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A review by seawarrior
A Map to the Sun by Sloane Leong
emotional
reflective
relaxing
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
5.0
This is one of the most beautiful and striking comics I've ever read. The colors are incredibly vibrant and atmospheric, which helps draw you into the story of these girls from the very first page.
I loved that each of the main girls were written with messy, raw struggles that were shown to affect them individually, and the team as a whole. Watching them come to terms with some of the toxicity in their lives and their own mindsets and grow into stronger people was very rewarding. I also loved that the end of the book functioned like a new beginning for these characters, since they came to important realizations about themselves and their relationships but didn't neatly wrap up every issue they now knew they needed to approach. However, Ren's speech at the end of the story is inspiring, and left me with a sense of reassurance that she has developed a kinder perspective in life that will help her move forward from the trauma she has just endured and rely on others more than she was willing to previously.
All around I really loved both the writing and art of this comic. I'd go as far as to call it a masterpiece. I feel that it takes an incredible skill to write an ensemble of characters all with the complexities of real people, and to create art that sets mood and tone as well as Leong has in this work. I recommend this comic to anyone looking to experience a truly unforgettable graphic novel, and look forward to reading it again myself.
I loved that each of the main girls were written with messy, raw struggles that were shown to affect them individually, and the team as a whole. Watching them come to terms with some of the toxicity in their lives and their own mindsets and grow into stronger people was very rewarding. I also loved that the end of the book functioned like a new beginning for these characters, since they came to important realizations about themselves and their relationships but didn't neatly wrap up every issue they now knew they needed to approach. However, Ren's speech at the end of the story is inspiring, and left me with a sense of reassurance that she has developed a kinder perspective in life that will help her move forward from the trauma she has just endured and rely on others more than she was willing to previously.
All around I really loved both the writing and art of this comic. I'd go as far as to call it a masterpiece. I feel that it takes an incredible skill to write an ensemble of characters all with the complexities of real people, and to create art that sets mood and tone as well as Leong has in this work. I recommend this comic to anyone looking to experience a truly unforgettable graphic novel, and look forward to reading it again myself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Body shaming, Bullying, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Fatphobia, Fire/Fire injury, Misogyny, Self harm, and Toxic relationship