A review by wesleyrose
Barbalien: Red Planet by Tate Brombal, Jeff Lemire

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!