Firefly: Back From the Black

by Joey Spiotto

Ever wondered how the crew of Serenity would fare if they landed back on Earth-That-Was? Would we see etiquette classes by Inara? Remedial math lessons from Jayne? Could River make it as a psychic poker champ? And what kind of carnage could Saffron cause with a charity kissing booth?
Find out in this cute cartoon collection from Joey Spiotto.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Science Fiction, Picture Books, Humor, Comedy, Pop Culture

160 pages, Hardcover

Published July 18, 2017

About the author

Joey Spiotto is the author and illustrator of Grumpy Unicorn as well as Alien Next Door and Firefly: Back from the Black. He has created artwork for numerous clients including Disney, LucasFilm, Marvel, Microsoft, Rare, Loot Crate, and more. Joey is a regularly featured artist at Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles where he’s had several solo exhibitions. He’s worked as a concept artist in the film and video game industry on such titles as The Polar Express for Warner Bros. and Dead Space and The Sims for Electronic Arts. He lives in Southern California with his wife and two sons.

(source: Amazon)

Reviews

[Karen’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adorable graphic novel about what would happen if the Firefly gang came back to Earth! The cafe barista saw my Firefly t-shirt I was wearing and brought this to me while I was enjoying my coffee at Barnes and Noble.

There were a few times that I laughed out loud, and I had a couple of people stop to ask me about it.

If you're a Firefly fan, you have to pick this one up!

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was adorable.

[Wendle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art is simple, but cute. The most expressive and comical character is by far Jayne, with his icon hat and range of emotions he is stand out in this book. The colours are all bright and fun, with characters in familiar and new scenarios, usually with a twist or visualising something only referenced in the show (Wash juggling geese was particularly amusing). There are also more scenic panels, often with some glorious negative space (my weak spot–i love it), like Serenity parked up on a quiet suburban street or Jubal Early trying to hitch a ride while floating, unanchored, in space. Any page would look at home in a frame.

It’s a fun little book of adorable little Firefly cartoons. It’s not that deep, but it is that sweet. I loved it.

A slightly longer review can be found at my book blog: Marvel at Words.

[Thea Angelico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and clever quotes/references without words. Amazing, 10/10 no notes.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, but lacking in substance. The simple, one panel comics are more like what I expect to see on tumblr, not a published book. I was really put off by the art style, but that's my personal taste. It's honestly a three star book, but I find myself unable to rate anything Firefly related below four stars...

[Chloe A-L · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's boring schlocky capital N Nerd fan art with no depth or substance (or thought put into it). And the arts not even good.

[Hannah Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me feel warm and fuzzy!

[Theresa F.]

As a casual Firefly fan who hasn't actually watched the series in years, too many of the sight gags in this book went over my head. But die-hard 'Browncoats' would probably crack up big time, assuming that they took it in the spirit of good humor that the author/artist intended and weren't offended by him poking affectionate fun at the series.
Did I like it? I couldn't fully appreciate it, but I think this book was intended more for the hardcore fans.
Would I reread it? Considering I have no plans to binge-watch the entire series just so I can get all the jokes, probably not.
Would I recommended it? I know people who are way more into the Firefly fandom than I am, so I would recommend it for them.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shiny.
But really this was cute. Jayne = hilarious. Kaylee was just adorable and Wash was wholesome. Made me miss the camaraderie and wit of this short lived series.

So glad I ordered this copy from Forbidden Planet. 😍

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and humorous. Love Joebot's art. This should be on the book shelf of every Browncoat!

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neat illustrations. I think I caught most of the references on the first pass. Nothing super special but well done for what it is.

[Cf Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shiny!

[Olivia Ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO CUTE <3 <3 <3

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like all books of this kind, you're enjoyment depends on your knowledge of the show. I laughed at a good number but some of the references were completely over my head.

[Jacob Williams]

No rating on it

[Mosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art in this is just so good damn spot on for the characters and hilarious. My favorites were The Goodnight kissing booth, the firefly jar and the miss verse.

[Gene · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inside joke that’s kinda silly.

[Xander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun little book that as soon as I reached the end, I found myself restarting

[Chrysti Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The images are great. Nice to see all of the fan favorites again in a whimsical way.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute read!

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute lil' picture book inspired by our favourite cancelled-by-Fox tv show.

[LeeAnn Montemayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love!!!

[T. Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's basically a published collection of fan art?