Scan barcode
emily_mh's review
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was a well-contained graphic novellete! I like that the author was able to introduce, and resolve, many points. The greatest of these is, of course, the metaphor for being of more than one race, as seen in Aali’s struggle in not being accepted as a human or a jackal, and also feeling like neither and both at the same time. This metaphor is played through the story of an approaching eclipse which will destroy the world. Islamic, Arabian and South Asian folklore is woven throughout; I was particularly interested by the use of jackals. And there’s also a gorgeous friendship between Aali and a jackal.
I loved the art style. The author has a really refreshing way of arranging panels. I also thought the black-and-sepia colour palette worked well in giving a sense of place.
I think this novelette is potentially queer as Aali, the MC, is referred to by they/them pronouns.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Blood
Moderate: apocalypseemilychau's review
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
laurel00's review
hopeful
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Honestly, I wish this had been ten times as long. I could've read a thousand pages of this, and I'm so excited to get my hands on copies of Ata's other work!
This is a great story about struggling to find your place in this world as a queer Muslim, and I think Ata did a great job of conveying that message in such a short number of pages. I loved the art style; as simple as it may seem, there's a ton of great detail in each of the panels. I keep scrolling through the pages, there's something so enticing and comforting about the illustrations.
I liked the fact that, as dire as the situation was in the story, there was still a lot of humour, especially within our main character. There was something really sweet and relatable about them, and I think a lot of queer people would be able to relate to their general feeling of not knowing where they belong.
It's a super quick read and a perfect introduction into getting readers interested in Ata's other graphic novels.
This is a great story about struggling to find your place in this world as a queer Muslim, and I think Ata did a great job of conveying that message in such a short number of pages. I loved the art style; as simple as it may seem, there's a ton of great detail in each of the panels. I keep scrolling through the pages, there's something so enticing and comforting about the illustrations.
I liked the fact that, as dire as the situation was in the story, there was still a lot of humour, especially within our main character. There was something really sweet and relatable about them, and I think a lot of queer people would be able to relate to their general feeling of not knowing where they belong.
It's a super quick read and a perfect introduction into getting readers interested in Ata's other graphic novels.
More...