It is has been a while since I have written something, so I thought I should just give an overview of what I have been reading. Recently, I worked through the Sandman collection and that has probably changed my life. I have written about it here. I started with the new issues from The Sandman Universe, and have specifically focused on The Dreaming. My favourite character in The Sandman collection is Delirium, and it seems I already have a favourite in The Dreaming, namely Dora (see featured image). We don’t know much about Dora yet, but I am looking forward learning more about Dora. Things we already know is that Dora can move between the different realms, she knows things about people and sometimes transform… Anyway, this is not a post about the Sandman, or Dora.
Connie introduced me to Monstress, I have been able to read through all three collections quite quickly. I have not read anything like Monstress before, and I am still trying to figure it out. In the graphic novel we are introduced to a young woman, Maike Halfwolf, who is the main character of the story. Within her lives (or sleeps) an ancient god – with frightening powers. And basically every one is after her to harness it, to use the power vested in her. At the same time she is trying to find out who she really is in the midst of this ongoing fight. I think the world building of Monstress is amazing. It reminds me of a fable-like world, a world where the gods still walk among us – but some gods have lost their powers and some have been forgotten. Also, something else that is really important to note are the strong female characters in Monstress. The world wherein Maike lives are characterised by strong matriarchal power structures which is refreshing to say the least.
And then a miracle happened, and this where I come to the last part of the post. I introduced my well read partner to the world of Saga. Yes, I have only read the first three volumes of Saga, but here is a graphic novel that Connie has not read. Holy shit! Saga and Monstress are both on the same level of world building in my mind, but personally I feel that Saga speaks more directly to world we live in. Monstress has a more personal focus in my mind, but that is also why it so powerful.
The world of Saga speaks more directly to the world that we live in – at least from my perspective. I can’t for example escape into the space opera world of Saga. It keeps reminding me that I am living in a world of hatred, pain, and people fighting about superficial differences between people. But there is hope in the story, and it is situated in an interracial family trying to survive in a world that wants to deny their existence and their love, and most importantly their daughter (who is also a narrator). I have only read the first three volumes, and there is still many to come.
Recently, I also read Crosswind. It is a story about a hitman and a housewife switching bodies. I am in two minds about the graphic novel – and need to read it again. Don’t get me wrong – I think it is really a great graphic novel, but I am not a big fan of body swapping narratives. It also speaks to me as a trans woman which I still need to think about. Not the body swapping part though, but more the trans character in the graphic novel, who is represented in a positive manner. I think this is a must read.
So that’s it. I have read other things as well, but let’s call it a night. Anyway, these are the graphic novels that stood our for me.
Plain Sarah Jane 