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Rainbow Bridge
RAINBOW BRIDGE is an original graphic novel from Steve Foxe and Steve Orlando – the first to be published under AfterShock's new YA imprint: SEISMIC PRESS.
What if the Rainbow Bridge was the Bifrost?
ANDY’s parents rescued ROCKET when Andy was just a toddler, and they grew up together, with Rocket serving as Andy’s guardian through every one of childhood's ups and downs. So when Rocket passes away right before Andy’s 14th birthday, he's rudderless. High school is coming soon and he can't imagine making that transition without Rocket at his side. The day before school starts, when Andy is at his lowest, he visits Rocket’s grave, and unexpectedly summons the RAINBOW BRIDGE, a gateway to a fantasy world where pets discover their afterlife.
One part heaven and one part limbo, this is a final resting place for pets – but also a realm where any unfinished business must be completed, before restless pet souls twist into bizarre, seemingly malevolent wraiths that haunt the periphery of this otherwise splendid paradise. It’s extremely rare for a human to visit this realm, but Rocket and Andy find each other again in this wondrous pet Valhalla to go on one last epic adventure to help Rocket reunite with his lost littermate, fulfilling Rocket’s last wishes. Here, the roles are reversed, as Andy has to be the strong one and support Rocket in his quest for closure. By adventure's end, Andy finally gains the confidence to let go of his childhood and enter the next phase of his life, starting his first day of high school.
RAINBOW BRIDGE is aimed primarily at younger readers, on the border of middle grade and YA, but should resonate with anyone who has ever had to say goodbye to a beloved pet – or anyone who greeted growing up with nervousness and anxiety. Like JOE THE BARBARIAN before it, RAINBOW BRIDGE can address the lines between reality and fantasy (although everything in the book is portrayed as actually happening), wish fulfillment and personal growth, childhood and young adulthood. There are also themes of overcoming trauma, and of compassion for animals. The Realm Beyond the Rainbow Bridge is shaped by its inhabitants, and contains vast fantasy vistas inspired by the adventures pets and their owners, especially kids, imagine for themselves.
What if the Rainbow Bridge was the Bifrost?
ANDY’s parents rescued ROCKET when Andy was just a toddler, and they grew up together, with Rocket serving as Andy’s guardian through every one of childhood's ups and downs. So when Rocket passes away right before Andy’s 14th birthday, he's rudderless. High school is coming soon and he can't imagine making that transition without Rocket at his side. The day before school starts, when Andy is at his lowest, he visits Rocket’s grave, and unexpectedly summons the RAINBOW BRIDGE, a gateway to a fantasy world where pets discover their afterlife.
One part heaven and one part limbo, this is a final resting place for pets – but also a realm where any unfinished business must be completed, before restless pet souls twist into bizarre, seemingly malevolent wraiths that haunt the periphery of this otherwise splendid paradise. It’s extremely rare for a human to visit this realm, but Rocket and Andy find each other again in this wondrous pet Valhalla to go on one last epic adventure to help Rocket reunite with his lost littermate, fulfilling Rocket’s last wishes. Here, the roles are reversed, as Andy has to be the strong one and support Rocket in his quest for closure. By adventure's end, Andy finally gains the confidence to let go of his childhood and enter the next phase of his life, starting his first day of high school.
RAINBOW BRIDGE is aimed primarily at younger readers, on the border of middle grade and YA, but should resonate with anyone who has ever had to say goodbye to a beloved pet – or anyone who greeted growing up with nervousness and anxiety. Like JOE THE BARBARIAN before it, RAINBOW BRIDGE can address the lines between reality and fantasy (although everything in the book is portrayed as actually happening), wish fulfillment and personal growth, childhood and young adulthood. There are also themes of overcoming trauma, and of compassion for animals. The Realm Beyond the Rainbow Bridge is shaped by its inhabitants, and contains vast fantasy vistas inspired by the adventures pets and their owners, especially kids, imagine for themselves.
120 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2021
112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 15, 2021
Devastating concept. Don't get me wrong, I knew the book starts when the dog dies, but it still reminds me of every single animal I've ever outlived. The story is very simple without much nuance, which I actually really appreciated as there's so much to unpack around personal dead pet feelings that I probably wouldn't have been able to also pay attention to a complex plot. The art is straightforward and lovely to look at. Really matched the tone of the story perfectly.
August 31, 2025
A heart-warming adventure tale for younger readers that isn't intended to evoke sadness, but probably will for anyone who's ever mourned for a lost pet. The attachments are as strong as family attachments, as dogs and cats become part of our families. It's hard not to get through this graphic novel without tears or sadness, especially in the beginning scenes.
Young Andrew, ready to enter the ninth grade, is grief stricken and depressed over the loss of his favorite companion, Rocket the Corgi. He gets an opportunity to cross over the Rainbow Bridge where animals go after death to the Forever Forest (a kind of Heaven, but not without peril), and has one last fun adventure with Rocket.
It's one of the best graphic novels written for young adults that I have read (admittedly, not that many). Trigger warning: there is the presence of some frightening creatures, the wraiths, who are animals converted to scary energy beings because of unfinished business, that may be too upsetting for very young readers. I would recommend this to ages 8 and up.
Colorful art that totally suits the story. Very engaging. A quick read, and memorable. Some life lessons within the story that are there to be discovered. A neat, coming-of-age story with good family relationships. Recommended.
Young Andrew, ready to enter the ninth grade, is grief stricken and depressed over the loss of his favorite companion, Rocket the Corgi. He gets an opportunity to cross over the Rainbow Bridge where animals go after death to the Forever Forest (a kind of Heaven, but not without peril), and has one last fun adventure with Rocket.
It's one of the best graphic novels written for young adults that I have read (admittedly, not that many). Trigger warning: there is the presence of some frightening creatures, the wraiths, who are animals converted to scary energy beings because of unfinished business, that may be too upsetting for very young readers. I would recommend this to ages 8 and up.
Colorful art that totally suits the story. Very engaging. A quick read, and memorable. Some life lessons within the story that are there to be discovered. A neat, coming-of-age story with good family relationships. Recommended.
August 30, 2021
As an animal lover, I sobbed my way through this entire comic. It's a sweet story that should resonate with anyone who has had to say goodbye to a pet.
I also appreciated the casual openness Andy's mom had about him starting his freshman year of high school and suggesting that there will be cute girls (or boys) there and that it didn't matter to her which one interested Andy more. It's not a major plot point, but the representation is good to see.
I also appreciated the casual openness Andy's mom had about him starting his freshman year of high school and suggesting that there will be cute girls (or boys) there and that it didn't matter to her which one interested Andy more. It's not a major plot point, but the representation is good to see.
October 30, 2021
This was great, but I would NOT recommend reading it if you recently lost a pet. I bawled for HOURS after reading this, and I lost my best friend a year and a half ago! I'd give anything to be able to have one last adventure with my Moukou. 💕
November 16, 2021
This is a cute book about the friendship between a boy and his dog, and the connections we have to our loved ones when they pass away. It's adorable and heartwarming.
October 2, 2021
I really liked this foray into the beyond, over the “rainbow bridge,” where pets go when they die. In this case, Andy’s beloved dog Rocket is in the “forever fields.” Apparently Rocket has unfinished business, which Andy finds out when he accidentally enters this magical realm while mourning Rocket at his grave. So, as long as he’s there, Andy searches for Rocket, accompanied by other pets he has known. But the whole community of animals is threatened by the presence of evil wraiths, which are pets who are stuck in limbo with unfinished business. Andy is tortured by the idea that Rocket could be stuck because he, Andy, was too heartbroken to be present when the family had to put Rocket down. Could Rocket be on the road to becoming a wraith? These questions spur Andy to find his beloved pet and achieve closure.
I loved the concept of a happy afterlife for pets, and the book achieves this with humor and a believable explanation. Andy, a rising 9th grader who just can’t move on after Rocket’s death, is a boy with strong emotions that he shares with his family. The reason behind his adventure beyond the rainbow bridge is love for his pet, which lots of readers will find relatable. It’s a great combination of an emotional journey and a rousing fast paced adventure. The evil wraiths are defeated, but not vanquished, so there’s definitely room for further adventures.
I loved the concept of a happy afterlife for pets, and the book achieves this with humor and a believable explanation. Andy, a rising 9th grader who just can’t move on after Rocket’s death, is a boy with strong emotions that he shares with his family. The reason behind his adventure beyond the rainbow bridge is love for his pet, which lots of readers will find relatable. It’s a great combination of an emotional journey and a rousing fast paced adventure. The evil wraiths are defeated, but not vanquished, so there’s definitely room for further adventures.
January 10, 2022
Word of caution: If you've lost a pet fairly recently (or really, ever) this will make you bawl your eyes out. I thought I was at the point where I wouldn't cry thinking of my Toby who went over the rainbow bridge over a year ago but this book opened up some BIG wounds.
I loved the concept of this book and the message it eventually conveyed. I say eventually because I don't want to spoil anything. Rocket was/is a great doggie and he and Andy had quite a bond that transcended death which was heartwarming. I liked how Rocket's backstory played into the whole plot. The art style was not my favorite to be honest but it wasn't something that was a total dealbreaker. It was just very...chaotic for lack of a better term. But overall, a great book.
I loved the concept of this book and the message it eventually conveyed. I say eventually because I don't want to spoil anything. Rocket was/is a great doggie and he and Andy had quite a bond that transcended death which was heartwarming. I liked how Rocket's backstory played into the whole plot. The art style was not my favorite to be honest but it wasn't something that was a total dealbreaker. It was just very...chaotic for lack of a better term. But overall, a great book.
January 11, 2022
I want to be there in Forever Fields with Sage. No animal is a lost cause.
November 27, 2021
A very sweet story
December 17, 2021
Having recently lost a dear old friend, this comic was a nice comfort read. It was a lighthearted fantasy adventure with a straightforward plot and nothing but good vibes all around. Not to mention, Ms. Pawdrey Hepburn is an adorably punny name, especially for such a queen of an elderly cat. 🐱
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2021
Cried all the way through it. Great illustrations, heavy topic but I thought it did well to help young teens deal with it. There were minor plot points I didn't care for (such as our pets going somewhere they never reconnect with their humans after death) but over all a heartwarming story and well worth the read if you can handle it. You immediately fall in love with Andy and Rocket and I can't wait to read their next adventure.
July 28, 2021
I received a preview of this book from Diamond Books and this review is based on the preview.
I absolutely love the art style. It's cute and very evocative. I love how colorful it is as well and just how expressive it is. I have already fallen in love with Rocket and Andy, as well as their family. I also loved seeing the rescue dogs that are a part of this family. I loved how emotional this book was right off the bat. Dealing with the loss of a pet is a deeply emotional time as they are a part of the family. I can't wait for this book to release as it looks like it is going to be great and very emotional.
I absolutely love the art style. It's cute and very evocative. I love how colorful it is as well and just how expressive it is. I have already fallen in love with Rocket and Andy, as well as their family. I also loved seeing the rescue dogs that are a part of this family. I loved how emotional this book was right off the bat. Dealing with the loss of a pet is a deeply emotional time as they are a part of the family. I can't wait for this book to release as it looks like it is going to be great and very emotional.
May 17, 2025
My daughter just read this and told me to. Like Andy's family, we too are an animal rescue family. I did not cry, though I did come close a couple times. This is very sweet, and has great art, but I can't get over how silly it is calling the hellhound a "heck" hound. The Mormons would approve. I get that it's a kids book and that my foul mouth would put sailors to shame, but it's just so heckin' silly. "Heck hound." What the heck...
February 2, 2022
A quick read with a tween/young teen-level plot, yet it still very much resonated with me after recently losing my best four-legged friend. A definite tearjerker, with amazingly clean art, vibrant colors, and outstanding lettering. Give to anyone who is grieving the loss of a pet.
May 12, 2025
A delightful comic that explores the grief of losing a pet through a magical adventure set across the Rainbow Bridge!
Andy's life has felt pretty empty after he lost his best friend, Rocket. Despite the fact that his parents constantly foster other animals, Andy still misses Rocket dearly. Just as Andy is supposed to be attending Freshman orientation, he visits Rocket's grave and is whisked across the Rainbow Bridge into the afterlife for beloved pets. Elated for the chance to see Rocket one last time, Andy sets off on an adventure of a lifetime.
This is a cute graphic novel that explores a topic very near and dear to many people's hearts: what happens to our pets after they leave our world? This is a concept that has been done time and time again, but I still felt that this book executed this theme well.
My favorite part about this book is definitely the imagery. The full color illustrations are lovely and truly depict this story in such a powerful way. The backgrounds are gorgeous, the details are stunning, and the characters are done with such skill.
Unfortunately, I feel as though this book ends rather abruptly. There is a major conflict that remains entirely unresolved with one character pretty much saying to another, "Don't worry; I got this, bro!" This wasn't a satisfying ending in any means, and the time jumps that the book uses at the end seem a bit lazy. This book isn't very long, so this was quite a blow to it.
Overall, "Rainbow Bridge" is a heartwarming graphic novel that explores grief, growing up, and moving on. It isn't the most in-depth or original, but the story is pretty solid. The art is also stunning, which is certainly the highlight of this graphic novel.
Andy's life has felt pretty empty after he lost his best friend, Rocket. Despite the fact that his parents constantly foster other animals, Andy still misses Rocket dearly. Just as Andy is supposed to be attending Freshman orientation, he visits Rocket's grave and is whisked across the Rainbow Bridge into the afterlife for beloved pets. Elated for the chance to see Rocket one last time, Andy sets off on an adventure of a lifetime.
This is a cute graphic novel that explores a topic very near and dear to many people's hearts: what happens to our pets after they leave our world? This is a concept that has been done time and time again, but I still felt that this book executed this theme well.
My favorite part about this book is definitely the imagery. The full color illustrations are lovely and truly depict this story in such a powerful way. The backgrounds are gorgeous, the details are stunning, and the characters are done with such skill.
Unfortunately, I feel as though this book ends rather abruptly. There is a major conflict that remains entirely unresolved with one character pretty much saying to another, "Don't worry; I got this, bro!" This wasn't a satisfying ending in any means, and the time jumps that the book uses at the end seem a bit lazy. This book isn't very long, so this was quite a blow to it.
Overall, "Rainbow Bridge" is a heartwarming graphic novel that explores grief, growing up, and moving on. It isn't the most in-depth or original, but the story is pretty solid. The art is also stunning, which is certainly the highlight of this graphic novel.
March 25, 2022
Plot
Bifrost (“BIF-roast”) is a burning rainbow bridge that reaches between Midgard (Earth) and Asgard, the realm of the gods. [Wikipedia]. So when Rocket dies, he crosses the Rainbow Bridge from Earth to a sort of pet limbo. Everything a good doggy could every want, from treats and bones to socks and... ominous demons??
Andy is supposed to be registering for his 9th grade courses, but his dog Rocket has recently died and he is having a hard time letting go. Somehow he ends up in The Forever Fields, where animals are rewarded for being companions to humans. Not only are the animals giant in this land, they can also talk! So when Andy finds Rocket, the two go on one last adventure to find out why Rocket is disappearing and doggy demons are chasing him.
Review
I mostly liked but at some points disliked this book, but I am not sure what I disliked about it... maybe it's because graphic novels often leave me wanting more plot?? I liked the art style quite a bit--it always makes for a more enjoyable experience when the art is aesthetically pleasing. I loved the art for Pawdrey Hepburn; she seemed mean yet was nice to others.
The story of getting to see your healthy, happy pet one last time is definitely a wonderful thought. Can you imagine getting to ride on a giant dog or cat? That would be wonderful, considering my cats sleep on me most days =). The ending was great! Especially the calendar.
Bifrost (“BIF-roast”) is a burning rainbow bridge that reaches between Midgard (Earth) and Asgard, the realm of the gods. [Wikipedia]. So when Rocket dies, he crosses the Rainbow Bridge from Earth to a sort of pet limbo. Everything a good doggy could every want, from treats and bones to socks and... ominous demons??
Andy is supposed to be registering for his 9th grade courses, but his dog Rocket has recently died and he is having a hard time letting go. Somehow he ends up in The Forever Fields, where animals are rewarded for being companions to humans. Not only are the animals giant in this land, they can also talk! So when Andy finds Rocket, the two go on one last adventure to find out why Rocket is disappearing and doggy demons are chasing him.
Review
I mostly liked but at some points disliked this book, but I am not sure what I disliked about it... maybe it's because graphic novels often leave me wanting more plot?? I liked the art style quite a bit--it always makes for a more enjoyable experience when the art is aesthetically pleasing. I loved the art for Pawdrey Hepburn; she seemed mean yet was nice to others.
The story of getting to see your healthy, happy pet one last time is definitely a wonderful thought. Can you imagine getting to ride on a giant dog or cat? That would be wonderful, considering my cats sleep on me most days =). The ending was great! Especially the calendar.
April 3, 2022
When a companion animal (a pet or an animal with the potential to be a pet) dies, they are able to cross the Rainbow Bridge. And the land beyond is only the afterlife for animals.
Except what happens when an animal is mistreated? Or if they have unfinished business (whether or not they are aware of it)?
How do the wraiths, the “heck animals” thrive?
And what happens when one’s human follows them over the Bridge?
That is what Andy and Rocket find out when Andy mourns his dog on the day of his freshman orientation for high school and ends up traveling the Rainbow Bridge. It’s a heartwarming and yet bittersweet story that extends beyond a boy and his dog. It’s about what it means to love and how to love a being living in the afterlife. The art is pretty good too, and I laughed out loud on the spread over pages 102-103 when Ms. Hepburn is hugging regular and wraith kittens aike with a look of annoyance.
Except what happens when an animal is mistreated? Or if they have unfinished business (whether or not they are aware of it)?
How do the wraiths, the “heck animals” thrive?
And what happens when one’s human follows them over the Bridge?
That is what Andy and Rocket find out when Andy mourns his dog on the day of his freshman orientation for high school and ends up traveling the Rainbow Bridge. It’s a heartwarming and yet bittersweet story that extends beyond a boy and his dog. It’s about what it means to love and how to love a being living in the afterlife. The art is pretty good too, and I laughed out loud on the spread over pages 102-103 when Ms. Hepburn is hugging regular and wraith kittens aike with a look of annoyance.
September 22, 2023
Firstly, this is very sweet.
Mostly I ended up reading this because I had added a bunch of graphic novels by Orlando after having read some of his much queerer titles (Midnighter mostly). This is very much not that. This is very much a graphic novel for a teen who has a very deep connection to their pet, whether or not they've lost said pet or not.
I'm not a pet guy. I mean, I never had a cat or a dog, just fish and birds. So, some of this just doesn't resonate with me.
It is, as I said, very sweet though. The art by Brancati, is lovely. I can very much see this being turned into an animated series... every week a new adventure.
The ending is... strange. It kind of just stops, as though, maybe there will be a sequel... but it's also not that Andy never gets to see Rocket again, so it slightly undercuts itself a little. It's odd. It's not bad, just odd.
Mostly I ended up reading this because I had added a bunch of graphic novels by Orlando after having read some of his much queerer titles (Midnighter mostly). This is very much not that. This is very much a graphic novel for a teen who has a very deep connection to their pet, whether or not they've lost said pet or not.
I'm not a pet guy. I mean, I never had a cat or a dog, just fish and birds. So, some of this just doesn't resonate with me.
It is, as I said, very sweet though. The art by Brancati, is lovely. I can very much see this being turned into an animated series... every week a new adventure.
The ending is... strange. It kind of just stops, as though, maybe there will be a sequel... but it's also not that Andy never gets to see Rocket again, so it slightly undercuts itself a little. It's odd. It's not bad, just odd.
September 20, 2022
Absolutely LOVED this GN, the illustrations were great and I love the Tri-color corgi representation as they are almost always portrayed as the “Queen’s cream” colored ones #tricolorcorgimom - While yeah, obviously the storyline and concept are very sad and can trigger emotions for those who have lost pets, but I found it comforting being able to envision a glorious afterlife for our pets (aside from the evil shadows) but even those can be given new life in the afterlife which is nice seeing that even the pets with not the best on earth life can have a good afterlife. I’d love to see a sequel to this. I also loved that his parents ran an animal rescue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2025
This was nothing short from amazing. Rainbow Bridge tells the story of Andy having a difficult time coping with the passing of his best friend Rocket, his corgi. When Rocket crossed the Rainbow Bridge, Andy was afraid to be there for his friend, but now he finds himself brought over the Rainbow Bridge to meet his best friend again and be able to move on.
This tale got me, it was emotional. I, like many others, did shed a tear.
It was great, poignant, and a testament to what it’s like to grieve a pet.
This tale got me, it was emotional. I, like many others, did shed a tear.
It was great, poignant, and a testament to what it’s like to grieve a pet.
August 25, 2021
This was a really cute coming of age graphic novel. I thought the art style was good for the tone of the story. I liked most of the characters, they were about as fleshed as you can get in a short graphic novel. I liked the story- how the main character had to help someone else to get himself out of his funk.
March 18, 2022
um excuse me, those are my feeling you're walking all over Rainbow Bridge . Seriously though this one hits right in the feels. It might be a wee bit shallow on character and solid plot points but its also only 100 or so pages and the art fills in the characters A Lot. I loved it & I hope we'll see a sequel, follow up, or spin off!
May 23, 2023
This was a delightful graphic novel about the loss of a pet and how a child deals with it! This story takes a very sad, tough topic and adds a fantastical twist to make it easier to read. Of course there is a ton of heart involved and the inclusivity was appreciated! I would certainly read more from this author!
December 11, 2021
This book was perfect for anyone who has ever or will ever lose a pet. The small romance aspect was completely unnecessary, but the rest of the story more than made up for it. I'm not one for graphic novels, but this one was phenomenal.
December 28, 2021
I'm always so scared to read these types of stories -- I will be devastated if anything happens to the animals. I'm 100% that guy.
This left me very happy and feeling great. Can't recommend it enough.
This left me very happy and feeling great. Can't recommend it enough.
October 5, 2023
Very sweet fantasy about what happens when a beloved pet dies - and what happens when abused animals die. Love is a powerful force!
Definitely had me teary despite the sometimes not-so-artful dialog.
Definitely had me teary despite the sometimes not-so-artful dialog.
August 27, 2021
MORE MORE MORE! This was a fantastic, heartwarming read.
September 1, 2021
Very cute book. Love the art style. Super positive message of helping and being there for your animal friends would love to see a volume 2.
September 25, 2021
Super cute, but I cried the whole time I was reading it.
October 4, 2021
Not deep enough to grab me, but I can see that the concept of a magical world where your deceased pet can talk and gets large enough that you can ride around on them would capture kids' interest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews