On a Sunbeam:

By Tillie Walden

I feel like whenever people think of comics, they immediately think of superhero franchises, like Marvel or D.C. Or if their taste is a bit more alternative,  maybe they’ll think of Japanese Manga. However, there’s a niche of independent Western comics that are severely underappreciated in the larger reading community. I came across On A  Sunbeam while browsing my library’s graphic novel section two years ago, and picked it up because of its pretty cover design. Safe to say, I’m glad I did.

On A Sunbeam, by cartoonist Tillie Walden, depicts a gorgeous space opera through two parallel stories. On one hand, we watch two teenagers attending a private school slowly fall in love. On the other, we follow a maintenance crew as they travel through space and repair ancient structures. How the stories connect and come together is the main plot of the graphic novel.

Whenever I find myself mentally exhausted, I find myself picking up this book. I feel like graphic novels have a bit of stigma of not  being “real books”, but I believe that they can carry just as much meaning as traditional novels told in text can. The huge, sweeping illustrations in On A Sunbeam, convey so much in their silences, that it’s hard not to consider this book as real literature. It has a particular vibe to it that reminds me of the old Amar Chitra Katha comics my relatives used to bring me from India. Despite the futuristic and void-like concept of space travel and rocketry, this book still manages to feel so, so warm. Walden’s artstyle simplifies the human form, but uses elaborate detail in depicting the backgrounds and scenery of the comic. Her mastery of color and shadow is such a treat to the eyes, while still being calming enough that I can read it when I’m tired.

 Walden’s worldbuilding is fantastic as well; the spacetime depicted in this book is wholly unique and different from any other space opera I’ve ever read, mixing elements of folktales and ancient history with high-level science fiction. The characters in the story feel painfully human as well. The relationships depicted are so realistic and intimate, despite the absurdity of the setting. 

No matter how many times I reread this book, it feels like a breath of fresh air. I always end up staring longingly at the sky, feeling hopeful for my future, a little less afraid of growing up. This book is a great introduction to independent graphic novels, a supremely underappreciated medium in my opinion. Check it out if you’re into space fiction and coming-of age stories.

4 out of 5 Stars