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Eighty Days
A pilot wants nothing more than to fly. Or so he thought, until he crosses paths with a mysterious thief whose tricks draw him into unchartered territory and new adventure. In a life where the truth changes as quickly as clouds in the sky, the pilot must decide for himself what freedom really means.
“Map A Course, Arrive Safe Home. That’s The Measure Of Your Achievement.” A pilot wants nothing more than to fly. Or so he thought, until he crosses paths with a mysterious thief whose tricks draw him into unchartered territory and new adventure. In a life where the truth changes as quickly as clouds in the sky, the pilot must decide for himself what freedom really means. Award-winning cartoonist A.C. Esguerra presents an unforgettable love letter to flight, the quest for freedom and the greatest adventure of all - love.
“Map A Course, Arrive Safe Home. That’s The Measure Of Your Achievement.” A pilot wants nothing more than to fly. Or so he thought, until he crosses paths with a mysterious thief whose tricks draw him into unchartered territory and new adventure. In a life where the truth changes as quickly as clouds in the sky, the pilot must decide for himself what freedom really means. Award-winning cartoonist A.C. Esguerra presents an unforgettable love letter to flight, the quest for freedom and the greatest adventure of all - love.
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2021
11 people are currently reading
916 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Esguerra
5 books22 followersA.C. Esguerra (a.k.a. blueludebar) is an award-winning cartoonist and illustrator. Their comics tell dark, intricate and theatrical stories about queer love and resistance in far-off yet familiar worlds in bold, intricate traditional ink and watercolor.
Their debut graphic novel was Eighty Days , a GLAAD award-nominated and YALSA-listed queer historical epic about pilots, romance and rebellion in an alternate-1930s. The self-published first part of the comic won a PRISM Comics Queer Press Grant in 2016. The complete graphic novel was published by Archaia in 2021 and received a starred review from Booklist as well as features from the L.A. Times, Publishers Weekly and Buzzfeed. The following year, Eighty Days was named one of YALSA (Young Adult Library Association)’s “Great Graphic Novels for Teens”, shortlisted for the International School of Beijing Panda Book Awards, and nominated for the 33rd GLAAD Media Awards in the Outstanding Graphic Novel/Anthology category. A.C.'s second graphic novel was Who Was A Daring Pioneer Of The Skies?: Amelia Earhart (Penguin Workshop Books, 2022), a nonfiction comic written by Melanie Gillman for younger readers.
As an illustrator, A.C. has worked on a range of projects: a tarot card deck based on the world of M.A. Carrick’s Rook & Rose fantasy trilogy, various sci-fi and adult comics, and a public art commission for San Francisco, City of Poets. Gallery clients include Gallery Nucleus, Nucleus Portland and international venues. They regularly contribute lifestyle essays about stationery and creativity to Baum-kuchen Studio.
A.C. has spoken on panels about the intersections of queerness, history and comics at events including San Diego Comic Con, Toronto Comic Arts Festival and West Hollywood Pride. They are a member of the Cartoonist Cooperative and Authors Against Book Bans (Rapid Response Team). They are represented by Kate McKean at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency in publishing and by Sean Watkins at Athenaeum Comic Art for original art sales.
Born in Manila, Philippines, A.C. now lives in Los Angeles with their partner and pets.
Their debut graphic novel was Eighty Days , a GLAAD award-nominated and YALSA-listed queer historical epic about pilots, romance and rebellion in an alternate-1930s. The self-published first part of the comic won a PRISM Comics Queer Press Grant in 2016. The complete graphic novel was published by Archaia in 2021 and received a starred review from Booklist as well as features from the L.A. Times, Publishers Weekly and Buzzfeed. The following year, Eighty Days was named one of YALSA (Young Adult Library Association)’s “Great Graphic Novels for Teens”, shortlisted for the International School of Beijing Panda Book Awards, and nominated for the 33rd GLAAD Media Awards in the Outstanding Graphic Novel/Anthology category. A.C.'s second graphic novel was Who Was A Daring Pioneer Of The Skies?: Amelia Earhart (Penguin Workshop Books, 2022), a nonfiction comic written by Melanie Gillman for younger readers.
As an illustrator, A.C. has worked on a range of projects: a tarot card deck based on the world of M.A. Carrick’s Rook & Rose fantasy trilogy, various sci-fi and adult comics, and a public art commission for San Francisco, City of Poets. Gallery clients include Gallery Nucleus, Nucleus Portland and international venues. They regularly contribute lifestyle essays about stationery and creativity to Baum-kuchen Studio.
A.C. has spoken on panels about the intersections of queerness, history and comics at events including San Diego Comic Con, Toronto Comic Arts Festival and West Hollywood Pride. They are a member of the Cartoonist Cooperative and Authors Against Book Bans (Rapid Response Team). They are represented by Kate McKean at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency in publishing and by Sean Watkins at Athenaeum Comic Art for original art sales.
Born in Manila, Philippines, A.C. now lives in Los Angeles with their partner and pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
September 27, 2021
A queer romance set in the backdrop of psuedo World War II. Starts off about a pilot and a radio operator traveling through some made up countries while a fascist government (AVO) quickly starts taking over nearby countries. As soon as they figure out their love for one another, the book shifts to a new chapter that is completely war focused and the romance is dropped until the end while they are torn apart.
The book's plot is mainly about radio signals. One of the main characters is a radio genius. It completely lost me as it just descends into gibberish as a plot device. At first I was with it and then it just kept on going to the point of nonsense. The book also spends a lot of time traveling between these made up countries. That was all meaningless to me though because the countries were never nothing more than just a made up name such as "Easterly". A map of the world would have helped greatly to make these movements more interesting.
The art confounded me. Some pages looked gorgeous. Other pages were a swirl of smoke and speed lines to the point I couldn't make out anything on the page. I couldn't make out most of the action sequences. I think the author made everyone chain smoke just so they could add swirling smoke to every panel.
An example of an action sequence. Please tell me what's happening on this page. I've read it and still don't know.
But then the book opens with this. Nice clean lines. Great art.
The book's plot is mainly about radio signals. One of the main characters is a radio genius. It completely lost me as it just descends into gibberish as a plot device. At first I was with it and then it just kept on going to the point of nonsense. The book also spends a lot of time traveling between these made up countries. That was all meaningless to me though because the countries were never nothing more than just a made up name such as "Easterly". A map of the world would have helped greatly to make these movements more interesting.
The art confounded me. Some pages looked gorgeous. Other pages were a swirl of smoke and speed lines to the point I couldn't make out anything on the page. I couldn't make out most of the action sequences. I think the author made everyone chain smoke just so they could add swirling smoke to every panel.
An example of an action sequence. Please tell me what's happening on this page. I've read it and still don't know.
But then the book opens with this. Nice clean lines. Great art.
August 3, 2021
DRC provided by BOOM! Studios via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Representation: queer protagonists, protagonist of colour, secondary and tertiary characters of colour.
Content Warning: violence, oppression, war, mafia, bombing, death, homophobia, slurs, torture, post-traumatic stress disorder, child death, elitism.
Eighty Days by A.C. Esguerra is a beautiful graphic novel set in the twentieth century in a land where the aviation controls most of the territory, its operations and its citizens. The chance encounter of a pilot and a radio operator will bring about the birth of a resistance front that will fight its oppressors in order to re-establish peace in the continent.
Despite a confusing first part, I really loved this story, the captivating drawings that accompanied it and its charming and complex characters. All three protagonists have very distinct personalities, but they all share one common trait, namely one cannot not love them.
My favourite part of the novel was definitely the relationship between Jay and Fix which was simultaneously central and not the focus of the plot in an effortlessly intricate way who shared that kind of love that led to move mountains for one another.
A.C. Esguerra’s debut is unquestionably a graphic novel everyone should read.
Representation: queer protagonists, protagonist of colour, secondary and tertiary characters of colour.
Content Warning: violence, oppression, war, mafia, bombing, death, homophobia, slurs, torture, post-traumatic stress disorder, child death, elitism.
Eighty Days by A.C. Esguerra is a beautiful graphic novel set in the twentieth century in a land where the aviation controls most of the territory, its operations and its citizens. The chance encounter of a pilot and a radio operator will bring about the birth of a resistance front that will fight its oppressors in order to re-establish peace in the continent.
Despite a confusing first part, I really loved this story, the captivating drawings that accompanied it and its charming and complex characters. All three protagonists have very distinct personalities, but they all share one common trait, namely one cannot not love them.
My favourite part of the novel was definitely the relationship between Jay and Fix which was simultaneously central and not the focus of the plot in an effortlessly intricate way who shared that kind of love that led to move mountains for one another.
A.C. Esguerra’s debut is unquestionably a graphic novel everyone should read.
December 29, 2021
rep: Asian-coded achillean mc, achillean mc, Muslim-coded mc, poc characters
tw: blood, death, torture, violence, abuse
the art style is just gorgeous & the imagery is extremely gay. not an easy one to stomach, given all the fascism & its blood path, but oh boy, is it worth it
tw: blood, death, torture, violence, abuse
the art style is just gorgeous & the imagery is extremely gay. not an easy one to stomach, given all the fascism & its blood path, but oh boy, is it worth it
September 27, 2021
Eighty Days is a graphic novel written and illustrated by A.C. Esguerra. It centers on three protagonists: Jay, Fix, and Sable, as they navigate through the aviation guild AVO's methodical consolidation of world governments in this queer historical romance, set in a post-war, early 20th-century-esque world.
Pilots Jay and Sable work for AVO, which owns all equipment and personnel and inhibits those unregistered with AVO from work or societal advancement. When street urchin Fix charters Jay to deliver him to Central, Jay becomes embroiled in Fix's revolution to empower no-class people against AVO, paralleling Sable's journey as promotion further entrenches her.
Eighty Days is written and constructed rather well. Esguerra's grayscale art, filled with sweeping, thick lines and tonal washes, builds the brooding atmosphere as the world plunges deeper in turmoil, romance blossoms between Jay and Fix, and the trio grapples with AVO's burgeoning grip on all of society. Told in a semi-epistolary format via entries in Jay's flight logbook and telegrams, this haunting, slow-burning exploration of the consequences of fascist capitalism soars, with the compelling romance between Jay and Fix as its primary fuel.
All in all, Eighty Days is an unforgettable love letter to flight, the quest for freedom and the greatest adventure of all – love.
Pilots Jay and Sable work for AVO, which owns all equipment and personnel and inhibits those unregistered with AVO from work or societal advancement. When street urchin Fix charters Jay to deliver him to Central, Jay becomes embroiled in Fix's revolution to empower no-class people against AVO, paralleling Sable's journey as promotion further entrenches her.
Eighty Days is written and constructed rather well. Esguerra's grayscale art, filled with sweeping, thick lines and tonal washes, builds the brooding atmosphere as the world plunges deeper in turmoil, romance blossoms between Jay and Fix, and the trio grapples with AVO's burgeoning grip on all of society. Told in a semi-epistolary format via entries in Jay's flight logbook and telegrams, this haunting, slow-burning exploration of the consequences of fascist capitalism soars, with the compelling romance between Jay and Fix as its primary fuel.
All in all, Eighty Days is an unforgettable love letter to flight, the quest for freedom and the greatest adventure of all – love.
September 14, 2021
4.5 Stars!
I love graphic novels so I was super excited when I got this. Turns out my excitement was warranted and I couldn't be happier with how it went.
The story telling style took some getting used to (hence the 4.5 stars) but once I got into the story, I simply could not put it down.
More often than not, books such as these focus too much on the art with the story being told feeling like some kind of afterthought. That was NOT the with this book as the art was great, and on par with the storyline.
Here, we got an intricate plot which kept me riveted till the very end. I enjoyed every second of it and will recommend it for fellow lovers of graphic novels.
eARC Provided by Publisher in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased review
I love graphic novels so I was super excited when I got this. Turns out my excitement was warranted and I couldn't be happier with how it went.
The story telling style took some getting used to (hence the 4.5 stars) but once I got into the story, I simply could not put it down.
More often than not, books such as these focus too much on the art with the story being told feeling like some kind of afterthought. That was NOT the with this book as the art was great, and on par with the storyline.
Here, we got an intricate plot which kept me riveted till the very end. I enjoyed every second of it and will recommend it for fellow lovers of graphic novels.
eARC Provided by Publisher in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased review
February 1, 2023
5/5
I LOVED this book. Each page is just so lush and beautiful and I really fell into the story. It LOOKS and READS like a Golden Age Hollywood movie just without the BS. There's no Hay's Code dictating what's "ethical." It's obvious Jay and Fix love each other--no indecipherable innuendos.
Eighty Days may take inspiration from the past, but given all that's happening in the world, it felt disturbingly timely. Its hard-won happy ending did not solve all of life's problems.
I LOVED this book. Each page is just so lush and beautiful and I really fell into the story. It LOOKS and READS like a Golden Age Hollywood movie just without the BS. There's no Hay's Code dictating what's "ethical." It's obvious Jay and Fix love each other--no indecipherable innuendos.
Eighty Days may take inspiration from the past, but given all that's happening in the world, it felt disturbingly timely. Its hard-won happy ending did not solve all of life's problems.
March 22, 2022
the art is absolutely stunning it was just really hard to follow along with the plot and stuff i also am not a big fan of the main couple maybe it would feel less weird if i knew jay’s age he just seems so much older. anyway i do have a crush on sable though!
August 5, 2021
This was such a fantastic graphic novel! The story was amazing, the artwork was gorgeous, the pacing was near perfect. I would highly, highly recommend this to anyone. I will be definitely be purchasing a copy for myself as soon as possible.
February 17, 2022
I picked up Eighty Days because of the appealing cover art and am happy to report that the interior art and story offer just as much beauty. It's Star Wars, essentially, with a carefree pilot and his new love getting wrapped up in a resistance movement against the fascist government that's taken over. The world is something out of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow with an intense focus on air power. The territories being conquered are vague (Easterly, Central, and Southerly, for example), but the sense of our hero's worlds being compacted by their new overlords is very well portrayed.
I'm a sucker for a well-told Star Wars rip-off and Eighty Days certainly hits all the marks. Character captured by the fascists, necessitating a jailbreak? Check. Best friend turned traitor turned best friend again? Check. Fascists overpowering the resistance just when you thought they'd win? Check check check. But it's such great fun nonetheless. Perhaps it's the gentle queer love story thrumming throughout Eighty Days that makes it such an engaging read despite the tropes. Jay and Fix 4evahhh!
The art is unique and often quite lovely, but just as often unintelligible, especially in action scenes. For the most part, that's okay. In some scenes, though, the word bubbles are artfully placed. Between intense speed lines and drifting word bubbles, you can quickly lose the thread. Still, such scenes are rare and offer examples of where A.C. Esguerra can improve in her next work. Eighty Days is a surprisingly delightful debut, even with its flaws. I look forward to what's next.
I'm a sucker for a well-told Star Wars rip-off and Eighty Days certainly hits all the marks. Character captured by the fascists, necessitating a jailbreak? Check. Best friend turned traitor turned best friend again? Check. Fascists overpowering the resistance just when you thought they'd win? Check check check. But it's such great fun nonetheless. Perhaps it's the gentle queer love story thrumming throughout Eighty Days that makes it such an engaging read despite the tropes. Jay and Fix 4evahhh!
The art is unique and often quite lovely, but just as often unintelligible, especially in action scenes. For the most part, that's okay. In some scenes, though, the word bubbles are artfully placed. Between intense speed lines and drifting word bubbles, you can quickly lose the thread. Still, such scenes are rare and offer examples of where A.C. Esguerra can improve in her next work. Eighty Days is a surprisingly delightful debut, even with its flaws. I look forward to what's next.
November 8, 2021
”Evil darkens the sky, and the innocent suffer first.”
Every single part of this was beautiful, from the story to the illustration. They worked together so seamlessly to capture the tone and atmosphere and just—
Gorgeous. Absolutely fucking gorgeous.
My heart soared, but it was also torn out my chest. Wrenched apart. Clearly for the benefit of my happiness, I should avoid plotlines that involve aerial warfare. But here I am, suffering and grateful to have do so.
To sum it up best: I borrowed the digital ebook from my library, and upon finishing promptly added it to my online shopping cart. I am positive this is a story best enjoyed in physical format.
— — —
the only drawback was i instantly adored the cover, and would love to see a fully illustrated edition; that said, i also appreciate the grittiness that comes from the panels being rendered in grayscale
August 31, 2021
This was a rather cool graphic novel!
I really enjoyed the art style and the overall aesthetics of the story/world. I mean you really can't go wrong with historical pilots. Despite this, I found that a lot of the aspects of the worldbuilding weren't that well fleshed out, or maybe just went over my head. As a result, I was pretty confused as I was reading and by the halfway point I was really just there for the vibes, which were truly on point. The main relationship (m/m) was also quite cute and lovely.
eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thanks!
I really enjoyed the art style and the overall aesthetics of the story/world. I mean you really can't go wrong with historical pilots. Despite this, I found that a lot of the aspects of the worldbuilding weren't that well fleshed out, or maybe just went over my head. As a result, I was pretty confused as I was reading and by the halfway point I was really just there for the vibes, which were truly on point. The main relationship (m/m) was also quite cute and lovely.
eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thanks!
September 5, 2021
A story of valor and love, 80 Days follows a pilot, a resistance fighter, and a woman rising through the ranks to leadership as their world is at war, and they have to choose which side(s) they will fight on. At times the story and the action scenes were unclear, but the black and white illustrations were dynamic, striking, and the relationships between the characters complex and moving. A.C. will be an author/artist to watch.
April 22, 2024
The E-Arc of Eighty Days was kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This has not altered my opinion of the book.
I really enjoyed this! The artwork is beautiful, even though it is at times difficult to read (especially fighting scenes). Do not be fooled by the stunning and colorful cover though, this is a darker story that has war and oppression as its backdrop. That being said, the main focus of the story is the blossoming love and the hopeful quest for freedom.
I found the story captivating. I was immediately intrigued by the pilot Jay and his growing relationship with Fix, a thief turned radio operator. I also really loved Sable’s character and following her as she rose in the enemies’ ranks. The war used as a backdrop for the story seems to be based on WW2, and the organization AVO who has replaced governments and who controls the skies reeks of fascism. I think the author blended the queer love story at the heart of it all with the rally against oppressive governments and the fight for freedom really well! I highly recommend this graphic novel.
I really enjoyed this! The artwork is beautiful, even though it is at times difficult to read (especially fighting scenes). Do not be fooled by the stunning and colorful cover though, this is a darker story that has war and oppression as its backdrop. That being said, the main focus of the story is the blossoming love and the hopeful quest for freedom.
I found the story captivating. I was immediately intrigued by the pilot Jay and his growing relationship with Fix, a thief turned radio operator. I also really loved Sable’s character and following her as she rose in the enemies’ ranks. The war used as a backdrop for the story seems to be based on WW2, and the organization AVO who has replaced governments and who controls the skies reeks of fascism. I think the author blended the queer love story at the heart of it all with the rally against oppressive governments and the fight for freedom really well! I highly recommend this graphic novel.
August 2, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and Boom! Studios for the ARC.
Gosh, this comic book!!
It's a fantastic tale of adventure, love and freedom. The illustrations are amazing black and white, somewhat simple, and just alive with motion. Beautiful.
The characters were somewhat... eh at first, and I did not know what to think of them, but as I kept reading they really grew on me and now I love them to bits.
The story is of a rebellion against a Nazi-like flying company that dominates the sky. We follow Jay, a brilliant pilot that only wants to fly, and Fix, an engineer with a troublesome background.
The duo finds themselves in the middle of the war, and our stubborn pilot must pick a side.
It's an utterly stunning comic book.
Gosh, this comic book!!
It's a fantastic tale of adventure, love and freedom. The illustrations are amazing black and white, somewhat simple, and just alive with motion. Beautiful.
The characters were somewhat... eh at first, and I did not know what to think of them, but as I kept reading they really grew on me and now I love them to bits.
The story is of a rebellion against a Nazi-like flying company that dominates the sky. We follow Jay, a brilliant pilot that only wants to fly, and Fix, an engineer with a troublesome background.
The duo finds themselves in the middle of the war, and our stubborn pilot must pick a side.
It's an utterly stunning comic book.
November 12, 2025
pretty epic
RTC
RTC
August 21, 2021
Wow, wow, wow, I absolutely loved this! I think the graphic novel format worked excellently - I felt totally drawn into the world of the story, and fully engaged throughout. While sometimes things were a little unclear to me, I kind of like having to wonder and fill in the gaps. The set-up is intriguing, and the characters and their relationships are absolutely amazing. I love how clear each of their voices is, and how they used different fonts to show it in writing. The art is also absolutely stunning - there's a sequence near the climax that is breathtaking.
I don't know if the author intends to do anything more with this world or story, but I would happily read it! The ending was satisfying and sweet on its own, but there was definitely room for more exploration if they ever chose to do so!
I don't know if the author intends to do anything more with this world or story, but I would happily read it! The ending was satisfying and sweet on its own, but there was definitely room for more exploration if they ever chose to do so!
September 26, 2021
An unlikely pair, a pilot and a thief, find themselves as key members of a resistance to overthrow the corrupt Avo. Avo has a monopoly over the skies and thus have near ironclad control. Jay and Fix are thrust into battle against Avo's control.
Eighty Days by A.C. Esguerra is an action packed, emotional graphic novel. Characters are fleshed out with complex motivations and personalities. Jay and Fix's relationship was so well developed; from beginning to end their romance was perfect.
The art style here is top notch. It brings you into this historical aerial-centric world. The combat scenes were fast paced and the emotional scenes hit hard.
Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Eighty Days by A.C. Esguerra is an action packed, emotional graphic novel. Characters are fleshed out with complex motivations and personalities. Jay and Fix's relationship was so well developed; from beginning to end their romance was perfect.
The art style here is top notch. It brings you into this historical aerial-centric world. The combat scenes were fast paced and the emotional scenes hit hard.
Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity.
What I love about this graphic novel
1) The stunning cover along with the illustration inside. It is beautifully drawn and so beautiful. I love the strokes of it however I do hope for more colors to be added in it.
2) The amazing plot of this book. The power hungry corporation, the war, the rebellion & the love story. I love how it came through as one. I also love how it started with the Jay pov in a some kind of journal then gradually to the other characters POV.
What I love about this graphic novel
1) The stunning cover along with the illustration inside. It is beautifully drawn and so beautiful. I love the strokes of it however I do hope for more colors to be added in it.
2) The amazing plot of this book. The power hungry corporation, the war, the rebellion & the love story. I love how it came through as one. I also love how it started with the Jay pov in a some kind of journal then gradually to the other characters POV.
July 6, 2022
It could have been more than this, but the story, characters and drawing confused me a lot, sometimes.
At times it was quite difficult to understand what was happening, some pages were beautiful, clean lines, others were just a swirl of confusion, quite impossible to see what was going on - the action sequences were a mess. And there were a lot of "similar" characters so at some point I didn't know who was who anymore...
At times it was quite difficult to understand what was happening, some pages were beautiful, clean lines, others were just a swirl of confusion, quite impossible to see what was going on - the action sequences were a mess. And there were a lot of "similar" characters so at some point I didn't know who was who anymore...
June 30, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. It was thrilling and choked full of emotion. The art was stunning. I loved the characters and getting to see their different sides and their development. The romance was great. I loved seeing it grow and develop. This was just an overall fantastic book.
I would like to thank Archaia for providing me with an ARC.
I would like to thank Archaia for providing me with an ARC.
Read
October 18, 2021DNF. I just couldn't get into this one. The storyline and setting didn't really interest me and I frequently found myself confused by what was going on. I gave it a try, but it just wasn't for me.
December 31, 2021
cool concept and art, but was kind of hard to follow sometimes
October 4, 2022
BEAUTIFUL
July 6, 2022
Meh. Not super interesting and not a great romance. Good illustrations
2.5
2.5
August 11, 2021
* I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
I really really liked this graphic novel! The story was interesting and the art was beautiful. It follows a pilot and a communications expert as they resist the power of the AVO, a transnational organization that has replaced most of the government. Jay and Fix and Sable were all excellent characters and I enjoyed following their stories. The only reason it's not a 5-star read for me, personally, is that the plot was unwieldy at times and some of the fight scenes were hard to follow. I actually had to double-check at one point if I was coming into the middle of a series by accident, but nope, it is indeed a standalone. It's decently long, but the amount of ground covered could easily have filled two or three full books instead of one, because it just has so many pieces. The world-building is solid and I would be interested in seeing more of this universe, but I kept getting lost. I understood the bare bones of the story and the art was beautiful enough that I almost didn't mind the confusion, but the pacing and plot could've either been polished more or expanded into multiple books. Overall, I wish I could have more of this, because it feels like it would make an excellent TV show or expanded BOOM! series so that we could enjoy more of this sprawling world.
I really really liked this graphic novel! The story was interesting and the art was beautiful. It follows a pilot and a communications expert as they resist the power of the AVO, a transnational organization that has replaced most of the government. Jay and Fix and Sable were all excellent characters and I enjoyed following their stories. The only reason it's not a 5-star read for me, personally, is that the plot was unwieldy at times and some of the fight scenes were hard to follow. I actually had to double-check at one point if I was coming into the middle of a series by accident, but nope, it is indeed a standalone. It's decently long, but the amount of ground covered could easily have filled two or three full books instead of one, because it just has so many pieces. The world-building is solid and I would be interested in seeing more of this universe, but I kept getting lost. I understood the bare bones of the story and the art was beautiful enough that I almost didn't mind the confusion, but the pacing and plot could've either been polished more or expanded into multiple books. Overall, I wish I could have more of this, because it feels like it would make an excellent TV show or expanded BOOM! series so that we could enjoy more of this sprawling world.
August 31, 2021
*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own*
3.5 stars
I have some mixed feelings about this comic.
I don't know if it was because I read it in an e-arc, but several parts of the story and dialogues I just couldn't read, because the font use for the letters made it very difficult.
I also found several panels very difficult to see because they were too dark or had so much information that I couldn't understand what was going on, very well.
But I loved the lines of the drawings, I thought all the characters were beautiful, and I fallen in love with them all.
The story itself is amazing at first you don't really know where it's going but it takes on huge proportions and you have an epic story in this comic, I loved the romance too.
So in the end, I can say that I liked it a lot but it could improve in some aspects!
3.5 stars
I have some mixed feelings about this comic.
I don't know if it was because I read it in an e-arc, but several parts of the story and dialogues I just couldn't read, because the font use for the letters made it very difficult.
I also found several panels very difficult to see because they were too dark or had so much information that I couldn't understand what was going on, very well.
But I loved the lines of the drawings, I thought all the characters were beautiful, and I fallen in love with them all.
The story itself is amazing at first you don't really know where it's going but it takes on huge proportions and you have an epic story in this comic, I loved the romance too.
So in the end, I can say that I liked it a lot but it could improve in some aspects!
September 1, 2021
arc provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This was captivating, action packed, full of political intrigue and the ins and outs of war and it tore my little gay heart to shreds— in both the best of ways and in some pretty heart-wrenching ways.
This graphic novel follows a pilot Jay and the crafty, super smart thief that he ends up falling in love with. Their relationship started off in the best way possible— enemies to reluctant allies to lovers and I loved every second of it.
The art style in this was gorgeous. I can’t believe this is this author’s debut! They really did a stunning job not only with the art but the plot, the characters, just everything about it was done to perfection.
If you like forbidden love but make it gay, war, what it means to truly be free and fight for that freedom and a story that will have you feeling every emotion— you need this in your life!
5/5⭐️
This was captivating, action packed, full of political intrigue and the ins and outs of war and it tore my little gay heart to shreds— in both the best of ways and in some pretty heart-wrenching ways.
This graphic novel follows a pilot Jay and the crafty, super smart thief that he ends up falling in love with. Their relationship started off in the best way possible— enemies to reluctant allies to lovers and I loved every second of it.
The art style in this was gorgeous. I can’t believe this is this author’s debut! They really did a stunning job not only with the art but the plot, the characters, just everything about it was done to perfection.
If you like forbidden love but make it gay, war, what it means to truly be free and fight for that freedom and a story that will have you feeling every emotion— you need this in your life!
5/5⭐️
January 11, 2022
4.5★
Wonderfully complex graphic novel that explores the tragedies and triumphs of fighting for freedom. There's a lot going on here, but the world-building is done quite well, using unique communications (radio messages, diary entries, written pages passed back and forth) to tell the story of resistance fighters who eventually go to war. The characters are varied and have so much depth to them, especially Sable, who I ended up rooting for after disliking her so much in the beginning. And while this isn't solely a romance book, there is a deeply romantic story here between Jay and Fix that is so sweet.
Stunning illustrations, though some action scenes were hard to decipher in the simple black and white style. At once haunting and inspiring...this one will stick with me for a while.
Wonderfully complex graphic novel that explores the tragedies and triumphs of fighting for freedom. There's a lot going on here, but the world-building is done quite well, using unique communications (radio messages, diary entries, written pages passed back and forth) to tell the story of resistance fighters who eventually go to war. The characters are varied and have so much depth to them, especially Sable, who I ended up rooting for after disliking her so much in the beginning. And while this isn't solely a romance book, there is a deeply romantic story here between Jay and Fix that is so sweet.
Stunning illustrations, though some action scenes were hard to decipher in the simple black and white style. At once haunting and inspiring...this one will stick with me for a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2021
A superb work!
In the four parts that make up this story, we follow one of the three main characters. Developing their personality, but also their vision of events, the author succeeds in making the three characters captivating.
We get attached to them and we can only be driven by their desire for freedom.
But the big plus of the book lies in its graphic style: it captivated me! The design was superb and carried me throughout the plot. I really want to frame some boards!
In short, to discover! ^^
In the four parts that make up this story, we follow one of the three main characters. Developing their personality, but also their vision of events, the author succeeds in making the three characters captivating.
We get attached to them and we can only be driven by their desire for freedom.
But the big plus of the book lies in its graphic style: it captivated me! The design was superb and carried me throughout the plot. I really want to frame some boards!
In short, to discover! ^^
July 30, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and BOOM! Studios for sending me an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Eighty Days is A.C. Esquerra's debut graphic novel - and what a jaw-droppingly gorgeous debut it is! The story follows AVO pilot Jay as he falls into step with the mysterious but brilliant thief, Fix, and finds himself on the run and joining the resistance. The writing style was wonderful (especially once I realized that we were initially reading the scrawlings from Jay's journal, which I found particularly clever) and kept my attention glued to the page.
Esquerra's art style is mind blowingly beautiful and captivating - they create such an incredible world with a fantastic cast of unique and lovable characters, all in black and white. The lack of color made it a bit difficult to grasp what was happening in certain action scenes, but the frames were beautiful nonetheless.
I found my heart aching for these characters so early on (which, of course, is how you know they're well developed); on more than one occasion, I found myself holding my breath as their lives were put on the line.
This is a beautiful story of the ache and fight for freedom, romance, and found family. I'm excited to read more works by Esquerra!
Eighty Days is A.C. Esquerra's debut graphic novel - and what a jaw-droppingly gorgeous debut it is! The story follows AVO pilot Jay as he falls into step with the mysterious but brilliant thief, Fix, and finds himself on the run and joining the resistance. The writing style was wonderful (especially once I realized that we were initially reading the scrawlings from Jay's journal, which I found particularly clever) and kept my attention glued to the page.
Esquerra's art style is mind blowingly beautiful and captivating - they create such an incredible world with a fantastic cast of unique and lovable characters, all in black and white. The lack of color made it a bit difficult to grasp what was happening in certain action scenes, but the frames were beautiful nonetheless.
I found my heart aching for these characters so early on (which, of course, is how you know they're well developed); on more than one occasion, I found myself holding my breath as their lives were put on the line.
This is a beautiful story of the ache and fight for freedom, romance, and found family. I'm excited to read more works by Esquerra!
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