Moving

by Luis Yang

Two women prepare to move house, but as the day dawns and the removal carriers come and go, they find themselves unable to leave. An evocative internal reflection on the things that we hold on to, and the point at which they begin to hold us back.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Queer

40 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2021

Reviews

[Elna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I acknowledge that I didn't fully understand this, and I was left cold. The whole conceit confused me: two characters are packing up and talking about moving out, but one really doesn't want to go. Then we find out both characters are the same person, moving out (leaving an... abusive mom? uncaring parent?). Is it some kind of gender allegory? Does it matter?

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the storytelling in this to be a little muddled but unusual framing and bleak tone really did work quite well.

[Adrian · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some things that never seem to change. The way home is part of home itself. I spent as much time as I could here, on this path, trying to delay reaching my destination. I always wanted to leave. Why is it so hard now that I can?

I do love Shortbox and this final Kickstarter box of new comics is another huge success.

In Moving, by Luis Yang, we experience a disturbing story about the things that tie us to a home and how difficult they can be to leave behind. This has an almost horror edge to it and certainly delves into the psyche of the characters as the fight to leave the house.

I got a little lost at times so can't give this more than 3 1/2 stars.

[Sammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very moody but appealing short comic about (and I hope I read into it correctly) gender identity and leaving abusive environments. I’m a bit unsure due to the clarity of the storytelling – are Olea and Eli the same person? Is Eli letting go of their old self in an attempt to move on from the past? To me, Olea and the mother look the same so that was rather confusing. Still, the simplicity of the art style works in its favour as well as the shortness of the comic – it stuck around just enough. It definitely strikes a chord when it comes to leaving ones old life behind in favour of new beginnings.

6/10

[pb · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved the moodiness and the aesthetic more than i did the narrative which i couldn't go along with at times - the ending, too, forcing me to go back and revisit what i thought i knew but never really clearing up my doubts. but i still like it because i love the exploration of a place/home in this manner, especially the little bits about finding the way back to it. and really, the bleakness of the art. so good!

[Jaime Dear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, that ending unfolding make me go back and read the whole thing again. Not TOO obtuse to be alienating but obtuse enough to make you go "oh...? OH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" and then I cried. Really good stuff. Even with the gloomy atmosphere, also had a sweet, sentimental feeling. Impressed with the angles the artist pushed. Simple, effective shapes.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short comic had an almost poetic element to it, combining horror and ambiguity into something really stirring.

[Elena Varg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a moving (heh) story. It took me a while to understand the ending, but it’s not the book’s fault I’m a dummy lol

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me several reads and looking at other reviews to understand what’s happening, but now that I think I do? Brilliant

[Javier Alarcón · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cantaba Brian May aquello de que «leaving home ain't easy, but it may be the only way», y Luis Yang lo cuenta maravillosamente en una joyita intimista en blanco y negro.

[Lacrimosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply enjoyed reading this and would gladly read again and again. Certainly can be a bit confusing but ultimately understandable near the end. Beautifully illustrated and deeply emotional.

[Nancy Zigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the green moodiness of this book.