Having read Witchlight by Jessi Zabarsky, I knew I wanted to read this queer graphic novel. Especially as I loved Zabarsky’s color work and drawing style. If you like graphic novels which explore magic and traditions (versus change) you have to check this one out. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
Preet is magic.
Valissa is not.
Everyone in their village has magic in their bones, and Preet is the strongest of them all. Without any power of her own, how can Valissa ever be worthy of Preet’s love? When their home is attacked, Valissa has a chance to prove herself, but that means leaving Preet behind. On her own for the first time Preet breaks the village’s most sacred laws, and is rejected from the only home she’s ever known and sent into a new world.
Divided by different paths, insecurities, and distance, will Valissa and Preet be able to find their way back to each other?
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
First of all, we need to chat about the gorgeous illustrations from Zabarsky. There are some truly striking panels and the line work is delicate and powerful all at once. If you love magical graphic novel artwork, this is a definite must read. Secondly, Coming Back unexpectedly struck a chord within me. I can’t talk about what specifically happens, but I may have teared up! As a whole, Coming Back is a graphic novel that asks, “just because it is this way now, does it always have to be the same?”
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We can be so convinced that the stories, our legends and myths, have to remain the same. That the traditions that have always been, must always be. All while we forget that the nature of life is to change. That sometimes we need to break tradition to forge a new one in this world that will never stay the same. At the same time, Coming Back is about feeling worthy of love and acceptance. If you love fantasy graphic novels, this is for you!
Find Coming Back on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.