Longing

by Andre Campbell

In this graphic novel by Andre Campbell the author introduces you to Cal, a disabled young man who has had a rough experience in life. Personal challenges and bullying by his peers makes his life challenging to say the least. With his loyal dog, Max and a loving family he remains hopeful that things can get better. He is given a journal written by his birth mother by his adoptive parents that will forever change his life.

This is Andre Campbell's statement to all those whose lives are wrought with challenges. It is his reminder that they are not alone in wanting things to get better.

The interior of the Paperback is black and white to also provide an opportunity for the reader to engage in their own artistic experience by coloring it in with the medium of choice.

28 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2013

About the author

Andre Campbell is a writer, blogger, comic artist and speaker who has Cerebral Palsy – a disability that affects his muscles. However, this doesn't define him, after several trying/difficult years, he graduated from high school, and now, Andre lives on his own in southern Ontario, Canada, working away on his comics.

Like a lot of young people, Andre didn’t love his high school experience. In many ways, he was a normal, angst-y teenager, but if you asked him, he would say that he felt pretty different. Campbell’s peers used his disability and sexuality to bully him, and aside from this, issues related to his Cerebral Palsy became almost too much to handle. After finishing high school, things got better for Andre. Nothing changed overnight, but things did change, and they continue to improve. Good changes are possible for anyone, no matter who they are!

Reviews

[Victoria Bennison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andre Campbell portrayed the angst and vulnerability of adolescence, sensitively and with honesty in the Starkeeper Series One and Two. I found it refreshing to see Cal, the main character, using powers that are not necessarily considered super, but whose qualities are often overlooked by society. I recommend this series to anyone feeling alone in a very big Galaxy, and to those that believe adventures were meant for all.

[Peter Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended Starkeeper, as I normally stick to reading Thrillers and Biographies I wasn't sure I would like it. But by page 3 I was hooked and had to read it all in one sitting. This shouldn't have taken too much time as it's a well illustrated Graphic Novel and not that wordy. It actually took me a good few hours to finish.
Without giving too much away the author, Andre Campbell, introduces his readers to Cal, a disabled teenager, who finds out he has been given a special gift. I paused so many times to consider how Cal must have felt dealing with situations at school and home.
Parts of the book are really touching and many readers will be able to relate to the issues Cal has to deal with. Though not autobiographical, knowing Andre Campbell himself is a wheelchair user makes parts of the book more poignant and real.
In no way does Cal wallow in self pity, in fact when you read the book you will see that his 'gift' actually makes him pretty special. This could be taken as a metaphor for People with disabilities having a Higher State of Conciousness, or this could just be the way I see it?
Whatever way you want to interpret Longing (Starkeeper, #1) it doesn't matter, it's a Great Read and like me you will be longing for Mr Campbell to finish the next instalment

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a big fan of graphic novels but this was a interesting reading, the story grabs you and the events unfold but just as you are really getting into the story it ends pretty abruptly, there is a event right at the end where "something" happens but you are not told what??? While I could accept this as a teaser to a larger story as a fully priced book it seems we are not getting our money's worth here.

I would enjoy reading this story but I have to admit that at $5 an episode (assuming the others are this short) it would seem to be a very expensive habit quickly. I will take a look at the next one but if it is $5 for about 20-30 pages I might have to pass on it for purely economic reasons. This episode did little but introduce me to some characters and setup a storyline, something that a good synopsis should do.

So bottom line: Great Story, little substance, reader left frustrated and while wanting more has to wonder about the long term cost of this series.

[Richard Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting take on what appears to be a super-hero comic. Can't wait to see what happens to Cal and more of the backstory. I recommend it and even though it may seem a bit pricey some money does go to charity.