as a complete idiot tbh), and then almost immediately after, leaves. She has a few panels devoted to her spiritual crisis but it rang hollow to me since we barely knew anything about her or the Renunciation to begin with.
I guess this doesn't get a 1 because it was kind of fun if I didn't think about it too hard. It has some interesting ideas and I do like the intention behind it (because hating on a bigass corporation is always fun). I especially like the concept of the multiple (4?) sexes of Vess' species.
I feel like if it had just slowed waaay down, to give us time to learn more about the characters and the world they live in, I would have liked this a lot more. I don’t plan on continuing the series, even though it is fairly short.
To start on a semi-positive note, I really did enjoy the artwork, especially in the first 4 issues. I loved the variety of colors and wispiness, along with a ton of cool irregular panel shapes that really brought the world alive. However, it started to go downhill as the volume continued on. The battle scenes were incomprehensible with so many contrasting and wispy colors (though this seems to be a common issue among the sci-fi GNs I read). And then towards the end of the volume, the art seemed to be getting more and more rough. Two of the last panels in the volume are basically just sloppy sketches with none of the life of the previous panels. Seems like the artist got tired near the end I guess.
The plot was pretty incomprehensible to me. I didn't understand the significance or meaning of any of the character's actions until one of the characters outright explains what happened to another character. And even then, I don't see why what they found was so important (it makes sense why no one else in the galaxy would care).
There were a lot of characters and I could barely keep track of them. We never learn the names of their species or their home worlds, and they all seem to be basically humans with different skin tones (which annoyingly changed colors drastically in different lighting). The plot moves at such a breakneck speed that there isn't any time to connect with the characters either. Vess gets to the Renunciation monastery, immediately becomes trusted by the Mother Superior (it seemed so sudden that the Mother comes across as a complete idiot tbh), and then almost immediately after, leaves. She has a few panels devoted to her spiritual crisis but it rang hollow to me since we barely knew anything about her or the Renunciation to begin with.
I guess this doesn't get a 1 because it was kind of fun if I didn't think about it too hard. It has some interesting ideas and I do like the intention behind it (because hating on a bigass corporation is always fun). I especially like the concept of the multiple (4?) sexes of Vess' species.
I feel like if it had just slowed waaay down, to give us time to learn more about the characters and the world they live in, I would have liked this a lot more. I don’t plan on continuing the series, even though it is fairly short.
toastea's review against another edition
4.0
Follow the prophet... or the profit. Where does The Path lead?
This was the beginning of what I think will be a very interesting story. I enjoyed all the parallels that this comic had between our own religions and large corporations. Makes ya think, doesn't it? Can't wait to dive into the next volume and see what path Grix and Vess end up walking.
This was the beginning of what I think will be a very interesting story. I enjoyed all the parallels that this comic had between our own religions and large corporations. Makes ya think, doesn't it? Can't wait to dive into the next volume and see what path Grix and Vess end up walking.
dominicangirl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
crochetchrisie's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely more dense than other graphic novels I've read. Interesting storyline so far...
jolee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
rakoerose's review
4.0
This comic was an unexpected delight! Such interesting alien species, gorgeous colors, and an intriguing secret.
”We’re all just doing our jobs.”
Focusing on the captain and crew of a cargo ship, and a young individual seeking their religious order, a secret unfolds of dastardly deeds from one end of the galaxy to another. The art may have been what initially drew me in, but the characters quickly grew on me. Captain Grix is of the gruff-but-lovable type and Vess is endearing in her idyllic views and I’m genuinely invested in seeing where they, and the crew, go! Especially now that they’re tangled up in a web of information they were better off never knowing.
It’s fast paced, absolutely stunning to look at, and I’m excited to keep learning more. It’s clear a lot of work went into developing the galaxy-system these characters live in and forming unique concepts that jump off the page. There’s neat discussion on sex and gender, with some LGBT+ aspects thrown in for good measure, and I really enjoyed it! I don’t think any individual classifies as “human,” but more “humanoid” and I loved every design.
I have to take a brief spell to scream about the color usage in this - it’s masterfully well done. Every page is like a study in color theory and it was a delight for the eyes. Christian Ward’s style compliments this story in an incredible way.
For a first volume, it definitely set the stage for being a series I look forward to reading more of!
”We’re all just doing our jobs.”
Focusing on the captain and crew of a cargo ship, and a young individual seeking their religious order, a secret unfolds of dastardly deeds from one end of the galaxy to another. The art may have been what initially drew me in, but the characters quickly grew on me. Captain Grix is of the gruff-but-lovable type and Vess is endearing in her idyllic views and I’m genuinely invested in seeing where they, and the crew, go! Especially now that they’re tangled up in a web of information they were better off never knowing.
It’s fast paced, absolutely stunning to look at, and I’m excited to keep learning more. It’s clear a lot of work went into developing the galaxy-system these characters live in and forming unique concepts that jump off the page. There’s neat discussion on sex and gender, with some LGBT+ aspects thrown in for good measure, and I really enjoyed it! I don’t think any individual classifies as “human,” but more “humanoid” and I loved every design.
I have to take a brief spell to scream about the color usage in this - it’s masterfully well done. Every page is like a study in color theory and it was a delight for the eyes. Christian Ward’s style compliments this story in an incredible way.
For a first volume, it definitely set the stage for being a series I look forward to reading more of!
jazminrose's review against another edition
4.0
The story here is promising but the artwork is STUNNING. Truly a visual feast.
rwsmith's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No