Take a photo of a barcode or cover
“Who named the ship [Aktis]?”
“Char did. She’s our very own greek scholar.”
“What does it mean?”
“Sunbeam.” pg 325-326
I adored so many things about the graphic novel. Immediately, the artwork was stunning. Walden has an incredible talent for creating gorgeous and ethereal scenery. The space setting was translated onto the page with so much attention to detail and passion, effortlessly capturing the wonder of the universe and enhancing the story even further.
I also loved the different colour palettes, and the choices Walden made to reflect the stages of the story, such as in flashbacks and parallels. The LGBT representation was encapsulated even more through Waldens use of the lesbian flag’s colour palette of pinks and oranges and white.
Because of how long and detailed this novel was, some parts did seem to get a little slow/less interesting to me than others, although I appreciated that a lot of time and effort was clearly put into the story and that it wouldn’t be the same without those parts.
Overall I thought the story was incredibly cosy and dreamy, yet cinematic and high stakes at the same time. One of the best graphic novels I’ve read in a long time, and a strong one to start the year with.
Music played whilst reading:
https://youtu.be/KpQv_LHkgXM?si=dBz9sNKTm02s5t2O
(a space themed comfort playlist)
“Char did. She’s our very own greek scholar.”
“What does it mean?”
“Sunbeam.” pg 325-326
I adored so many things about the graphic novel. Immediately, the artwork was stunning. Walden has an incredible talent for creating gorgeous and ethereal scenery. The space setting was translated onto the page with so much attention to detail and passion, effortlessly capturing the wonder of the universe and enhancing the story even further.
I also loved the different colour palettes, and the choices Walden made to reflect the stages of the story, such as in flashbacks and parallels. The LGBT representation was encapsulated even more through Waldens use of the lesbian flag’s colour palette of pinks and oranges and white.
Because of how long and detailed this novel was, some parts did seem to get a little slow/less interesting to me than others, although I appreciated that a lot of time and effort was clearly put into the story and that it wouldn’t be the same without those parts.
Overall I thought the story was incredibly cosy and dreamy, yet cinematic and high stakes at the same time. One of the best graphic novels I’ve read in a long time, and a strong one to start the year with.
Music played whilst reading:
https://youtu.be/KpQv_LHkgXM?si=dBz9sNKTm02s5t2O
(a space themed comfort playlist)
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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:
Complicated
Tillie Walden’s On a Sunbeam is a breathtaking graphic novel that weaves together love, loss, and the boundless expanse of space into an unforgettable reading experience. From its stunning artwork to its deeply emotional storytelling, this book left me utterly captivated.
The novel’s non-linear narrative structure adds to its emotional impact, shifting between Mia’s past and present as she embarks on a journey through space with a group of salvagers. The tragedies that unfold across the years hit hard, bringing moments of grief that left me sobbing. Yet, even in its most heartbreaking moments, On a Sunbeam remains hopeful, emphasizing love, resilience, and the importance of found family.
The novel’s non-linear narrative structure adds to its emotional impact, shifting between Mia’s past and present as she embarks on a journey through space with a group of salvagers. The tragedies that unfold across the years hit hard, bringing moments of grief that left me sobbing. Yet, even in its most heartbreaking moments, On a Sunbeam remains hopeful, emphasizing love, resilience, and the importance of found family.
Strong character development:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I just found the cutest book ever! I am not usually into romance books, but this book had me squealing! I love it so much, it brings me so much joy! The story is so engaging, and the way the author gives us information is INCREDIBLE! The art is so pretty, and the love story is BEAUTIFUL! I can't recommend this book ENOUGH!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
This is one of the most beautiful and brilliant things I have ever read. Tillie Walden is a genius and their approach to colour, image and storytelling is unlike anything I have found before. I want a fish ship.
Ahhh pretty fantastic. I did not expect it to go to those places but it did. Queer found family. Queer love story in transhumanist, weird future space time. Flying fish and a crew of people who restore dead things, struggling to make decisions while always being to each other, even when it’s hard. It’s all very good and shit gets wiiild in the final quarter of the book.