iffer's review against another edition
3.0
I LOVE the character art and coloring on this book. Both the characters and creatures look rad. Although I really liked the character design, I found the layouts good, but not notable. The story gets off to kind of a slow start, but I like the premise, and the importance of the brother-sister relationship, and I'd like to read more.
fictionalhannah's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Honestly, the art was the best part of this book. The story was seriously lacking and just kind of all over the place.
apologiesforeverything's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
4.25
immense_storm's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ericawrites's review against another edition
3.0
I loved a lot of this. The main characters were great and set up in a way that you immediately care for them. The art was lush and perfect. However, the story flow was very disjointed and this felt like a book one, partially unfinished.
ectoplasmeg's review against another edition
4.0
I really really really wish that I could give this 5 stars. I adored the concept. I loved the art. But there was just... something missing? As much as I love graphic novels (and I'm glad this is an OGN rather than a trade) I almost find myself wishing that it was a YA... duology? trilogy? I wanted more world building. A reason why. Some more mechanics behind the astral projection and tech and why someone was such a spiteful meanie.
snchard's review against another edition
3.0
Worth it for the gorgeous art, but the story seemed rushed. I might have liked it better had it been at least twice as long.
erinreve's review against another edition
3.0
This was okay - I read it for Blackathon 2019. The art was good, but the vivid colors from the cover did not carry over to the actual story, which was disappointing. Overall, it was enjoyable, but I doubt I will revisit it again.
srmilesauthor's review against another edition
4.0
I’m not a huge graphic novel reader, but I pick them up for time to time and I have to say that the cover for Afar was the main draw fro me. That beautiful brown face peaking out from a backdrop of planets and stars called to me: “Read me! Read about all of my black girl magic!” And, of course I had to answer the call. My husband, on the other hand, is a huge comic fan. He reads them on a regular basis and often takes trips to the comic book shop on release days to pick up new issues. He also has an impressive collection of X-Men comics that no one is allowed to touch all sealed away in plastic covers at the very top of our home bookshelf.
As a big reader as a kid I loved making images in my mind that coincide with the words on the page. That’s where comics threw me. I had to concede my mind’s eye to the artist’s eye and I still have trouble with it to this day, but if the artwork is truly stunning then I can roll with it. Which brings us to Afar again. It follows Boatema and your younger brother Inotu. They live in a postindustrial world that could be Earth or it could be someplace where humans now reside. In any case Boetema is the oldest and she’s kind of fed up with her conartist Father and the constant moving the family has to do. Things are further complicated when her parents leave her and her brother to fend for themselves while they find work elsewhere. She’s stressed out and irritated and she’s beginning to have weird dreams, dreams where she finds herself on different worlds, as different people, different creatures. Later, we find out that she’s got a rare power that she’s just beginning to understand.
The artwork in this is fantastic (I have to tweak Boatema’s signature hairstyle for my own collection) and I especially enjoyed the hyjinks her brother, Inotu would get into. He offers a bit of comic relief with his pet monkey and there’s a lightness to him that we see in elementary level books with black boy characters, but all but disappears as boys of color get older. In this world he’s free, happy and completely willing to follow a monkey into danger. She, on the other hand, is serious and smart and dedicated to her brother. It’s an all ages quick read.
This book is perfect for:
Anyone looking for a quick escapist read
Anyone who loves adventure stories
Anyone who lived for Guardians of the Galaxy
As a big reader as a kid I loved making images in my mind that coincide with the words on the page. That’s where comics threw me. I had to concede my mind’s eye to the artist’s eye and I still have trouble with it to this day, but if the artwork is truly stunning then I can roll with it. Which brings us to Afar again. It follows Boatema and your younger brother Inotu. They live in a postindustrial world that could be Earth or it could be someplace where humans now reside. In any case Boetema is the oldest and she’s kind of fed up with her conartist Father and the constant moving the family has to do. Things are further complicated when her parents leave her and her brother to fend for themselves while they find work elsewhere. She’s stressed out and irritated and she’s beginning to have weird dreams, dreams where she finds herself on different worlds, as different people, different creatures. Later, we find out that she’s got a rare power that she’s just beginning to understand.
The artwork in this is fantastic (I have to tweak Boatema’s signature hairstyle for my own collection) and I especially enjoyed the hyjinks her brother, Inotu would get into. He offers a bit of comic relief with his pet monkey and there’s a lightness to him that we see in elementary level books with black boy characters, but all but disappears as boys of color get older. In this world he’s free, happy and completely willing to follow a monkey into danger. She, on the other hand, is serious and smart and dedicated to her brother. It’s an all ages quick read.
This book is perfect for:
Anyone looking for a quick escapist read
Anyone who loves adventure stories
Anyone who lived for Guardians of the Galaxy