CBR15Passport, already own
I read an interesting graphic novel. There are interesting illustrations that support, compliment, and become its own character. The equally interesting text can be taken “as is” and straightforward, or you can look for a deeper meaning. This is not a onetime read, as there are several parts and a few layers. What is this graphic novel called? Black Star by Eric Anthony Glover (or Eric A. Glover or Eric Glover depending on what source you are using, and since the book uses Eric Anthony Glover, I’m going with that.)
The book is about Dr. Harper North and Samantha (Sam) Parrish (I am not sure if she is a doctor, too, as like the Library Journal mentions in its review, there is “sometimes unclear narrative”). We start the book, and it continues in this faction, fractured. Flashbacks, jumps around and lots of show and not tell happen. I figure that while one character is called Cap, North is probably the leader of a team of four women who are traveling to another planet to find a cure for “tumors” (they never really tell you what the disease is, only that it took one of the crewmates younger sister) and a flower has something to do with it. Also, Parrish is out for the payday, while North supposedly is trying to find a cure (but clues (and Parrish) say otherwise, like maybe fame and fortune and glory might be on the table for her, too). The afterwards tells you this is a cat and mouse game, and when all is said and done, I was okay, see that, but is there more?
You see, I took everything as straight forward. I followed these two women (the two others are killed in a crash that destroys their main ship, leaving only a shuttle for one ejected several miles away) who know things the reader does not. I tried to piece things together, wondering what is happening. Maybe there is a love affair between two of the women, and maybe there is good in Parrish and bad in Harper. And other plot points you, the reader, decide for yourself. The afterwards also mentioned a color scheme that I missed, so that made me look back and see what I missed in the illustrations. And sure enough, it was there (no spoilers). So read the illustrations of Arielle Jovellanos.
I am not saying I hated this book, nor did I love it, but it is an experience book that works probably best for people who like “space stories” that are realistic and relatable. And while there is violence, it is as tasteful as possible, therefore teen to adult can read. but I recommend at least strong fourteen and up.
