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A review by emeelee
Beyond: The Queer Sci-Fi and Fantasy Comic Anthology by Taneka Stotts, Nicasio Andres Reed, Sfé R. Monster
3.0
This anthology includes a wealth of different art and story styles, all of them featuring queer characters. All of my ratings for the individual comics together averages out to about 3 stars, which is pretty accurate to how I felt about the anthology as a whole. Many of the stories felt too short, without enough context to really immerse myself in the characters or the world. I will say that I am SO GLAD this anthology exists at all, and it was great to see a variety of queer representation here, including pan/bi, poly, and genderqueer identities, with a variety of ethnicities.
Luminosity by Gabby Reed & Rachel Dukes ★★★☆☆
Representation: wlw, Black
A relationship between a black female astronaut and another WOC called Medina who acts as some sort of powerful battery. Medina can successfully power interstellar space travel, which is great news for her astronaut girlfriend, except that the return trip might just kill her.
Great artwork, loved the black woman in a STEM career field. Wish we'd had more background on Medina's abilities and into the ethics of using people (of color, especially) as batteries/fuel by a government program.
Islet by Niki Smith ★★☆☆☆
Representation: wlw
An ex-soldier has settled and started a family in a community of salt-water drinkers living on small islets in the middle of a sea. A growing plague endangers her new community, and she must make the journey back to the land she came from to find a cure.
Both the artwork and the story were a little sparse for me.
Of Families & Other Magical Objects by Reed Black ★★★☆☆ (3.5)
Representation: mlm, Black, Indian
Two dads must stage a rescue mission when their adopted daughter is stolen by goblins and replaced by a changeling.
Super cute story about family being what you make it. I didn’t love the art style for the humans, but I did like it for everything else, it reminded me of a Cartoon Network show.
A Royal Affair by Christianne Goudreau & Taneka Stotts ★★★★☆
Represenation: wlw, pansexual?, Black, Asian, genderqueer/non-binary
A black female pirate captain crashes the coronation of a ruler who is struggling with the decision of whether to become a king or a queen. The pirate offers them a third option: put off the decision (even indefinitely) by running away to the open ocean! Unbeknownst to the pirate, the ruler already has another plan in mind…
Loved the art style, and would love to read a longer version of this story of pirates and genderqueer rulers taking on social norms!
The Graves of Wolves by Ted Classon★★★☆☆
Representation: mlm
On an icy, desolate planet, two men have adopted a young extraterrestrial and are trying to make the best of things.
Interesting premise, but not enough meat to really get me invested.
Versus by Wm Brian MacLean ★☆☆☆☆
Could not even begin to tell you what was going on in this one. It was very abstract, which is not my cup of tea.
Optimal by Blue Delliquanti ★★★★☆
Representation: mlm, trans
An android created to be a replica of a scientist’s late partner identifies as female, and wants her body to reflect that.
Really sweet story about a trans android that was created with a man in mind. This is one of the only comics in the anthology that I feel really stood well on its own as a short story.
Duty and Honor by Shing Yin Khor ★★★★☆
Representation: bisexual, wlw, poly, Chinese, Indian
Ming Hua’s husband and lover are both already living on the Martian colony, waiting for her own Mars mission to join them.
This story was very touching and bittersweet. I loved the polyamory representation here.
O-Type Hypergiant by Jon Cairns ★★☆☆☆ (2.5)
Representation: mlm
Androids called “Instamen” explore the universe and catalog stars for their human creators. The spaceship that Jim, Jamie, and James live on encounters a dangerous circumstance that requires a daring repair mission.
Too sciency for me, with a lot of jargon that I got bored of. I’ll also admit that I was a little weirded out by the romance between two androids who are carbon copies of each other, even down to being named James….
The Dragon Slayer's Son by Sfé R. Monster ★★★★☆
Representation: trans, mlm
The ftm son of an mtf dragon slayer is on a quest to slay his first dragon as part of the ritual of becoming a man.
Really liked the art style of this comic, and this was another comic that I thought really stood well on its own and felt like a complete short story. The message at the end was excellent.
Twin Souled by Kate Ebensteiner & Bevan Thomas ★★★★☆
Representation: Native American, two-spirit
A community under attack must turn to the protection offered by the totem spirits, which use members of the tribe as vessels. One of these members is the new wife of the chief, a two-spirit woman [she uses fem pronouns] who does not yet feel wholly accepted in her new family.
The story was captivating, and the speech given by the main character at the end was really touching. I can’t speak to the accuracy of the representation, and from what I can tell neither the writer nor artist of this comic identifies as either Native or two-spirit (or even non-cis).
The Monster Queen by Savannah Horrocks & April J. Martins ★★★☆☆
Representation: wlw
A princess grows uncomfortable with her kingdom’s treatment of “monsters” and resolves to do what she can to help the non-human creatures. It doesn’t hurt that a charming and beautiful monster has caught her eye.
A cute story without any dialogue. I liked that we got to see both love interests pining after each other.
Valley of the Silk Sky: Medicine; Run by Dylan Edwards ★★★☆☆
Representation: non-binary genders
Two youngsters sneak away to go on a dangerous quest for medicinal supplies, and sure enough, they encounter some difficulties. Their exasperated parents go after them.
It was interesting that all of the characters seem to use xe/xer pronouns, indicating a genderless society. This comic is a companion piece to the author’s ongoing webcomic, Valley of the Silk Sky, and extensive world-building was evident even in this short story. However, there was so much action and a lot of characters that I didn’t really feel like I go the chance to connect with any of them.
Mourning Tea by Kori Michele Handwerker ★★☆☆☆
Representation: non-binary, Indian, disability (amputee)
A disabled, non-binary ghost works at a tea restaurant whose customers are spirits.
I had a hard time following the story on this one, and I’m not totally clear on what Dee is exactly, if Andi is a ghost?
They Simply Pass by Kristina Stipetic ★★★☆☆ (3.5)
Representation: wlw
In an all-female extraterrestrial society, some are “transmitters” (i.e. fertilizers) and some are “aggregators” (i.e. incubators) in the reproductive process. Once a transmitter contributes “her code” to the offspring, she dies. But some transmitters are not content with this arrangement.
I really enjoyed the metaphor about reproductive rights in this story, including the right to choose not to reproduce, and for reproduction to not be one’s entire value. I was a little uncomfortable that the metaphor extended to literal death due to reproduction in this society, though-- it seemed a little heavy-handed. There was also a character from outside the community who seemed to only exist to ask questions for the reader’s benefit.
Barricade by Anissa Espinosa & Alison Wilgus ★★★☆☆ (2.5)
Representation: wlw, WOC
When a technical malfunction on a space colony strands her partner in a room quickly losing oxygen, Sloan must undergo a speedy rescue mission.
This story was fraught, yet in the end it was a very simple, quick rescue story without much more meat to it than that.
Eat At Chelle's by Lin Visel & Leia Weathington ★★☆☆☆ (2.5)
Representation: wlw, POC
A simple business meeting turns into a dodge and run through a crowded marketplace to escape an angry and magical ex-girlfriend. Will Chelle manage to get back to her restaurant in time for its opening night?
It was interesting and the artwork was good, but ultimately I just felt like I was missing too much of the story and world set-up.
The Next Day by A. Stiffler & K. Copeland ★★★★★
Representation: mlm, MOC, disability (amputee, disfigurement, blind)
The world has gone completely dark and cold. Yet, in each other, Aud and Ziri find comfort, light, and warmth no matter the hardship.
This story was so sweet and lovely, even set in a dangerous post-apocalyptic land. The artwork was gorgeous, too. This was my favorite comic, and it was a great way to end the anthology.
+The Giver and The Gift by Kiku Hughes
Representation: Asian
Not sure how to rate these, since they’re just two (maybe related?) single illustrations, rather than a comic telling a story. There also isn’t anything included in them to indicate that the characters are queer, so…? Perhaps these were just included to give exposure to another queer comic artist, and I did like the art style.
Luminosity by Gabby Reed & Rachel Dukes ★★★☆☆
Representation: wlw, Black
A relationship between a black female astronaut and another WOC called Medina who acts as some sort of powerful battery. Medina can successfully power interstellar space travel, which is great news for her astronaut girlfriend, except that the return trip might just kill her.
Great artwork, loved the black woman in a STEM career field. Wish we'd had more background on Medina's abilities and into the ethics of using people (of color, especially) as batteries/fuel by a government program.
Islet by Niki Smith ★★☆☆☆
Representation: wlw
An ex-soldier has settled and started a family in a community of salt-water drinkers living on small islets in the middle of a sea. A growing plague endangers her new community, and she must make the journey back to the land she came from to find a cure.
Both the artwork and the story were a little sparse for me.
Of Families & Other Magical Objects by Reed Black ★★★☆☆ (3.5)
Representation: mlm, Black, Indian
Two dads must stage a rescue mission when their adopted daughter is stolen by goblins and replaced by a changeling.
Super cute story about family being what you make it. I didn’t love the art style for the humans, but I did like it for everything else, it reminded me of a Cartoon Network show.
A Royal Affair by Christianne Goudreau & Taneka Stotts ★★★★☆
Represenation: wlw, pansexual?, Black, Asian, genderqueer/non-binary
A black female pirate captain crashes the coronation of a ruler who is struggling with the decision of whether to become a king or a queen. The pirate offers them a third option: put off the decision (even indefinitely) by running away to the open ocean! Unbeknownst to the pirate, the ruler already has another plan in mind…
Loved the art style, and would love to read a longer version of this story of pirates and genderqueer rulers taking on social norms!
The Graves of Wolves by Ted Classon★★★☆☆
Representation: mlm
On an icy, desolate planet, two men have adopted a young extraterrestrial and are trying to make the best of things.
Interesting premise, but not enough meat to really get me invested.
Versus by Wm Brian MacLean ★☆☆☆☆
Could not even begin to tell you what was going on in this one. It was very abstract, which is not my cup of tea.
Optimal by Blue Delliquanti ★★★★☆
Representation: mlm, trans
An android created to be a replica of a scientist’s late partner identifies as female, and wants her body to reflect that.
Really sweet story about a trans android that was created with a man in mind. This is one of the only comics in the anthology that I feel really stood well on its own as a short story.
Duty and Honor by Shing Yin Khor ★★★★☆
Representation: bisexual, wlw, poly, Chinese, Indian
Ming Hua’s husband and lover are both already living on the Martian colony, waiting for her own Mars mission to join them.
This story was very touching and bittersweet. I loved the polyamory representation here.
O-Type Hypergiant by Jon Cairns ★★☆☆☆ (2.5)
Representation: mlm
Androids called “Instamen” explore the universe and catalog stars for their human creators. The spaceship that Jim, Jamie, and James live on encounters a dangerous circumstance that requires a daring repair mission.
Too sciency for me, with a lot of jargon that I got bored of. I’ll also admit that I was a little weirded out by the romance between two androids who are carbon copies of each other, even down to being named James….
The Dragon Slayer's Son by Sfé R. Monster ★★★★☆
Representation: trans, mlm
The ftm son of an mtf dragon slayer is on a quest to slay his first dragon as part of the ritual of becoming a man.
Really liked the art style of this comic, and this was another comic that I thought really stood well on its own and felt like a complete short story. The message at the end was excellent.
Twin Souled by Kate Ebensteiner & Bevan Thomas ★★★★☆
Representation: Native American, two-spirit
A community under attack must turn to the protection offered by the totem spirits, which use members of the tribe as vessels. One of these members is the new wife of the chief, a two-spirit woman [she uses fem pronouns] who does not yet feel wholly accepted in her new family.
The story was captivating, and the speech given by the main character at the end was really touching. I can’t speak to the accuracy of the representation, and from what I can tell neither the writer nor artist of this comic identifies as either Native or two-spirit (or even non-cis).
The Monster Queen by Savannah Horrocks & April J. Martins ★★★☆☆
Representation: wlw
A princess grows uncomfortable with her kingdom’s treatment of “monsters” and resolves to do what she can to help the non-human creatures. It doesn’t hurt that a charming and beautiful monster has caught her eye.
A cute story without any dialogue. I liked that we got to see both love interests pining after each other.
Valley of the Silk Sky: Medicine; Run by Dylan Edwards ★★★☆☆
Representation: non-binary genders
Two youngsters sneak away to go on a dangerous quest for medicinal supplies, and sure enough, they encounter some difficulties. Their exasperated parents go after them.
It was interesting that all of the characters seem to use xe/xer pronouns, indicating a genderless society. This comic is a companion piece to the author’s ongoing webcomic, Valley of the Silk Sky, and extensive world-building was evident even in this short story. However, there was so much action and a lot of characters that I didn’t really feel like I go the chance to connect with any of them.
Mourning Tea by Kori Michele Handwerker ★★☆☆☆
Representation: non-binary, Indian, disability (amputee)
A disabled, non-binary ghost works at a tea restaurant whose customers are spirits.
I had a hard time following the story on this one, and I’m not totally clear on what Dee is exactly, if Andi is a ghost?
They Simply Pass by Kristina Stipetic ★★★☆☆ (3.5)
Representation: wlw
In an all-female extraterrestrial society, some are “transmitters” (i.e. fertilizers) and some are “aggregators” (i.e. incubators) in the reproductive process. Once a transmitter contributes “her code” to the offspring, she dies. But some transmitters are not content with this arrangement.
I really enjoyed the metaphor about reproductive rights in this story, including the right to choose not to reproduce, and for reproduction to not be one’s entire value. I was a little uncomfortable that the metaphor extended to literal death due to reproduction in this society, though-- it seemed a little heavy-handed. There was also a character from outside the community who seemed to only exist to ask questions for the reader’s benefit.
Barricade by Anissa Espinosa & Alison Wilgus ★★★☆☆ (2.5)
Representation: wlw, WOC
When a technical malfunction on a space colony strands her partner in a room quickly losing oxygen, Sloan must undergo a speedy rescue mission.
This story was fraught, yet in the end it was a very simple, quick rescue story without much more meat to it than that.
Eat At Chelle's by Lin Visel & Leia Weathington ★★☆☆☆ (2.5)
Representation: wlw, POC
A simple business meeting turns into a dodge and run through a crowded marketplace to escape an angry and magical ex-girlfriend. Will Chelle manage to get back to her restaurant in time for its opening night?
It was interesting and the artwork was good, but ultimately I just felt like I was missing too much of the story and world set-up.
The Next Day by A. Stiffler & K. Copeland ★★★★★
Representation: mlm, MOC, disability (amputee, disfigurement, blind)
The world has gone completely dark and cold. Yet, in each other, Aud and Ziri find comfort, light, and warmth no matter the hardship.
This story was so sweet and lovely, even set in a dangerous post-apocalyptic land. The artwork was gorgeous, too. This was my favorite comic, and it was a great way to end the anthology.
+The Giver and The Gift by Kiku Hughes
Representation: Asian
Not sure how to rate these, since they’re just two (maybe related?) single illustrations, rather than a comic telling a story. There also isn’t anything included in them to indicate that the characters are queer, so…? Perhaps these were just included to give exposure to another queer comic artist, and I did like the art style.