eyelit's review

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emotional hopeful medium-paced

3.5

csistek's review

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4.0

Thank you to A Wave Blue World for the eGalley to review!

This was an excellent collection of stories created by different artists and writers. I love the different issues or depictions of queer life each one provides. No two stories are the same, but they are all inspiring and personal, thought-provoking looks into different sections of the queer community. While not all had happy endings, all had something to give for readers to take away and see the world (and maybe even themselves) in different perspectives.

I think those new to the community would get the most out of this collection, as so many of the stories provide windows and mirrors into the possibilities that are out there for them--they're coming out stories, self-discoveries, and reflections on the mistakes made and self-acceptance earned through the queer journey. I also think those outside of the community would benefit from reading these stories, as they offer a humanizing look into the lives of everyday queer folks. Yes, a couple of the stories are science fiction, but 1. who says we can't have fun with our stories, and 2. they're used for metaphors and what-ifs, like much of sci-fi is. Symbolism is strong in our community and it's on full display here--it's worth it to get to know them through the stories we tell.

Really, I truly enjoyed this collection and I loved getting to see how individual art and writing styles vary from story to story. It proves just how diverse we are as people and gives a platform to independent artists and writers who otherwise may not have been picked up for a project. So I appreciate that this collection not only gets to tell queer stories, but elevates the people behind them.

Keep in mind, however, that many of the stories tackle dark and difficult subjects (religious homophobia, sexual assault, and one involves the main character essentially stalking their ex (I did not like this one)). For every inspirational and uplifting story, there is one that grapples with the harsher realities of our lives.

lindaskessler's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Take care little one—It doesn’t always get better—At least, not right away—It takes patience—And some work—And some false starts—But it’s okay to love them all—And it’s nice to finally meet you

Color of Always is a graphic novel LGBTQIA+ love anthology made up of 15 sections including 13 short stories, an introduction, and acknowledgements.

I really appreciated the vibrant colors, dynamic storytelling, and diverse range of emotions and characters we were able to explore in this collection. I did have a few favorites, including “Long Away,” “Extra Pages,” “Leaves,” and “Ever More Myself.”

I really enjoy reading graphic novels, and this read presented something new as it was my first time diving into the short story graphic novel format. I did feel like it was a little difficult for me to get fully immersed/invested into each story because of how short they were, but I think that’s more due to this being my first anthology of this type than anything on the part of the authors and illustrators.

I don’t want to give anything away, but I really appreciated the time taken to show the kaleidoscope of queer love from self and familial to romantic to platonic and ranging from themes of heartbreak and self doubt to joy, hope, and acceptance.

This is a great read anytime of the year, but I’d definitely recommend picking up Color of Always for PRIDE this year 🌈 10/10 would recommend

Glorious. Yes, that’s us, learning the words, how to speak, sucking deep on something sweet with a sunset the color of always.

michymoreno's review

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hopeful inspiring reflective 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

oldandnewbooksmell's review

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Trigger Warnings: (some stories have or mention of) transphobia, dysphoria, religious homophobia, mentions of parent death, sexual assault, misgendering, panic attack, PTSD

A graphic novel anthology filled with LGBTQ+ experience. 

I loved seeing all the different artists, their styles, and their stories. I especially love that we’re seeing more and more Trans and Nonbinary stories included in things like this.

As usual when it comes to anthologies, there were some stories stronger than others, but each of them were touching in their own way. 

I would recommend this to everyone - especially a good read for Pride Month in June too.

corky12's review

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3.0

Thanks to the publisher for a digital copy of this title.

The Color of Always is a collection of short stories highlighting various aspects of the LGBTQ+ experience. Each story has its own art style and character interactions ranging from fantasy to realistic. I wish some of the stories were a little longer, but all of them were well-done and enjoyable.

smo13's review

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5.0

So many queer stories, so many different perspectives, all perfectly together.

gvanos24's review

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hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

morgan101's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

vverbatim7's review

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challenging emotional fast-paced

3.75