Evaluation
For this book, I’ll be evaluating the illustrations, characters, and theme.
First, the illustrations in this graphic novel are all done in colored pencil. Gillman (2017) uses this medium to beautifully depict the outdoors, capturing the many colorful layers of nature while also portraying its rough textures. Some of the most stark illustrations in this book help to establish the mood of the scene; specifically, when the characters find themselves around a campfire. There are two of these scenes in the book, and each time, the campfire has a dark, uncomfortable, almost angry tone to it rather than a cozy or safe tone. Gillman’s (2017) portrayal of these scenes matches the mood of what is going on at the time: as Bee tells stories about the history of this camp, it is revealed to both Charlie and the reader that the ideas and principles behind this camp are based in its historical oppression of Black and queer people. The deep, disconcerting red of these campfire scenes enhances Bee’s tone-deaf, white feminist rage, as well as Charlie’s growing discomfort with her place at this camp.
One aspect of the illustrations in this novel that I didn’t like as much, from a storytelling perspective, were the several wide and close-up establishing panels of nature. At times it felt appropriate, given that the group is on a hike, and these are scenes along the route. Other times it felt like these visualizations of nature were repetitive and detracting from the progression of the story. However, Gillman’s (2017) landscapes are beautiful, and other readers may enjoy the quiet, peaceful moments that they bring in the book.
Next up are the characters. Charlie, our main character, is a Black and queer teen whose relationship with God seems to be wearing thin. She is set up to be a dynamic character who will move from hesitating to speak up, to finding the confidence and the energy to speak up and create space for herself and others. However, she never fully gets to experience this character climax, as the book seemingly ends mid-plot (I will discuss this in the last paragraph of this section). That being said, her reactions to and frustrations with the camp, its leaders, and other campers are conveyed well through Gillman’s (2017) illustrations and dialogue, as well as Charlie’s internal thoughts, and she is a relatable character in personality, beliefs, and identity. Next, Bee is the main leader of this backpacking trip, as well as the main antagonist of the book. She often makes tone-deaf comments, excuses racist history in favor of continuing practices that only serve white women, and is frequently dismissive of Charlie’s struggles along the trail. The reader can feel her dismissive attitude through awkward excuses and body language, making her a strong antagonist. Readers may find this character similar to other adults in their lives who are meant to be leaders but lack the self-reflection to build inclusive spaces, and thus perpetuate harmful biases. Other characters, like Adelaide, receive jumpy and unrealistic character development, or little character development, which pulled me out of the narrative sometimes. I would have liked to see greater exploration of some of the main cast of characters, and while each in their own right is enjoyable, I didn’t feel like they were fully developed within the bounds of this novel. There is a mix of strong and flat characterization in this book, but I still found that I enjoyed engaging with the main characters and rooting for them.
The theme that stood out the most to me is that white feminism perpetuates harm and exclusion when left uncriticized and unchallenged. The book also addresses the importance of solidarity and intersectionality within community, and shows that these relationships can be the push needed to dismantle white feminism. Unfortunately, these themes never quite reach fruition in this volume. Like the characters, the themes are set up to accomplish more than they are able to because of where the story cuts off. The lack of a final conclusion aside, the themes of this book are socially relevant and relatable, as well as presented in ways that the target audience will be able to connect with.
This book, upon first read, seems to end abruptly. While resolving the issues set up in this narrative would serve an overall benefit, the story itself is strong enough to be enjoyed by readers as it is. That being said, the book is part of an ongoing web comic; I read the rest of what is available online, but did not include any of that material in this review. On the publisher’s website, the book description calls this “The first collection of Melanie Gillman’s extraordinary webcomic” (Iron Circus Comics). With the promise of future volumes, hopefully both the plot, themes, and characters will see a more final and full development. As series go, I would still say that this volume ends at an awkward point, leaving the reader hanging in uncertainty. If there were some indication of future volumes, whether a note at the end of the book or even a volume number on the spine, I think that would help readers—especially those who don’t at first know that this is a published web comic—better understand that there is more to come beyond this book. Happy reading!
References
Gillman, M. (2017). As the crow flies (M. Gillman, Illus.). Iron Circus Comics.
Iron Circus Comics. (n.d.). As the crow flies. https://ironcircus.com/product/as-the-crow-flies/
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