Volume 1
What a phenomenal beginning. I cannot pick my favorite aspect between the cover, the characters, the world building, or the narrative voice. The cover drew me in, a woman of color on the cover breast feeding a baby? But what kept me reading were the dynamics of the characters and their surprising depth. The whole cast of characters were fascinating and we got a taste of each of them. There was a fantastic balance between multiple story lines and simplicity. We were not overwhelmed by the characters, world, or plot. I am in love with the drawing style and the intricate and detailed world building is phenomenal. What is so intriguing is the relationship between the people of the Moon and the Planet. Last, but not least, the perspective of the narrator is not only one of reflection, but the voice of their child. Totally re-read worthy.
Volume 2
This brings me to my favorite volume of them all: number two. In this volume the characters are explored more and their relationship is one of my favorites in all the graphic novels I have read. Their relationship crosses boundaries and their love transcends the over arcing war behind them. The added characters in the mix merely develops their own relationship further. Additionally, we are not able to draw black and white lines of moral character. (I can also not get over the fact that Marko and Alana fall in love through books, I mean come on!)
Volume 3
With volume three the plot becomes more and more complex. The story is always detailed and funny, but more and more challenges pop up. Yet what surprised me the most was the depth of the characters, main and side alike, in this series. It is amazing the complexity that can be conveyed with so little text and truly speaks to the craft of composition. There are beautiful moments of wise words about children, love, and books mixed in as well.
Volume 4
Volume four really tested my love for this series as Alana and Marko go through some difficult, but realistic, challenges. There are stories of varying scales from the everyday romance to the commentary on war and poverty. My favorite part of this volume was the expansion of the seal character, Ghus, he is a big cutie. And what this volume highlights the most, is the truly universal love we have for family.
Volume 5
What made me appreciate volume five the most was the incredible moments of wisdom from Hazel, the narrator. Even more pronounced in this edition, Hazel uncovers and puts our characters flaws and mistakes into perspective. Among my favorite tidbits of wisdom is “every relationship is an education”.
Volume 6
And finally for volume six. By this point I am used to and expecting all the twists that make me heart wrench. More characters and intrigue are added and my need to see where the plot goes next is only heightened by the non-stop action. When can their love be allowed and when will they be given peace? Is this even a realistic desire for them? I am eagerly awaiting the seventh.
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If you liked this review, you might like my review of Robota