The Science of Ghosts

by Lilah Sturges, El Garing (Artist), Alitha Martinez (Artist)

She'll take ghosts over solving her own problems any day.

While navigating the mysteries of the afterlife, Joy Ravenna - a transgender parapsychologist, must also deal with the very real challenges of her past and present. Her first post-transition relationship, a hostile ex-wife, and clues to murder long forgotten will test her at every twist and turn. For Joy, working with ghosts is way easier than dealing with the living.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Horror, LGBT, Mystery, Fantasy, Queer

160 pages, Paperback

Published June 18, 2024

About the author

Lilah Sturges is an American writer of comics and fantasy novels. She is best known for co-writing with Bill Willingham the Eisner-award-nominated Jack of Fables, and other comics published by Vertigo Comics / DC Comics.

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one more than I expected! As usual...I didn't know what this was about before I started it but it had ghosts in the title and a quick flip through showed me some amazing illustrations so I decided to go for it. First off...the artwork is amazing. I LOVE the black and white illustrations. They are so striking. They really complimented the story well.

And the story held my attention surprisingly well too. I'm not usually a fan of mysteries or detective POV books but this one had a lot more depth to it that drew me in. I was very invested in Joy as a character...her story, her relationship with Cat in the present, her history with Rani, etc. I was fully invested in all of it and I appreciated how it tied in with the mystery as well.

There's a line at the end that says: Death isn't the only thing we grieve. I really liked that and I really liked the last few pages of this story and how it all wraps up. Would definitely recommend this one not just for the paranormal mystery aspects but also the queer rep and how well it was woven through the story. I'll be thinking about this one for a while.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, a modern graphic novel shows that telling an understandable story, with nuanced and sympathetic characters, is possible! I've read so many comics--especially in the horror and fantasy genres--that may be beautiful to look at but whose storylines are so half-baked they make no sense. GHOSTS does not fall into this trap. It's just an absorbing, spooky read.

[Anna Quilter · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Very readable Black & White story about Joy a forensic parasychologist ...whose belief and supposed proof of ghosts ...help her look into crimes.
Mixed with Joys social life...it's an interesting murder through the ages mystery

[Elizabeth A · Rating 2 out of 5]

Crime/mystery ghostbuster graphic novel with queer main characters. I expected to really like this, but while I liked the illustration style the story did not land or suck me in. Too bad.

[JennyBuysBooks | Find me on Fable! · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the drawing but I thought the story was a little mid. I also just didn't really like Joy (the MC). I found her to be a bit self-centered and not a very good partner or friend. I feel like the story tried to have a redemption arc for her when Cat asked her to stop doing her job and she said yes, but I also kind of hated that. Basically giving Joy an ultimatum between what equates to her life's work and her partner is kind of yuck.

[Eilonwy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most satisfying graphic novels I've read. The plot unfolded at a perfect pace, and the two interfolded stories -- Joy's professional life vs her personal life -- worked really well together. Plus I loved the artwork; I took twice as long to read this because I just kept gazing at the pages. I hope to see more books from this writer and artist together.

[kaitlphere · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Cat and Joy as characters. The world building, background, and plot are all well-paced. I hate that Cat gives Joy an ultimatum at the end of the story but I like that their couple story ends happily.

The black and white art worked very well for this spooky detective-esque story. The cover seems like a totally different art style and doesn't do the interior art justice.

[Travis Phelps · Rating 3 out of 5]

This graphic novel was a bit confusing for me. I enjoyed it, and I got a lot of the plot, but the ending left me completely stumped. I’m wondering if this is a a series of graphic novels or if it has just a cryptic ending because of the content it dealt with being paranormal and supernatural overall, I enjoyed it. I’m just as I’ve already said, confused by the ending.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this as a Bonus Read from Hoopla and honestly I was surprised how good it was. Exciting thriller/ghost story at it's center, interesting and realistic main characters and absolutely gorgeous artwork. I have never seen art that well done in black and white. Usually I like color but I didn't miss it at all in this one.

[Elizabeth Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Science of Ghosts is a fantastic premise for a comic. Primary character, Joy Ravenna, is a forensic parapsychologist who uses victimology to investigate cases. That specific focus on forensic psychology offered a new spin on parapsychologist that I found exciting as someone who is already a soft touch for supernatural investigation stories. The art is also beautiful with strong pencils and ink, capturing both human expressions and locations equally well.

Part of the comic I enjoyed was how it highlighted both struggles and joys within the queer community. Within Joy's personal story of transitioning during her marriage, her strained relationship with her ex-wife, a cop, defending her best friend from a murder charge, and navigating her current relationship, readers see snippets of struggles with law enforcement, the need for safe spaces and to find joy, and clear, honest communication.

[Sara Ferrarese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into The Science of Ghosts expecting something quirky and not too serious. That idea was based solely on the title. What I actually got was a deeply emotional journey, filled with rich characters, secret rituals, and murderous ghosts. I sat down to “check it out” and was halfway through the book before I even knew it. And I'd already cried at least once by that point. 

The story of Dr. Joy Ravenna feels like a deeply personal one. I was struck by the honesty of the emotions in this story, which is as much about Joy's struggle to come to terms with her identity and the rejection of her wife as it is about ghosts and the search for proof of their existence. And that's a good thing, in my opinion. The world needs more realistic representations of diverse experiences. It was refreshing and enlightening to be able to “take a walk in someone else's shoes” so to speak. These kinds of experiences are the main reason why I love reading so much. 

The ghost story portion of The Science of Ghosts was entertaining enough to make the book worth checking out, but the social commentary and emotional gut-punches make it worth re-reading and sharing with everyone you know.

[Collin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine and cool enough to have an adult trans woman lead, and there’s a pretty cool theory of ghosts going on here, but the tired nonsense of “the brilliant cutting-edge scientist/investigator protagonist has a partner who can’t handle their job and constantly denigrates the protagonist’s work and priorities as something that takes too much time away from their romantic relationship” is just as annoying with a queer story as it is a straight one. Just once, it would be cool if the partner was supportive and interested in the protagonist’s work. And if Cat had been a man, you KNOW demanding that Joy choose between her or Joy’s work - her passion, her CAREER - would have been a Huge Red Flag and basically unacceptable as a denouement turning point, and rightly so. No reason for me not to feel like it’s a red flag here anyway.

I also did not enjoy how sexualized the womens’ murders were. I kind of expected better than multiple panels of a murdered woman’s naked post-coital body as the centerpiece in this GN, but here we are.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! The characterization work is excellent--every character felt distinct and realistic, with a mix of good qualities and deep flaws. The plot itself is a bit predictable, and a ghost story murder mystery isn't my usual genre, but the queer and trans elements of the story elevate it beyond the standard procedural. I have more mixed feelings on the art -- there's a lot to like, but there were also several panels where the anatomy was so wonky or the expressions so at odds with the dialogue that I was thrown out of the moment. That said, this is still a lovely story, with a particularly killer epilogue, and I'm looking forward to catching up on more of Lilah Sturges's recent work.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't seen Lilah Sturges's name on a comic book for awhile so when I saw this as a Hoopla Bonus Borrow I decided to check it out and I'm glad I did. It was really good. It's about a transgendered woman who is a forensic parapsychologist and used to work as a forensic psychologist for the police before she transitioned. She gets involved in a mystery of two generations of the same family who were murdered in their house and were the heirs of a firearms company. El Garing's and Alitha Martinez's black and white art is exquisite, so detailed. These days that really stands out to me with so many artists going the manga route of no backgrounds at all.

[Elliot McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a pleasure to read. I am not typically a reader of murder mysteries, but I am an avid enjoyer of crime dramas. This story takes high stakes interpersonal complications of my beloved crime dramas, and bundles it deliciously with truly scary ghosts, and delivers it brilliantly through the trans lens.

“Death isn’t the only thing we grieve.”
Oh, my aching transgender soul.

[Mee Too · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot of personal projection going on in this story that really took away what the book could have been. The relationship drama stuff seems silly and unnecessary. The art felt ai generated and generic. I find genre books to be typically overrated and maybe thats why they’re often overlooked. 🤷🏽

2.8✨

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting and unique story! But I don't understand why the NRA or Ben wouldn't want Haskell Firearms to work with smart guns. I mean, if the consumers want them, and Haskell is the only company selling them, it should make them rich! And it's not like the US government is planning to forbid other guns, so I don't get the NRA's problem.

[Shawn Norton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read, and two aspects interested me the most: 1) Joy navigating/switching identities and the quiet moments of that 2) The science.

I got a bit more of number 1 than 2, and that's OK. Not as much of either as I'd like.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recent Reads: The Science Of Ghosts. Lilah Sturges' graphic novel blends a classic ghost story with a modern forensic procedural to deliver something new. But underneath there's another story: of a transition and its own ghosts, including a final heartbreaking ghost - a childhood never lived.

[Art · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting. Still not sure how I feel about the book. I mean, it was okay, the mystery was pretty cool, but something didn't click me. It's not the trans thing, I'm cool with that, but the story just seemed a little flat to me.

[Samsalaqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we please get more stories that mention our sexuality but don't make it the main topic?
This was a really great ghost thriller. I really really enjoyed the ride!

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this except for the last four pages... I have no idea what that was supposed to be about. 🤔

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want this to be a TV show!! Everyone, purchase this (or get your library to purchase this) so we can have more.

[Yolotzin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. Love parapsychology. Super cool the way it was all explained and done. Tragic story for Liz, but great conclusion. The art was stunning.

[Lesa Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank ghosties, no Scooby Doo ending! 👻

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up.

[Courtney Bedrava · Rating 1 out of 5]

The art was meh at best, and the story felt more about relationships than ghosts. I did not care for it.

[The_J · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Transgender Parapsychologist eh. Neither ghost story nor art make this interesting enough to waste your time on

[Katelin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh... I wanted more from this book for sure! I liked where it was going. The ending really confused me though.

[Julian · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the art could be stiff at times, I liked the mystery well enough. The types of ghosts were solemn and intriguing (or sometimes violent). I liked the incorporation of trans and queer characters, but worried about the ultimatum near the end.