Across a Field of Starlight by Blue Delliquanti

I’ve struggled to post this review. I found myself in the story in a way that was painful, a way that was so acutely myself that I wanted to hide it. However, this story is beautiful, magical, and worthy of your time. I hope you read it and find joy, sadness, and maybe a touch of pain. But remember, the friends within are there for comfort, not harm.

This is the second of Blue’s books I have read, and I love it. The art style in this novel is expressive and full of life. Every movement feels intentional, and the characters are full of emotion and conflict. This sci-fi graphic novel is full of love, dreams, connection, and queerness. It was a story written for my soul.

Fassen and Lu are the main characters; boy, do they uphold their positions.

Fassen, a young trans man, is courageous, intelligent, loving, and unsure of his abilities. He struggles with feelings of rejection and incompetence while being a flourishing person who wants more than the war he has been in. I saw a version of a younger me in him. He wants to please and help, and sometimes that means he really screws up. His intentions, though good, are meant to push him to the background while focusing on others.

I adore that he is not alone throughout the story and has managed to find a friend, Lu, who sees worth and companionship in him. Lu is strong, capable, intelligent, and caring, so very caring. She wants to know more about Fassen, and the war, and the space around her. Accompanied by her AI friend Field, she searches, creates, and studies while reaching out to Fassen.

The war between the Blossom Empire and Fireback has thrust the universe into turmoil. It has been ripping through planets and tearing apart families. It is not only the setting but also the driving force for much of the plot between Fassen and his comrades in the rebel forces. A story of those in charge wanting to end the war by any means necessary, all the while catching innocents in the chaos.

Blue is a master of storytelling in both words and art. This novel stuck with me for so much longer than the last page. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a tender, touching, emotional story and just a really good time.