A review by dhiyanah
Lunar Boy by Cin Wibowo, Jes Wibowo

adventurous emotional inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

A kid-friendly graphic novel that's as charming as The Little Prince and as sweet as Steven Universe. Indu is a child of the Moon, who follows his adoptive mom to New Earth to discover his place within a wider community of humans. We see how on New Earth, he's immediately treated as different than everyone else - he's trans, a literal alien, and suddenly his only support system is too busy for him - this experience begins to shatter him.

It's through the efforts of those who want to relate to him, the people who reach out to find and understand him, that we see Indu opening up. He moves through his ordeals whole in himself and grounded in community. This was an achingly beautiful story, told through life-affirming art and dialogue, of not just self-acceptance but also of finding people who will accept you as you are, as you face life's changes. Chosen family. 

While there were some pretty serious themes brought up around identity and isolation, I felt like the optimistic conclusions make this a safe read for kids (and adults struggling with unsafe memories).

I flippin' love the characters, Lastri and Aminah! Appreciated the clever visual cues and symbolisms that made this a soothing, thoughtful, feel-good read. Highly recommended.
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