We Are Here Forever

by Michelle Gish

A hilarious graphic novel in which the human race has been supplanted by a sweeter, kinder, happier species...but are they as innocent as they seem? In this post-apocalyptic comedy, it's survival of the cutest!

After the most adorable apocalypse ever, the human race has vanished from the earth, replaced cute, innocent, playful purple creatures called the Puramus. In this hilarious and epic graphic novel, short interlocking stories follow the purple pals as they explore their new home, form a mini-monarchy, and develop a modern society on par with 21st-century humans. A final act pulls us across time and space in the search for clues to the origins of the Puramus. Along the way, humor and intrigue abound: Can King defend his village when nobody understands what war is? Will Jingle work up the nerve to read her poetry at open mic night? Will Puff Puff ever stop floating? Based on the viral Tumblr comic that gained 18,000 followers in just one year, We Are Here Forever is for fans of post-apocalyptic sci-fi blended with dry comedy and undeniable cuteness. Colorful and cartoony art will you rooting for these cute critters through their absurd adventures. But where did they come from, and what happened to all the humans?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Humor, Fantasy, Fiction, Adult, Dystopia

224 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2019

Reviews

[karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

i didn’t know anything about this evidently very popular webcomic before BEA, when i encountered these little purple cuddlemonsters on a poster and my WANT muscles were activated, leading my feet to the booth, where i got a signed arc and a pin:





fans/those of you more savvy in the realm of “things that are popular in the world,” will be pleased to know that this is an “all-new, stand-alone collection.” dum-dums like me, who are turning up late to the party (WELCOME, DUM DUMS!), won’t even know the difference!

so, basic rundown: these comics take place on a post-human earth, which is now populated by little purple creatures called puramus. where did the people go? where did the other creatures go? no one knows! right?

As a reader, you can simply enjoy the adventures of these well-intentioned goofballs as they explore and learn. Or, for those who prefer to read more closely, clues to their mysterious origins are there to discover.

clues, you say? lemme at these clues!



the book is segmented into four parts, representing four different points in time, with a little wink in the introduction:

To provide an overview of their history, the book’s twelve chapters include chronological jumps, and they’re not always forward in time.

however, the four parts are clearly labeled: Year 1, Year 147, Year 628, and Year ???, so even a dum dum who didn’t know this webcomic was happening out on the computerwebs will understand that this final chapter is the one that is perhaps “not always forward in time,” and it just might provide all the answers to your whys and hows. well, maybe not ALL of them. us dum dums have many questions about many things we do not understand, and this book isn’t even making any promises to definitively answer the ones pertaining to itself:

Not all pieces of the puzzle are on the table. Maybe they never will be…

so, figure it out or don’t—these things are pretty cute either way!

FYI: all of my pictures are from my b/w arc—the finished book is in glorious color.





as the kids say: relatable content



as the kids say: i feel seen



as the kids say: same



as the kids say: THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I HAVE ALSO ENCOUNTERED IN MY LIFE AND I CAN SYMPATHIZE/EMPATHIZE AS A RESULT OF HAVING HAD THIS EXPERIENCE



lest you infer from my image-choices that this is a 100% depressing book, rather than just me letting my gloominess guide my planchette, observe:





enough of that uplifting stuff, though; here is my favorite—and DEEPLY CHILLING—panel, depicting those wacky paramus reenacting the end of humanity:



shudders, every time…

did i love this book?



i liked it, but i didn't love it. i probably would have enjoyed it more if i was less of a dum dum—if i'd had some previous familiarity with the creatures and their (our?) world. there's a difference between a "standalone" book and an "introduction" to a series, and while the stories were cute, they were kind of—AS THE KIDS SAY—random; i didn't feel any particular connection to the individual characters or the creatures in general, and there wasn't a unifying narrative thread connecting the isolated episodes.

still, i am glad to have discovered these little buggers, and i will certainly be checking out both their future and past adventures right here:

https://wearehereforevercomic.com/

where she has also generously created puramus reaction GIFs:

https://wearehereforevercomic.com/blo...

like this one:



and this one:



so cute! so purple! so just like us!



check it out in full glorious color, because it is NOW AVAILABLE!!

come to my blog!

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this comics short story collection up from the library almost entirely because of the juxtaposition between the bleak title and the cartoony characters. So what will it be like when humans are gone? There will be these little alien(?) creatures called Puramus living here, exhibiting basically all the foibles that humans displayed. In other words, it's not just human nature but inter-species nature? Gish thanks, among friends and family, her Roomba, and this suddenly occurs to me might look a little like the Puramus?

The stories, extending from a web comics series, which I have not read, are kinda flat, "goofy," which to me means they intend to be goofy, but are for me a bit bland, not as hilarious as I wanted for a dystopian comic with cartoony characters. It's a kind of a history of these characters in the future: Greed, war, flowers, friendship, art, going for adorability. I support indie comix! Go Michelle! Keep creating! I think it's all right!

[Chad · Rating 2 out of 5]

An inane comic about aliens who show up on Earth after humans disappear. They randomly go through our stuff and wonder what it is. This should be funnier than it actually is. What it is, is a waste of time.

Received a review copy from Quirk Books and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.

[Lisa Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The defining word here is CUTE. This little purple aliens are adorable. So what if they've taken over Earth? You just want to hug them, every single page.

[Lost Planet Airman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The adventures of post-apocalyptic purple fuzzy critters. Good for a few chuckles.

[Maya · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 STARS
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The main reason I decided to read this story was because of the cover, which is kinda cute and gives off feel-good wibes, and the blurb - mainly the part where it describes the story as "post-apocalyptic sci fi, dry humor, and utter adorability". Just seeing that had me sold. I really thought that this could be one of my new favourite books. But to be completely honest, apart from the cute and adorable illustrations and some of the characters personalities, there was nothing more to the story. No dry humor, not even normal humor, no real plot and in the end I just skimmed through the scenes. There were also some unanswered questions about what happened to the previous race aka. humans and animals. I don't know, this just wasn't my cup of tea. Maybe some will find the story more fun than me and give it a try...

[La Coccinelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Apparently, one doesn't need to have read the webcomic to enjoy this graphic novel. I don't know about that. I thought this was one of the weakest graphic novels I've read recently. Most of the chapters are pretty inane, rather boring, and lacking in any real substance. Only the last one really had anything interesting going for it.

The characters are... well, simple. I don't think they're particularly cute. They're basically just purple cushions with butt cheeks. (Butt cheeks can't carry a whole book, though, as I found out the hard way when I read Megan Dong's Sharky Malarkey.) The evolution of the Puramus is probably the only interesting thing about them, and even then, it's not enough to make me want to spend any more time with these characters.

Each chapter seems more flimsy and insubstantial than the last. I got the feeling as I was reading it that the author/illustrator simply enjoys drawing these little creatures. That's fine. And maybe it works better as a webcomic, but it really doesn't work as a graphic novel. Yes, there's an overarching storyline, but it's as thin as gossamer, and the rest of the book nearly breaks it with its mundane weight. One of these boring stories would've been enough; I didn't need to read twelve of them to get the gist.

I think this one will probably only appeal to existing fans of the webcomic. Even so, I'm not sure I see the appeal. I guess this one's just not my thing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quirk Books for providing a digital ARC.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up for fifty cents at a library book sale, and I have to say, I think I overpaid.

On a post-apocalyptic Earth, humans and all the rest of the mammals are gone, and wandering the ruins are little purple footstools who can eat anything and are generally friendly and kind to each other. Teletubbies of the wastelands, but just as dull as the regular Teletubbies.

It's sort of a tribute to Tribbles, but in a variation on Disney's Little Mermaid, they collect some of the human stuff they don't eat and wonder as to what it was or wear it as an identifying hat. I wonder about this book, and perhaps if I wear it as a hat I'll get my money's worth out of it.

[Melissa Chung · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank Quirk books for sending this graphic novel for an honest review. I have not heard of Michelle Gish, but she has a webcomic. I tried to look up more information, but all of the websites just go back to this particular graphic novel. I found the graphic novel pleasant. The alien like creatures are super cute. I love their dialogue and the illustrations are awesome. Giving the book 4 stars.

This graphic novel is set in a post apocalyptic Earth. The humans are no more. These creatures run the world. There are three different groups of these purple creatures. Humans called them Puramus. The first group lives out in the fields outside of the city. They love collecting treasure and where the trash/junk on their bodies. They have names that coincide with the things the wear like: box, bowl and pot. I find them adorable. Then there are the creatures with unusual horns that live in the suburbs. Finally there are creatures that look to live underwater. They are covered in starfish and shells.

There isn't a plot to the graphic novel. It's more of snippets into the daily life of theses creatures. The book also has a timeline that skips around. We start off in Year One: NEW. Then it jumps to year 147, year 628 and then an unknown year. Again it's more of life with the purple squishies.

Regardless I found it all adorable. If you are looking for a cute graphic novel, look no further.

[Kassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute and also v. weird

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow - 3.5 stars

[Angel (jurassicreads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

We Are Here Forever by Michelle Gish

Release Date: July 30, 2019
Humor, Fantasy, Aliens
224 pages
Quirk Books sent me a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if all humans were replaced with purple, confused cats? I hadn’t before We Are Here Forever, but I honestly love what they’ve done with the place.

We Are Here Forever follows a growing community of Puramus, from the very first year humans have vanished from Earth, to many hundreds, if not thousands, of years later. At first they are a very excitable species, bouncing around from one undiscovered location to the next. They are curious and absolutely fascinated by a planet devoid of humans. While they are a sentient species, they are still positive, cheerful, and a little inspiring.

As time passes, the Puramus have developed more complex emotions, drives, and needs. They are more than just a cute, bouncy species, and they start to see the world around them as more complex and are in need of discovery. This continues through the generations as the Puramus begin to act similarly to humans; they utilize more of the abandoned technology left behind, they move into their old homes.

Over time, it becomes harder to avoid the questions right in front of their squishy little faces. Where have all the animals from the human-books gone? Is there anything else alive on Earth aside from the Puramus? Are they the reason that nothing else seems to exist?







I wasn’t expecting to be so enamored with these random purple “cats,” but boy was this book adorable! This book covers some heavy emotions and perspectives without making you want to absolutely ball your eyes out, and I have to give it up for the Puramus for making that possible. I play a lot of post-apocalyptic video games and watch similar TV shows and movies, but none of them have covered the full extent of what happens after humanity ends quite like this one.

Sometimes the Puramus are excited and loveable, and other times they are exhibiting very real emotions I can relate. They're and evolving, learning species that seems to constantly edge on human emotions at all times.

The artwork in this graphic novel is very bright and eye-catching, to the point where I was able to sit down and enjoy the entire thing in one sitting because I didn’t want to take my eyes away. Additionally, there aren’t always a lot of conversations happening which means that a lot of emotion and meaning are expressed very well in the actions and expressions portrayed in the artwork. The Puramus are the sole creatures in a post-human world; they are bouncing off every surface, creating their own meanings for seemingly mundane items, and I felt like the brightness of this post-apocalyptic world really pulled me in.

My Rating: ★★★

[Bookteafull (Danny) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: Undecided between 2 & 2.5 ⭐️

This comic collection somehow managed to be absolutely adorable while simultaneously being a waste of time.

The artwork was vibrant and the dialogue was dumb in an amusing sort of way, but I can’t get over the fact that there really wasn’t any sort of plot or continuity present in this post apocalyptic sci-fi and dry humor graphic novel.

Based on the popular web comic We Are Here Forever, this tale centers on playful purple creatures that have taken over the world after the human race has vanished (I.e. possibly murdered by these so called innocent and fun aliens).

Reading this was similar to the feeling I get when I accidentally put cartoons on in the background while starting chores and before I know it, three hours have passed and I’ve wasted an entire afternoon watching SpongeBob. Except the only difference here is that SpongeBob has more of a plot than this collection of comics.

Im happy to have received this for free from Quirks Publishing because there’s no way I would have spent actual money on it.

(There were a handful of scenes that were hella dramatic and hella #MOOD tho.)

[Etienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another web comic turn into book. I more often then not disappointed by those. There always put a little small on my face, but would I want a complete book of those, maybe there not funny enough, at least for me. This one lack «punch» and intensity in it. Not for me!

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Quirk Books for sending me a copy of this book for review! We Are Here Forever is based on a webcomic which I have not read. It follows cute purple creatures living on a post-apocalyptic earth without humans and it is funny, nuanced, and at times quite incisive, but with a light touch. You can read these vignettes as good fun with silly antics, or as a tongue-in-cheek take on the worst of humanity. I really enjoyed it and would recommend if you like graphic novels!

I will say, the humor and irony are subtle so this may not work so well for everyone. For instance, there is a vignette about the purple creatures being freaked out by fuzzy gray TV screens and decide to destroy them by throwing rocks. It's silly because it's purple creatures destroying TV's, but it also parallels the approach certain groups of humans have taken in addressing the unfamiliar. I enjoy this sort of thing, but not everyone will! Also this isn't a linear story, rather you get episodes that come together to inform you about these creatures and their antics.

[Samantha Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are Here Forever began its life as a webcomic, and this graphic novel does not hold the full story. However, having no prior knowledge of the webcomic, I felt that I was fully capable of enjoying and loving these funky purple critters. They are full of so much life and emotion, I found myself laughing on every page.

I think this is a great example of an all ages comic. There are some lessons that are great for somewhat younger readers that are important reminders for older readers. This story also asks some big questions about the nature of humanity, and why we can’t seem to get our acts together and coexist.

If you are looking for a new graphic novel to add to your TBR I highly recommend We are Here Forever! It goes on sale on July 30th, and I can’t wait for more readers to fall in love with the Puramus.

[ramram · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. It was like “there is a light, should I eat it?” The answer was Next, their favorite food,
also known as flowers! I love this book very much. Their "bravest warriors",made a shelf for the king. The book took place when humans were extinct.They are super cute and eat almost everything(except lights). When they are afraid, they throw rocks at whatever they are afraid of(also known as lights). These cute creatures are called Puramus. They help each other and want peace. They live on or in hills and go to a flower plain when they are hungry. Sometimes they go to a city to explore and eat. You can go and visit the website, https://wearehereforevercomic.com/ At the top you can pick stuff like the comics. Everybody should read it, it is suits all ages and it is a short two hundred twenty-seven page book.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t know if I’m missing something or if it’s just not my sense of humor, but I didn’t find this hilarious, as Goodreads describes it. The purumus are cute, but I didn’t get a lot out of the stories. Yes, yes. I get the big thing that’s hinted at from the description on the back and confirmed in the last panel. But I still don’t feel wowed or even mildly entertained.
Looks like the comic has a big following online, and that makes me happy, because the author sounded warm and sweet in the intro.

Advance copy provided by a bookstore buddy. Wish I had liked it more.

[Sara (A Gingerly Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super super cute!

Huge thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of the book!

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars - This was a cute graphic novel that occasionally spoke to human society.

However it was often non-sensible, could've benefited from being in chronological order, and overall was lacking substance. The way this was written just didn't make me want to stop and ponder about the points it was trying to make and the illustrations were often too simplistic for my taste.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so cute and funny, exactly what I needed.

[Davi Kladakis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cutest apocalypse ever!!! :)

[Mr Osowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet. Great art.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Reader’s Copy received from Baker & Taylor.

A delightful graphic novel that is refreshingly lighthearted and easy to read. "We Are Here Forever" takes place many years after humans have gone extinct, as well as several other species. The only creatures left on Earth are the Puramus, birds, and maybe a snake. The Puramus are small, purple creatures are nigh indestructible, adorably innocent, and carefree. This graphic novel hops about in different periods of time and space, with some short story arcs, so you get small glimpses of the history of these creatures, how they live, and where they come from. A quick and entertaining read, with cute art, and appropriate for all ages. Highly recommended.

[Katie Eskilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute book, but maybe I’m a little blind to the point of it.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway. While I wouldn't call it "hilarious", it's definitely cute, whimsical, and a very quick read.

[Samantha Puc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put, I love this graphic novel and I don't have a bad thing to say about it. However, I did write a full review for The Beat, which you can read here: Review: WE ARE HERE FOREVER explores Earth post-humanity, & it’s perfection.

I also interviewed Michelle Gish and wrote about the We Are Here Forever webcomic, which takes place in the same universe but is separate from the graphic novel! More Puramus for everyone!

[Wulfwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a black & white print ARC from entering the Goodreads Giveaway.

This book is based on a webcomic, (same name). I have not seen it. I enjoyed the book and the thought provoking stories. I may have enjoyed it more had I been familiar with the webcomic. If you are interested in the book you may want to check that out first. I like the art though I wish it was in color. The stories were fun and quick to read but leave a lot for you to think about. I found it to be interesting but also comforting in a children’s book way.

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and weird and ominous. What more could I ask for?