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scytmo's review
2.0
This graphic novel is a collection of ten short stories set in a world where outcasts and the dispossessed get to live their lives as “exiles” on floating capsules, “Dandelions”, with all of their living requirements met… except that they can never again land on solid ground.
This is an ambitious concept - the creation of a two tier society (in this case, as literal is it is figurative) caused by the pressures of climate change and job losses through automation. And it tries to pack a lot in: the psychological and societal impact of creating and underclass of people who are forced to live separately from the rest of society, the impact and opportunities that this will provide for criminality and surveillance, and the adjustments and sacrifices that normal people and families would have to make. Woven through this is a thread of the supposed inventor of Dandelion, Jen Nakamuto, and her reflections and regrets over the impact that the Dandelions have had.
I was looking forward to reading this. It should have been great. Unfortunately for me, it fell short of the mark. I think this is mostly due to how short each story was: ten stories in 120 pages barely allows each story to start developing before it hurtles towards its conclusion. Each story felt rushed and, leaving little space for emotional development of any of the characters or situations, with the result that I found it very difficult to engage with any of it.
This is such a shame, as the concept has the richness and potential for a novel length treatment. And there is such a collection of artistic talent; using different artists for each of the stories showcases a broad range of excellent artwork, and the change in visual style matched the change on point-of-view for each story.
Despite all of this, two things did stand out. Running between the main stories are snippets of the “Excerpt from the Statosphere podcast” interview with Jen Nakamuto. This set of reflections of the supposed inventor of the Dandelions, rendered in black and white was a nice counterpoint to the action in the main stories. And I found “The Bird” poignant and emotional (the fact that it had a talking octopus and lizard that was aware that its existence was within a graphic novel also helped). For me, though, these were just highlights in what felt overall like a missed opportunity.
Thank you #NetGalley and Image Comics for the free review copy of #Dandelion in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is an ambitious concept - the creation of a two tier society (in this case, as literal is it is figurative) caused by the pressures of climate change and job losses through automation. And it tries to pack a lot in: the psychological and societal impact of creating and underclass of people who are forced to live separately from the rest of society, the impact and opportunities that this will provide for criminality and surveillance, and the adjustments and sacrifices that normal people and families would have to make. Woven through this is a thread of the supposed inventor of Dandelion, Jen Nakamuto, and her reflections and regrets over the impact that the Dandelions have had.
I was looking forward to reading this. It should have been great. Unfortunately for me, it fell short of the mark. I think this is mostly due to how short each story was: ten stories in 120 pages barely allows each story to start developing before it hurtles towards its conclusion. Each story felt rushed and, leaving little space for emotional development of any of the characters or situations, with the result that I found it very difficult to engage with any of it.
This is such a shame, as the concept has the richness and potential for a novel length treatment. And there is such a collection of artistic talent; using different artists for each of the stories showcases a broad range of excellent artwork, and the change in visual style matched the change on point-of-view for each story.
Despite all of this, two things did stand out. Running between the main stories are snippets of the “Excerpt from the Statosphere podcast” interview with Jen Nakamuto. This set of reflections of the supposed inventor of the Dandelions, rendered in black and white was a nice counterpoint to the action in the main stories. And I found “The Bird” poignant and emotional (the fact that it had a talking octopus and lizard that was aware that its existence was within a graphic novel also helped). For me, though, these were just highlights in what felt overall like a missed opportunity.
Thank you #NetGalley and Image Comics for the free review copy of #Dandelion in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
clowdywings's review
3.0
A bizarre sci-fi or cyberpunk world.
The various art styles were interesting and had their ups and downs. I think my favorite story segment was the fisherman's, near the end. It was funny but also very realistic. This was a compilation of stories within the same universe. I don't want to spoil it but this graphic novel reminded me of Pixar's Wall-E movie.
I'm not sure if the plot was confusing because of the different volumes, or if the fact that various storylines were happening at once, or if it was just me. Each plotline was interesting to me but I had a hard time getting into any particular one because whenever I got fully invested in the story, the plotline switched. Again, that might be me reading this too fast, but I'm not totally sure.
* Thanks to the publisher Image Comics via Netgalley for the ebook!
The various art styles were interesting and had their ups and downs. I think my favorite story segment was the fisherman's, near the end. It was funny but also very realistic. This was a compilation of stories within the same universe. I don't want to spoil it but this graphic novel reminded me of Pixar's Wall-E movie.
I'm not sure if the plot was confusing because of the different volumes, or if the fact that various storylines were happening at once, or if it was just me. Each plotline was interesting to me but I had a hard time getting into any particular one because whenever I got fully invested in the story, the plotline switched. Again, that might be me reading this too fast, but I'm not totally sure.
* Thanks to the publisher Image Comics via Netgalley for the ebook!
bthrds's review
3.75
This was a gripping scifi tale that tackles issues already beginning to raise their head in society today. The characters were all fascinating and I loved the snippets into the different lives of people living in the world of the dandelions as well as seeing the inventors' guilt and reasoning. The art is beautiful and the character design is awesome! There is absolutely zero plot to this graphic novel but I think that's where its charm lies.
bookishholly's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Image comics for access to the eARC of Dandelion.
Firstly, I would like to say that each story within this anthology is beautifully drawn and the choice of colour palette was mesmerising.
This is my first time reading a graphic novel anthology and in general, I enjoyed the overall story. I did struggle with the fact that as a anthology, each story is quite short. This is something I'm used to in traditional anthologies but something I found I struggled with in this instance. I think I would have enjoyed Dandelion more overall if it had been either one storyline through out or a collection of stories that didn't follow the same story but told from so many different POV.
Though I was confused at times, I feel that the story gets wrapped up nicely at the end and I would pick up future work by the author.
Firstly, I would like to say that each story within this anthology is beautifully drawn and the choice of colour palette was mesmerising.
This is my first time reading a graphic novel anthology and in general, I enjoyed the overall story. I did struggle with the fact that as a anthology, each story is quite short. This is something I'm used to in traditional anthologies but something I found I struggled with in this instance. I think I would have enjoyed Dandelion more overall if it had been either one storyline through out or a collection of stories that didn't follow the same story but told from so many different POV.
Though I was confused at times, I feel that the story gets wrapped up nicely at the end and I would pick up future work by the author.
litwtchreads's review
4.25
All the different illustrations were gorgeously used in this graphic novel, and while a little convoluted, this was a great futuristic idea of what and how we might cope with the climate crisis in our current capitalistic environment. Depressing, but also hopeful for the future and resistance. 4.25/5
vigil's review
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley.
I had a relatively okay time with this graphic novel, i though that the differing art styles in each story was a fun switch up every so often. My favorite narrative in this collection of essentially short stories was coming from jen nakamuto's interviews / conversation about the dandelion project, especially on how it became so government regulated in the end. I only wish that the dandelions themselves had more presence in narrative, so that it didn't feel so much like our only grounding piece.
Which is the biggest problem with this graphic novel. I feel like there was a lot the author wanted to say about migration, poverty, refugees, etc but didn't have much of a story to tell. There are multiple entries in here which lack both heart and plot, largely consisting of characters simply monologuing at each other like a college class that just read Marx for the first time. I'm certainly interested in the political parts of the book, and I wasn't disagreeing with what they were saying, but the purpose of fiction is to tell a story. It's very telling that I think unarguably the best story in here contains absolutely no words, and has to rely fully on the art to get its themes across.
Because of this lack of plot, many of the stories felt disjointed and unnecessary. There wasn't a central theme or focus to ground the book in, which made it fly in sixteen different directions. I thought we would get more on the worldbuilding of the dandelions (in what universe would the government allow poor people and migrants to live in floating houses for free. the themes of exploitation simply do not work because people aren't actually being exploited in the way the book says they are. they don't have jobs, they have free housing, and the government delivers their food directly to their doors. if that's exploitation of the poor, can i get in on it? the argument of loneliness cannot actually be made, because again, the dandelions have little to no focus in the book) but instead we focus on pretty much everything else.
Also, I'm not overly familiar with the author's experience with disability, and my own is not particularly deep. However, I'm not totally sure how I feel about the disabled woman's story focusing so heavily on her walking again in VR. Is that the only story we have for disabled people? I'm not against showing the struggle people may have after becoming disabled, but why is this the kind of story that keeps appearing over and over again? Like I said, I'm not overly familiar with disability rights, so grain of salt and all that, but I think there were more interesting stories here for her.
I had a relatively okay time with this graphic novel, i though that the differing art styles in each story was a fun switch up every so often. My favorite narrative in this collection of essentially short stories was coming from jen nakamuto's interviews / conversation about the dandelion project, especially on how it became so government regulated in the end. I only wish that the dandelions themselves had more presence in narrative, so that it didn't feel so much like our only grounding piece.
Which is the biggest problem with this graphic novel. I feel like there was a lot the author wanted to say about migration, poverty, refugees, etc but didn't have much of a story to tell. There are multiple entries in here which lack both heart and plot, largely consisting of characters simply monologuing at each other like a college class that just read Marx for the first time. I'm certainly interested in the political parts of the book, and I wasn't disagreeing with what they were saying, but the purpose of fiction is to tell a story. It's very telling that I think unarguably the best story in here contains absolutely no words, and has to rely fully on the art to get its themes across.
Because of this lack of plot, many of the stories felt disjointed and unnecessary. There wasn't a central theme or focus to ground the book in, which made it fly in sixteen different directions. I thought we would get more on the worldbuilding of the dandelions (in what universe would the government allow poor people and migrants to live in floating houses for free. the themes of exploitation simply do not work because people aren't actually being exploited in the way the book says they are. they don't have jobs, they have free housing, and the government delivers their food directly to their doors. if that's exploitation of the poor, can i get in on it? the argument of loneliness cannot actually be made, because again, the dandelions have little to no focus in the book) but instead we focus on pretty much everything else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Death of parent, Blood, Classism, and Death
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Car accident
thecornishpiskie's review
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Trigger Warnings: Violence, Abuse of Power, Military/Government Abuse
Review:
First, I'd like to send my thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for giving me access to the eARC of Crave. What follows is my true and honest opinion.
Dandelion is a dystopian anthology were the sky is filled with airborne 'trailer' homes. The anthology follows a diverse cast of characters, who fall into a variety of minorities such as BIPOC, LGBTQ, Elderly, disabled etc. It also shows a clear depiction of classism, and how power corrupts. A strong theme throughout is that a good idea, when in the wrong hands, could prove harmful or even catastrophic. The entire meaning of something csn change based on who is in control.
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started this, mostly choosing it based on enjoying previous things credited to the author. I did not expect to read such a hard hitting and serious book. I enjoyed it, the artwork is stunning, and I like that throughout each chapter there's different artstyles. I want to see this world developed further. Secrets have been half revealed leaving me feeling like a rabbit with a carrot on a stick dangles in front of and quite frankly I feel that it is cruel to not have a sequel one day.
Dandelion is an exploration of a critique about the culture and danger of capitalist globalisation and government policies that increasingly put profits over the people that they are supposed to serve, represent, and protect. Something which hits harder within modern day problems. The abuse of power by the government and military, and the fact that homelessness increased due to the displacement of workers due to post-labor automation, a very real problem and fear as technology increases, and then the Dandelions represent a bandage. Something that is shown to fix the problem, but in reality is just a way to get rid of anyone who doesn't fit into the status quo. Free housing and and never having a need to work? Who wouldn't sign up to that. It's an offer that seems to good to be true. And that theme follows through the stories.
Review:
First, I'd like to send my thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for giving me access to the eARC of Crave. What follows is my true and honest opinion.
Dandelion is a dystopian anthology were the sky is filled with airborne 'trailer' homes. The anthology follows a diverse cast of characters, who fall into a variety of minorities such as BIPOC, LGBTQ, Elderly, disabled etc. It also shows a clear depiction of classism, and how power corrupts. A strong theme throughout is that a good idea, when in the wrong hands, could prove harmful or even catastrophic. The entire meaning of something csn change based on who is in control.
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started this, mostly choosing it based on enjoying previous things credited to the author. I did not expect to read such a hard hitting and serious book. I enjoyed it, the artwork is stunning, and I like that throughout each chapter there's different artstyles. I want to see this world developed further. Secrets have been half revealed leaving me feeling like a rabbit with a carrot on a stick dangles in front of and quite frankly I feel that it is cruel to not have a sequel one day.
Dandelion is an exploration of a critique about the culture and danger of capitalist globalisation and government policies that increasingly put profits over the people that they are supposed to serve, represent, and protect. Something which hits harder within modern day problems. The abuse of power by the government and military, and the fact that homelessness increased due to the displacement of workers due to post-labor automation, a very real problem and fear as technology increases, and then the Dandelions represent a bandage. Something that is shown to fix the problem, but in reality is just a way to get rid of anyone who doesn't fit into the status quo. Free housing and and never having a need to work? Who wouldn't sign up to that. It's an offer that seems to good to be true. And that theme follows through the stories.
toriaweber's review
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
In a dystopian world, floating homes called "Dandelions" have been invented for an escape into the sky. Toted as the next big thing but those who live in them are typically vagrants referred to as "Exiles" and it turns into another way for the 1% to stay on top.
What I liked: I loved the illustrations, they are beautiful and I could get stuck on a page looking at the details. I loved seeing the variety of perspectives while following an interview with the inventor. I loved the ending, it was such a sweet finish. I really enjoyed the exploration of isolation
Favorite quote: "Sometimes you just need to look at history with a different perspective"
What I Didn't love: While I liked the different perspectives the transition from one story to another was a bit jarring and hard to follow and left me a bit disconnected from the story. Additionally, some of the information re: the Dandelions did not make much sense to me, such aswhy the government who was happily sending this people into the sky forever were also affording to feed them for free? Both these issues were likely due to the shorter length (120 pgs)
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What I liked: I loved the illustrations, they are beautiful and I could get stuck on a page looking at the details. I loved seeing the variety of perspectives while following an interview with the inventor. I loved the ending, it was such a sweet finish. I really enjoyed the exploration of isolation
Favorite quote: "Sometimes you just need to look at history with a different perspective"
What I Didn't love: While I liked the different perspectives the transition from one story to another was a bit jarring and hard to follow and left me a bit disconnected from the story. Additionally, some of the information re: the Dandelions did not make much sense to me, such as
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
kathrynroses's review
4.0
This graphic novel is a look at idea of a future earth where large amounts of people live in Dandelions or "motor homes in the sky". The novel tells the story of how the inventor had a dream of innovative and a step forward for humanity but how the rich and powerful of the world used it to make more money at the sacrifice and expense of marginalised communities or "exiles". This anthology told the stories of various people from criminals exiled to the sky and to families who chose to go up. I enjoyed how the stories had links together and how it all wrapped up neatly at the end. I loved the art style and feel it captured well the emotions of each story. I would definitely recommend to fans of science fiction and graphic novels. Thanks to NetGalley for this eARC.
atlasrising41818's review
4.0
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this in exchange for a honest review!
I kind of went into this with no expectations, and I'm glad I did that. This is a very unique graphic novel with a lot of heavy and important underlying themes. The different art styles used throughout were so beautiful and added even more uniqueness to the novel. Overall I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it for fans of the genre.
I kind of went into this with no expectations, and I'm glad I did that. This is a very unique graphic novel with a lot of heavy and important underlying themes. The different art styles used throughout were so beautiful and added even more uniqueness to the novel. Overall I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it for fans of the genre.