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Skin & Earth #1-6
Skin & Earth Vol. 1
The full collection of Lights’ masterwork is here! Based on Lights album of the same name, Skin&Earth is a story of a girl looking for hope in a hopeless world. Caught between romance and cults, gods and mortals, and just trying to find a good borscht, Enaia Jin is lead down a dark path by new lovers that reveals a twisted fantasy world and her own true nature. Set in a post-apocalyptic future ruled by the Tempest Corporation, the adventurous tale of loneliness, deceit and self-discovery that ties in with the 14-track corresponding album is compiled for the first time here with the complete comic book series and album in one epic interactive collected edition! Written and drawn by alt-pop phenomenon Lights. The collected edition includes: All 6 issues of Skin&Earth comic book, Interactive ShareCodes to access the full album, music videos and other bonus content, Links to exclusive merch, Variant art from Jim Lee, Joby Harris, Derek Lewis, Gianna Rose and Matt Mitchell, New bonus content, Personal introduction from Lights.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2018
29 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Lights
22 books153 followersAlways pushing boundaries, alt-pop phenomenon Lights has never shied away from a challenge. Through her first three records, Lights built an incredibly passionate fanbase, selling out tours around the world, earning 100M in U.S. streams, 200K in U.S. album sales, and two JUNO Awards, not to mention the 2M + rabid fans who follow her every move online. Yet through this success, she felt like she had more important things to say through her music but just didn’t know how to get them out.
Then came En, short for Enaia, a fictional character from a fictional world created in Lights’ imagination that is not altogether different from herself. Throughout a year long process, she began secretly working on an unprecedented idea writing and drawing her own comic book based around this alter ego of sorts. And on top of that, just to make things more difficult – an album to coincide with the whole thing.
Then came En, short for Enaia, a fictional character from a fictional world created in Lights’ imagination that is not altogether different from herself. Throughout a year long process, she began secretly working on an unprecedented idea writing and drawing her own comic book based around this alter ego of sorts. And on top of that, just to make things more difficult – an album to coincide with the whole thing.
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March 7, 2019
I am a huge Lights Valerie Anne Poxleitner Bokan fan: I enjoy her music tremendously and her style is always pretty nice to look at, plus she's a total babe and just seems nice and cool.
But, I hate comics. Hate might be strong word-and actually hate might not be accurate any more after reading this-so it took me a long time to even consider picking this up.
What I've read in the past might be partly to blame. I only went for things I knew and loved previously: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Terry Pratchett's Discworld as comic books are not for me. Everything I love about those things can't be put in to a comic book and therefore they were lacking. Boring. Disappointing.
But something about Skin & Earth drew me in. I think the fact there was a musical tie-in helped, and just that I was interested in Lights to begin with. If I didn't love Lights, this would never ever have been read by me, not ever.
I can't say how this compares in the comic book/graphic novel world, because I'm not apart of it and don't want to be. All I know is I like the drawings: they're nice and colourful and convey the story well, I like the text (sometimes): the important stuff was told well except toward the end when there was a bit of an info-dump, I like that it has Lights in it. She makes no excuses nor hides the fact that the character /is her/. And I kind of like that.
I've given about 2 stars for the fact it's Lights and for the album that comes with this, because you cannot read or listen to one without experiencing the other.
But the plot seemed to falter sometimes, and I found myself drifting through it without much thought of the whole thing because I need written description and don't really know how to visually enjoy a comic book. It isn't without faults, but it is hugely enjoyable for a Lights fan.
And, finally, this feels like a YA comic book, not an adult one. I dislike YA as a rule, and this had that cloying, eye-roll-inducing feel that I always get with YA stuff.
I liked it. I like Lights more, but I liked it.
But, I hate comics. Hate might be strong word-and actually hate might not be accurate any more after reading this-so it took me a long time to even consider picking this up.
What I've read in the past might be partly to blame. I only went for things I knew and loved previously: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Terry Pratchett's Discworld as comic books are not for me. Everything I love about those things can't be put in to a comic book and therefore they were lacking. Boring. Disappointing.
But something about Skin & Earth drew me in. I think the fact there was a musical tie-in helped, and just that I was interested in Lights to begin with. If I didn't love Lights, this would never ever have been read by me, not ever.
I can't say how this compares in the comic book/graphic novel world, because I'm not apart of it and don't want to be. All I know is I like the drawings: they're nice and colourful and convey the story well, I like the text (sometimes): the important stuff was told well except toward the end when there was a bit of an info-dump, I like that it has Lights in it. She makes no excuses nor hides the fact that the character /is her/. And I kind of like that.
I've given about 2 stars for the fact it's Lights and for the album that comes with this, because you cannot read or listen to one without experiencing the other.
But the plot seemed to falter sometimes, and I found myself drifting through it without much thought of the whole thing because I need written description and don't really know how to visually enjoy a comic book. It isn't without faults, but it is hugely enjoyable for a Lights fan.
And, finally, this feels like a YA comic book, not an adult one. I dislike YA as a rule, and this had that cloying, eye-roll-inducing feel that I always get with YA stuff.
I liked it. I like Lights more, but I liked it.
July 10, 2018
Is it really fair for one person to have this many talents? Lights is already an accomplished singer, now she's created a concept album with an accompanying comic book that she wrote, drew, and even lettered.
Starts off in a dystopian future where mankind has destroyed more of the environment. The elite are determined to suck the rest of the earth dry of its resources. En is part of the lower caste. We follow her around with her summer love for the first half of the story. Then Misuki shows up and the story quickly changes direction completely. The book was actually pretty good for someone who hasn't even created a comic book before. Something about the art reminded me a little of latter day Mike Allred. I thought it was definitely worth a read.
Received an advance copy from Dynamite and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Starts off in a dystopian future where mankind has destroyed more of the environment. The elite are determined to suck the rest of the earth dry of its resources. En is part of the lower caste. We follow her around with her summer love for the first half of the story. Then Misuki shows up and the story quickly changes direction completely. The book was actually pretty good for someone who hasn't even created a comic book before. Something about the art reminded me a little of latter day Mike Allred. I thought it was definitely worth a read.
Received an advance copy from Dynamite and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
June 8, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
So I've never even heard of Lights but I saw this book on NetGalley and I liked the cover and it sounded interesting so I figured I would give it a shot. Now this is a special edition that has the codes printed on the page so you can listen to the concept album as you read it, but I'll admit that I didn't actually listen to the music because I think it would have distracted me during my first readthrough. I'll probably end up listening to the album at some point because I did really enjoy this, but I rarely like all the tracks on any given album so usually me and concept albums don't get along that well.
For the first few issues this seemed like a fairly standard sci-fi / dystopian story, but once Mitsuki showed up everything got flipped on its head in the best possible way. I really like where the story went and I will definitely check out the next volume when it comes out. I really liked the character designs as well and while the art is a bit rough at times I think there are some really great layouts and panels in this volume so it was still really pretty overall. Also I think it's just really impressive that a musician with no prior comics experience put this together, really great for a first book.
So I've never even heard of Lights but I saw this book on NetGalley and I liked the cover and it sounded interesting so I figured I would give it a shot. Now this is a special edition that has the codes printed on the page so you can listen to the concept album as you read it, but I'll admit that I didn't actually listen to the music because I think it would have distracted me during my first readthrough. I'll probably end up listening to the album at some point because I did really enjoy this, but I rarely like all the tracks on any given album so usually me and concept albums don't get along that well.
For the first few issues this seemed like a fairly standard sci-fi / dystopian story, but once Mitsuki showed up everything got flipped on its head in the best possible way. I really like where the story went and I will definitely check out the next volume when it comes out. I really liked the character designs as well and while the art is a bit rough at times I think there are some really great layouts and panels in this volume so it was still really pretty overall. Also I think it's just really impressive that a musician with no prior comics experience put this together, really great for a first book.
May 7, 2019
I guess you've got to be a Lights fan to get this one. To me it was just a weak plot, and some good looking people wearing skimpy clothing.
August 7, 2018
The pollution on Earth has gone out of control. The people depend on the oil from the ground, but are unable to mitigate the pollution it generates. The rich called Pinks hide in their opulent cities while the working class are sequestered in crumbling ghettos. Society is strictly controlled by an authoritarian regime that doesn't shy away from invading people's lives. It all goes well until the end when it takes a turn into fantasy land. Cults, gods and soul draining pretty much ruin the initial, rather realistic setting. The two don't mix well in my mind.
Enaia Jin is a college student from the ghettos, one of the few poor people who attend college and are allowed in the city. She and her kind are despised by the Pinks. One of the few joys she has is her relationship with a guy named Priest, but it too will be short-lived and will lead to more heartbreak and a dramatic change in her that she will embrace. It might enable her to change the world, perhaps for the better.
Enaia Jin is a college student from the ghettos, one of the few poor people who attend college and are allowed in the city. She and her kind are despised by the Pinks. One of the few joys she has is her relationship with a guy named Priest, but it too will be short-lived and will lead to more heartbreak and a dramatic change in her that she will embrace. It might enable her to change the world, perhaps for the better.
July 24, 2018
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It was pretty good at first but fast, it became messy, confused.
I think it kind of went too far and lost me.
Also, I didn’t fell for the characters the way I thought I would.
I guess my expectations were just too high.
Still, I didn’t hate it?
It was pretty good at first but fast, it became messy, confused.
I think it kind of went too far and lost me.
Also, I didn’t fell for the characters the way I thought I would.
I guess my expectations were just too high.
Still, I didn’t hate it?
June 11, 2018
To be honest, this emerging trend of recommended listening with chapters, is not my cup of tea at all.
The graphic novel wasn't... I'm not sure what it was or wasn't. The story was okay, the artwork very detailed, but overall it lacked *something*, although I can't exactly put my finger on what it lacked.
The graphic novel wasn't... I'm not sure what it was or wasn't. The story was okay, the artwork very detailed, but overall it lacked *something*, although I can't exactly put my finger on what it lacked.
July 2, 2018
(Disclaimer: I received this free book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Skin & Earth is an immersive experience to the core. Not only does each track of her album refer to part of the comic book, but the comic itself has QR codes within to link you to her music and bonus features. This makes reading a whole new level - one that I adored. Is there really anything Lights cannot do? There are all these gorgeous little world building details in the panels, and at the heart of the comic is so much more.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
Skin & Earth is an immersive experience to the core. Not only does each track of her album refer to part of the comic book, but the comic itself has QR codes within to link you to her music and bonus features. This makes reading a whole new level - one that I adored. Is there really anything Lights cannot do? There are all these gorgeous little world building details in the panels, and at the heart of the comic is so much more.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
September 10, 2019
Heavy on pretty people and emo.
Would not recommend for post-apocalyptic adventure fans.
Would not recommend for post-apocalyptic adventure fans.
January 21, 2019
This book captivated me right from the start! It opens up to issues of environmentalism, classism, and the most bigoted people that the protagonist, En, has to encounter just going to school. Lights has woven the issues that the marginalized faced with the normalcy of human situations, such as heartbreak, that everyone can relate to no matter their situation in life. I had initially feared that En and Priest's relationship and its issues would dominate the book. I loved the world building in the book, and the art was absolutely gorgeous.
One of my only complaints is that I felt that the ending was rushed. I really would have liked to see more of a focus on Tsu's backstory, she is such a mysterious presence and her story is meant to portray her as more complex than just a villain but it was too rushed to really solidify that point. I would have liked to hear more about her and the Temple.
Another note is that this comic is meant to be read alongside Lights album, my suggestion is that you listen to the corresponding songs after the chapter and not during. The lyrics of the song, and on occasion the music videos, conflict for attention with the book. The album and music videos are great to really get more into that world and to see it played out in real time, but they deserve your undivided attention as does the book.
Can't wait for volume two!
One of my only complaints is that I felt that the ending was rushed. I really would have liked to see more of a focus on Tsu's backstory, she is such a mysterious presence and her story is meant to portray her as more complex than just a villain but it was too rushed to really solidify that point. I would have liked to hear more about her and the Temple.
Another note is that this comic is meant to be read alongside Lights album, my suggestion is that you listen to the corresponding songs after the chapter and not during. The lyrics of the song, and on occasion the music videos, conflict for attention with the book. The album and music videos are great to really get more into that world and to see it played out in real time, but they deserve your undivided attention as does the book.
Can't wait for volume two!
July 16, 2018
Making a song into a comic
Does it sounds cool....Yes
Does it sounds a bad marketing....Maybe?
Did I enjoy it....YES!!
A dystopian slice of life comic with musical background and a little bit of magic mystery on it. Skin & Earth best part for me is the art and color; I also really like how they cut the panel on this especially the two page art.
But then again the writing on this is a littlebit odd. Like the first issue had two chapters on it and theirs page that just used multiple dialogue (maybe their saving pages on this). I still enjoy it thou.
Does it sounds cool....Yes
Does it sounds a bad marketing....Maybe?
Did I enjoy it....YES!!
A dystopian slice of life comic with musical background and a little bit of magic mystery on it. Skin & Earth best part for me is the art and color; I also really like how they cut the panel on this especially the two page art.
But then again the writing on this is a littlebit odd. Like the first issue had two chapters on it and theirs page that just used multiple dialogue (maybe their saving pages on this). I still enjoy it thou.
Read
November 15, 2023🔸read: 2020
🔸reread: 2023
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
i’ve been following Lights for the past 10 years and i’m always in awe of all the things she’s accomplished...
the detail she’s put into this world, it’s amazing and i can’t wait to continue reading this series.
🔸reread: 2023
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
i’ve been following Lights for the past 10 years and i’m always in awe of all the things she’s accomplished...
the detail she’s put into this world, it’s amazing and i can’t wait to continue reading this series.
June 8, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Diamond Book Distributors for the ARC to read and review!
For my first foray into reviewing a comic or graphic novel, I think this one is a great place to start! I've been a fan of Lights for a few years now, and so I was excited to come across Skin&Earth on NetGalley. I downloaded the PDF, and as soon as I started reading... well, I didn't want to stop!
In fact, I flew through Skin&Earth so intensely that I only stopped when I realized I needed to leave the house in 20 minutes and I was still in my pajamas! Much to my chagrin, I had to stop with only 27 pages left to go, and as soon as I got home I eagerly finished those pages.
I'll admit that I haven't listened to Lights as much as I used to in recent years, but she's always sort of been in the back of my mind, whether it's because I have close friends who love her, or because she's just very visible in the fan communities I am a part of. I did see her live, though, in October (2017), when she (and Flint Eastwood, who you should definitely check out if you've never listened!) opened for Pvris, the main act I'd gone to see. She was phenomenal, and the song Giants has really stuck with me ever since that show.
Even though I haven't been a very devoted or hardcore fan or anything, I still think it's really incredible, what Lights has done here with Skin&Earth. I mean, come on- to not only make an album that's incredible, but then to also make an entire comic to go along with that album, start to finish, all yourself? Lights even discusses in the introduction to Skin&Earth how she literally taught herself how to do everything in regards to making a comic. She was given advice and sought out assistance when needed, sure, but a lot of hard work and dedication (and YouTube university, as she says!) went into this project. If there was ever a time to use the phrase "passion project" to describe something, it would certainly be now, when describing Skin&Earth.
Really my only gripe with Skin&Earth was that I wasn't a big fan of the art style. The thing about that, though, is that it wasn't unbearable, it didn't detract from the story at all, and I can 100% respect the fact that this was Lights's first time doing anything like this, and she did a way better job than I could ever even hope to do! So really, my dislike of the art style is a non-issue. Other than that, I enjoyed reading this very very much (as you could probably gather when I mentioned how quickly I flew through it!).
The story in Skin&Earth is interesting and easy to follow- En is a protagonist that you really want to root for, and you're intrigued to know what's going to happen to her next, how she's going to react next. The world built for the readers was bleak and dismal, and really built up a sense of hopelessness, which worked extremely well for the story.
I also very much appreciated a lot of the message behind Skin&Earth. Lights is very open about the fact that these characters, this world, all come from within herself, that they are facets of herself that she has laid onto the page so lovingly and so carefully and then held it up for the world to experience for themselves. That takes a certain kind of openness and bravery that I can do nothing but admire, and hope that one day I might be able to follow suit. The meanings interwoven into the story of Skin&Earth, the symbolism, it is all so rich and so personal that it feels as though you are experiencing that same sort of darkness yourself, and eventually, that same sort of renewed hope. I very much appreciate Lights's candor with Skin&Earth, and really, just her candor in general.
I would certainly recommend you check out Skin&Earth if you like Lights, or if you just want a really kickass female-led sci-fi/fantasy comic. The hardcover and trade paperback editions are out in July, available for preorder now, and come with bonus content and interactive content as well (think QR codes). You can also find the individual issues on Lights's website or at a comic store near you.
For my first foray into reviewing a comic or graphic novel, I think this one is a great place to start! I've been a fan of Lights for a few years now, and so I was excited to come across Skin&Earth on NetGalley. I downloaded the PDF, and as soon as I started reading... well, I didn't want to stop!
In fact, I flew through Skin&Earth so intensely that I only stopped when I realized I needed to leave the house in 20 minutes and I was still in my pajamas! Much to my chagrin, I had to stop with only 27 pages left to go, and as soon as I got home I eagerly finished those pages.
I'll admit that I haven't listened to Lights as much as I used to in recent years, but she's always sort of been in the back of my mind, whether it's because I have close friends who love her, or because she's just very visible in the fan communities I am a part of. I did see her live, though, in October (2017), when she (and Flint Eastwood, who you should definitely check out if you've never listened!) opened for Pvris, the main act I'd gone to see. She was phenomenal, and the song Giants has really stuck with me ever since that show.
Even though I haven't been a very devoted or hardcore fan or anything, I still think it's really incredible, what Lights has done here with Skin&Earth. I mean, come on- to not only make an album that's incredible, but then to also make an entire comic to go along with that album, start to finish, all yourself? Lights even discusses in the introduction to Skin&Earth how she literally taught herself how to do everything in regards to making a comic. She was given advice and sought out assistance when needed, sure, but a lot of hard work and dedication (and YouTube university, as she says!) went into this project. If there was ever a time to use the phrase "passion project" to describe something, it would certainly be now, when describing Skin&Earth.
Really my only gripe with Skin&Earth was that I wasn't a big fan of the art style. The thing about that, though, is that it wasn't unbearable, it didn't detract from the story at all, and I can 100% respect the fact that this was Lights's first time doing anything like this, and she did a way better job than I could ever even hope to do! So really, my dislike of the art style is a non-issue. Other than that, I enjoyed reading this very very much (as you could probably gather when I mentioned how quickly I flew through it!).
The story in Skin&Earth is interesting and easy to follow- En is a protagonist that you really want to root for, and you're intrigued to know what's going to happen to her next, how she's going to react next. The world built for the readers was bleak and dismal, and really built up a sense of hopelessness, which worked extremely well for the story.
I also very much appreciated a lot of the message behind Skin&Earth. Lights is very open about the fact that these characters, this world, all come from within herself, that they are facets of herself that she has laid onto the page so lovingly and so carefully and then held it up for the world to experience for themselves. That takes a certain kind of openness and bravery that I can do nothing but admire, and hope that one day I might be able to follow suit. The meanings interwoven into the story of Skin&Earth, the symbolism, it is all so rich and so personal that it feels as though you are experiencing that same sort of darkness yourself, and eventually, that same sort of renewed hope. I very much appreciate Lights's candor with Skin&Earth, and really, just her candor in general.
I would certainly recommend you check out Skin&Earth if you like Lights, or if you just want a really kickass female-led sci-fi/fantasy comic. The hardcover and trade paperback editions are out in July, available for preorder now, and come with bonus content and interactive content as well (think QR codes). You can also find the individual issues on Lights's website or at a comic store near you.
August 5, 2018
En's world has been devastated. She lives in the wreckage of a city surrounded by pollution that is slowly poisoning everyone and outside of her home is supposedly a wasteland. Despite all of this En seems to find beauty in the little things every single day.
I freaking loved this! Not the graphic novel by itself, but as a whole combined with the album that Lights also created to go along with this piece of work. It is mind boggling how someone is creative enough to write and draw a comic while simultaneously incorporating an entire album into the theme along with music videos. It truly blows my mind.
Was this the best graphic novel I have ever read? No. Was it one of the best experiences I have ever had reading one? Yes. I absolutely loved it, and I was sucked in from the very beginning.
I freaking loved this! Not the graphic novel by itself, but as a whole combined with the album that Lights also created to go along with this piece of work. It is mind boggling how someone is creative enough to write and draw a comic while simultaneously incorporating an entire album into the theme along with music videos. It truly blows my mind.
Was this the best graphic novel I have ever read? No. Was it one of the best experiences I have ever had reading one? Yes. I absolutely loved it, and I was sucked in from the very beginning.
August 6, 2018
Solid 3.5 rounded up to a four! Loved the art style and the album that went with it. The story is pretty solid, but a lot happened in the last two volumes so the ending feels a little rushed. I hope there's more to come!
March 7, 2022
1st Read: 8 August 2018
2nd Read: 7 March 2022
2nd Read: 7 March 2022
February 10, 2019
This started out well and I liked the world, but by the end it had all fallen apart - the story was breathless and illogical and the artwork got quite ugly at times.
Still, apparently Lights is a famous singer as well as writing and illustrating this, which is impressive - even one of those things would be impressive enough.
Still, apparently Lights is a famous singer as well as writing and illustrating this, which is impressive - even one of those things would be impressive enough.
March 2, 2018
Overall I really liked it. First of all the worldbuilding was awesome. Even without the map at the end of issue #2 I got a really good sense of geography, but it was mostly the culture that was so well done. Even little things like pop culture (Captain Lights, Lūn), the food (Borscht-in-a-Box is brilliant) and even public transit was amazing. The class division is so real and so sad.
And the visuals. Wow. Some of the panels were confusing but like, overall, it was so easy to follow visually. The little details here and there that hinted at what was to come made it that much more intriguing.
I thought Tsu was a little predictable. I mean, I didn't know right away that she was gonna be a literal god but from the very beginning there was something sinister about it. And the whole thing about her mother telling En the story when she was a kid. It just all seemed a little bit too perfect, like it was handed to En on a platter. And yet she didn't see it coming. En was a little dumb sometimes but gosh, I love her character so much right from the start, so I can forgive her for being oblivious as hell.
I made myself laugh because when Tsu visits her the first time and En's naked, we get to see her En-titty. Entity. LOL.
The last issue I gave the lowest rating because I thought Tsu's explanation was a little much. Very expositional, and a bit unnecessary? Like the majority of it was interesting, but it just got overly complicated and I think the plot could have done with some simplifying. It felt spoon-fed because there was too much to explain.
Also RIP Priest. U were shitty and unredeemable anyway.
I can't wait to reread it while listening to the soundtrack. I think that'll add a whole new layer that I'm excited to experience.
But yeah, not much else to complain about. For her first comic I was really impressed. Worldbuilding is hard and I think she did such a good job for a first-timer.
And the visuals. Wow. Some of the panels were confusing but like, overall, it was so easy to follow visually. The little details here and there that hinted at what was to come made it that much more intriguing.
I thought Tsu was a little predictable. I mean, I didn't know right away that she was gonna be a literal god but from the very beginning there was something sinister about it. And the whole thing about her mother telling En the story when she was a kid. It just all seemed a little bit too perfect, like it was handed to En on a platter. And yet she didn't see it coming. En was a little dumb sometimes but gosh, I love her character so much right from the start, so I can forgive her for being oblivious as hell.
I made myself laugh because when Tsu visits her the first time and En's naked, we get to see her En-titty. Entity. LOL.
The last issue I gave the lowest rating because I thought Tsu's explanation was a little much. Very expositional, and a bit unnecessary? Like the majority of it was interesting, but it just got overly complicated and I think the plot could have done with some simplifying. It felt spoon-fed because there was too much to explain.
Also RIP Priest. U were shitty and unredeemable anyway.
I can't wait to reread it while listening to the soundtrack. I think that'll add a whole new layer that I'm excited to experience.
But yeah, not much else to complain about. For her first comic I was really impressed. Worldbuilding is hard and I think she did such a good job for a first-timer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2019
I didn’t know going into this that Lights actually did all the art and lettering herself as well! Which is a pretty badass move when you aren’t necessarily trained in art. So yes, the art is a bit wonky at times, but she went for it and honestly that’s super inspiring.
The story is more of a 3 star rating but YOU GUYS THE ALBUM. I’ve been obsessed with the album for months now, so it was fun to actually find out the background behind each songs meanings. Some were more obviously tied into the story (Skydiving, We Were Here), and some were more loosely connected (I feel like Magnetic Field was barely referenced, and Almost Had Me, the best song on the album, doesn’t fully connect with what’s happening? I’m not sure suddenly who the enemy of the song is - Mitsuki or the Tempests? - in the story. But honestly don’t even care cause that song is killer). But this album doesn’t have a dull song in it. And the acoustic album is, as all acoustic albums by Lights are, one of the greatest things my ears have been blessed by. Knowing the album as well as I did helped a ton for already knowing the vibe of each individual chapters.
So all in all, this album/comic was a huge undertaking, huge creative risk, and honestly I think it paid off. She didn’t pick a safe story or world building, and if this is how you get such a killer album? Bring on the next volume, and thus the next album.
The story is more of a 3 star rating but YOU GUYS THE ALBUM. I’ve been obsessed with the album for months now, so it was fun to actually find out the background behind each songs meanings. Some were more obviously tied into the story (Skydiving, We Were Here), and some were more loosely connected (I feel like Magnetic Field was barely referenced, and Almost Had Me, the best song on the album, doesn’t fully connect with what’s happening? I’m not sure suddenly who the enemy of the song is - Mitsuki or the Tempests? - in the story. But honestly don’t even care cause that song is killer). But this album doesn’t have a dull song in it. And the acoustic album is, as all acoustic albums by Lights are, one of the greatest things my ears have been blessed by. Knowing the album as well as I did helped a ton for already knowing the vibe of each individual chapters.
So all in all, this album/comic was a huge undertaking, huge creative risk, and honestly I think it paid off. She didn’t pick a safe story or world building, and if this is how you get such a killer album? Bring on the next volume, and thus the next album.
June 17, 2018
An interesting graphic novel about a young woman who lives in a divided and dying earth.
En encounters lovers and mysteries and strange worlds, and in doing so she discovers that she has the powers to put things right. She is not who she thought she was but she doesnt really know who she is. All she knows is that she somehow has powers.
I thought this was an interesting graphic novel. It started off well but the second half was complicated because En gets to know the truth about who she is. All of a sudden there is a mystery world and other beings and it all became a bit too complicated for me. If you enjoy sci-fi then you might enjoy this book.
It also has music which can be listened too by using the bar codes in the story. It didnt work for me but it seems like a very creative idea. Overall it was an interesting story.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
En encounters lovers and mysteries and strange worlds, and in doing so she discovers that she has the powers to put things right. She is not who she thought she was but she doesnt really know who she is. All she knows is that she somehow has powers.
I thought this was an interesting graphic novel. It started off well but the second half was complicated because En gets to know the truth about who she is. All of a sudden there is a mystery world and other beings and it all became a bit too complicated for me. If you enjoy sci-fi then you might enjoy this book.
It also has music which can be listened too by using the bar codes in the story. It didnt work for me but it seems like a very creative idea. Overall it was an interesting story.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 7, 2018
I've been wanting to read this since before the first issue was even released. It took me a while, but I'm glad I finally got to it. I've loved Lights for a long time now, and getting this concept album that goes alongside this graphic novel is incredible. I'm so excited to see what she comes out with next.
December 5, 2024
The writing, art, and plot were all pretty well done considering Lights is not a professional in any of these areas. I particularly liked the colouring, small details and nods, and sense of humour.
I’m not big into fantasy tales, and the ending was just filled with exposition. Would’ve liked for more of that to be shown throughout the book or even make one more issue to expand upon the lore.
I’m not big into fantasy tales, and the ending was just filled with exposition. Would’ve liked for more of that to be shown throughout the book or even make one more issue to expand upon the lore.
August 1, 2019
Lights has been my favorite since The Listening. She's so creative and I'm excited to see what she does next. The story was fun and fascinating. But too much was held back throughout the story and everything was revealed at the end, which ended up in way too much exposition that gave the twists less punch. I just get frustrated when everything is explained at the end.
January 2, 2022
I've been a lights fan for over a decade and I'm just reading this now for the first time. Even though I've listened to the corresponding album a million times and know every word, it brought a different perspective to all the songs. It's amazing, I can't wait to read more!
October 6, 2018
I wasn’t sure what to make of this in the beginning but it was a fun ride. Love the illustrations, the music addition added a whole other element to the reading experience. I look forward to more.
January 4, 2020
This was another free "borrow" on comixology, and wasn't a great story, but I was totally blown away by the meta-story of the creator being a musician who was not an artist, learning how to draw and doing this entire thing by themselves! Of course, it's all a marketing tie-in to their album (a little too pop for my tastes, but not horrible), which usually turns me off, but it was cool to try out the whole QR-code-at-the-start-of-every-chapter-to-listen to-the-soundtrack-while-reading (several other comics have provided recommended track listings, e.g. Blue Monday Vol. 1: The Kids Are Alright, but this method was more synchronized/closer to the author's intended experience).
June 27, 2018
I have to admit I am basing my rating on the entire package, namely, the graphic novel and the music that accompanies each chapter. Having said that, I did not listen at the beginning of each chapter as suggested, I didn't want to stop reading and in my world, one pays attention to what one is reading if reading and one pays attention to what one is listening to if listening. So rather than pause my reading or, even worse, playing the music as background, I waited until I finished the book to listen to the entire album.
Skin & Earth takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. The people have been divided and the divide is extreme. While this certainly speaks to the perverse inequalities in our current society between the haves and the have-nots, this is not all darkness. The ultimate theme is hope. Hope in the face of declining odds, in the face of perceived personal slights, and hope in the ability of beauty and good to survive the darkness and rise again.
The graphic novel on its own was very good, the style of the drawings was wonderful and changed with the location and the action. In other words, the art didn't just illustrate the story, it helped to tell it. Lights is an enchanting musician and the music works very well with the story. That said, even if you don't connect with the ethereal music the graphic novel is well worth your time.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss.
Skin & Earth takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. The people have been divided and the divide is extreme. While this certainly speaks to the perverse inequalities in our current society between the haves and the have-nots, this is not all darkness. The ultimate theme is hope. Hope in the face of declining odds, in the face of perceived personal slights, and hope in the ability of beauty and good to survive the darkness and rise again.
The graphic novel on its own was very good, the style of the drawings was wonderful and changed with the location and the action. In other words, the art didn't just illustrate the story, it helped to tell it. Lights is an enchanting musician and the music works very well with the story. That said, even if you don't connect with the ethereal music the graphic novel is well worth your time.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss.
January 3, 2023
Review for first read from September 1st-2nd 2018, second read has the same rating
“Because the only one to the light is through the dark."
I wanted to first say that Lights has been an important part of my life for going on 7 years now and I admire her for branching out of music to do something completely different! I saw through this graphic novel that Lights has put so much into it of herself and her passion. I wish that I enjoyed this more, but I do believe that Lights has potential to create something amazing and I am looking forward to reading the next volume of this comic.
The problems that I had with these comic is that I really felt that since Lights has never written full length fiction before and has only written mainly lyrics, that this comic ended up feeling really cliche most of the time, having familiar events and plot twists of fictional works that I have read and seen before. I saw that some of it was new, but most of it was stuff I had seen before. Also the dialogue, with trying to work out the lyrics into the dialogue, maybe since I listened to the album before reading this, made the dialogue seem a bit awkward and didn't work in the conversation(s) well. Sometimes it did, but most times it didn't. I feel that if I had read this as a novel, I would have probably rated it the same and it wouldn't be memorable to me.
By just listening to the album, before this, I thought that since most of the album was poppy and upbeat that this would be a fun read, with moments of darkness, but I was wrong. This is not a book that I should have read before bed. It is terrifying and I am surprised how dark it is. I think a little too dark for me. I really thought that Lights used mental illness and environmental topics well in this graphic novel and she always pushed hope in terms of mental illness. I admire that, because I see this hopeless world that symbolizes a really bad depression and just to see someone be able to get through it, gives me hope that other people can get through it. I am going to go back to the album and see how reading this has changed my perspective about the album. With the album and comic, I found it cool how the songs connected to the chapters in the comic and vice-versa.
One of my favorite things about this comic, was the use of color. Lights' art style, I wasn't really into, but the detail and work she put into her scenes was excellent and with thought! The backgrounds of scenes were so gorgeous, they had the perfect color palette. She built this world, that I was interested in, and I wanted to see more of.
I liked that the characters were all flawed, because I was so angry at Priest, but when he revealed to her why, I felt for him. Even the most despicable of characters, you are able to feel a sort of empathy for. None of the characters were perfect, but no human being is perfect.
All in all, I did like many things about this graphic novel, but I felt like it feel short on many levels. I hope that next time Lights' is able to get better at her writing of fiction, because I have read so many debut novels that aren't that good and so many sophomore novels that are better. It was just the writing that really played into how I rated this book and the plot having so many cliches. I see so much talent in Lights' and I know that she is able to do good things.
(I really hope and tried to create a non-bias review and am open to discussion about any book I have read.)
“Because the only one to the light is through the dark."
I wanted to first say that Lights has been an important part of my life for going on 7 years now and I admire her for branching out of music to do something completely different! I saw through this graphic novel that Lights has put so much into it of herself and her passion. I wish that I enjoyed this more, but I do believe that Lights has potential to create something amazing and I am looking forward to reading the next volume of this comic.
The problems that I had with these comic is that I really felt that since Lights has never written full length fiction before and has only written mainly lyrics, that this comic ended up feeling really cliche most of the time, having familiar events and plot twists of fictional works that I have read and seen before. I saw that some of it was new, but most of it was stuff I had seen before. Also the dialogue, with trying to work out the lyrics into the dialogue, maybe since I listened to the album before reading this, made the dialogue seem a bit awkward and didn't work in the conversation(s) well. Sometimes it did, but most times it didn't. I feel that if I had read this as a novel, I would have probably rated it the same and it wouldn't be memorable to me.
By just listening to the album, before this, I thought that since most of the album was poppy and upbeat that this would be a fun read, with moments of darkness, but I was wrong. This is not a book that I should have read before bed. It is terrifying and I am surprised how dark it is. I think a little too dark for me. I really thought that Lights used mental illness and environmental topics well in this graphic novel and she always pushed hope in terms of mental illness. I admire that, because I see this hopeless world that symbolizes a really bad depression and just to see someone be able to get through it, gives me hope that other people can get through it. I am going to go back to the album and see how reading this has changed my perspective about the album. With the album and comic, I found it cool how the songs connected to the chapters in the comic and vice-versa.
One of my favorite things about this comic, was the use of color. Lights' art style, I wasn't really into, but the detail and work she put into her scenes was excellent and with thought! The backgrounds of scenes were so gorgeous, they had the perfect color palette. She built this world, that I was interested in, and I wanted to see more of.
I liked that the characters were all flawed, because I was so angry at Priest, but when he revealed to her why, I felt for him. Even the most despicable of characters, you are able to feel a sort of empathy for. None of the characters were perfect, but no human being is perfect.
All in all, I did like many things about this graphic novel, but I felt like it feel short on many levels. I hope that next time Lights' is able to get better at her writing of fiction, because I have read so many debut novels that aren't that good and so many sophomore novels that are better. It was just the writing that really played into how I rated this book and the plot having so many cliches. I see so much talent in Lights' and I know that she is able to do good things.
(I really hope and tried to create a non-bias review and am open to discussion about any book I have read.)
September 26, 2021
3.5 stars
Read
December 19, 2019Second re-read, July 2019-
This isn't your typical comic/graphic novel. The genius that is Lights has created an album & music videos to go along with the comic.
I read this for the first time last year but only recently got the hardback edition. I listened to the album while reading (as recommended by Lights herself) and scanned the QR codes along the way (they take you to the specific chapter song, music video & related merch). This was the most amazing and immersive reading experience. The artwork is drop-dead stunning, and the story is actually really good!
With that all being said, this is a very niche comic/graphic novel and is very much an album tie in as opposed to an independent work. If you're not a fan it's probably not going to be as enjoyable (it really helps if you know the songs on the album).
For Lights fans like me though, it's hella enjoyable and pretty fucking cool.
5 stars.
First read, August 2018-
I absolutely love this comic book series. I have been a Lights fan from the very beginning, have always been a fan of everything she has done. The artwork is beautiful, and the story is just as wonderful. I have read this numerous times.
I heard it’s supposed to be made into a show, I’m also anticipating it.
Excited to see if Lights comes out with more comics in the future.
This isn't your typical comic/graphic novel. The genius that is Lights has created an album & music videos to go along with the comic.
I read this for the first time last year but only recently got the hardback edition. I listened to the album while reading (as recommended by Lights herself) and scanned the QR codes along the way (they take you to the specific chapter song, music video & related merch). This was the most amazing and immersive reading experience. The artwork is drop-dead stunning, and the story is actually really good!
With that all being said, this is a very niche comic/graphic novel and is very much an album tie in as opposed to an independent work. If you're not a fan it's probably not going to be as enjoyable (it really helps if you know the songs on the album).
For Lights fans like me though, it's hella enjoyable and pretty fucking cool.
5 stars.
First read, August 2018-
I absolutely love this comic book series. I have been a Lights fan from the very beginning, have always been a fan of everything she has done. The artwork is beautiful, and the story is just as wonderful. I have read this numerous times.
I heard it’s supposed to be made into a show, I’m also anticipating it.
Excited to see if Lights comes out with more comics in the future.
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