Home/World: A Circumnavigation of Our Shared Earth

by Ben Hatke

Eisner award–winning author Ben Hatke recounts his epic circumnavigation of the globe in Home/World, a profound graphic memoir perfect for fans of Bill Bryson.

One spring morning, Ben Hatke walked out his door and headed east, carrying a sketchbook and the audacious trust that if he journeyed long enough, the curve of the earth would bring him home again. What he met was a world more perilous and more generous than he ever imagined.

In Home/World, the Eisner Award–winning creator chronicles this circumnavigation through ink-and-watercolor pages that capture not just the sweep of continents but flickers of human a shared meal in a village, a moment of terror at a border crossing, the language of laughter breaking through babel. Hatke’s storytelling transforms the travel narrative into something urgent and immediate—a reckoning with our fractured yet resilient planet.

In an age when the world feels boundless and claustrophobic, Home/World offers not an escape, but a return. A return to wonder, to hope, to the possibility that strangers may prove kinder than we think, and to the belief that art may yet hold humanity together.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Memoir

384 pages, Paperback

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

Ben Hatke is an author and illustrator of graphic novels and picture books. Most notably he is the creator of the Zita the Spacegirl graphic novel series.

He posts art and stories online at:

www.benhatke.com

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley.

A beautiful book with surprising depth. I loved how Ben visually depicts his own doubts and fears. Ben shares the beautiful, funny, and scary moments of the trip with amazing clarity through his artwork. There is a good dash of whimsy, with Ben’s imagined conversations with historical globe circumnavigators who act as guides along his journey. Reading this as a child of international workers, parts of it felt painfully real. In the end we get beautiful lyrical drawings that are at times simple yet always stunning, emotional moments that nearly brought tears to my eyes, and a profound sense of gratitude for adventure, but mostly for family, friends, and home.

Thank you to NetGalley and First Second books for the ARC.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two things struck me about this book. The first is that the author could do this trip at all, because of the support of his network, his wife, his friends, and a certain amount of disposable income. The second is that he is very privileged, which he realizes when he leaves western Europe. Suddenly, the world is not his oyster.

It is not easy to circumvent the world, these days. As he points out, a lot of the ways that people such as Nelly Blye were able to go, no longer exist. Though he did not want to use an airplane, there were certain places that did not have any other way to go from point A to point B. As he points out at one point, the only way he could have traveled in some places was if he knew someone with a private yacht.

The illustrations are stunning. The people he meets along the way are wonderful. The places he goes to are fascinating. And his privilege gets him through western Europe with no problems. It is only when he gets to the former Soviet block that he runs into full trains and places that don’t want him.

I think it is hard for Americans to understand that some places just don’t want them. That they are not welcome. But, the author just continues on as best he can.

Could anyone make this trip? No. It would be hard for most of us without friends and family behind the scenes paying the bills, and keeping the homefront. But we have the author and his travel sketches so we can imagine what it was like.

Not all the stars, for this one, but dang close. It is well worth putting in a pre-order just to see some of the great illustrations, such as the one he did of the Grand Caynon.

Thanks to Netgalley and First Second for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out on the 6th of October 2026.

[Richard Propes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben Hatke is an Eisner award-winning author most known for the middle-grade graphic novel series "Zita the Spacegirl." With stunning sensitivity and insight, Hatke here recounts his epic circumnavigation of the globe carrying a sketchbook and the audacious trust that if he journeyed long enough the curve of the earth would bring him home again.

Flat-earthers would hate "Home/World: A Circumnavigation of Our Shared Earth."

A profound and insightful graphic memoir perfect for fans of Bill Bryson, "Home/World" isn't some inspirational graphic novel. Though always mesmerizing thanks to Hatke's remarkable artistry, Hatke's journey was one where privilege meets vulnerability and "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" meets "We Don't Want You Here."

"Home/World" captures powerfully captures the world that seems increasingly fractured and filled with conflict, however, Hatke's storytelling also beautifully reveals the flickers of humanity that keep us holding on to hope and to the world around us. There are moments of terror here, yet they are also moments of great tenderness and laughter.

For most, "Home/World" will offer a sense of return to hope and possibility, wonder and kindness. Hartke puts forth the possibility that sometimes seems absurd anymore - that art may very well hold humanity together.

I'm not one who frequently embraces the world of graphic novel, however, I fell in love with "Home/World" and can't wait to have it sitting on my shelf. As one who journeys (though certainly not around the world), I identified with so many these in "Home/World" and felt a kinship with both Hartke and "Home/World." Simply and exquisitely illustrated, "Home/World" captures Hatke's fears, doubts, anxieties, and revelations along his journey and also captured the power of humanity, from friends and family to complete strangers, to circumvent those fears, doubts, and anxieties as Hatke circumnavigates the earth.

"Home/World" is also the kind of book that will likely have you looking back on Hatke's other works if you've not already done so. Sublimely illustrated and with exceptional storytelling, "Home/World" is yet another wonderful literary experience from Ben Hatke.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If people knew the blessings travelers enjoy, then everyone would be on the road.” - Hadith quote found in Home/World

Home/World by Ben Hatke is a graphic memoir about his trek and circumnavigation of the globe. The artwork is captivating, and has beautiful warm sepia and blue tones with a loose, sketchy feel. I love the limited color palette as it brings a focus to the story which is fascinating: how does a person circumnavigate the Earth in a post-Covid era without using modern means of transportation like airplanes?

The flowing arcs of the drawing make for a beautifully written story that I enjoyed thoroughly from beginning to end, and plan to read again over the years. I read this digitally, and found it best in landscape mode because the two page layouts were stunningly beautiful and looked better when you can see them as a whole. I also am planning to buy the physical book to keep when it’s available. The crosshatching and shading is so lovely.

I especially loved seeing his loadout travel kit of what he packed, made to travel light and fast, not unlike Nellie Bly and her “Around the World in Eighty Days” adventure back in 1889-1890. Ben’s journey embarks from Strasburg, Virginia. As he begins his travels, he references the pain of having lost his youngest daughter in 2019 at four and a half years old. The graphic memoir then settles in to the first passage on the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner, and his time in London. We then cross Europe with him by train to Paris, Annecy, Genoa, Gravagna, Florence, and more, with time spent exploring or meeting with friends he’s known for years along the way. This book resonated with me as a traveler (of course, not to Ben Hatke's extent), but seeing his ship and train travel just gave me that wanderlust for seeing more of the beauty in the world.

Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for this ARC.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Hatke's Home/World is one of those books where the artwork immediately pulls you in. The illustrations are absolutely stunning. They're full of color, movement, and small details that make each stop along the journey feel vivid and alive. It's the kind of book where you’ll find yourself lingering on pages just to take everything in.

The premise itself is fascinating: Hatke sets out to circumnavigate the globe, completing the journey in 55 days. What makes the narrative especially interesting is how it reflects on the way travel has changed over time. The book touches on how modern realities, things like the lingering effects of Covid and rising political tensions, shape where we can go and how we experience the world. That reflection adds a thoughtful layer beneath what might otherwise feel like a simple travelogue.

At its heart, though, the story is really about family and grief. Hatke openly reflects on the loss of his daughter five years earlier, and those moments give the book an emotional depth that caught me off guard. The journey becomes not just about seeing the world, but about processing loss and reconnecting with the people who matter most.

Despite those heavier themes, the book remains uplifting and hopeful. It's also a very quick, accessible read, which feels funny to say considering the author spent nearly two months traveling around the globe to make it happen.

Overall, Home/World is a beautiful, reflective graphic memoir about travel, family, and finding meaning in the wider world. If you enjoy thoughtful travel narratives or graphic nonfiction, this one is definitely worth picking up. 🌍✈️📖

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Zaidee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home/World is a whirlwind adventure. The illustrations are simple and approachable, while still remaining immersive and full of movement. The sketch-like quality of the art and inclusion of photographs really conveys the feeling of a travel journal. For those that enjoy historical and detailed reads, there is plenty here in terms of history about explorers, transportation and communication. Though it’s a packed book, the story moves at a quick pace, never staying too long in any one place.

While it’s hard not to be swept along by the sense of wonder at the world and the ways in which we connect with one another, it is pretty immediately evident that Hatke is able to take this journey due to privilege and social connections. It is beautiful to see the ways in which friends, family, and acquaintances are a part of his journey, and also shows that something of this magnitude is likely inaccessible to most. Connections with strangers are an interesting contrast, highlighting our capacity to care for one another, but also the risky unknown of sharing space with people you've only just met. 

I was particularly struck by the inclusion of grief throughout the story, as this trip ends up becoming a part of Hatke processing the loss of one of his daughters. There is a great sense of magnitude throughout his travels, physically, emotionally, and historically. This book makes me want to travel or move somewhere new, while simultaneously appreciating what I have at home.

Many thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for the digital ARC!

[Sara M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I loved this book. So much so that I will most likely actually buy a copy for my personal collection when it comes out later this year. This was a total five-star read for me!
First of all, the illustrations were wonderful. They were beautiful in their simplicity, yet were expressive and finely detailed. They really gave me an idea of what was going on in the author's head and what he saw as he was travelling around the world. They're just really, really well done. I liked the touch of the personification of different thoughts going around in his head. The historical figures that he took inspiration from were constant companions on his trip around the world. His dark thoughts of doubt, anxiety, and fear at different points in his trip are manifested like little demon creatures that follow him. I really connected with that aspect of the book and it endeared the author to me. This book caused me to reflect on the world and how big it is - the "roundness" of the world. I would never have the ability to do a trip like this, but I loved reading about the author's adventures.
This book was shown to me by NetGalley (thank you NetGalley) - I did not previously know about it before seeing it on the website. I am so glad that this book found me, I loved it so much. I fully plan on following Ben Hatke's work in the future. If you like travelogues, reflections and ruminations, beautiful illustrations, and a grand adventure - read this book when it comes out in Fall 2026!!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home/World by Ben Hatke follow the artist on his decision to circumnavigate the world, something that is in many ways more difficult than those who may have done it a century before. While many things I'd wonder about such as food and toiletries are glossed over--he does seem to have a supportive global network--it does not distract from the overall takeaways from his journey. He shares historical events and art as he goes, informing the reader of different connections and allusions. We also get to meet his friends, co-workers, and other random people along the way, each adding to the special. nature of each place and the overall journey. He shares some of his personal mental struggles as well as political realities he faced as an American man traveling overseas. The sketches provide just enough detail as well, and the fluid movement through panels and pages adds to the trip as well. The blurbs were right: this is an excellent graphic memoir, which are always my favorite in the first place, and a good pick for those who are fans of Bill Bryson or William Least Heat-Moon. I laughed out loud at the "mental projection of Bill Bryson!" While it may not circulate as well in my high school library, I still plan on purchasing it, and I recommend it for others. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for this ARC. The physical copy of the book will be even more beautiful than the digital version!

[Matt Glaviano · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

One of my favorite author/illustrators, Ben Hatke (Zita the Spacegirl), attempts to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days (a la Phileas Fogg, or the much more real Nellie Bly). It turns out that this is extra challenging in our contemporary world of closed borders and reliable air travel (Why would anyone take a boat? scoffs the modern world). Hatke, however, is more than up for the challenge, and out of his adventures has created a moving and reflective narrative.

The appeal of Hatke has always been his art and Home/World gives that a chance to shine. There are beautifully rendered spreads of the many wonders he sees on his travels; there are the humorously sketched ghosts of globe trotters of the past and the many eccentric citizens of our planet he encounters. It’s a marvelous book to look at; I can’t imagine the time and effort it took to create a story out of 55 days of journeying, but the results are incredible.

Having followed his work for a while now, it’s emotionally satisfying to see Hatke reflect on some of the incredibly hard events he’s had to face in recent years. I think about him a lot – as an author, as a wandering soul, as a father – and I’m glad to know that he’s out in the world, keeping going, and still finding wonder in everyday beauty.

A thought provoking, emotionally effective read. Highly recommended.

[Jena · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Well the flat earther's will never get me now!"
I don't normally read a lot of graphic memoirs but between the peek of artwork inside and the description it was a must. Overall this was a 4.75/5! It may sound horrible to say but I can't give it a full 5 because I feel like there could have been more of a focus on the in travel stress or frustration. That said, there was so much to learn and experience throughout this novel. Not only are we passengers to this introspective journey around the world but we are learning about the figures who make those cities so memorable either through historical events, literature, paintings, or other art forms.
To be expected (I think), my favorite chapters were when you could see the concern and frustration of a change in plans or lack of a full safety net come to light. While terrifying, the chapters in which Ben Hatke didn't have friends or family in the area to help were the ones I think his travel experience was expressed the best. There was an honesty to the fear, the regret, and the hope.
Whether you are just getting into graphic memoirs or have a full collection of them, I think this is a must read.

[Gabry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story, I've been a fan of Hatke's for years and followed his sneak peak posts of the journey on socials. So excited to get to review the whole book early! A wonderful mix of philosophical and whimsical. The art style is different from his other books, but fits the tone perfectly. Simple and impressionist at times or detailed and precise at others. Also I absolutely appreciate Hatke's honesty and openness about his grieving journey. I've been on the periphery of family members who lost a small child and it is one of the hardest things to watch them navigate.
This book was an amazing endeavor and I hope just because the world seems to be getting smaller we don't forget how to really travel.

[Ryne Faber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced digital copy received from NetGalley!

A non-fiction graphic novel is sort of a hard sell for me, given that I don’t love non-fiction in the first place (I’m trying!). That being said, this was one of the best things I’ve ever read. Ben Hatke paints a beautiful picture of what traveling means to him, his family, his friends, and our world at large. Hatke’s nervousness, spirit, and his admission of grief turns this book in ways I never expected!

[Books Over People · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot to love about this book. Hatke’s inside thoughts being brought to life are really interesting. The magical realism was a nice touch, but I could see where people might dislike it. The coolest thing has to do with the eyes. You’ll know when you read it.

Thanks to Net Galley, First second books, and Mr. Hatke for the ARC.

[Patti Sabik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book, but I won't be purchasing it for my middle school library. I think my 8th graders would appreciate the text, but some of the artwork is explicit and erotic even though they are rendered from real world art.