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midnightallie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
shokoshik's review against another edition
Wouldn't mind seeing an expansion of this world.
tiedyedude's review against another edition
4.0
The author of Binti wrote a graphic novel that won an Eisner award this year. The travel ban is reimagined with actual aliens, and the complexities on who we discriminate against and why is explored in a fascinating way. Certainly deserving of recognition.
bookishrealm's review against another edition
4.0
Listen Nnedi Okorafor has been doing some big things in the comic book world that I greatly appreciate. I've seen a few people in the community pick this one up so I naturally couldn't resist getting my hands on it.
LaGuardia is an interesting look at oppressive systems that exist in our current world but told within a narrative of the future world. These oppressive systems are then passed on to aliens as more humans become weary of their abilities; although, a great portion of humans have welcomed them in and work and live with them, side by side. At first, I thought that the narrative was going to be heavy handed to capture both the oppressive systems associated with our present time and then those associated with humans and aliens in the near future. However, part of me can't help but to think that the world "alien" is some double entendre utilized to capture polices that exists in 2021 but in a science-fiction setting. My analysis of this could be completely off base, but either way this comic book is a great example of issues that plague our more contemporary society. The story focuses on and follows pregnant Future as she leaves Nigeria with an illegal alien plant named Let Me Live to travel back to the United States to seek refuge with her grandmother. The story itself is dynamic which is, of course, no surprise. The writing and the artwork worked and flowed well together. While this may seem like a strange analysis, it is extremely import for the art of a comic and the narrative to seamlessly work together to create a bigger picture. And the artwork was beautiful. The illustrator did an excellent job showcasing the futuristic look of the world as well as the characters (both humans and aliens). Bright colors made the story itself aesthetically appealing to the eye. There was strong character development and by the end, I was shocked to learn of the secrets both Citizen and Future carried and what it meant for their unborn child. Okorafor never fails to impress me with her brilliance. Because this is categorized as a mini-series, I highly doubt we'll get more from this particularly comic story arc; however, I saw another reviewer state that this is connected to Lagoon so I'm looking forward to reading that book. If you haven't read this comic book series yet I would definitely recommend giving it a try.
LaGuardia is an interesting look at oppressive systems that exist in our current world but told within a narrative of the future world. These oppressive systems are then passed on to aliens as more humans become weary of their abilities; although, a great portion of humans have welcomed them in and work and live with them, side by side. At first, I thought that the narrative was going to be heavy handed to capture both the oppressive systems associated with our present time and then those associated with humans and aliens in the near future. However, part of me can't help but to think that the world "alien" is some double entendre utilized to capture polices that exists in 2021 but in a science-fiction setting. My analysis of this could be completely off base, but either way this comic book is a great example of issues that plague our more contemporary society. The story focuses on and follows pregnant Future as she leaves Nigeria with an illegal alien plant named Let Me Live to travel back to the United States to seek refuge with her grandmother. The story itself is dynamic which is, of course, no surprise. The writing and the artwork worked and flowed well together. While this may seem like a strange analysis, it is extremely import for the art of a comic and the narrative to seamlessly work together to create a bigger picture. And the artwork was beautiful. The illustrator did an excellent job showcasing the futuristic look of the world as well as the characters (both humans and aliens). Bright colors made the story itself aesthetically appealing to the eye. There was strong character development and by the end, I was shocked to learn of the secrets both Citizen and Future carried and what it meant for their unborn child. Okorafor never fails to impress me with her brilliance. Because this is categorized as a mini-series, I highly doubt we'll get more from this particularly comic story arc; however, I saw another reviewer state that this is connected to Lagoon so I'm looking forward to reading that book. If you haven't read this comic book series yet I would definitely recommend giving it a try.
tishingtonplunk's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
3.25
jmbz38's review against another edition
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
odin45mp's review against another edition
5.0
Impactful. This is a book conceived of and written during the national discussion around the Trump administration's first Muslim ban. Commentary on immigration, "Other"ness, respect, and acceptance are baked into the story. It is not overbearing, it is not preachy (well maybe a little), but the reader cannot help but think through the issues as they read this story. Maybe even question their own responses a little.
The story follows one woman as she leaves her second home of Nigeria to return to the United States, where she is born. In this future Earth, aliens have landed and taken up residence with us, where they can - the U.S. is going through some strong anti-alien sentiment as the story kicks off. The main character is also quite pregnant... "Who is the father?" is asked more than once during the story. She has her reasons for leaving her fiance in Nigeria and coming to the United States, but those are revealed over the course of the story.
The setting is ripe in imagination - airports and streets and stores full of humans and aliens of all colors, shapes, and sizes. The colors bright and vibrant. Self driving cars. Self watering flower pots. This would be a fun future to live in... if we can overcome our bias and live equally with our alien friends. I was struck by the crowds of alien/immigrant protestors asking for or against equal rights and admittance to the U.S., since I read this during the ongoing protests against police violence in June 2020. (Also there are a few REALLY FUN signs mixed into the crowd if you look for them.)
This will be a work that turns over in my mind every so often. Excellent science fiction that has made me think and will continue to make me think.
The story follows one woman as she leaves her second home of Nigeria to return to the United States, where she is born. In this future Earth, aliens have landed and taken up residence with us, where they can - the U.S. is going through some strong anti-alien sentiment as the story kicks off. The main character is also quite pregnant... "Who is the father?" is asked more than once during the story. She has her reasons for leaving her fiance in Nigeria and coming to the United States, but those are revealed over the course of the story.
The setting is ripe in imagination - airports and streets and stores full of humans and aliens of all colors, shapes, and sizes. The colors bright and vibrant. Self driving cars. Self watering flower pots. This would be a fun future to live in... if we can overcome our bias and live equally with our alien friends. I was struck by the crowds of alien/immigrant protestors asking for or against equal rights and admittance to the U.S., since I read this during the ongoing protests against police violence in June 2020. (Also there are a few REALLY FUN signs mixed into the crowd if you look for them.)
This will be a work that turns over in my mind every so often. Excellent science fiction that has made me think and will continue to make me think.
jen_na's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
stacieh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
katieinca's review against another edition
4.0
Did you know that Nnedi Okorafor has written a comic about aliens (the space kind) & immigration? With an adorable sentient plant character? And protest humor? Now you do.