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Space Trash #1
Space Trash Vol. 1
In Jenn Woodall's debut graphic novel series, three teenagers attending school on the moon try to keep their boredom and resentments at bay as they stumble across an exciting secret that could change the course of their future. In 2115, Earth has been abandoned as a lost cause and mankind has moved on to space colonization. At a decrepit high school on the moon for underprivileged youth, Stab, Yuki and Una are three teenagers who try to keep their boredom and resentment at bay by fighting rival gangs and cliques, hanging out, sleeping their way through class, all while trying to avoid punishment from the Student Council. Fights over turf, respect and snacks lead to unearthing an exciting secret, but will their friendship be strong enough to forge a new future?
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2022
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January 18, 2023
Hop aboard for a fun trip to the cosmos, or at least to after-school detention. In 2115, Earth has become inhospitable and humans must colonize space in order to keep on keeping on. The first installment of the new graphic novel series, Space Trash by Jenn Woodall sparks an exciting adventure of teenagers in a grimey all-girls space school for the underprivileged where the teachers are all robotic AI and the glorious history of humankind taking to the stars for peace and prosperity to all might be revisionist history. And Earth might not be as destroyed as they are taught. I for one am excited to follow Yuki, ”Stab” and Una as this series continues, with this first volume doing an excellent job of staging the narrative and quickly grabbing my attention through this very punk and sapphic space story.
Grungy space school
This first volume introduces us to three teenages, Yuki, “Stab” and Una, punk girls in an all-girls school that feels more like a forgotten corner of the galaxy instead of a bold new direction for humanity amongst the stars. Sapphic all-girls space school might give vibes of On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden (which is my favorite graphic novel) but this is a far more gritty and dilapidated school covered in graffiti where turf wars between girl gangs are the popularity contests. These girls seemingly have nothing to look forward to, being the poorer communities that seem already left behind in humanities quest through space, though one has been transferred there after being kicked out of a prestigious school on Mars and I am excited to see what we learn about that.
Ah the gritty fun of space punks
I am excited to see where this series leads as it seems to have a lot of potential. The characters have a lot of personality and there is a lot of mystery already established, plus it ends with a pretty major plot point to explore further. I quite enjoy the artwork as well and enjoy how this is published as a rather large book. Definitely eager to continue this space adventure.
⅘
Grungy space school
This first volume introduces us to three teenages, Yuki, “Stab” and Una, punk girls in an all-girls school that feels more like a forgotten corner of the galaxy instead of a bold new direction for humanity amongst the stars. Sapphic all-girls space school might give vibes of On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden (which is my favorite graphic novel) but this is a far more gritty and dilapidated school covered in graffiti where turf wars between girl gangs are the popularity contests. These girls seemingly have nothing to look forward to, being the poorer communities that seem already left behind in humanities quest through space, though one has been transferred there after being kicked out of a prestigious school on Mars and I am excited to see what we learn about that.
Ah the gritty fun of space punks
I am excited to see where this series leads as it seems to have a lot of potential. The characters have a lot of personality and there is a lot of mystery already established, plus it ends with a pretty major plot point to explore further. I quite enjoy the artwork as well and enjoy how this is published as a rather large book. Definitely eager to continue this space adventure.
⅘
June 23, 2022
A sapphic trifecta and not a man in sight? Say no more.
Space Trash Vol. 1 does a brilliant job of establishing a new world, a clear narrative, and a unique rag tag ensemble cast - who, it goes without saying, I utterly adore. Each character encapsulates a queer archetype to the fullest, but rather than feeling shallow or tokenistic, it reads as a nod to queer youth and the many forms they take. (Una is my personal favourite, but they are all absolute gems).
Their characterisation is only elevated by the vivid art style which is, at times, reminiscent of 80's vintage comicsif they were a little more camp. The setting, while drab is also a joy to observe; between littered trinkets, graphic posters and persistent graffiti, there is never a dull moment.
I also have to commend any graphic novel that manages not to lose me at some point along the way. I had an incredibly easy time reading Space Trash, and in my case, that statement holds weight.
Overall, a brilliant kick-start to what I expect will be a spectacular series. It's sapphics in space, after all... It's bound to be marvellous.
TWs: Bullying, Violence (mild)
When Planet Earth was abandoned, human-kind set off to Mars to build a brand new future, a paradise. At least, that's what the privileged and rich will tell you. In reality, those deemed unworthy of the high life instead found themselves on the moon; the land of crumbling buildings, rusty tech, and a healthy dose of good old-fashioned propaganda.
Amongst the Mars rejects, Yuki, Una, and Stab (yes, Stab) can be found complaining through their highly uninspiring education. We watch as the trio face the uniquely teenage struggle of turf wars, cliques and hormones - all the while, the ever present Student Council watches on. Before long, a motley crew of queer teens with a rebellious streak and a growing restlessness can only lead to one thing: trouble.
Space Trash Vol. 1 does a brilliant job of establishing a new world, a clear narrative, and a unique rag tag ensemble cast - who, it goes without saying, I utterly adore. Each character encapsulates a queer archetype to the fullest, but rather than feeling shallow or tokenistic, it reads as a nod to queer youth and the many forms they take. (Una is my personal favourite, but they are all absolute gems).
Their characterisation is only elevated by the vivid art style which is, at times, reminiscent of 80's vintage comics
I also have to commend any graphic novel that manages not to lose me at some point along the way. I had an incredibly easy time reading Space Trash, and in my case, that statement holds weight.
Overall, a brilliant kick-start to what I expect will be a spectacular series. It's sapphics in space, after all... It's bound to be marvellous.
TWs: Bullying, Violence (mild)
June 11, 2022
Jenn Woodall knows her way around dialogue - everything anyone says in this book is fun, snappy and sort of.. oh I'm going to type it, effervescent! The four main characters are delightful (especially Stab! no they're all great..!), and they're situation, living away from their families at a boarding-school-slash-high-school on the moon works both as satire and as a completely mundane and relatable predicament.
Lately I keep catching myself how the first volume of a series is mostly just set-up, and that's kind of true here too, BUT.. the writing and the art are both just so charming.
Good times, good times.
(Thanks to Oni Press for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley)
June 8, 2022
I received an ARC from Oni Press in exchange for an honest review!
Space Trash is a dystopian graphic novel full of sapphics at a boarding school in space! Earth is no longer habitable, humans have evacuated and the rich can live on Mars. But this school for underprivileged girls on the moon is monitored closely and constantly. This was a fun and interesting read with a rebellious girl gang trio at the centre. I hope we delve even deeper into all their pasts in later volumes, but Una’s in particular. I really love the mystery element there and can’t wait to see it explored further! This was a quick read and establishing this world took up the majority of the volume but it was well crafted and is one I want to learn even more about, especially after that cliffhanger of an ending. I really enjoyed the art here and the punk aesthetic, with all manner of neon hair colours and distinctive, expressive styles present. The intricacy of the backgrounds alone was so impressive, and I particularly loved the decoration of the central trio’s dorm room. Ultimately, this was a great introduction to this series and I’m looking forward to reading more!
3.5 ⭐️
Space Trash is a dystopian graphic novel full of sapphics at a boarding school in space! Earth is no longer habitable, humans have evacuated and the rich can live on Mars. But this school for underprivileged girls on the moon is monitored closely and constantly. This was a fun and interesting read with a rebellious girl gang trio at the centre. I hope we delve even deeper into all their pasts in later volumes, but Una’s in particular. I really love the mystery element there and can’t wait to see it explored further! This was a quick read and establishing this world took up the majority of the volume but it was well crafted and is one I want to learn even more about, especially after that cliffhanger of an ending. I really enjoyed the art here and the punk aesthetic, with all manner of neon hair colours and distinctive, expressive styles present. The intricacy of the backgrounds alone was so impressive, and I particularly loved the decoration of the central trio’s dorm room. Ultimately, this was a great introduction to this series and I’m looking forward to reading more!
3.5 ⭐️
December 24, 2022
Girls at a boarding school on Earth's moon wish they were somewhere else. There is much moping and delinquency as this opening entry of a new series takes its time getting started.
I really like Jenn Woodall's art, but her story's pacing just bored me to death. I'm not sure I'll bother with the next volume, though she might lure me in with another cool cover.
I really like Jenn Woodall's art, but her story's pacing just bored me to death. I'm not sure I'll bother with the next volume, though she might lure me in with another cool cover.
June 1, 2022
Jenn is an icon, and I could read her stories about girls beating the daylights out of people all day. And this one is set in SPACE! Amazing setup and can’t wait to find out what happens in the sequel. Also it’s queer af and there are no men. 10/10
January 30, 2023
Finished reading this collection of comics tonight in snatches while my baby played with her blocks. There's a lot of set up in this first volume about a dystopian high school on the moon for delinquent students; the plot doesn't really get going until near the end. But aesthetically and artistically I loved this so much I didn't care. It feels simultaneously futuristic yet retro, punk and outer space influenced. The dialogue is sharp and funny. I can't wait to see where the three girls go in the next book!
July 7, 2022
A totally awesome, sapphic & sci-fi, space school.
This was a pretty great read. Firstly the art style is seriously beautiful, even down to the colour palettes and textures. It’s gripping and detailed to the point you have to remember there’s words that need reading. It’s got a grungy hyper colour feel to it that just meshes with the sci-fi aspect so well.
The story is a great starting point and I’d be really interested to see where this heads, obviously fairly little happens in this one as it seems to be setting the path for the main story taking off in the next addition. Volume one follows them at their school on Mars, which is pretty awesome and almost styled like a dystopian American high school.
My favourite thing was nods to queer and pre 2000’s culture. This is mainly through the background imagery rather than the characters. Like Blondie posters on the walls or the Stone Butch Blues book on a shelf. It just really adds to the story in a way that my queer self absolutely loved.
A unabashedly queer, grungy, space tale.
TW/s & CW’s, theft.
This was a pretty great read. Firstly the art style is seriously beautiful, even down to the colour palettes and textures. It’s gripping and detailed to the point you have to remember there’s words that need reading. It’s got a grungy hyper colour feel to it that just meshes with the sci-fi aspect so well.
The story is a great starting point and I’d be really interested to see where this heads, obviously fairly little happens in this one as it seems to be setting the path for the main story taking off in the next addition. Volume one follows them at their school on Mars, which is pretty awesome and almost styled like a dystopian American high school.
My favourite thing was nods to queer and pre 2000’s culture. This is mainly through the background imagery rather than the characters. Like Blondie posters on the walls or the Stone Butch Blues book on a shelf. It just really adds to the story in a way that my queer self absolutely loved.
A unabashedly queer, grungy, space tale.
TW/s & CW’s, theft.
August 3, 2022
Space Trash is a graphic novel set in space, in future in the year 2115, after Earth’s been abandoned. Mankind has on to Mars, or at least most of them have. Moon is now housing Mars-rejects, the less fortunate ones. In an especially depressive high school on the moon three teenagers Yuki, Stab and Una are spending their days trying to find something to do and trying to get some of the other students to leave them alone. On one such occasion, they stumble onto a secret hidden in the school - that provides some needed excitement.
This is such a fun graphic novel, and a true joy to read! Our main trio is made out of lovely, interesting characters that feel so relatable despite living on the moon. The setting is very reminiscent of the 80s - there are neon hair colors, the clothes they wear, the color palette overall - and some little trinkets, like the posters and cassettes, and all of the electronics looking too big and clunky.
This was a great first volume, a great establishement of the story, and i can’t wait to read more about the world and the characters! The characters seem so fun, each with a distinct personality and interests. This volume did a great job presenting all of the characters, and showing all of the relationships between. Everyone is queer and I’m very much here for this queer and diverse cast of characters.
I absolutely loved the art style. The lines are bold and the characters are so expressive! There was so many bright, neon colors, which I loved and everything was so detailed. At several points throughout the story i just stopped to take in everything that was in the background. The main trio’s room is especially interesting - as it shows all of their interests and gives small hints about all of their personalities.
All in all, I really enjoyed this and I would highly recommend it! It’s such a quck and interesting read. If retrofuture, punk, queer story about teens in high school on the moon seems like something you’d enjoy, you need to pick this up!!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
This is such a fun graphic novel, and a true joy to read! Our main trio is made out of lovely, interesting characters that feel so relatable despite living on the moon. The setting is very reminiscent of the 80s - there are neon hair colors, the clothes they wear, the color palette overall - and some little trinkets, like the posters and cassettes, and all of the electronics looking too big and clunky.
This was a great first volume, a great establishement of the story, and i can’t wait to read more about the world and the characters! The characters seem so fun, each with a distinct personality and interests. This volume did a great job presenting all of the characters, and showing all of the relationships between. Everyone is queer and I’m very much here for this queer and diverse cast of characters.
I absolutely loved the art style. The lines are bold and the characters are so expressive! There was so many bright, neon colors, which I loved and everything was so detailed. At several points throughout the story i just stopped to take in everything that was in the background. The main trio’s room is especially interesting - as it shows all of their interests and gives small hints about all of their personalities.
All in all, I really enjoyed this and I would highly recommend it! It’s such a quck and interesting read. If retrofuture, punk, queer story about teens in high school on the moon seems like something you’d enjoy, you need to pick this up!!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
July 2, 2022
The first book in a series, this comic opens in a grungy boarding school on the moon where teen girls slouch through an education which includes propaganda about how the Earth is a ruin and they are very lucky to live in a moon colony instead. Stab, Yuki, and Una keep themselves entertained by dying their hair and brainstorming band and gang names. A fight with a rival clique leads to the reveal of a dangerous secret hidden in the school, and the girls pledge themselves to a massive project, not realizing their movements are being monitored more closely than they realize. An intriguing beginning; I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next volume! I love the punk space aesthetic by Silver Sprocket artist Jenn Woodall who brings this world vividly to life.
March 3, 2023
This is a really fun start to a series with colorful characters and what looks to be some complex relationships in future volumes. I'm excited to see where this series, as this entry wasn't terribly long.
August 10, 2022
Thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for the ARC!
This was extremely cute, and I'm very excited to see where it goes next. This world is very fun and colorful, with a nice mix of lead characters. My only complaint is that it was way too short. I would absolutely recommend this as a short, fun read if you're into sci-fi and a lack of males. I will definitely be reading the next installment.
This was extremely cute, and I'm very excited to see where it goes next. This world is very fun and colorful, with a nice mix of lead characters. My only complaint is that it was way too short. I would absolutely recommend this as a short, fun read if you're into sci-fi and a lack of males. I will definitely be reading the next installment.
July 4, 2022
Space Trash Vol 1 is a YA graphic novel with some of the best artwork I have ever seen. Before I get into the story, I have to say that the pictures in this book were beyond amazing, setting the scene for an original, out-of-this-world teenage angst-filled tale.
Set almost 100 years in the future, Earth is said to have become inhabitable, and colonization has happened on Mars and the moon. Three teenagers, Stab, Una, and Yuki are best friends attending a boarding school for the poor and despise both it, and the 'education' being forced upon them. Detention with their rivals leads to an opportunity they can't pass up, and the concept for the series is set.
There are a lot of shout-outs to the past in Space Trash Vol 1 - Una shyly offers to make the Yuki a mixed tape, there is a locker with a Blondie poster, and another with Bull Nakano. There are pop culture references with punk characters who still wear converse and Denim far into the future.
The kids at this school aren't afraid to kiss their girlfriends in the lunchroom and don't feel the need to cover up hairy legs or unshaved armpits. They say what they feel and do what they want refusing to be brainwashed by the government.
Space Trash Vol 1 is Jenn Woodall's debut graphic novel, and it is layered, off-beat, and is only the beginning of what should be a memorable series.
I received an ARC from Oni Press through NetGalley for my honest review.
Set almost 100 years in the future, Earth is said to have become inhabitable, and colonization has happened on Mars and the moon. Three teenagers, Stab, Una, and Yuki are best friends attending a boarding school for the poor and despise both it, and the 'education' being forced upon them. Detention with their rivals leads to an opportunity they can't pass up, and the concept for the series is set.
There are a lot of shout-outs to the past in Space Trash Vol 1 - Una shyly offers to make the Yuki a mixed tape, there is a locker with a Blondie poster, and another with Bull Nakano. There are pop culture references with punk characters who still wear converse and Denim far into the future.
The kids at this school aren't afraid to kiss their girlfriends in the lunchroom and don't feel the need to cover up hairy legs or unshaved armpits. They say what they feel and do what they want refusing to be brainwashed by the government.
Space Trash Vol 1 is Jenn Woodall's debut graphic novel, and it is layered, off-beat, and is only the beginning of what should be a memorable series.
I received an ARC from Oni Press through NetGalley for my honest review.
June 30, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was so fun! I love getting to break up my reading by adding in graphic novels or comics because they are always so unique. Space Trash was no exception. This graphic novel by Jenn Woodall follows three girls as they navigate school, relationships, and the 'insidious' threat that is the Student Council.
It's been 12 years since I graduated high school but oh man did this bring me back. From making a mix-tape for a crush, to trying to find your identity, to detention; Space Trash brought me back. Some important things to mention:
- the LGBTQ rep! That's what initially intrigued me about this one and the clear tension between Una and Yuki is *chef's kiss*
- the diversity rep
- the artistic style (I love the way this is drawn. There's some artwork at the end and it's soso good)
- the hidden messages (pay close attention to the chalkboards, the lockers, the walls and the posters!)
I already want to re-read this and I will be one of the first in line for volume two! (I'm gunna daydream and Una and Yuki now, please excuse me.)
This was so fun! I love getting to break up my reading by adding in graphic novels or comics because they are always so unique. Space Trash was no exception. This graphic novel by Jenn Woodall follows three girls as they navigate school, relationships, and the 'insidious' threat that is the Student Council.
It's been 12 years since I graduated high school but oh man did this bring me back. From making a mix-tape for a crush, to trying to find your identity, to detention; Space Trash brought me back. Some important things to mention:
- the LGBTQ rep! That's what initially intrigued me about this one and the clear tension between Una and Yuki is *chef's kiss*
- the diversity rep
- the artistic style (I love the way this is drawn. There's some artwork at the end and it's soso good)
- the hidden messages (pay close attention to the chalkboards, the lockers, the walls and the posters!)
I already want to re-read this and I will be one of the first in line for volume two! (I'm gunna daydream and Una and Yuki now, please excuse me.)
August 9, 2022
4.5*
sapphics in space <3
the year is 2115 and earth has been abandoned. humankind moved to mars, but not everyone was allowed in this paradise. those who were deemed unworthy are on the moon. una, stab and yuki are amongst those rejects. they go to school where there’s gangs and cliques, and we watch them navigate it, while also getting into a lot of trouble.
this was sooo good!! i loved the art style and the little things that were in it such as graffiti, comics, posters, etc., that really made everything come together! each of the three main characters were really distinct in their personalities. while i preferred una, you couldn’t help but liked them all!
i think this is a great start to a series, and i’ll definitely like the other ones more once the story is more established!
thank you to netgalley and oni press for giving me this e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
sapphics in space <3
the year is 2115 and earth has been abandoned. humankind moved to mars, but not everyone was allowed in this paradise. those who were deemed unworthy are on the moon. una, stab and yuki are amongst those rejects. they go to school where there’s gangs and cliques, and we watch them navigate it, while also getting into a lot of trouble.
this was sooo good!! i loved the art style and the little things that were in it such as graffiti, comics, posters, etc., that really made everything come together! each of the three main characters were really distinct in their personalities. while i preferred una, you couldn’t help but liked them all!
i think this is a great start to a series, and i’ll definitely like the other ones more once the story is more established!
thank you to netgalley and oni press for giving me this e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
August 11, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and to the Editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This first issue has so many good things going on! The art is beautiful, so full of colors and details, and even if in the beginning I wasn't completely sold on it, in the end, I changed my mind, because it is beautiful. And we have some interesting characters, this bunch of teens is pretty amazing, and I love how fierce and how unique they all are!
And sure, this is only the first issue, so we get all set in motion, but we don't have a lot of space for the plot itself, and yet it promises to become interesting pretty quickly!
I really enjoyed it, and if you are in need of something a tad different, with a bunch of spirited teens, who would try and steal your heart, while in space well... try this one out!
This first issue has so many good things going on! The art is beautiful, so full of colors and details, and even if in the beginning I wasn't completely sold on it, in the end, I changed my mind, because it is beautiful. And we have some interesting characters, this bunch of teens is pretty amazing, and I love how fierce and how unique they all are!
And sure, this is only the first issue, so we get all set in motion, but we don't have a lot of space for the plot itself, and yet it promises to become interesting pretty quickly!
I really enjoyed it, and if you are in need of something a tad different, with a bunch of spirited teens, who would try and steal your heart, while in space well... try this one out!
April 26, 2022
I'm going to start with the parts of it I liked. I loved the art -- it was rich, bright, and really established how frustrated these kids are and trying to constantly stand out against the drab brutalist setting they're living in. The pages are always busy without being overwhelming. Graffiti is everywhere, and the kids of this title have brightly dyed hair and colorful clothes -- there's an overall sense of anxious rebellion, pushing back against a world which is trying harder than ever to force them to conform. There's also a lot of fun references, from a very Utena-like lesbian volleyball comic that one of the characters reads, to an actual keychain of Wedding Peach (which I'm surprised they managed to get in so exactly).
What didn't work so well for me was the setting. It was a retrofuture, clearly -- we're told vaguely that it is at least 10 years after 2091, but all the styles and technology is 1980s/1990s (down to literally a D.A.R.E sticker on the wall!). The teacher is an oversized clunky robot Tamagotchi, the high school looks very much like the one *I* attended in the 1990s, and other than space suits being used to go outside, it does not look like a futuristic setting at all. The problem with this is that so much of the plot revolves around it *actually* being in the future that it fails to actually work as a retrofuture to me. For it to be a retrofuture, it usually requires a combination of retro aesthetic (which this comic offers) with future technology (which this comic doesn't really offer). For example, 1980s neon punk aesthetic but with the ability to jack into computers and have your brain interface directly there with projected technologies and the extension of punk into bodymodification is how retrofuture tends to be portrayed in cyberpunk. You can have 1950s style clothing and building styles but with flying cars and personal robot attendants. What this has is 1980s-1990s styles of clothing, architecture, and the entire high school system, plus... I guess, modern (at most, and perhaps even outdated) technology, instead of the concept of the 1990s technology being reimagined for the future. Students use paper and pencils in this terraformed space. The spacecraft we see is old and gringy, with visible rivets etc. The one laptop we see is clunky and old. Everyone has books (down to what I think are the first five volumes of the manga NANA on the bookshelf) and they use old oversized CD players. Posters on the walls aren't for future stars but portrayed in older styles but are for actual Elvira, Astro Boy, Sailor Moon, etc. There is no real accessible technology; even the announcements are on corkboards.
Which is fine as an aesthetic but it muddied the setting for me a lot. It didn't feel grounded in a world that I could predict, due to that mismatch of concept and execution -- I didn't know what I was able to 'count on' as an expectation for what kind of thing characters would have available to them, what sort of thing they would and wouldn't be expected to know about as children 80 years in the future, etc. It felt exactly as if you had taken 1991 and put it a hundred years in the future instead of actually imagining what that future was through a 1990s lens -- I would have actually bought far more if it was in fact a diverted timeline, like making it so in the actual 1990s, with the tech available, NASA focused on terraforming and we went to space at the first news of the hole in the ozone, instead of trying to stick it out. Instead it asks you to believe the world stopped developing since 1991 but that 100 years passed after that, but without filling in the gaps of what DID happen in the years since in a way readers can pick up from the text and the illustration.
This all might seem very nitpicky and I'm sorry if so. I enjoyed the characters and art, but it means that I felt at a loss for understanding the world and how it had got us to this point, which is key in a story about how apparently they had *overreacted* to global warming in 2091 by launching humanity into space, and being told that it actually was still green and nice in what would be something like 2099, with a character who lived far from a big city, with a house surrounded by trees, and a pond nearby. Again, this could be a viable disjoint if ACTUALLY set in 1990 with the world facing the modern period of climate change and diverging on how we approached that. Instead, it's just -- it doesn't give enough information to ground me, only enough to confuse me about how it could be this way.
That said, again -- cute art, fun and understandably frustrated characters, and some sort of plot going on with the hall monitors working for the shady organization that runs the school and is apparently brainwashing people into thinking that climate change was realer than it actually was, and I'm curious to see how it goes. If you're looking for a fun cute punk retrofuture comic with queer characters definitely take a look! But the worldbuilding just went far enough to lose me, not far enough to sell me, and that was my main concern with it.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What didn't work so well for me was the setting. It was a retrofuture, clearly -- we're told vaguely that it is at least 10 years after 2091, but all the styles and technology is 1980s/1990s (down to literally a D.A.R.E sticker on the wall!). The teacher is an oversized clunky robot Tamagotchi, the high school looks very much like the one *I* attended in the 1990s, and other than space suits being used to go outside, it does not look like a futuristic setting at all. The problem with this is that so much of the plot revolves around it *actually* being in the future that it fails to actually work as a retrofuture to me. For it to be a retrofuture, it usually requires a combination of retro aesthetic (which this comic offers) with future technology (which this comic doesn't really offer). For example, 1980s neon punk aesthetic but with the ability to jack into computers and have your brain interface directly there with projected technologies and the extension of punk into bodymodification is how retrofuture tends to be portrayed in cyberpunk. You can have 1950s style clothing and building styles but with flying cars and personal robot attendants. What this has is 1980s-1990s styles of clothing, architecture, and the entire high school system, plus... I guess, modern (at most, and perhaps even outdated) technology, instead of the concept of the 1990s technology being reimagined for the future. Students use paper and pencils in this terraformed space. The spacecraft we see is old and gringy, with visible rivets etc. The one laptop we see is clunky and old. Everyone has books (down to what I think are the first five volumes of the manga NANA on the bookshelf) and they use old oversized CD players. Posters on the walls aren't for future stars but portrayed in older styles but are for actual Elvira, Astro Boy, Sailor Moon, etc. There is no real accessible technology; even the announcements are on corkboards.
Which is fine as an aesthetic but it muddied the setting for me a lot. It didn't feel grounded in a world that I could predict, due to that mismatch of concept and execution -- I didn't know what I was able to 'count on' as an expectation for what kind of thing characters would have available to them, what sort of thing they would and wouldn't be expected to know about as children 80 years in the future, etc. It felt exactly as if you had taken 1991 and put it a hundred years in the future instead of actually imagining what that future was through a 1990s lens -- I would have actually bought far more if it was in fact a diverted timeline, like making it so in the actual 1990s, with the tech available, NASA focused on terraforming and we went to space at the first news of the hole in the ozone, instead of trying to stick it out. Instead it asks you to believe the world stopped developing since 1991 but that 100 years passed after that, but without filling in the gaps of what DID happen in the years since in a way readers can pick up from the text and the illustration.
This all might seem very nitpicky and I'm sorry if so. I enjoyed the characters and art, but it means that I felt at a loss for understanding the world and how it had got us to this point, which is key in a story about how apparently they had *overreacted* to global warming in 2091 by launching humanity into space, and being told that it actually was still green and nice in what would be something like 2099, with a character who lived far from a big city, with a house surrounded by trees, and a pond nearby. Again, this could be a viable disjoint if ACTUALLY set in 1990 with the world facing the modern period of climate change and diverging on how we approached that. Instead, it's just -- it doesn't give enough information to ground me, only enough to confuse me about how it could be this way.
That said, again -- cute art, fun and understandably frustrated characters, and some sort of plot going on with the hall monitors working for the shady organization that runs the school and is apparently brainwashing people into thinking that climate change was realer than it actually was, and I'm curious to see how it goes. If you're looking for a fun cute punk retrofuture comic with queer characters definitely take a look! But the worldbuilding just went far enough to lose me, not far enough to sell me, and that was my main concern with it.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for a free review copy!
This was a really great first volume. We were introduced to a group of friends - Stab, Yuki and Una - who go to a school for underprivileged youths on the moon. They spend their time going to class, hanging out, and battling other cliques over snacks and turf. Towards the end of the book, the girls are let in on a secret and they have a decision to make. Will their friendship withstand the test? We'll have to wait until volume two to find out!
Overall, this was a really good intro to this world and the characters. The artwork was nicely done as well. I'm looking forward to the next volume!
This was a really great first volume. We were introduced to a group of friends - Stab, Yuki and Una - who go to a school for underprivileged youths on the moon. They spend their time going to class, hanging out, and battling other cliques over snacks and turf. Towards the end of the book, the girls are let in on a secret and they have a decision to make. Will their friendship withstand the test? We'll have to wait until volume two to find out!
Overall, this was a really good intro to this world and the characters. The artwork was nicely done as well. I'm looking forward to the next volume!
August 10, 2022
3.5/5
Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really cute, fun opening to a graphic novel series I can't wait to continue. The characters are all brilliant and the world is so interesting.
Sapphics in space! That's really all you need to know. Not a man in sight!
I really enjoyed this and I think the next one will be even better. It was super fun and, even in only a short amount of pages, it was easy to connect to the characters.
Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really cute, fun opening to a graphic novel series I can't wait to continue. The characters are all brilliant and the world is so interesting.
Sapphics in space! That's really all you need to know. Not a man in sight!
I really enjoyed this and I think the next one will be even better. It was super fun and, even in only a short amount of pages, it was easy to connect to the characters.
November 24, 2022
why is no one talking about this? the illustrations were beautiful, the story was interesting and i got so invested in it. it’s a shame it’s only 100 pages but i can’t wait to read more!!! 4.5⭐️
October 21, 2022
This is a great readalike for Heavy Vinyl and those other really awesome backlist Boom titles we don't see much of anymore. Loved the art and the size of the book--big and gorgeous!
May 28, 2022
ok i liked this so much more than anticipated. the illustrations were 10/10 and sapphics in space?? i need more and i need it NOW
June 2, 2023
3.5
This feels like purely setup for the actual story and wasn't super engaging in itself. The concept and the character designs were neat though. I'd be down to check out vol. 2
This feels like purely setup for the actual story and wasn't super engaging in itself. The concept and the character designs were neat though. I'd be down to check out vol. 2
May 6, 2022
I really enjoyed Space Trash Volume 1.
This graphic novel sets the scene of punk pals in an all female cast, residing on the moon in the aftermath of Earth becoming uninhabitable.
As expected from a first volume we are introduced to the characters and the setting. Plot is light and informative at this stage but sets the history and the setting well.
The characters have good defining features and individual personalties that set the apart from each other.
I would have loved for it to be a bit longer and I will 100% be looking out for volume 2, 3, 4, 5 and as many as I can get my hands on, so please keep them coming!
The art work is awesome, there are some incredible double page spreads and some really nice details to the scenes. I particularly enjoyed the art in a dream scene and the mix of a rustic setting with contrasting vibrant and neon colours for clothing and accessories, it really makes the pages pop.
A great start to a series that I can't wait to be obsessed with.
This graphic novel sets the scene of punk pals in an all female cast, residing on the moon in the aftermath of Earth becoming uninhabitable.
As expected from a first volume we are introduced to the characters and the setting. Plot is light and informative at this stage but sets the history and the setting well.
The characters have good defining features and individual personalties that set the apart from each other.
I would have loved for it to be a bit longer and I will 100% be looking out for volume 2, 3, 4, 5 and as many as I can get my hands on, so please keep them coming!
The art work is awesome, there are some incredible double page spreads and some really nice details to the scenes. I particularly enjoyed the art in a dream scene and the mix of a rustic setting with contrasting vibrant and neon colours for clothing and accessories, it really makes the pages pop.
A great start to a series that I can't wait to be obsessed with.
May 22, 2022
First off the art is absolutely beautiful. So colourful and fun. The art is most certainly a 10/10.
I feel like this is a solid base for something, but there was so little story here....it was just an introduction to the world and the characters, but no meat. Put some meat on the bones story wise and I'm all in. I enjoyed it for what it was, but I felt slightly teased. It was an amuse bouche and I was looking for the full 3 course meal.
I feel like this is a solid base for something, but there was so little story here....it was just an introduction to the world and the characters, but no meat. Put some meat on the bones story wise and I'm all in. I enjoyed it for what it was, but I felt slightly teased. It was an amuse bouche and I was looking for the full 3 course meal.
December 5, 2022
A trio of teen girls go to school on the Moon after Earth has been trashed and abandoned (though the Moon school is pretty trashed too - we must have exported all our litterbugs there). There's not much story in this first volume, but the girls are nicely introduced and the ending intriguing (). I'd read another volume if it crossed my path.
July 3, 2022
THIS WAS SUCH A DELIGHT!
I found it really easy to become endeared and familiar with our main trio in no time, and found the worldbuilding equally easy to get from the get-go, which was handy. I thought this was funny and engaging and visually stunning & I cannot wait for the next installment!
Fans of stuff like Lumberjanes and Paper Girls might want to have a look at this.
I found it really easy to become endeared and familiar with our main trio in no time, and found the worldbuilding equally easy to get from the get-go, which was handy. I thought this was funny and engaging and visually stunning & I cannot wait for the next installment!
Fans of stuff like Lumberjanes and Paper Girls might want to have a look at this.
June 17, 2022
Space Trash is a fun graphic novel that I recently had the pleasure of reading. It’s a sci-fi story, which I’m always looking to read more of! love the genre but I haven’t read as many books from it as I would like. So, when I came across Space Trash and heard that it was about queers in Space, I knew I had to read it! The cover and synopsis were immediately attention grabbing, and as I began reading, I had a feeling my expectations would be met, and I’m pleased to say they were!
I absolutely loved the art style in this graphic novel! It was so bright and vivid. Each of the characters were uniquely designed, and the scenery was so intricate and detailed that I almost felt as if I was in the room with the characters. The story was set on a space station and resembled a high school, but was still recognizable as a space station because of the style, and the small, but significant details in the art.
The world was also really cool, and I’m super excited to read more about it! The first volume of Space Trash was mostly a set up of how the human race had gotten to this point, an introduction to the characters, and the direction the rest of the series will be heading, but every moment was enjoyable. While I would have liked a bit more action in addition to the set up, I’m still happy with the events that took place in this story. We got a feel for the characters, their dynamics, and their different goals, so I have no doubt the next volume will be action packed!
Each character had a distinct personality and were a joy to read about. They all had a bit of attitude and sass, (especially towards each other!), and I loved seeing their trio interact with the environment around them. I’m not sure if there’s going to be romance or not, but I have hopes for a certain pairing in the future!
Overall, Space Trash was a quick and easy, engaging read. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read and enjoy it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I absolutely loved the art style in this graphic novel! It was so bright and vivid. Each of the characters were uniquely designed, and the scenery was so intricate and detailed that I almost felt as if I was in the room with the characters. The story was set on a space station and resembled a high school, but was still recognizable as a space station because of the style, and the small, but significant details in the art.
The world was also really cool, and I’m super excited to read more about it! The first volume of Space Trash was mostly a set up of how the human race had gotten to this point, an introduction to the characters, and the direction the rest of the series will be heading, but every moment was enjoyable. While I would have liked a bit more action in addition to the set up, I’m still happy with the events that took place in this story. We got a feel for the characters, their dynamics, and their different goals, so I have no doubt the next volume will be action packed!
Each character had a distinct personality and were a joy to read about. They all had a bit of attitude and sass, (especially towards each other!), and I loved seeing their trio interact with the environment around them. I’m not sure if there’s going to be romance or not, but I have hopes for a certain pairing in the future!
Overall, Space Trash was a quick and easy, engaging read. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read and enjoy it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 19, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
First off I have to say the illustration in this book is absolutely stunning, Jenn Woodall did a beautiful job; I also really enjoy the variation in the art style throughout. It stays with the main style throughout the majority of the book, but the level of detail and style changes slightly in certain panels throughout to add another layer of emotion or tension.
The almost ‘wall e’ vibes of the ‘non earth’ living was really interesting and I like how the dynamics between, earth, moon and mars are being set up. That being said this first Vol is mostly setting up for the following Vol’s which I’m not mad at but it is something to be aware of; it ends right as it was getting interesting and is fairly short (but also with the level of detail in the illustrations I can’t be mad at that because I can only imagine how long it takes to draw each panel nevermind page)
I will 100% be on the look out for Vol 2 and I’m super excited to see how this may evolve in future Vol’s. Also everyone has such cool hair!
First off I have to say the illustration in this book is absolutely stunning, Jenn Woodall did a beautiful job; I also really enjoy the variation in the art style throughout. It stays with the main style throughout the majority of the book, but the level of detail and style changes slightly in certain panels throughout to add another layer of emotion or tension.
The almost ‘wall e’ vibes of the ‘non earth’ living was really interesting and I like how the dynamics between, earth, moon and mars are being set up. That being said this first Vol is mostly setting up for the following Vol’s which I’m not mad at but it is something to be aware of; it ends right as it was getting interesting and is fairly short (but also with the level of detail in the illustrations I can’t be mad at that because I can only imagine how long it takes to draw each panel nevermind page)
I will 100% be on the look out for Vol 2 and I’m super excited to see how this may evolve in future Vol’s. Also everyone has such cool hair!
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