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Skyward (collected editions)
Skyward, Vol. 1: My Low-G Life
One day, gravity on Earth suddenly became a fraction of what it is now. Twenty years later, humanity has adapted to its new low-gravity reality. And to Willa Fowler, who was born just after G-day, it’s pretty awesome. You can fly through the air! I mean, sure, you can also die if you jump too high. So you just don’t jump too high. And maybe don’t get mixed up in your dad’s secret plan to bring gravity back that could get you killed… From writer JOE HENDERSON (showrunner of Fox’s Lucifer) and artist LEE GARBETT (Lucifer, Loki: Agent of Asgard) comes the story of a young woman’s journey to find her place in a world turned upside down. Collects SKYWARD #1-5
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 708 reviews
May 10, 2019
I loved this graphic novel!! Such a great concept and artwork!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
September 19, 2018
Skyward is set in the world where the gravity was suddenly turned off one day, so now everyone can fly. It follows a young girl named Willa who works as a delivery girl, but one day she gets tangled up in a conflict that somehow involves her father.
Skyward is fine. It plays off of a cool idea and does some fun world building things with its premise. No, it doesn’t really make sense how a low-gravity Earth keeps functioning like it does in the book, but that didn’t bother me that much because it’s an interesting idea, so why not just go with it. The main character and the supporting cast are overall quite likeable, and Joe Henderson’s writing and storytelling abilities are solid, especially considering that this is his first comic book (he does work in TV though, and I find that many TV writers make quite a smooth transition to comics).
I wasn’t that keen on the story itself, unfortunately. It’s your by the numbers “good guy versus bad guy” situation, with an added element of “this one person knows how to save the world”. The villain is incredibly dull and one-dimensional, and the plot follows a very tired and unoriginal formula. Not to say it’s bad, but it’s the kind of story that you’ve probably seen and read hundreds of times before.
Lee Garbett’s artwork coupled with Antonio Fabela’s colors is where the book truly shines. It looks great, and gets better with each issue. Bright and bold colors, stylish character designs and some really eye-catching covers for each issue make for quite an appealing visual package.
All in all, Skyward volume 1 is an okay start to the series — it not a very original story that’s wrapped in a pretty original setting, and it has room to grow and become much more interesting in the following volumes. I'll be looking out for them in the future.
Skyward is fine. It plays off of a cool idea and does some fun world building things with its premise. No, it doesn’t really make sense how a low-gravity Earth keeps functioning like it does in the book, but that didn’t bother me that much because it’s an interesting idea, so why not just go with it. The main character and the supporting cast are overall quite likeable, and Joe Henderson’s writing and storytelling abilities are solid, especially considering that this is his first comic book (he does work in TV though, and I find that many TV writers make quite a smooth transition to comics).
I wasn’t that keen on the story itself, unfortunately. It’s your by the numbers “good guy versus bad guy” situation, with an added element of “this one person knows how to save the world”. The villain is incredibly dull and one-dimensional, and the plot follows a very tired and unoriginal formula. Not to say it’s bad, but it’s the kind of story that you’ve probably seen and read hundreds of times before.
Lee Garbett’s artwork coupled with Antonio Fabela’s colors is where the book truly shines. It looks great, and gets better with each issue. Bright and bold colors, stylish character designs and some really eye-catching covers for each issue make for quite an appealing visual package.
All in all, Skyward volume 1 is an okay start to the series — it not a very original story that’s wrapped in a pretty original setting, and it has room to grow and become much more interesting in the following volumes. I'll be looking out for them in the future.
November 2, 2018
I’ve been looking forward to this one for a while, mostly because of that gorgeous cover and the flying. Who doesn’t wish they could fly?!
Willa was just a baby on G-Day when most of Earth’s gravity disappeared, her mother floated away and her father confined himself to their apartment. Twenty years later Willa wants to see the world but is stuck working and paying the bills while her father hides inside.
Not only did Willa’s father somehow predict G-Day, he also claims to know how to fix it but evil Mr Barrow will do whatever it takes to stop him. After all, Mr Barrow has profited from G-Day and is currently living the high life (low life?) on street level courtesy of the gravity boots he invented.
I loved the illustrations and colours used in this volume and especially enjoyed finding out what a rainstorm looks like in this low gravity world. I have a lot of questions about how this new world works and hope to find out more when Willa reads her dad’s journal, maybe in the next volume because - cliffhanger! Grr!
There’s violence in this series, with floating blood droplets (and also some gag inducing floating beads of sweat), so it felt like it was more suitable for a young adult audience. I wish there was more depth to the characters, particularly the boring and clichéd baddie, but I’m interested to see what happens next.
Willa was just a baby on G-Day when most of Earth’s gravity disappeared, her mother floated away and her father confined himself to their apartment. Twenty years later Willa wants to see the world but is stuck working and paying the bills while her father hides inside.
Not only did Willa’s father somehow predict G-Day, he also claims to know how to fix it but evil Mr Barrow will do whatever it takes to stop him. After all, Mr Barrow has profited from G-Day and is currently living the high life (low life?) on street level courtesy of the gravity boots he invented.
I loved the illustrations and colours used in this volume and especially enjoyed finding out what a rainstorm looks like in this low gravity world. I have a lot of questions about how this new world works and hope to find out more when Willa reads her dad’s journal, maybe in the next volume because - cliffhanger! Grr!
There’s violence in this series, with floating blood droplets (and also some gag inducing floating beads of sweat), so it felt like it was more suitable for a young adult audience. I wish there was more depth to the characters, particularly the boring and clichéd baddie, but I’m interested to see what happens next.
March 14, 2025
I'm in love with the story and the art style, I too would love to be able to get from place to place by flying. Ahh. The concept of gravity suddenly going poof was an original one, and it was executed well. I also loved how diverse the world was, and can't wait to read the next volume (the cliffhanger!!).
December 23, 2019
An Amazing Story!
I don't believe I have read anything like this. It's a new idea for sure, as far as I know. The Earth lost enough of it's gravitational pull that people will float up off the Earth into space if they aren't careful. It makes me wonder what happened to the oceans. Dirt will just float up, so they have had to come up with new ways of growing food. (I mean, I know the idea is rather silly, Earth would have to stop spinning to really do that, but it's cool to think about.)
We don't know how this happened but we do know that 2 people are responsible for it. One of them figured out how to make billions off it and life continues on because of him. People have to live in the cities now and if you cry your tears float out. Body fluids would become tough. We also see what a rain storm is and it's a big bubble of water floating in the sky and easy to suffocate in.
I had so much fun reading this and I hope it catches on, because this is a unique and fun story that really thought outside the box. End of the world - no gravity. No one thought of that one before.
I hope you all go out and request you library to get it and read it. It's so good.
I don't believe I have read anything like this. It's a new idea for sure, as far as I know. The Earth lost enough of it's gravitational pull that people will float up off the Earth into space if they aren't careful. It makes me wonder what happened to the oceans. Dirt will just float up, so they have had to come up with new ways of growing food. (I mean, I know the idea is rather silly, Earth would have to stop spinning to really do that, but it's cool to think about.)
We don't know how this happened but we do know that 2 people are responsible for it. One of them figured out how to make billions off it and life continues on because of him. People have to live in the cities now and if you cry your tears float out. Body fluids would become tough. We also see what a rain storm is and it's a big bubble of water floating in the sky and easy to suffocate in.
I had so much fun reading this and I hope it catches on, because this is a unique and fun story that really thought outside the box. End of the world - no gravity. No one thought of that one before.
I hope you all go out and request you library to get it and read it. It's so good.
March 12, 2022
A very strong premise that's riddled with one too many clichés, the most obvious of which being the predictable plot and the bland villain. It's a shame as the world building is done quite well, with rules being established as the story progresses, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the world Henderson has created. Willa is a decent protagonist who has some fun moments now and then, but is yet to cement herself as a memorable mainstay. An overall entertaining read which lacks depth, yet manages to leave itself on a cliff-hanger that makes you want to read more.
March 21, 2019
Story: This is a story about a girl...who can fly around the world, or I guess more float around, since the gravity on earth is gone. One day it all goes "Goodbye" thanks to our heroes father and now everyone can float in our world. Sounds kind of cool, huh? Except what happens when keep floating floating floating and then...into space.
Art: The art really gives a atmosphere of hope and wonder. The way the future has buildings and poles and such to jump off and on of and grab to so don't float into space is cool. I also love the designs, especially Willa, our main character. Diversity is always welcomed here and this title does flawlessly.
Enjoyment: I had a blast reading this. From the get-go the dialogue is bouncing and fun. This story easily masters the fun nature of being able to hop around everywhere, but the serious downsides to it. Some big moments, beatings, and death really strike emotional moments. I also dug the hell out of Willa, she is easily one of my favorite main characters in awhile.
What didn't work: The ending. Wasn't a huge fan of it. I thought it was kind of cliche. I am eager to find out more but I predicted the ending from a mile away.
Rating 4 out of 5. Super surprised how much I enjoyed this title. From the great art, to the solid story, and well done dialogue, this was a pure joy to read. I have even bigger expectations from volume 2 now.
Art: The art really gives a atmosphere of hope and wonder. The way the future has buildings and poles and such to jump off and on of and grab to so don't float into space is cool. I also love the designs, especially Willa, our main character. Diversity is always welcomed here and this title does flawlessly.
Enjoyment: I had a blast reading this. From the get-go the dialogue is bouncing and fun. This story easily masters the fun nature of being able to hop around everywhere, but the serious downsides to it. Some big moments, beatings, and death really strike emotional moments. I also dug the hell out of Willa, she is easily one of my favorite main characters in awhile.
What didn't work: The ending. Wasn't a huge fan of it. I thought it was kind of cliche. I am eager to find out more but I predicted the ending from a mile away.
Rating 4 out of 5. Super surprised how much I enjoyed this title. From the great art, to the solid story, and well done dialogue, this was a pure joy to read. I have even bigger expectations from volume 2 now.
December 21, 2018
I found a new favorite and I NEED THE NEXT ONE NOW.
This is a world where gravity doesn't exist and the main character's father believes he knows why and how to fix it, but a group of wealthy men don't want that to happen....
Fast paced and has a great cast with a complex background I can't wait to know more about!
This is a world where gravity doesn't exist and the main character's father believes he knows why and how to fix it, but a group of wealthy men don't want that to happen....
Fast paced and has a great cast with a complex background I can't wait to know more about!
January 2, 2019
Dang, what a killer concept.
A world with low gravity? Sounds cool, actually scary.
A very promising start to a series. I loved following Willa and can empathise with her situation as well as the others in this world. This first volume was enough to keep me entertained and it also backed an emotional punch. I'm invested and very much looking forward to continuing with this series!
A world with low gravity? Sounds cool, actually scary.
A very promising start to a series. I loved following Willa and can empathise with her situation as well as the others in this world. This first volume was enough to keep me entertained and it also backed an emotional punch. I'm invested and very much looking forward to continuing with this series!
August 20, 2021
I really loved this graphic novel. The idea for the story felt fresh and the art work was beautiful. Imagine one day gravity stops working. Lots of lives were lost but people adapted (as we would do). And the younger generation takes to flight while the older generations stick “to the streets” with special boots. Willa was a baby on G-Day but it forever changed her father who had predicted that day would come. Willa loves flying but dreams of seeing more of the world. She feels trapped though since her father has not left the apartment since G-Day. I can’t wait to read the next two volumes in this series. Willa is a great character and a world without gravity is a fascinating thing to imagine and beautiful to behold in a graphic novel.
April 7, 2019
New fave graphic novel alert! This is such a beautiful art style with fantastic world building and diverse characters with actual depth! 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
May 23, 2023
Nice artwork, fun story. In Issue #2 we get some backstory and Willa, the main character, starts to live dangerously. There is a stunning panel, showing what happened to those that didn’t make it past G-Day. The action heats up in Issue #3, I especially liked the ending and visuals of Issue #4.
“Water under the bridge.“
70% of the Earth is covered by water. Ok, it’s just about 0.02% of the Earth’s mass, but still... All the world‘s water should have floated up and gone somewhere, right? Well....
Besides all the oceans and free water presumably going wush, what about all the loose dirt and rocks and desert sands? They should also be floating, right? I wonder, how low would the gravity on Earth need to be for an extinction level event? Because, realistically, that‘s what it would mean, wouldn‘t it? Or would it?
I am not sold on the whole premise of this story and the world building seems flawed. Henderson claims to have researched gravity. I enjoyed this comic so much that I am willing to roll with it and suspend my major disbelief.
What did I like? The artwork, the colours, the humour. Willa is a little daft at times, but generally likeable, so is her dad. I like the outfits people wear. The story is fun. Edison is an interesting character. I want to find out his secret.
What did I not like? The holes in the world building, aka how would all this still work with really low gravity? Loose water, loose dirt, loose everything, the weather... What happens to the polar ice caps without water? However, the story telling works just fine, even without those open questions.
Will I continue reading!? Absolutely, it is too well drawn and too much fun not to...
“Water under the bridge.“
70% of the Earth is covered by water. Ok, it’s just about 0.02% of the Earth’s mass, but still... All the world‘s water should have floated up and gone somewhere, right? Well....
Besides all the oceans and free water presumably going wush, what about all the loose dirt and rocks and desert sands? They should also be floating, right? I wonder, how low would the gravity on Earth need to be for an extinction level event? Because, realistically, that‘s what it would mean, wouldn‘t it? Or would it?
I am not sold on the whole premise of this story and the world building seems flawed. Henderson claims to have researched gravity. I enjoyed this comic so much that I am willing to roll with it and suspend my major disbelief.
What did I like? The artwork, the colours, the humour. Willa is a little daft at times, but generally likeable, so is her dad. I like the outfits people wear. The story is fun. Edison is an interesting character. I want to find out his secret.
What did I not like? The holes in the world building, aka how would all this still work with really low gravity? Loose water, loose dirt, loose everything, the weather... What happens to the polar ice caps without water? However, the story telling works just fine, even without those open questions.
Will I continue reading!? Absolutely, it is too well drawn and too much fun not to...
August 16, 2020
A high-concept book -- gravity stops working!! -- that doesn't fully explore the implications of its premise, content to reduce the story to a bad rich man trying to maintain the new dystopian status quo in order to protect his profits. So of course he must destroy the only man who could fix gravity, the widower father of our spirited protagonist, a young woman who has grown up without gravity and yearns to leave Chicago and explore the wide world, despite how dangerous that might be. (Has Disney optioned this?)
This is dumb sci-fi. The world looks pretty normal except for all the floating people trying not to fall to their deaths into the sky. There are still schools and nightclubs, for instance. But I'm pretty sure that with little to no gravity, just to nitpick, there would be no air for the characters to breathe in their classrooms or water to splash into their alcoholic beverages. But no, the air is fine, and as for water it just floats around the sky in big blobs of course because only solid things like people and cars can make it to orbit.
I probably should stop here, but I have the next volume on hand, so I'm going to read it anyway and see if things improve.
This is dumb sci-fi. The world looks pretty normal except for all the floating people trying not to fall to their deaths into the sky. There are still schools and nightclubs, for instance. But I'm pretty sure that with little to no gravity, just to nitpick, there would be no air for the characters to breathe in their classrooms or water to splash into their alcoholic beverages. But no, the air is fine, and as for water it just floats around the sky in big blobs of course because only solid things like people and cars can make it to orbit.
I probably should stop here, but I have the next volume on hand, so I'm going to read it anyway and see if things improve.
September 16, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book from Edelweiss
I was a bit skeptical about this before I started - mostly because 'showrunner of Fox's Lucifer' is about the furthest thing from a recommendation I can think of #sorrynotsorry - but the cover is gorgeous and the concept sounded cool and I'm so glad I gave it a try! Definitely an original post-apocalyptic scenario and it's obvious that the author put a lot of thought into the little details of what life would be like without gravity. It isn't just like 'oh people can float around', you have to be careful that you don't float straight up into the atmosphere and die and there are a lot of cool innovations that people have come up with to try to avoid having that happen to them.
The art is absolutely gorgeous as well. The artist did a great job of drawing people's hair and clothes and how they would move in this new world. There's not a lot of explanation so far behind what exactly happened to turn off the gravity in the first place but I think that this volume was mostly just an introduction to the characters and that will be explored more in the next one. Can't wait to read more of this series!
I was a bit skeptical about this before I started - mostly because 'showrunner of Fox's Lucifer' is about the furthest thing from a recommendation I can think of #sorrynotsorry - but the cover is gorgeous and the concept sounded cool and I'm so glad I gave it a try! Definitely an original post-apocalyptic scenario and it's obvious that the author put a lot of thought into the little details of what life would be like without gravity. It isn't just like 'oh people can float around', you have to be careful that you don't float straight up into the atmosphere and die and there are a lot of cool innovations that people have come up with to try to avoid having that happen to them.
The art is absolutely gorgeous as well. The artist did a great job of drawing people's hair and clothes and how they would move in this new world. There's not a lot of explanation so far behind what exactly happened to turn off the gravity in the first place but I think that this volume was mostly just an introduction to the characters and that will be explored more in the next one. Can't wait to read more of this series!
September 30, 2018
I love a book that delves into the ramifications of its major idea, rather than just sticking to the direct effects of the idea. This book delves deep into what would happen in a world where gravity is no longer an inviolate law. But it does so on the sidelines, in ways that support the story, as Willa discovers the importance of her father and tries to explore the world more. Willa makes for an exciting protagonist, innovative and also willing to accept help when she's outmaneuvered. The art is well done, and the ideas that it explores (I love the storm) are, if not completely accurate explorations of what would happen, are near enough to make for very interesting reading. I look forward to seeing more of this series.
February 7, 2019
This was good, with vibrant artwork and an interesting premise (though I question the viability and believability of some humans being able to mess with the gravity of the freaking huge rock we live on.)
Our protagonist Willa Fowler is energetic, curious, and a little desperate to experience life outside her city. Her dad is totally against this, and Willa pushes against his rules enough to attract some unwanted attention.
The volume had plenty of action, with the artwork wonderfully conveying Willa’s exuberance when flying around the city, making deliveries, and getting herself in and out of situations. I’m interested to see where the story and Willa go next.
Our protagonist Willa Fowler is energetic, curious, and a little desperate to experience life outside her city. Her dad is totally against this, and Willa pushes against his rules enough to attract some unwanted attention.
The volume had plenty of action, with the artwork wonderfully conveying Willa’s exuberance when flying around the city, making deliveries, and getting herself in and out of situations. I’m interested to see where the story and Willa go next.
April 29, 2021
i love the art style ahhh
August 27, 2019
When it comes to science fiction, sometimes the best stories in that genre are based on speculative fiction, whether it is Y: The Last Man, which showed us how one man survives in a world ruled by women, or the literature of Stephen King, whose books are mostly born out of “what if” scenarios. As for the latest title from Image Comics, Skyward, it has one great premise, which is “what if the world suddenly lost its gravity?”
Please click here for my full review.
Please click here for my full review.
November 12, 2021
This is a review of the entire series.
One day, a tragic incident known as G-Day causes gravity on Earth to become a fraction of what it once was. Without warning, millions of people are sucked into the sky and die from lack of oxygen. Destroyed property, carcasses and absurd weather phenomenon float hauntingly throughout the atmosphere. Spheres of debris and natural disaster suck in anyone that get too close. At first, the aftermath is absolutely horrific. After twenty years of adjusting to the new world, however, humanity adapts surprisingly well. New methods of travel are invented and young folks find plenty of new ways to cause trouble and have fun. People learn to fly without machines, even the physically disabled have found ways to move from place to place without much hassle.
Willa Fowler was born without knowing what it was like to live in a world where people walked on the ground, so when she learns that her traumatized father who lost his wife on G-Day is hatching a plan to 'save' the world by bringing gravity back, the idea doesn't strike her as particularly desirable. Swept up in a conspiracy that reveals how rich and evil organizations are profiting off of a world without gravity, Willa begins to realize that things aren't as simple as they seem.
This short series started off strong, even though the pacing was choppy and rushed from the get-go, the concept was solid, the opening is emotional and Willa is a very likable protagonist. The first volume while having messy pacing and a laughably one-dimensional villain is still a solid standalone story with a touching conclusion. As soon as volume 2 begins, the entire story falls apart unfortunately. The already messy pacing speeds up to the point of feeling like 20 chapters worth of material are constantly getting crammed into 25 pages making everything feel empty, undeserved and unrewarding. A problem will begin only for it to be resolved 3 pages later. A character will swap motivations and undergo multiple personality changes every single chapter making it hard to care about anyone or anything that's going on.
The romance is forced, the true villain has no time to properly develop, the amount of tired cliches crammed into volumes 2 and 3 are just plain bad. It ends with a lot of plot holes and a rushed ending that leaves a lot to be desired. I think this series could've had a lot of potential if it took the time to develop... literally everything instead of jumping from one unfinished plot point to the next 5 times per chapter. It's a shame I ended up not liking the story or the delivery much because I really would've liked to have seen more from WIlla. Volume 1 is fairly solid, but I didn't like the rest at all.
***
If you're looking for some dark ambient music for reading horror, dark fantasy and other books like this one, then be sure to check out my YouTube Channel called Nightmarish Compositions: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...
One day, a tragic incident known as G-Day causes gravity on Earth to become a fraction of what it once was. Without warning, millions of people are sucked into the sky and die from lack of oxygen. Destroyed property, carcasses and absurd weather phenomenon float hauntingly throughout the atmosphere. Spheres of debris and natural disaster suck in anyone that get too close. At first, the aftermath is absolutely horrific. After twenty years of adjusting to the new world, however, humanity adapts surprisingly well. New methods of travel are invented and young folks find plenty of new ways to cause trouble and have fun. People learn to fly without machines, even the physically disabled have found ways to move from place to place without much hassle.
Willa Fowler was born without knowing what it was like to live in a world where people walked on the ground, so when she learns that her traumatized father who lost his wife on G-Day is hatching a plan to 'save' the world by bringing gravity back, the idea doesn't strike her as particularly desirable. Swept up in a conspiracy that reveals how rich and evil organizations are profiting off of a world without gravity, Willa begins to realize that things aren't as simple as they seem.
This short series started off strong, even though the pacing was choppy and rushed from the get-go, the concept was solid, the opening is emotional and Willa is a very likable protagonist. The first volume while having messy pacing and a laughably one-dimensional villain is still a solid standalone story with a touching conclusion. As soon as volume 2 begins, the entire story falls apart unfortunately. The already messy pacing speeds up to the point of feeling like 20 chapters worth of material are constantly getting crammed into 25 pages making everything feel empty, undeserved and unrewarding. A problem will begin only for it to be resolved 3 pages later. A character will swap motivations and undergo multiple personality changes every single chapter making it hard to care about anyone or anything that's going on.
The romance is forced, the true villain has no time to properly develop, the amount of tired cliches crammed into volumes 2 and 3 are just plain bad. It ends with a lot of plot holes and a rushed ending that leaves a lot to be desired. I think this series could've had a lot of potential if it took the time to develop... literally everything instead of jumping from one unfinished plot point to the next 5 times per chapter. It's a shame I ended up not liking the story or the delivery much because I really would've liked to have seen more from WIlla. Volume 1 is fairly solid, but I didn't like the rest at all.
***
If you're looking for some dark ambient music for reading horror, dark fantasy and other books like this one, then be sure to check out my YouTube Channel called Nightmarish Compositions: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...
February 18, 2020
i really wanted to like this, but it just wasn’t for me. it jumped right into the action w/ very little build up & from there on everything felt really rushed.
the dad has severe agoraphobia and the MC calls him crazy all the time. she keeps offending her crush by bringing up his missing legs. and for some reason she decides if her dad’s old co-worker/friend talks to him, her dad will just magically not have agoraphobia anymore? i get that she had good intentions, but as someone who has suffered from agoraphobia it bothered me.
on the whole, this had a lot of potential but it fell flat.
the dad has severe agoraphobia and the MC calls him crazy all the time. she keeps offending her crush by bringing up his missing legs. and for some reason she decides if her dad’s old co-worker/friend talks to him, her dad will just magically not have agoraphobia anymore? i get that she had good intentions, but as someone who has suffered from agoraphobia it bothered me.
on the whole, this had a lot of potential but it fell flat.
September 8, 2018
Just finished this with Issue 5
This was quite interesting, the concept (to me at least) was a very original post apocalyptic scenario. The story was well written and the characters fairly likeable. Cant wait to see where this series goes
This was quite interesting, the concept (to me at least) was a very original post apocalyptic scenario. The story was well written and the characters fairly likeable. Cant wait to see where this series goes
February 24, 2020
While I continue to read graphic novels, none have resonated with me as readily as Skyward did. It covers topics that I like in prose. And the art was so colorful, it drew me in. I've already requested the second one in the series and look forward to reading more and seeing where the story goes.
April 10, 2019
This has such an interesting concept and is so fast paced. Really enjoyed it and will definitely be picking up volume 2 soon!
April 22, 2021
Skyward takes an interesting concept – what would the world be like without gravity? – but it's weighted down by a weak, predictable story and dialogue...and perhaps some tone deafness too.
Skyward follows Willa, a teenager with no real character other than teenage tropes: she has a crush and wants to explore the world. Willa was a baby when gravity stopped twenty years ago on “G-Day”; her father is a disgraced scientist who foresaw G-Day. He's now presumed dead, but he's actually unable to leave their Chicago apartment, paralyzed with fear of the outside.
A Chicago with no gravity has some interesting elements to be sure – protective ropes and pulleys help keep everyone from drifting off into the sky, meaning certain death; how food delivery works; firearms are now useless, as weapons at least; and the positive effects for those, once considered disabled, who can now get around just as easily as everyone else. The wealthy live on the ground, in magnetic boots and in complete denial; it’s an interesting socioeconomic (and possibly also climate change) commentary that was hinted at but not explored.
Unfortunately, Henderson’s writing is full of exposition, unnatural and stilted dialogue that is clearly meant for the reader. Willa’s first conversation is about what gravity was like, which, after 20 years, she's definitely asked before; she tells characters her relationships to them instead of showing us. The villain is cringe-y obvious from the start: Nate’s former partner who’s in it for the profit (conveniently said explicitly), along with overtly menacing visuals. He even has a monologue, and he punches Willa, a teenager, in the face. Multiple times. Even if this is for a YA crowd, it's still lazy writing.
While no creators are bound to write characters who exactly match their identity, it’s impossible to ignore that Skyward, with a Black woman protagonist, comes from a team of all men, none of whom (as far as I am aware) identify as Black. Taking place in Chicago, with a socioeconomic commentary, only heightens this disparity. I'm not Black but all sorts of alarm bells for potential tone-deafness are going off.
Is it still possible to have a well written story in this case? Of course. But it's also worth asking how Willa's character would be different if she were written by a Black author, specifically a Black woman, especially if this story suggests a socio-economic commentary, and/or a climate justice commentary (and climate inequities more greatly affect people of color). Willa is by far the least developed character in the book, and even though Skyward takes place in Chicago, Nate and Willa are the only people of color in the series so far.
Not unlike Paper Girls and many other comics across publishers, it’s strange to see more non-male and non-white protagonists, but still not enough women and people of color actually writing and drawing them.
I’m not a fan of Garbett’s art either. He has a very fluid style along with an interesting interpretation of a natural disaster that forms the climax of the first volume. His art definitely carries the final issue as the story continues to be predictable at every turn. But there’s something about the way Garbett draws facial expressions – also fluid but imprecise to the point that often it doesn’t stick the landing. Colorist Antonio Fabela uses wonderful bold colors – especially the purples and yellows when Willa travels to the ground level of Chicago, which reminded me of Batgirl Year One.
Skyward was nominated for an Eisner in the Best New Series category, and a film adaptation is in development (with Henderson writing the adapted screenplay) so clearly others enjoyed this story much more than I did. However, I try to still give debut series one more chance; I won’t be terribly excited to pick up volume two, but it might still surprise me.
Skyward follows Willa, a teenager with no real character other than teenage tropes: she has a crush and wants to explore the world. Willa was a baby when gravity stopped twenty years ago on “G-Day”; her father is a disgraced scientist who foresaw G-Day. He's now presumed dead, but he's actually unable to leave their Chicago apartment, paralyzed with fear of the outside.
A Chicago with no gravity has some interesting elements to be sure – protective ropes and pulleys help keep everyone from drifting off into the sky, meaning certain death; how food delivery works; firearms are now useless, as weapons at least; and the positive effects for those, once considered disabled, who can now get around just as easily as everyone else. The wealthy live on the ground, in magnetic boots and in complete denial; it’s an interesting socioeconomic (and possibly also climate change) commentary that was hinted at but not explored.
Unfortunately, Henderson’s writing is full of exposition, unnatural and stilted dialogue that is clearly meant for the reader. Willa’s first conversation is about what gravity was like, which, after 20 years, she's definitely asked before; she tells characters her relationships to them instead of showing us. The villain is cringe-y obvious from the start: Nate’s former partner who’s in it for the profit (conveniently said explicitly), along with overtly menacing visuals. He even has a monologue, and he punches Willa, a teenager, in the face. Multiple times. Even if this is for a YA crowd, it's still lazy writing.
While no creators are bound to write characters who exactly match their identity, it’s impossible to ignore that Skyward, with a Black woman protagonist, comes from a team of all men, none of whom (as far as I am aware) identify as Black. Taking place in Chicago, with a socioeconomic commentary, only heightens this disparity. I'm not Black but all sorts of alarm bells for potential tone-deafness are going off.
Is it still possible to have a well written story in this case? Of course. But it's also worth asking how Willa's character would be different if she were written by a Black author, specifically a Black woman, especially if this story suggests a socio-economic commentary, and/or a climate justice commentary (and climate inequities more greatly affect people of color). Willa is by far the least developed character in the book, and even though Skyward takes place in Chicago, Nate and Willa are the only people of color in the series so far.
Not unlike Paper Girls and many other comics across publishers, it’s strange to see more non-male and non-white protagonists, but still not enough women and people of color actually writing and drawing them.
I’m not a fan of Garbett’s art either. He has a very fluid style along with an interesting interpretation of a natural disaster that forms the climax of the first volume. His art definitely carries the final issue as the story continues to be predictable at every turn. But there’s something about the way Garbett draws facial expressions – also fluid but imprecise to the point that often it doesn’t stick the landing. Colorist Antonio Fabela uses wonderful bold colors – especially the purples and yellows when Willa travels to the ground level of Chicago, which reminded me of Batgirl Year One.
Skyward was nominated for an Eisner in the Best New Series category, and a film adaptation is in development (with Henderson writing the adapted screenplay) so clearly others enjoyed this story much more than I did. However, I try to still give debut series one more chance; I won’t be terribly excited to pick up volume two, but it might still surprise me.
February 24, 2019
Such a simple hook: gravity has suddenly become a fraction of its normal self. The resulting upheavals in the way we live are immense, with everything from agriculture to package delivery needing to be re-thought. We're introduced to this world through Willa, a girl born just before G-Day, who has grown up in this low gravity world and is fully acclimated to it, working for a parcel delivery service to pay the rent on an apartment she shares with her father, a genius who may hold the answer to reversing what happened, but who can't bring himself to step outside, ever since losing Willa's mother. This first arc combines both a strong story with some really gorgeous artwork and is one of the best collections I've read recently. I'm really looking forward to what comes next.
September 7, 2020
This was quite disappointing. Especially considering I’ve been looking forward to reading it for a long time.
Sure, the art was beautiful and the concept was cool. But the protagonist was just dumb and reckless. Every single bad consequence that occurred was because she didn’t use her brain before she made decisions. And that’s annoying!
Still, it had potential, so I’m hoping it improves in Skyward, Vol. 2: Here There Be Dragonflies...
Sure, the art was beautiful and the concept was cool. But the protagonist was just dumb and reckless. Every single bad consequence that occurred was because she didn’t use her brain before she made decisions. And that’s annoying!
Still, it had potential, so I’m hoping it improves in Skyward, Vol. 2: Here There Be Dragonflies...
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September 16, 2021This was a seriously cool graphic novel and I'm so curious to see where it goes in future volumes. The artwork in this is breath-taking, and there's really good representation, too. I love the central characters, and the premise of a world without gravity is intriguing (albeit highly disconcerting!). The ending left me with EMOTIONS, so I must read the next one asap.
July 1, 2024
Interesting concept, this comic imagines the world without gravity and how humans have adapted to an upside down world. Think gravity boots, hazardous rain storms and jet packs. I liked Willa and her dad's relationship, although I thought the agrophobia was resolved very quickly and conveniently. I'll probably continue this if it's on Everand though, as I'm intrigued to see the direction the story goes.
August 24, 2020
I really enjoyed this! Skyward is set in a post-apocalyptic era where the planet has lost all gravity. If you're wealthy enough, you can buy a pair of anti-gravity boots and live on the ground as if nothing changed. If not, you float around above the buildings and hope you don't fly right out of the atmosphere.
This has amazing artwork and an equally amazing story. I often find in graphic novels, there aren't enough pages to establish likable characters, a fleshed-out world and a compelling plot, and this did all three. I ordered the next installment right away. I can't wait to continue this series.
This has amazing artwork and an equally amazing story. I often find in graphic novels, there aren't enough pages to establish likable characters, a fleshed-out world and a compelling plot, and this did all three. I ordered the next installment right away. I can't wait to continue this series.
June 7, 2019
Such an amazing concept! Really loved Willa and can't wait to read more. Will be requesting this for my folder at the comic shop.
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