I only read a sample of this graphic novel, but I have to say, it has hooked me. The art style is more comic-book than I’m used to, but I loved the use of color. It’s a lot brighter than most graphic novels I’ve read. The story also sounds interesting. I’ll have to grab a finished copy!

The pages filled with Marie Enger’s art are vibrant and yet covered in shadows. The juxtaposition between the deep blacks and bright yellows, purples, greens, and reds is effective, especially as you move through the story. The art was, at times, chaotic and difficult to consume, but this only added to the experience. It forced me to slow down and take in each panel, to work through what was happening on the page. This graphic novel reflected the pandemonium of our collective existence. The pages that are simply black or yellow, with no figures or dialog, provide a sense of disorientation and isolation. The near-hidden messages in the background of certain panels gave me goosebumps, despite the overall story not being particularly scary or gruesome.

The narrative is layered, with Amal struggling to be a good therapist to her client, while also dealing with the disparity between her home life with her partner and her persistent mother back in Lebanon who wants her to visit. While examining Yasmin’s mental health, she must also tackle her own, and this all comes through the lens of the classic horror story of The King in Yellow. Where Black Stars Rise is set in modern-day Brooklyn, but it examines the universal experience of diasporic communities—the push to make your own mark on the world and the pull to go back to your roots. What’s more, it’s also an open and honest conversation about mental illness, the significance of therapy, and the importance of communication.

I really enjoyed Where Black Stars Rise. I had received a sample at NYCC and was really excited to be offered the chance to read the full book.
I think that this is such a great perspective on mental health. I was invested in all of the characters.
I didn’t know the play that was referenced in the title but don’t think that it held me back from understanding the story.
I also loved the artwork - I think it added so much feeling to story.

This excerpt is absolutely gorgeous, and proves this work is masterpiece. I cannot wait to read this in its entirety.

I requested a digital copy in order to sample the prose on my phone (since I don't have a eReader) before requesting a physical copy for review. My review will be based on the physical ARC I read (if I qualify)

I, unfortunately, don't think there was enough in this preview to give me a sense of the story, enough to give it a proper review of the story. I did enjoy the art, it's trippy and unique and conveys a lot of the tone of the story really well. I did think it was an odd choice to make some of the text be white on yellow, as this made it difficult to read. In fact, there were a lot of difficult-to-read sections. Which didn't help my overall confusion. I'm not sure if the story is tackling mental health issues or spirituality concerns or both! I guess I'm a bit intrigued but I'm not sure if it is enough to pick up the full title when it comes out.

With a vibrant, dynamic style and fantastic concept, this is a promising start! I'll be looking forward to reading the whole volume.

The text was a bit difficult to read. But I related to having to dump a therapist for them not having the experience you need from them. Since this was a 16 page sampler I'll give it a proper review upon its release.