"Arca," a post-apocalyptic, dystopian, and sci-fi graphic novel by Van Jensen, offers a familiar yet engaging premise set aboard a colony ship, the Arca, carrying Earth's last survivors to their new colony, Eden. While some aspects of the story may feel reminiscent of classic dystopian tales, it introduces elements that draw readers into a captivating narrative.

The story revolves around Effie, a Settler on the Arca, the ship's largest and lowest class, serving the Citizens, the ruling upper class led by Citizen Graves. The Settlers are unaware of the true nature of their existence and the hidden secrets the Citizens keep. As Effie begins to question the reality she has always known, her curiosity leads to the discovery of disturbing truths that could jeopardize the entire colony's future.

One of the strengths of "Arca" lies in its ability to create a society that appears harmonious on the surface but conceals deeper, unsettling truths. Effie's journey of enlightenment and the slow unraveling of the ship's mysteries lead to a sense of intrigue and suspense that drives the narrative forward.

Readers may draw parallels between "Arca" and classic dystopian works like "Soylent Green," "Logan's Run," and "1984," as the story explores themes of control, deception, and societal manipulation. The Citizens' dominion over the Settlers and the apparent complacency of the populace resonate with familiar dystopian elements.

While the story's premise and themes are compelling, the graphic novel does not escape certain formulaic aspects and tropes common in dystopian storytelling. Some readers may find the plot predictable, and the characters, while well-conceived, may not stand out as particularly unique or memorable.

However, "Arca" does benefit from the stunning art by Jesse Lonergan, which evokes a retro aesthetic, enhancing the visual experience of the narrative. The coloring work by Patricio Delpeche complements the art and excels in emphasizing more intense and violent scenes.

In conclusion, "Arca" is a graphic novel that presents a familiar yet engaging dystopian premise set within the confines of a colony ship. While it may not break entirely new ground in the genre, it successfully captivates readers with its suspenseful exploration of hidden truths and the pursuit of enlightenment. The retro aesthetic and visually striking art add to the graphic novel's appeal, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in dystopian narratives and visually immersive storytelling.

Book Summary:

The story of the earth dying is not a new one. In many a tale, we all ignored the pleas of the scientists until it was too late. That is the story that unfolds here, with one unique twist. Some people managed to get off the planet. Well, only the wealthiest people, that is.

Persephone has been sealed inside a survival chamber, and she intends to do precisely that, even though it will require her to fight against the billionaires who imprisoned her and doomed the fate of everyone else. Perhaps especially then.

My Review:

It's been a minute since I dove into a retro science fiction tale, and Arca seemed like the obvious choice. It blends one of my favorite genres with my love of graphic novels. I mean, what more could a girl ask for?

That said, I'll admit that the style probably isn't for everyone. I'd suggest finding it in stores and checking out a couple of pages before making final decisions. While I enjoyed it, I can see why some people may not be as delighted.

Admittedly, I am biased. I love the concept of a generational ship. That is to say, a ship with multiple generations of family on a ship has for a long time. Yes, it does rely on the earth-is-dead trope (why have I been reading so much of this lately? What is wrong with me?), but it works.

Overall, I would have to say that Arca is a dark but fun story. It's perfect for any space opera fan looking for something with a bit more political or social commentary.

Highlights:
Dystopian with Mystery elements
Commentary on Financial Disparity
Survival

Trigger Warnings:
Dying Planet

Thanks to StMartinsPress and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Earth has become uninhabitable because of war, famine, and disease so a group of wealthy citizens builds a ship to take them to a new planet, called Eden. The kids and teens in this society are busy doing chores all day, every day. And when they turn 18 they are rewarded with becoming a full citizen. It's seen as a trade-off, work until 18 and then you can enjoy the rest of your life. But a group of teens discovers that all is not what it seems. Can Effie and her group of friends figure out what's going on before it's to late?

This was a fantastic sci-fi graphic novel. It was very well written and I loved the story. I did figure out what was going on way before the teens in the story but I don't think that that detracts from the story at all. The artwork was also very well done and I loved all of the pages. I would love to see more from this author!

This was a fun quick read, but it was a pretty generic and rushed plot and I predicted all of the twists based off of prior experience with this kind of story and not necessarily the foreshadowing of the story itself. That being said, it was engaging and the artwork is very well done! I loved the characters and it wish the novel were a bit longer so we could spend more time with them.

I just couldn’t get into this one. I finished the book, yes, but at no point did I care about the characters or the story itself. :/

The rich and powerful have fled Earth on a long-voyage ship. But they’re not going to, like, do any WORK on the trip. Bleh. So they took along with them a crew of children, meant to wait on them hand-and-foot, for the promise of a better life.

Main character Persephone has suspicions about the mission. Especially when she is unable to get in contact with the older teen who had trained her in her duties. What happens when you get older and age out?

I mean, obviously, it’s dystopian. You don’t age out. I will say, there’s a bigger plot twist beyond what happens to older teens, but it still didn’t interest me.

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.

3.5 stars

Arca is a post-apocalyptic, dystopian, sci-fi graphic novel set aboard a ship full of Earth’s last survivors on their way to their new colony, Eden.

Effie, the main character, is a member of the largest and lowest class on the Arca, which are called Settlers. They serve the Citizens, who created the Arca and graciously “saved” the Settlers, meeting all the needs of this upper, ruling class lead by Citizen Graves. There are also Helpers, essentially armed “peacekeepers.”

Early on, it’s clear something is amiss, that the Citizens are keeping secrets from the Settlers. For example, the Settlers “graduate” when they turn 18, but it is unclear where they go when they “retire” from their chores.

There are elements of this story that give me vibes from The Giver, The Hunger Games, and The Handmaid’s Tale, and as in all of those stories, our MC starts to unravel the truth and all hell breaks loose.

I liked trying to figure out what exactly was going on aboard this ship, but I don’t feel like those questions are fully answered. The story ends somewhat abruptly with a twist that generates more questions than answers. I was anticipating one particular twist that was ultimately never revealed. Maybe it was a red herring, but the ending doesn’t negate my theory. It just leaves it…wide open. Perhaps that is the intent of the author, but I do wish we had a few more bread crumbs.

I loved the art! The advance copy did not have full color throughout, but I’ve gotten to experience the final publication—and it’s beautiful! As many have said, the art has a very retro vibe, and I applaud Jesse Lonergan (illustrator) and Patricio Delpeche (colorist) for their outstanding work. **The art is why my rating is a 4 instead of a 3.**

While both the images and the story propelled me forward, it’s the story that left me hanging in the end.

I do think there could be some lively discussions among this graphic novel’s readers about the meaning of its ending. Maybe even some deeper analysis could reveal the author’s intent. However, it’s possible that many readers will leave Arca dissatisfied.

Review posted to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5367156013

An intriguing premise and some impressive world-building, but the twists unfortunately begin to feel quite predictable for anyone familiar with the genre.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. While the premise was interesting I didn’t connect with the characters or the story in a meaningful manner. Some books just aren’t for us, and that’s alright.

The Arca is a ship with many people on it, but the people are divided into strict classes. The citizens are the older people who can still remember being on Earth. They started this whole settlement plan, created the ship, etc. The settlers are teenagers who do all the work on the ship, from farming to running the communications systems, or even just waiting on the citizens as personal assistants. Also, the settlers are not allowed to learn to read. There are also young children, who will be trained to be the next settlers.

Settlers graduate at their eighteenth birthdays, and supposedly become citizens... but no one ever sees them. The only citizens the settlers ever come into contact with are the same core group that began the Arca settlement project. So, what really happens at age eighteen?

The ship is supposedly heading for a planet which the citizens have named Eden. Every day, they remind the settlers, is one day closer to Eden! But will they ever get there? How long has the Arca even been flying? These facts are, of course, kept from the settlers.

Our main character here is Effie, who works directly with some of the founding citizens. She has also learned to read, though, which she is supposed to keep secret. She is nearing her eighteenth birthday, and is given a small child to train to take her place. This makes Effie fondly remember the woman who had trained her years ago, and she starts questioning where her mentor is now.

If you read a lot of sci-fi, you can probably make guesses as to some of the eventual answers that are learned by Effie and her friends. I will not spoil them here. If I interpreted the ending correctly, I would say that it wasn't exactly where I expected it to end. There could definitely be room for continuation, although a second story would have to have an entirely different setting and conflict.

Overall, this one was fast-paced and full of action. If you love science fiction stuff set in space, I'd say it's a solid choice.

3.5 stars

I think this was a well done graphic novel with an engaging storyline. Maybe not the most original storyline, but still entertaining. My one gripe is that (to me) a lot of the citizens and settlers look similar, and that led to confusion on my part trying to figure out who was in any particular scene. Maybe this is because it’s in black and white, and I think if it were in color then we could have skin tones, eye & hair color, etc.
Otherwise I quite enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley & IDW Publishing for this advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Interesting concept, wasn't hooked by the execution. I struggled with the formatting of the ARC, which isn't the fault of the story itself but made reading a tedious process.

Thanks to NetGalley and IDW for sending me an advance copy in exchange for a review.

Arca is….fine. It’s fine. It’s not terrible, it’s not great, it’s just…fine.

We’ve got a fairly recognizable setup here: a colony ship headed for a distant planet midway through its mission, carrying the last survivors of an Earth doomed to devastation. There is a caste system within the ship. There are discrepancies between what characters are told, and what they’re seeing for themselves onboard. There are suspicious rulers, rules about what can or can’t be said, and shipboard analogues for holidays and events back on Earth. Sound familiar?

Unfortunately, Arca falls into a lot of recognizable tropes pretty early on, and between the somewhat formulaic story and flat characters, there’s not a lot to fall back on here. It’s disappointingly forgettable—but never bad.

I enjoyed the art style, it has a unique retro aesthetic, and the coloring was excellent, particularly when it came to emphasizing more violent panels. There were story elements I liked: The legend of the man who stayed behind to help the ship launch, some parts of what society aboard the ship has become, some small worldbuilding details.

None of these points really make me want to recommend Arca to heavy readers of sci fi, though. I think it could do well among light sci-fi enjoyers, or people who are looking to get themselves into the genre’s graphic novels without a ton of difficult plot details. Overall, as much as it pains me to say it, Arca tells a familiar story with some very nice artwork that doesn’t make up for the predictable plot.

It’s not great, it’s not bad, it’s just…fine.

3/5.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher IDW Publishing for an advanced copy of this science fiction graphic novel dealing with the eternal conflicts between those that have, those that do not, old and the young, and of course those in power and want to keep it, and those who only want to help others.

The best thing about having a disposable income is that you don't have to take care of anything. One can just buy another one. Car doesn't have that new car smell, get another. Spouse has a wrinkle, get another. Earth has been environmentally wiped out for everyone, well let's find another. When one is rich enough the possibilities are endless. As are lifespans, with a steady stream of workers to help the elite in almost all their tasks. Until the workers turn 18. Arca is a graphic novel about our possible future, written by Van Jensen, and illustrated by Jess Lonergen. Arca is about a colony ship, fleeing a dead planet, to a brand new one, but carrying the same problems, thoughts and ideas, along with even worse mysteries.

Effie, short for Persephone has always known life on the Arca, a space ark fleeing a dying Earth to a new Eden, at least that is what she has always been told. And told is the operative word, as Effie is a Settler on the Arca which means she is to help and obey the Citizens in every way. Effie's reward will be that when she turns the age of 18, Effie and other Settlers will be moved to the top of the ship, to become a Citizen, and be prepared for a new life on the planet that has been chosen. Though no one has seen those who have moved up ever again. Also Effie, unlike the other Settlers has a gift, Effie can read, a secret that must be kept from everyone else, for it I forbidden. This gives her a different view of her life, that and what Effie has found in the gardens. Soon a match might be lit, a match that in a sealed atmosphere could destroy everything around them.

A nicely done science fiction graphic novel that reads almost like a lost classic from the 1970's story and art wise. The tale is familiar in that Soylent Green, Logan's Run kind of way, but is told well, and really does have a lot of the issues of today in the characters and the plot. The story reads very well, and goes at a quick pace, and does a good job of both explaining the world, and keeping the tension as Effie begins to learn the truth about the Arca. Effie is a very interesting character, smart, decent and very brave, even when she knows the consequences. Effie is very well-written as is the supporting cast. The art is beautiful from Jess Lonergen. Again a nice Métal Hurlant feel, though with far more detail, and again more true to todays issues and problems. The characters are all clear, and even better consistent. The backgrounds are very detailed, giving a feeling for being on a ship, trapped till the destination is reached, with no escape, except out an airlock. Lonergen really gives readers a feeling about life on the ship, and how there really is no help, nor hope, except for the vague promise of what turning 18 might get someone. The art balances the story quite well.

Recommended for readers of science fiction, Heavy Metal fans especially. A very good story that is told really well, with interesting characters, and with really beautiful art. I have read a few things by both creators, and look forward to more projects together.

A highly enjoyable scifi graphic novel, full of twists and turns. I enjoyed the unique art style and plotline - if this was a full length book, I'd definitely read that!

Not to give any spoilers, but this graphic novel had one of my favorite twists at the end.
This was a super quick, fun read about a society where the rich use the vitality of the young to maintain their power and way of life. But once the secrets start unraveling, the mysteries are numerous and the bloodshed vast. I love a good kids overthrowing an evil empire trope and this graphic novel does it well. I enjoyed everything about it and can't wait to add it to our library collection.

True review: 3.5 stars.
ARCA was a super quick and interesting graphic novel with a cool art style and entertaining story. It tackled subjects such as societal roles, rich vs poor, exploitation, environmentalism, etc. It reminded me of The 100 which I love. I also loved the twist at the end! I didn’t see that coming at all. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

STORY: 3/5
PLOT: 3/5
CHARACTERS: 3/5
GRAPHICS: 4/5

It was a great read though. Arca doesn't differ from other space opera story which involves human civilization existing on a new planet hence the people of power versus the underdogs.

This graphic novel fascinated me and held me spellbound in its grip until its explosive ending. A very interesting book about what it means to have freedom and how it arises from the breakdown of complete control. The book fully lived up to my expectations as my five-star rating reflects. The originality, in addition to the detailed excellence of the graphic novel as a whole, is what makes Arca compelling, and why I would recommend it to all.

4.5 out of 5 stars

The Earth has been ravaged. The last surviving humans are now aboard the ship called Arca, its destination: Eden. Effie is one of the many settlers, children under 18 who are bound to serve the Citizens, a group who were billionaires on Earth and who had thought up of Arca to save themselves from the dying planet. Once the settlers reach the age of 18, they are said to travel up on the Arca to live a life of comfort after a childhood of servitude. But Effie feels that something is wrong, and she will do what she can to discover the mysteries behind this ship.

I am a sucker for any story that highlights the class struggles in any type of society, and most especially if it’s a sci-fi/dystopian setting. The literary references scattered throughout this comic was superb—a treat for any literature nerd. The retro style of the art is also a treat. The only critique I can think of, and this is a bit nitpicky, was that I was initially confused, I thought that when the settlers reached 18 they would become Citizens. But other than that, this was a very engaging and enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley and IDW publishing for providing me with a advance digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

"ARCA" is a compelling and engaging science fiction story about a generation ship of the same name and its mostly teenage crew. From the very beginning the story takes a dystopian turn and the reader is well aware that something is wrong, very wrong, in spite of the pleasant and optimistic disposition of the crew.

Known as Settlers' the crew, work unquestioning long hours at rigorous jobs to serve a small group of rulers known as Citizens who control all aspects of the ship. Their promised reward is to be sent to another part of the ship on their 18th birthdays to become citizen's themselves and begin preparations for colonization of Eden, the final destination of the ARCA. Yet they are never seen again after leaving and now bones are beginning to turn up in the growing fields of the ship.

Most readers will immediately get what is going on. Although comparisons to "Soylent Green" and " Logan's Run" are apt, George Orwell's "1984" is a better match. The Citizens in this tale are not the Citizens of a modern Democracy or even those of classical societies. They are the owners and masters of all others on the ARCA and they have reserved all power for themselves. even the power to question the natural order of society

Although the signs are all about them the populace is unaware of their enslavement and unable to question their role in the social order. Bones are picked out of the earth by field workers who simply discard them without questioning what they are or where they might have come from. The leaders of the Settlers , when presented with disturbing facts, dismiss them because to do otherwise would be to question the order of things. Work goes on and no one questions the nature or direction of their ship or society. Then one worker, who has painstakingly acquired the intellectual tools required for her own enlightenment and liberation grasps the truth. Thus is the fire of revolution lit and a new story and a new direction for the ARCA begins to unfold.