Across a Field of Starlight Comic Review
Across a Field of Starlight is a stunning portrait of long-distance friendship and the queer space adventure comic readers need.
In recent years, there has been a boom of queer science-fiction in comics — from On a Sunbeam, to Kim & Kim, to Cosmoknights. Now, Across a Field of Starlight by Blue Delliquanti joins that canon. The graphic novel is about Lu, a scientist from a commune free from the rule of the Blossom Empire, and Fassen, part of the resistance against said empire. While they are often light-years apart, the forbidden friendship they develop is strong. When their worlds collide, that friendship is put to the test.
At the heart of Across a Field of Starlight is Lu and Fassen’s friendship and the positives and negatives that come with a long-distance relationship. The joy these two feel when they simply receive a message from one another and the worry they express when apart rings true, especially given the high stakes of this universe. Plus, Delliquanti does an excellent job showing that these two are individuals first — sometimes they don’t see eye to eye, but that makes their dynamic all the more realistic and engaging.
Fassen’s perspective on the universe is particularly interesting. As a child born into this rebellion, they’ve grown up far too fast. While they fight for freedom, they feel like they must conform to the role of a soldier without question, and even acts of kindness cause them to pause. Often in media like Star Wars, we see the positives of rebelling against an oppressive system. While there is no question the Empire is something that needs to be stopped, Across a Field of Starlight reminds us that war is not pretty, even when you are fighting for what’s right.
Adding in Lu’s perspective allows Across a Field of Starlight to delve fully into the complexities of free will and human rights. Unlike Fassen, Lu is from a commune where no one is in debt to others. Kids are free to be kids and basic human needs like food, health care and water are not a privilege but a right. It’s a stark contrast to Fassen’s world, and it not only adds more complexity to the central friendship but it also adds to the rich tapestry of this universe.
The universe also comes fully to life because of Delliquanti’s art. Space does not feel like a monolith. Readers not only see how diverse different corners of the universe can be, from the more desert-like planets to the blend of lush nature and tech surrounding the commune, but they also see how diverse the people are. Space is limitless, so it’s not only refreshing to see so many unique faces populate it but it also makes the most sense.
These faces are also hyper expressive in the best way. Strip away the dialogue and one would still know exactly how these characters are feeling. Plus, there is a fluidity with Delliquanti’s art that makes the action scenes feel natural. On top of all that, the color work pops. At times, especially toward the end, it feels abstract and psychedelic. It’s exactly what fans of fun sci-fi are looking for, even though the story itself deals with some heavy themes and high stakes.
Fans of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power and Steven Universe are sure to be fans of Across a Field of Starlight, as this graphic novel delivers on space adventures, complicated themes and the power of friendship. Most importantly, despite the intergalactic setting, the characters feel grounded, and one can’t help but relate to and root for Lu and Fassen.
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