Reviews

Barbalien: Red Planet by Tate Brombal, Jeff Lemire

gsroney's review

5.0

Riffing on Martian Manhunter's mythology by having him explore his identity and sexuality during the height of the AIDS epidemic? This was honestly really perfect.

myqz's review

4.0

Really happy to see Barbalien’s story fleshed out. Examining lgbtq identity and gay liberation through an alien perspective is a tightrope walk, but one that Brombal and Lemire pull off with grace. Some issues with pacing and editing that didn’t quite make this a clean read for me, but there’s a lot of power, beauty, and pain in the story (Barbie’s “you act as if anger cannot be just” in the face of his oppressor gave me chills). Special book, and I look forward to reading more from Brombal.

wesleyrose's review

4.0

On Earth, Barbalien is referred to as Mark Markz. He is a police officer amid the AIDS crisis in North America. The story offers perspectives of discrimination towards those affected by AIDS on Earth and the criticism Barbalien faces on his home planet.

The graphic novel balances historical depictions and sci-fi seamlessly. The telling is emotional and heartfelt, as is expected with all of Lemire and Brombal’s work. They manage to blend fantastical elements into an overtly human story. I am so happy to have read this graphic novel, and it will be one that I highly recommend.

I haven’t read [b:Black Hammer, Vol. 1: Secret Origins|25893783|Black Hammer, Vol. 1 Secret Origins (Black Hammer)|Jeff Lemire|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1539824649l/25893783._SY75_.jpg|45775844] (yet), and I didn’t find I was missing out on too much, and there was no confusion. I believe one conversation early in the story referred to Black Hammer, but the situation’s gist was abundantly clear.

Hernandez Walta’s artwork is beautiful. I found that the use of colour helped set the mood and atmosphere of several scenes. For example, many more underground or secretive scenes have a darker tone, while scenes of hope are more colourful.

This graphic novel is emotional, riveting and delicately told. I can’t recommend it enough!

joshgauthier's review against another edition

4.0

As Lemire hands a lot of control over to co-writer Tate Brombal for this story, Barbalien: Red Planet delivers a compelling story about identity, freedom, and violence in the midst of the AIDs crisis and Barbalien's own personal quest to find his place in the universe. With strong art from Walta and the rest of the creative team, this collection delivers another strong chapter in the ever-expanding Black Hammer world.

redhairedashreads's review

4.0

I was extremely surprised by how much I enjoyed this graphic novel.  I don't usually read superhero graphics but Barbalien's story was instantly captivating, emotional, and all about finding yourself. This focused on Barbalien trying to figure himself out and build a life on Earth. This involves him protesting with other LGBTQ people, dealing with AIDS fears, and figuring out love. 

I haven't read any of the Black Hammer comics and I didn't need to. This did a great job at being its own story so I never felt confused by what was going on. Overall this was a very good story that tackles some very emotional topics. 

Trigger Warnings: characters with AIDs and dying from it; riots; police violence; gun violence and death

kryten4k's review

challenging reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

vroodles's review

challenging dark emotional inspiring sad 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

5.0

skye16's review

4.0

Putting a superhero spin on finding yourself, the aids crisis, police brutality and resistance.

adam3's review

challenging reflective medium-paced

3.75

hellocookie's review against another edition

5.0

One of the most important books on shelves right now. This tells such a vital and REAL story, hidden within a superhero comic book. Tate Brombal writes with such an incredible passion and fierceness that comes through in every single panel on the page. Gabriel Walta and Jordie Bellaire are the DREAM TEAM with their art and colours. I stopped regularly just to take in all the subtleties of their work that brings Brombal's story to life on the page. And Aditya Bidikar's lettering is brilliant - from the alien language to the every day dialogue and bright word pops of Dr. Day and the Sunlight Sisters. Everyone poured their heart and soul into this story and you can tell.

This book is perfect in every way and it is a MUST read.