On A Sunbeam, Reviewed. An Emotional Rollercoaster of a Graphic Novel
Looking for a coming of age, values of family and universal love story centred around a team of interplanetary building restorers? You got it in the powerful On A Sunbeam the emotional rollercoaster of a graphic novel by the incredible Tillie Walden.
Christmas is approaching at a speed that can only be described as worrying. As such it's the perfect time to look back at those comics and graphic novels that are worth treating that special someone or even ourselves to. On A Sunbeam is a Hugo and Eisner award-nominated, Los Angeles Times Book prize-winning stunner. Just in case it's slipped under your radar I offer a minimal spoiler review. On A Sunbeam is a refreshingly unique tale of love in all its forms. Set around a team of interstellar building restorers, presented in a beautifully understated pastel palette with a gentle, comforting anime style. This a perfect gift for those looking for a captivating emotional saga.
Well, let us start with the art. Tillie Walden's art is beautifully subtle, with its soft anime lines and character design which oozes a very charming quality, similar to that of a favourite childhood novel in a homely sort of way. The art is somehow comforting which lends itself expertly to building for the higher, real emotional moments. This is only emphasised by the wonderful muted pastel colouring. The colours also offer an interesting story dynamic to define past and present events. As well as the merging of dreams and thoughts. The art shows a wondrous universe with dramatic scale and stunning landscapes, which added all together form something very special. It supports and weighs into the story, superbly complementing the narrative.
So Tillie Walden's story is fascinating. Tillie throws us on board a ship with new recruit Mia. We are hurtled into space with the briefest of introductions. Making you feel as off guard as Mia, the pace continues frantically as even once settled the full introductions are still kept brief. There is the person in charge Alma, the quiet mechanical genius Elliot or Ell. The confident Jules and the reserved Charlotte or Char. After this briefest of introductions, Alma dismisses everyone to bed allowing Jules, now as Mia's roommate, a chance to share that Ell doesn’t talk and that they are non-binary. As well as Char, Ell and Alma have an older history with Jules feeling as a relative outsider. This is beautifully casual storytelling. So off to sleep and the pace is ignited again by a fast breakfast scene that helps cement this crews habits and builds to a dramatic reveal of Mia’s first worksite. The story jumps from here five years back to see a younger Mia at school and gives us a glimpse at her curious and rebellious nature. Traits that soon land her in front of the teacher's office. Here we’re introduced to the new girl who has a very interesting reason for being there herself and after an awkward conversation, we learn the new girl's name is grace. Mia and Graces first interactions are strained but it seems there is something different about Graces position in the school and she lets her guard down for Mia. So ends the first chapter and with it a knowledge of our main cast.
Tillie does a great job of breadcrumbing us just enough information about these characters and their relationships. Leaving you with great questions, what will be Mias and Grace's relationship? What brought Mia to the team in the present day? While hinting at characters holding an air of mystery. Tillie's opening act perfectly cuddles you into its narrative with the present-day story, making you really feel like part of the team. Giving us this window through those little everyday work conversations and early getting to know you moments you really feel quickly connected to the realness of these characters. These moments are intertwined with real raw emotions while the whimsical nature of the flashback, combined with its innocent first love narrative, flesh out all aspects of these characters. It’s hard to say much more about this story without spoiling both its beautiful narrative and powerful emotional moments. This is a truly universal love story with incredible emotional weight, while also having a rich mystery element which even explores family dynamics and relationships. It’s so deceptively charming it pulls you into it then sucker punches you in the chest with real emotional clout. A real rollercoaster.
There is one moment I would like to specifically mention which occurs from pages 285 to 287. Only to say that it handles so gracefully, a subject which in recent climates is unfortunately still plagued by ignorance and holds the perfect message for how to deal with such ignorance.
With all that said I do hold one tiny issue with this novel. That is the lack of “mechanics”. By this I mean the understanding of the tech being used and the laws which govern this universe. I love all the concepts from the ship designs to the concept of the work the team does and in particular the creatures we learn of. However, there is some detail lacking here. I understand that the story here is much more powerful and important but as a sci-fi geek, I do really appreciate those finer details. Hopefully, a sequel would help address this. So maybe that's the only reason I mention it. In the hope of more. On A Sunbeam is available online for free and has some very interesting editions available in print so I urge you to dig into your perfect medium.
Rating 4.9999999/5
