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Galaxy #2
As The World Falls Down
The highly anticipated sequel to the YA trans coming-out graphic novel Galaxy: The Prettiest Star brings more romance, more action, and more queer joy as Taylor faces her biggest fear: the Vane.
Taylor Barzelay is finally living as her authentic self, a purple alien space princess with blue hair and superpowers. With a loving girlfriend, Kat, and an adorable talking corgi that doubles as a bodyguard, Taylor should feel more at home on Earth than ever. So why doesn’t she?
As Kat plans for life after high school, Taylor begins to wonder what the future holds for her. Despite dealing with bigots in her hometown, protecting her friend Nia Nal from an evil alien aunt, and honing her powers more than ever before, Taylor still isn’t sure she can claim her identity as the superhero Galaxy.
When the Vane, an alien race that destroyed her home planet, finally arrive on earth in search of Taylor, her biggest fear becomes reality. If Superman can’t even handle this threat, what chance does Taylor have to save her best friend, the love of her life, and the entire world?! Will she cast aside any doubt in time to become the hero she was always destined to be?
Taylor Barzelay is finally living as her authentic self, a purple alien space princess with blue hair and superpowers. With a loving girlfriend, Kat, and an adorable talking corgi that doubles as a bodyguard, Taylor should feel more at home on Earth than ever. So why doesn’t she?
As Kat plans for life after high school, Taylor begins to wonder what the future holds for her. Despite dealing with bigots in her hometown, protecting her friend Nia Nal from an evil alien aunt, and honing her powers more than ever before, Taylor still isn’t sure she can claim her identity as the superhero Galaxy.
When the Vane, an alien race that destroyed her home planet, finally arrive on earth in search of Taylor, her biggest fear becomes reality. If Superman can’t even handle this threat, what chance does Taylor have to save her best friend, the love of her life, and the entire world?! Will she cast aside any doubt in time to become the hero she was always destined to be?
208 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 21, 2026
Wow! I loved the first Galaxy book, but this is the one that really followed through with a lot of the setting up the first book did. I was so glad to finally see the Vane plot take center stage here, and the metaphor of being trans vs. being a superhero is just done so well. A part of me felt like THIS was what Axelrod had been building up to and really wanted to tell, but of course we had to get through the origins of book 1 (which was awesome in its own [different] way). Rye Hickman carries over on art from the Dreamer YA graphic novel and does a fantastic job as well. The Superman scenes in this book were *chef's kiss*, and you can tell Ma Hunkel is a favorite of Axelrod's. Along with the Dreamer YA graphic novel, this seems to round out a stellar trilogy, but I have my fingers crossed for more Galaxy (and Dreamer!) YA adventures, as it could easily keep going. Until then, I'll be following the characters in the "adult" comics line too. 5/5 stars and easily my new favorite book from DC's YA line.
May 6, 2026
Oh, I loved this so much. This is a beautiful coming-of-age story about finding your identity and power, dealing with trauma, and saving the world while you're at it. The conversation between Galaxy and Superman is really powerful both on its surface and as a not-really-veiled metaphor for passing (or not) as a trans woman. The friendship between Nia and Taylor that started off in Bad Dream continues here, and Kat continues to serve as a wonderful rock for Taylor. The Vane are legitimately scary as a threat after mostly being just talked about in the first Galaxy book. I hope that Axelrod writes a third Galaxy book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 stars
Several years ago, a student of mine introduced me to the first book in this series in a very meaningful way. That student had a strong personal connection to the main character that resonated with her so much, that all of the folks involved in my summer book club at the time (former students and buddies) just really fell in love with the book, the characters, and the messaging. When I saw there was a sequel, I nearly shot into the sky in a fashion similar to what Galaxy is up to on the cover.
All of the characters who make the first book so magical and memorable return for the follow up. Some of the struggles are the same, but the wins? They're even bigger. Being yourself, accepting yourself, and engaging in different kinds of love across your life experiences? They're all focal points of this stunner.
I can't get enough of this character or this series, and I loved this sequel as much as the original. I hope we get more of these. I'll be first in line trying to get the next arc, and I'll be raving about this to students, friends and family, and prospective readers of all kinds alike. Oh, and I've already pre-ordered it, which is what I recommend for all interested parties, too.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, DC Comics, and Galaxy, one of the greatest heroes of all time, for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Several years ago, a student of mine introduced me to the first book in this series in a very meaningful way. That student had a strong personal connection to the main character that resonated with her so much, that all of the folks involved in my summer book club at the time (former students and buddies) just really fell in love with the book, the characters, and the messaging. When I saw there was a sequel, I nearly shot into the sky in a fashion similar to what Galaxy is up to on the cover.
All of the characters who make the first book so magical and memorable return for the follow up. Some of the struggles are the same, but the wins? They're even bigger. Being yourself, accepting yourself, and engaging in different kinds of love across your life experiences? They're all focal points of this stunner.
I can't get enough of this character or this series, and I loved this sequel as much as the original. I hope we get more of these. I'll be first in line trying to get the next arc, and I'll be raving about this to students, friends and family, and prospective readers of all kinds alike. Oh, and I've already pre-ordered it, which is what I recommend for all interested parties, too.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, DC Comics, and Galaxy, one of the greatest heroes of all time, for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As someone who very much enjoys Galaxy as a character and loved the first book this sequel did not disappoint. It was a beautiful reminder that self acceptance doesn’t just magically get resolved at the end of a book but is a constant journey we are on with really good days and bad days too. Overcoming the feelings of being an outsider in society can feel so draining and overwhelming but it can be done, especially with such a strong support system. I absolutely loved seeing of Taylor’s and Kat’s relationship and how much they are each other’s rocks. It’s truly such a beautiful dynamic. I also love seeing what makes Taylor and Nia’s friendship so strong despite their family histories. As the world falls down starts off with a bang and the pace keeps you engaged throughout the whole book that I didn’t want to put it down. Galaxy goes through a lot and at times you really don’t know how on earth she will fix it all but her path to discovering the resolution felt so earned and I throughly enjoyed it. The book truly flew by and my only criticism is that I wish there was more!! The world needs more stories like this!
Thank you NetGalley and DC comics for the ARC of As the World Falls down!
Thank you NetGalley and DC comics for the ARC of As the World Falls down!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this arc courtesy of NetGalley and DC Comics.
Galaxy 2 is a wonderful sequel in art style and narrative to both Galaxy: The Prettiest Star and Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story. I'm a huge fan of Galaxy and Dreamer so I enjoyed seeing their stories continue together as two trans aliens living on Earth and how their experiences are both similar and dissimilar. Superman's trajectory as an alien and life factors into it and highlights the need for intersectional conversations. Galaxy 2 continued some of the same themes from the first book, and picked up the ongoing feelings of (as a trans or nonbinary person especially) once you accept yourself and live authentically and openly, you still experience fear and uncertainty about it. Jadzia Axelrod handles metaphors to explain the queer and trans experiences really well. I hope we see more of this storyline for Dreamer and Galaxy either in future graphic novels or in the comics.
My main critique is that more context/explanation about Nia and Galaxy's interaction in Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story would be helpful for readers who read Galaxy 2 before Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story. I do think some readers will find it a bit cheesy at times as well.
Galaxy 2 is a wonderful sequel in art style and narrative to both Galaxy: The Prettiest Star and Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story. I'm a huge fan of Galaxy and Dreamer so I enjoyed seeing their stories continue together as two trans aliens living on Earth and how their experiences are both similar and dissimilar. Superman's trajectory as an alien and life factors into it and highlights the need for intersectional conversations. Galaxy 2 continued some of the same themes from the first book, and picked up the ongoing feelings of (as a trans or nonbinary person especially) once you accept yourself and live authentically and openly, you still experience fear and uncertainty about it. Jadzia Axelrod handles metaphors to explain the queer and trans experiences really well. I hope we see more of this storyline for Dreamer and Galaxy either in future graphic novels or in the comics.
My main critique is that more context/explanation about Nia and Galaxy's interaction in Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story would be helpful for readers who read Galaxy 2 before Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story. I do think some readers will find it a bit cheesy at times as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read volume one earlier this year and very quickly Galaxy became one of my favorite DC characters.
I finished the first book satisfied but the story but wanting so much more of the characters. Lucky for me I had only a few short months before the next installation was released and to my surprise my ARC request was approved.
This book was everything I wanted it to be. The characters I loved were back and we were seeing more of their stories. The continuation of their stories was everything I wanted it to be. The art style was shifted a bit in this volume but in a way that is still very pleasing to the eye and fits the overall vibe of the story.
This book is such a beautiful reminder of the journey to self acceptance. It's so healing to see this portrayed in such a relatable but fantastical way.
I am pretty sure this book and its predecessor will remain on my "cant recommend them enough list" for a long time.
Read this series ya'll. It's so good and I cannot wait to have them on my shelf.
Thank you to NetGalley and DC Comic for the opportunity to review an advanced reader copy of this book. It was truly a delight.
I finished the first book satisfied but the story but wanting so much more of the characters. Lucky for me I had only a few short months before the next installation was released and to my surprise my ARC request was approved.
This book was everything I wanted it to be. The characters I loved were back and we were seeing more of their stories. The continuation of their stories was everything I wanted it to be. The art style was shifted a bit in this volume but in a way that is still very pleasing to the eye and fits the overall vibe of the story.
This book is such a beautiful reminder of the journey to self acceptance. It's so healing to see this portrayed in such a relatable but fantastical way.
I am pretty sure this book and its predecessor will remain on my "cant recommend them enough list" for a long time.
Read this series ya'll. It's so good and I cannot wait to have them on my shelf.
Thank you to NetGalley and DC Comic for the opportunity to review an advanced reader copy of this book. It was truly a delight.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Initially, I was worried about this. The first comic was fantastic and already perfect. I was skeptical as to why we needed a sequel but, my fears proved unfounded. The new book is just as endearing and heartfelt as the first one. I found myself missing the art style from the first book which was just so unique and a perfect fit for Galaxy.Rye Hickman brings the new installment closer to the art style see in Nia/Dreamers story from Bad Dream. It’s a good fusion of the two styles. All of the outfits here are fire! 🔥 All of these characters dress better than I do! 😅The last thing that I want to bring up is that the comic contains a pretty unique spin on the iconic world of cardboard speech from the Justice League cartoon.This ultimately places Clark as a firm ally who is able to grow and reassess his views. Overall ,a great message and well worth the read. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Thanks to NetGalley and DC comics for the digital arc!
Thanks to NetGalley and DC comics for the digital arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
so it's been awhile since I read the first in this series and I don't have access to it anymore and so I couldn't do a reread. I do think that would have helped but once I got going I remembered the characters and why I loved the first book so much.
I think I liked this one more cuz it feels more complete the more story you get obviously. in my review for this first book I mentioned that the ending felt abrupt and I think that this really does a good job at expanding upon that and letting our characters learn and love together.
I love all of the rep in this book. it makes it 10 million times better in my opinion. from our trans-lesbian main character to trans-secondary characters, fat disabled black love interest, a fat superhero secondary character, and more and it just makes stories so much more real to me when we have diverse bodies included.
there's even more love and more badass fighting in this book than there was in the first one
I think I liked this one more cuz it feels more complete the more story you get obviously. in my review for this first book I mentioned that the ending felt abrupt and I think that this really does a good job at expanding upon that and letting our characters learn and love together.
I love all of the rep in this book. it makes it 10 million times better in my opinion. from our trans-lesbian main character to trans-secondary characters, fat disabled black love interest, a fat superhero secondary character, and more and it just makes stories so much more real to me when we have diverse bodies included.
there's even more love and more badass fighting in this book than there was in the first one
May 10, 2026
Beautiful, if a little less impactful than the first volume, but I suppose that's to be expected. The first Galaxy story was about her road to acceptance, both in herself and for the world around her. As The World Falls Down takes Taylor away from most of her friends and plops her in Metropolis, where she has to learn how to be a proper superhero as well as true to herself, which is about as easy as you'd expect, especially with a Vane invasion on the way.
There's a lot of heart in this story, and it doesn't shy away from the hard topics, while still being light when it needs to be (the Power Of Love being a literal thing cannot be anything but whimsy, c'mon). I'm glad Galaxy's made her way into the DC Universe as a whole, but it is nice to get another story focused primarily on her.
There's a lot of heart in this story, and it doesn't shy away from the hard topics, while still being light when it needs to be (the Power Of Love being a literal thing cannot be anything but whimsy, c'mon). I'm glad Galaxy's made her way into the DC Universe as a whole, but it is nice to get another story focused primarily on her.
May 28, 2026
Another great installment of this graphic novel series. Axelrod again pulls off an empowering, engaging story about queer identity that would definitely appeal to a YA audience but is also just a great superhero book. The book plays with some of the origin story tropes but does so in smart new ways. It’s always with the support of your friends and family that you become who you are, and Galaxy has a great crew.
This book does an awesome job at demonstrating Galaxy’s powers, too, which are a little difficult to get your head around. There are some inventive ways that Galaxy uses the ability to manipulate energy, especially messing with people’s muscles in clever ways.
There are some showdown with the Vane was a little rushed but cool overall.
This book does an awesome job at demonstrating Galaxy’s powers, too, which are a little difficult to get your head around. There are some inventive ways that Galaxy uses the ability to manipulate energy, especially messing with people’s muscles in clever ways.
There are some showdown with the Vane was a little rushed but cool overall.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Galaxy is back for another graphic novel adventure. I recently read Bad Dream, in which she plays a minor role, so her story was fresh in my mind. I'm so glad we got to see Nia in this story as well. Galaxy is confronted with her worst fear: the Vane. And they're here to take over the world. Galaxy and those around her must find a way to stop the hive mind from ending the world. I had forgotten how young Galaxy is, which makes her more impressive. I do miss the art style of the first book, but I do also enjoy Rye Hickman's illustrations. Galaxy is a great character I hope to see more of. Thanks to DC and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and DC Comics for the ARC!
Galaxy: As the World Falls Down is a sequel following Galaxy, who encounters the Vane, her destined enemies.
This was a fantastic sequel. It maintains the same magical, colorful art and story. I loved the inclusion of Dreamer, as well. The story is more suspenseful than the first book, but it stays hopeful. The message of “love will save all” might seem tacky, but I loved it regardless.
If you loved the first Galaxy book, and if you love colorful stories about queer superheroes, this is for you.
CW: violence; xenophobia (against aliens); queerphobia
Galaxy: As the World Falls Down is a sequel following Galaxy, who encounters the Vane, her destined enemies.
This was a fantastic sequel. It maintains the same magical, colorful art and story. I loved the inclusion of Dreamer, as well. The story is more suspenseful than the first book, but it stays hopeful. The message of “love will save all” might seem tacky, but I loved it regardless.
If you loved the first Galaxy book, and if you love colorful stories about queer superheroes, this is for you.
CW: violence; xenophobia (against aliens); queerphobia
May 20, 2026
Continuation of both Galaxy's previous book and Dreamer's. I do love how these two creators seem to be working together, though it does make both previous books required reading for this one. This is a character driven book, and those characters are definitely a major strength. There is a solid plot with the invading Vane, but that plot definitely comes secondary to Galaxy/Taylor exploring her new life as a visibly alien, trans lesbian. Superman shows up, and I think Axelrod did a great job of keeping him from overshadowing all the other characters without nerfing either his powers or his personality.
April 28, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and DC for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think I liked this book more than I liked the first one. I thought it was fun seeing Galaxy accepting herself and trying to figure out what to do after high school. One thing I really thought was interesting was the prejudice aliens dealt with even in such a major city. I feel like it made it more realistic. However, I was confused where Nia came from. While they mention briefly about her connection with Galaxy, I would have loved reading that story.
All in all highly recommend this awesome Trans Queen Alien!
I think I liked this book more than I liked the first one. I thought it was fun seeing Galaxy accepting herself and trying to figure out what to do after high school. One thing I really thought was interesting was the prejudice aliens dealt with even in such a major city. I feel like it made it more realistic. However, I was confused where Nia came from. While they mention briefly about her connection with Galaxy, I would have loved reading that story.
All in all highly recommend this awesome Trans Queen Alien!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This felt like five stories in one and I liked it all. It was everything I wanted and more. From identity to imposter syndrome to trauma and so much more, this book explores deep, emotional topics with care, empathy, and just the right mix of humor. I also loved the portrayal of Superman and how Galaxy came into her own as a hero. All that said, Argus might be my favorite character.
I've been very eager to read this sequel and am grateful to NetGalley for the ARC.
I've been very eager to read this sequel and am grateful to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and DC Comics for this ARC!
This follow up to Galaxy’s debut story is just as heartwarming, colorful, and soul touching as the first. It follows our pink and powerful girl there finding herself as a hero and what her future may look like dealing with the ramifications of her past.
Overall, it was a great read. I felt like it rushed through some of the more poignant or dramatic moments, but not in a way that is detrimental to the story.
This follow up to Galaxy’s debut story is just as heartwarming, colorful, and soul touching as the first. It follows our pink and powerful girl there finding herself as a hero and what her future may look like dealing with the ramifications of her past.
Overall, it was a great read. I felt like it rushed through some of the more poignant or dramatic moments, but not in a way that is detrimental to the story.
May 9, 2026
i hate to be a killjoy becuz i was looking forward to this sequel, but the new art style really brought this story down for me. vash taylor's art was perfect for the character of galaxy, and it was such a disappointment they weren't brought back for the sequel. the writing was decent enough, i think it was about equal to the first one, and i recognize the importance of what this story is doing, but man, i just can't get past the art change.
March 4, 2026
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s been some time since I’ve read any superhero comics, but if they were all like Galaxy, I would sure wind up reading more of them. The characters feel very human with real worries. And Superman in this is such a genuinely kind and helpful guy, it’s great to see. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
It’s been some time since I’ve read any superhero comics, but if they were all like Galaxy, I would sure wind up reading more of them. The characters feel very human with real worries. And Superman in this is such a genuinely kind and helpful guy, it’s great to see. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this all important sequel, Galaxy takes steps into the larger DC Universe and truly begins her superhero journey that hits all the right emotional beats and had me cheering her on loudly by story’s end.
Special Thanks to DC Comics and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
Special Thanks to DC Comics and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
May 8, 2026
Just as beautiful as Galaxy 1, I'm truly in love with this gang of characters and the way they support and uplift each other 🥹
The art style is one of my favourites of any comic, and Taylors design is so beautiful, im so glad we're getting to see more of her and more of her and Nia together!!
Also that cunning linguist joke making it in, god bless
The art style is one of my favourites of any comic, and Taylors design is so beautiful, im so glad we're getting to see more of her and more of her and Nia together!!
Also that cunning linguist joke making it in, god bless
May 24, 2026
Galaxy: As the World Falls Down is a fantastic sequel to Galaxy: the Prettiest Star (and semi-sequel to Bad Dream: a Dreamer Story). It tells a wonderful tale about found family, love, being your authentic self, and standing tall against overwhelming and oppressive odds. Also, who doesn't love more Galaxy and Dreamer team-ups?!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and DC Comics for the e-ARC of Galaxy 2: As The World Falls Down!
5 / 5 ⭐
There isn’t a single part of Galaxy’s two solo books that I haven’t loved. Will be picking up Hawkgirl: Once Upon A Galaxy as soon as possible.
5 / 5 ⭐
There isn’t a single part of Galaxy’s two solo books that I haven’t loved. Will be picking up Hawkgirl: Once Upon A Galaxy as soon as possible.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A step down from the first volume. The artist and art style was changed, which was a poor decision.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Representation: trans lesbian protagonist, lesbian Black secondary character, queer secondary character of colour, Black tertiary character.
Content Warning: violence.
Content Warning: violence.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Really wonderful, even better than the first.
May 24, 2026
Pew-pew, you ant-faced @#%*.
May 25, 2026
Loved it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5/5 An interesting follow up to book 1, but the story didn't flow quite as well as the first and felt like it didn't know where it was going at times. If the series continues, I'd like to see Galaxy have a clear objective for what she wants to do going forward.
April 23, 2026
What a great follow-up to Galaxy the Prettiest Star.
The story was so much fun and it gives you a sense of hope. The artwork is superb and so unique, it bursts off the page with such a vibrant color palette.
I definitely recommend checking out this follow-up and you may even get some surprises.
The story was so much fun and it gives you a sense of hope. The artwork is superb and so unique, it bursts off the page with such a vibrant color palette.
I definitely recommend checking out this follow-up and you may even get some surprises.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews