I read and received this book for free through the publisher and NetGalley. Thank you so much! The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

"Does the world see you?"

Pixels of You takes place in the near future where AI and augmentation is affecting the world both physically and emotionally for humans. One of them is Indira; a student who had to be cybernetically augmented when she was a child after a tragic accident, leaving her traumatized and in pain of it all. Fawn, on the other hand, is a human-presenting AI intern. She feels the pressure of meeting her parents’ expectations and struggling to find herself in a world that perceives AI . Both of these characters have a passion for photography in a highly recognized Decade Gallery where they work, but both have contrasting personalities and are indifferent to each others’ work. So when a fight between them broke out, their mentor had no choice but to make them have an joint exhibition together in order for them to get along. If they don’t, they will no longer work under Decade Gallery.

As I was reading this ARC, I admit it was difficult to digest in the first read due to the art not yet completed. So I read it again until I fully grasped each scene closely. And honestly, re-reading did the trick and I cannot wait to see the finished product. The graphic novel explores many themes and layers such as prejudice, bias, and chronic pain. What made this graphic novel intriguing as well was reading about the perspectives around AI and giving the reader something to think about for the near future. The stand alone text and visuals are powerful in expressing this complex world of technology and natural elements. And how just like data and plants, humans need to open up and to be taken apart in order to be understood. The important thing is they cannot do it alone. They want to be seen. They want to be heard.

So when Indira and Fawn’s rivalry developed more overtime as a friendship, it honestly speaks volumes about how one connection can change their view about each other. By bonding and playing to their strengths, they’re willing to understand each other by talking about the joy and suffering they went through. They are able to share secrets they have not shared with anyone else despite their opposing views. This, to me, is an accomplishment for the both of them. I recommend this to young adult readers who are still exploring their own identity and how one connection with someone can make all the difference in surviving a world together.

This graphic novel was so lovely. I was surprised at the end because I wanted to see more of the story! the concept is really touching and unique, and I enjoyed the layers of an AI tech future tied with humanity and a sapphic romance. The characters were super interesting and well developed. Because it's still in its almost finished stages, some of the images were a little hard to follow, but I can't wait to reread this once the art is completed!

Aaaaah I enjoyed this so much! Once the artwork is finalized it’s really going to be amazing!

Near-future stories are always really interesting to me and I really liked that this story dealt with so many relevant issues like bias, prejudice, racism, chronic pain, and the intersection between all those things and technology.

It was also just a really sweet romance! I love the banter between the two girls and the antagonists to lovers arc was really well plotted.

I may have screamed when I realized the last page was the last page but oh, my heart is all squishy and warm.

Even with the artwork not yet complete I could tell how interesting and beautiful it’s going to be, and I got a definite sense of what the story world will look like.

I definitely want my own copy when it comes out!

I did not enjoy this book at all. I understand that ARCs are uncorrected, but this book isn’t even finished. The black & white images made it impossible to follow what is happening in the story. I have received other graphic novel ARCs from NetGalley before, and they were nothing like this. I don’t even know that I would give this book a chance once it is finished because of this poor experience.

I'm sorry but it looks like there is a problem with the files or with my application. I just see a centimeter of the illustration and the rest of the page is completely blank. I use Bluefire reader on Ipad and my Ipad is too old to get the NG app. Sorry!

Utterly charming and thoughtful! The artwork was gorgeous and I can’t wait to see the finished color copy. I really fell in love with the art and the very interesting story. The plolt follows two people who are forced to share a art gallery show. Indira is a human who is haunted by her tragic accident in the past and the pain of it still hurts. Fawn is a AI who is trying to fit in, in a world of humans. Both girls have different perspectives of photography and don’t particularly like the other’s photography. Being forced to spend time together, both start to see that there’s more to the other than each had initially thought. The gradual process of dislike to friendship to something more was quite sweet and I just did not expect to love their connection as much as I had. This is a sweet story and I would highly recommend it!

*Thank you Netgalley and ABRAMS Kids for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*