Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - The Aquanaut: A Graphic Novel

The art style of this graphic novel was great, especially when there were any sea illustrations as the colour palette rose to the occasion with deep, dark blues. It really managed to capture what light looks like underwater, too.

I loved that the story was about healing from grief through family, either blood or chosen. At the forefront was a daughter mourning her dad, a brother mourning his brother, and how some sea creatures returning in their lost loved one’s diving suit brings them together again. The character development in the uncle was particularly good, as he realises legacy isn’t a good guide for him or for the people and creatures around him. But Sodapop’s development in bravery was also remarkable.

Another think I liked was the dynamic of the sea creatures’ found family. It was delightful, and brought levity to the emotional themes of the book. Furthermore, I appreciated the commentary on water parks and animal cruelty, and how this played into both plot and character development.

My one criticism with this book is regarding its time jumps. They are used to skip over events that I thought should have been included. For example,

the developing friendship between the MC and the sea creatures, and then the changing dynamic between the uncle and his work

. The only one that worked was the one at the end.

Content Warnings

anniereads221's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

5.0

Content Warnings

klsriley's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

greenlivingaudioworm's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No

2.0

Content Warnings

middle_name_joy's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Never have high hopes because you're almost always disappointed. That's the case here. Halfway through I was still confused about character names!!

Another reviewer on StoryGraph said it best, and I paraphrase: it's okay for fantasy to be illogical or surprising, but it needs to make sense within its world's boundaries. This world was not constructed well.

I was most disappointed in the lack of emotional depth. This girl lost her father and I wasn't feeling the grief. I couldn't help but think of the film, Big Hero 6, and how beautifully they handled losing a loved one and carrying on their legacy.

Content Warnings

mysterymom40's review

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

Content Warnings

megwilli's review

Go to review page

dark emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

Content Warnings

More...