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Sparks #1
Sparks Volume 1: Portals
Revel Guts' hit webcomic will now be in print for the first time! Sparks is a coming-of-age queer romance that can't be missed by fans of LGBTQ+ fantasy and adventure.
In a world rising from the ashes of destruction, Human society thrives only through their complex alliance with the magical Satyr.
Philo has always been the worst student in his class at the academy, with powerful magic he can barely control. His lack of ambition and discipline is about to catch up with him as graduation day looms. When he’s paired to train together with the aloof star student Atlas, Philo's magic backfires, teleporting them both far from home. Now, their futures depend on them working together to make it back to their school in time.
In just a few short days the pair find common ground that their years of classes together never managed to build, and at some points Philo questions if he didn't have the wrong idea of Atlas the whole time -- wondering if their struggles to get home might plant the seeds for something bigger. Meanwhile, powers outside the academy are setting plans in motion that may change both of their lives.
In a world rising from the ashes of destruction, Human society thrives only through their complex alliance with the magical Satyr.
Philo has always been the worst student in his class at the academy, with powerful magic he can barely control. His lack of ambition and discipline is about to catch up with him as graduation day looms. When he’s paired to train together with the aloof star student Atlas, Philo's magic backfires, teleporting them both far from home. Now, their futures depend on them working together to make it back to their school in time.
In just a few short days the pair find common ground that their years of classes together never managed to build, and at some points Philo questions if he didn't have the wrong idea of Atlas the whole time -- wondering if their struggles to get home might plant the seeds for something bigger. Meanwhile, powers outside the academy are setting plans in motion that may change both of their lives.
176 pages, Paperback
Published July 16, 2024
9 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 24, 2026
Sparks was my favourite graphic novel that I read in 2025! I had a great time with this group of characters!
I found the world-building so interesting, especially how Satyrs in this world have magical powers. They train to harness their power at a magical academy, and the main character, Philo, is the worst student in his class. I loved his dynamic with Atlas, the star student who couldn’t be less interested in working with Philo. Their forced proximity made for a fun storyline where they realised they are more alike than they thought.
I loved learning about how their magic worked, and Philo’s chaotic powers were my favourite element. I’m excited to read more volumes of this series, and to see how the romance develops.
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who loves queer graphic novels or fantasy books with magic! Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I post about queer books on: Instagram TikTok
I found the world-building so interesting, especially how Satyrs in this world have magical powers. They train to harness their power at a magical academy, and the main character, Philo, is the worst student in his class. I loved his dynamic with Atlas, the star student who couldn’t be less interested in working with Philo. Their forced proximity made for a fun storyline where they realised they are more alike than they thought.
I loved learning about how their magic worked, and Philo’s chaotic powers were my favourite element. I’m excited to read more volumes of this series, and to see how the romance develops.
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who loves queer graphic novels or fantasy books with magic! Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I post about queer books on: Instagram TikTok
December 29, 2024
'There's a town there... Do you think that could be Ares River?'
'You think I pay attention in Geography?'
Okay, this was fun but went by kinda quickly. I loved the chaotic gay magic academy, but did think it was a little too fast paced and would have benefitted from being slower especially when it came to the romance aspect because it didn't have much build-up. The animosity between Philo and Atlas and their bickering was definitely my favorite part so I'm very intrigued about what's to come with the way the volume ended 👀
As for the art, I was not expecting the inside to be black and white. It also has more of a doodle-ish look, which I don't know how else to describe. Totally fits the story, though
'You think I pay attention in Geography?'
Okay, this was fun but went by kinda quickly. I loved the chaotic gay magic academy, but did think it was a little too fast paced and would have benefitted from being slower especially when it came to the romance aspect because it didn't have much build-up. The animosity between Philo and Atlas and their bickering was definitely my favorite part so I'm very intrigued about what's to come with the way the volume ended 👀
As for the art, I was not expecting the inside to be black and white. It also has more of a doodle-ish look, which I don't know how else to describe. Totally fits the story, though
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July 16, 2024Drinking n' smoking: Satyrs, they're just like us!
November 23, 2024
3 ½ stars!
This was cute and the art was cute, but the story was elementary and hit beats like a middle grade or juvenile level book. Overall, it was a nice experience tho!
This was cute and the art was cute, but the story was elementary and hit beats like a middle grade or juvenile level book. Overall, it was a nice experience tho!
February 20, 2025
Cute little magically unique story.
July 24, 2024
This was very cute! A pair of satyrs at a magic academy--soon to graduate--are forced to work together after a magical accident throws them together. This volume mostly lays the groundwork for the characterization and relationship setup, with hints of a bigger plot coming in at the end. The art is fun and the characters entertaining. I'd definitely be interested in reading more to see where this goes.
April 26, 2025
(3.2) Cutesy sweet world where Satyrs are trained to wield their magic at an academy to be sorted into a “career”. It’s your typical high school setup where shifting friendship dynamics and love interests abound. The magic is the most interesting aspect which is only explained at the end!
July 24, 2024
Great world building, some nice plot-seeding, funny visual jokes and, man, can Revel draw some tastefully nekid satyrs!
September 2, 2024
Urghhhh. What a cliff hanger. Eagerly awaiting volume 2.
September 2, 2024
Super cute and enjoyable! I liked the world building and characters so will continue. Might not do the webcomic version though.
October 5, 2024
It's incredible seeing this in bookstores!! This comic is genuinely sweet and there is a lot of love poured into the characters and art. I've been reading it for years!!
December 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this but I wish the magic system was explained throughout the book instead of in a little section at the end so it would be easier to follow along when reading the story.
October 10, 2024
I won't lie, a few parts felt a bit rushed, ?? I couldn't really feel the emotional connection there. Personally, I think the comic could have benefited from a bit more detail and slower pacing. Each scene seemed to move on too quickly for my liking.
That said, Philo and Atlas are both really cute characters, and I would love to see more of them in future volumes.
However, my attention really shifted to Remy and Helix toward the end. I really want more scenes with them—not just as a couple, but also exploring their personalities individually. I found their dynamic super engaging, and that bonus scene of them back in school was absolutely adorable!
This comic was interesting, and I loved the world-building. While it did include the classic "kiss and run" scene—which I rated lower because of personal experiences with this kind of plot and its repetition—I understand that, in some stories, it works. In this one, though, it felt out of place.
Overall, Sparks Vol. 1 has potential with its cute characters and fascinating world, but it could improve in terms of pacing and emotional depth. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next volume, especially for more scenes with Remy and Helix.
Rating: 3.75/5
(Out of all the characters Aster piqued my interest the most—Remy and Helix second— because of his sense of humour and liveliness. Loved every interaction he had with Philo.
He's so chaotic, I love ittt.)
That said, Philo and Atlas are both really cute characters, and I would love to see more of them in future volumes.
However, my attention really shifted to Remy and Helix toward the end. I really want more scenes with them—not just as a couple, but also exploring their personalities individually. I found their dynamic super engaging, and that bonus scene of them back in school was absolutely adorable!
This comic was interesting, and I loved the world-building. While it did include the classic "kiss and run" scene—which I rated lower because of personal experiences with this kind of plot and its repetition—I understand that, in some stories, it works. In this one, though, it felt out of place.
Overall, Sparks Vol. 1 has potential with its cute characters and fascinating world, but it could improve in terms of pacing and emotional depth. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next volume, especially for more scenes with Remy and Helix.
Rating: 3.75/5
(Out of all the characters Aster piqued my interest the most—Remy and Helix second— because of his sense of humour and liveliness. Loved every interaction he had with Philo.
He's so chaotic, I love ittt.)
June 19, 2024
***I received an advance review copy from the publisher ahead of an interview with Revel Guts.***
Sparks Volume 1, written and illustrated by Revel Guts, is an electrifying debut that crackles with energy and creativity. This captivating graphic novel, which collects the first ~150 pages of Guts' webcomic of the same name, weaves together elements of high fantasy/science fiction, adventure, and LGBTQ+ coming-of-age themes, creating a truly unique and immersive reading experience that is accessible by readers of any background.
Guts' storytelling is so approachable, crafting a narrative that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning. The story follows two unlikely heroes, Philo and Atlas, as they navigate a world of ancient magic and new emotions. The artwork is a lot of fun, with Guts' vibrant illustrations bringing the world to life in dazzling detail. The characters are richly drawn, with expressive designs that leap off the page and Guts adds detailed backgrounds to make their world feel fully realized. You can see Guts' manga fandom on full display — this looks like a book you could find in any Japanese store!
Sparks Volume 1, written and illustrated by Revel Guts, is an electrifying debut that crackles with energy and creativity. This captivating graphic novel, which collects the first ~150 pages of Guts' webcomic of the same name, weaves together elements of high fantasy/science fiction, adventure, and LGBTQ+ coming-of-age themes, creating a truly unique and immersive reading experience that is accessible by readers of any background.
Guts' storytelling is so approachable, crafting a narrative that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning. The story follows two unlikely heroes, Philo and Atlas, as they navigate a world of ancient magic and new emotions. The artwork is a lot of fun, with Guts' vibrant illustrations bringing the world to life in dazzling detail. The characters are richly drawn, with expressive designs that leap off the page and Guts adds detailed backgrounds to make their world feel fully realized. You can see Guts' manga fandom on full display — this looks like a book you could find in any Japanese store!
November 30, 2024
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This is absolutely adorable and I loved it and I need more immediately! I was not familiar with the webcomic before seeing this volume, but am so glad I stumbled across it at the library. So worth the read!
At a magic academy with graduation just around the corner, underperforming student Philo isn't sure what his future holds. His friends are destined for great things, but his lack of control over his magic leaves him wondering where he'll be placed. When he's paired with overachiever, Atlas, things get even more complicated. His magic backfires and their initial disdain for one another begins to shift.
Stunning art. A fun party of a story with cool world-building and endearing characters.
Didn't know sexy satyr love story was on my bucket list, but this one definitely hits the mark.
Very interested to learn more about this universe and what happens with Philo and Atlas. Can't wait to read Volume 2.
This is absolutely adorable and I loved it and I need more immediately! I was not familiar with the webcomic before seeing this volume, but am so glad I stumbled across it at the library. So worth the read!
At a magic academy with graduation just around the corner, underperforming student Philo isn't sure what his future holds. His friends are destined for great things, but his lack of control over his magic leaves him wondering where he'll be placed. When he's paired with overachiever, Atlas, things get even more complicated. His magic backfires and their initial disdain for one another begins to shift.
Stunning art. A fun party of a story with cool world-building and endearing characters.
Didn't know sexy satyr love story was on my bucket list, but this one definitely hits the mark.
Very interested to learn more about this universe and what happens with Philo and Atlas. Can't wait to read Volume 2.
July 24, 2024
Sparks est une BD absolulent charmante, comme son personnage principal, Philo, auquel on est forcé de s'attacher.
On a une mise en page simple mais souvent hyper efficace, et ce premier volume donne tout de suite envie de savoir ou vont mener les morceaux d'intrigue qui s'infiltrent petit à petit.
Le trait hyper doux (et qui s'ameliore au fil des pages, ce qui deviendra de plus en plus visible au fil des volumes, je le garantis; tout en étant déjà extremement appreciable ici, bien entendu) joue aussi beaucoup dans l'attache qu'on a pour tout ce petit monde, tant l'auteur parvient avec brio à produire une myriade d'expressions parfois subtiles, parfois éclatantes, qui jouent beaucoup dans un comics autant centré sur les relations et sentiments entre les personnages.
On a une mise en page simple mais souvent hyper efficace, et ce premier volume donne tout de suite envie de savoir ou vont mener les morceaux d'intrigue qui s'infiltrent petit à petit.
Le trait hyper doux (et qui s'ameliore au fil des pages, ce qui deviendra de plus en plus visible au fil des volumes, je le garantis; tout en étant déjà extremement appreciable ici, bien entendu) joue aussi beaucoup dans l'attache qu'on a pour tout ce petit monde, tant l'auteur parvient avec brio à produire une myriade d'expressions parfois subtiles, parfois éclatantes, qui jouent beaucoup dans un comics autant centré sur les relations et sentiments entre les personnages.
August 12, 2025
Atlas is kinda an ass, but the tension between him and Philo, BOOOOYYYY. A lot of the book's mood for me was: JUST KISSSSSS ALREADDDDYYYYY. DOOOOO IIITTTT!. I loved reading about the satyrs, see a bit of the world outside, see the magic they can use, the friendship that Philo made, and more.
Love the art! Love the bonus stuff at the end with more explanation on things + some extra info on two characters (and yes, I am shipping them, now even more).
The ending was a surprise, curious why that happened, though Atlas could be less of an asshole about it, seriously, you can see that Philo is surprised and very sad about things. BLEH.
Love the art! Love the bonus stuff at the end with more explanation on things + some extra info on two characters (and yes, I am shipping them, now even more).
The ending was a surprise, curious why that happened, though Atlas could be less of an asshole about it, seriously, you can see that Philo is surprised and very sad about things. BLEH.
September 27, 2025
At the beginning of this book I wasn't sure how I was feeling about the black and white but by the end of the graphic novel I didn't care about that at all, I was so immersed in the story espeically the background relationship that the teacher had going on. I really enjoyed the friendship that Philo had with his two best friends and thought the magic system was interesting, the only thing I really didn't like about this book was I loved how many of the names related to Greek myths.
January 24, 2026
Sparks Vol 1
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Eh, this was fine. I didn't particularly connect with the characters and the plot was pretty simplistic. I thought that there was something unique to the world-building, but the book didn't go super in-depth with it, which left me a little confused and disappointed. I also wasn't expecting this to be in black and white, which hampered my enjoyment a bit as well. :/
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Eh, this was fine. I didn't particularly connect with the characters and the plot was pretty simplistic. I thought that there was something unique to the world-building, but the book didn't go super in-depth with it, which left me a little confused and disappointed. I also wasn't expecting this to be in black and white, which hampered my enjoyment a bit as well. :/
September 23, 2024
First this is LGBTQIA+ friendly so I adore it already for that. Second it is super cute!!!! But also it’s a great book about two Satrys that are about to graduate work together. Both really didn’t like each other so it was watching them grow and learn to do things as a team. It was great character building for the next book. Early waiting the 2nd volume!!!!
February 28, 2025
While starting off strong, the fact this is book one the set up has dragged on. Perhaps it would be better to read all volumes at once. Warnings: Language and some sexual situations. The manga black and white illustrations made things dull. The right reader will love, but I was not that reader. LGBTQ themes.
July 29, 2024
I love this webtoon and I was so excited to hear it finally got a print/kindle edition! The first volume is a great introduction to the characters and it really hooks you into wanting to know what's next.
July 30, 2025
Clever and Unique Fantasy
Sparks features an imaginative world with satyrs and a creative magic system. Boylove that dances to the beat of its own drum. I've really come to appreciate all of Sparks's characters.
Sparks features an imaginative world with satyrs and a creative magic system. Boylove that dances to the beat of its own drum. I've really come to appreciate all of Sparks's characters.
October 18, 2025
This was super cute! I only label it teens because there was swearing in it, but otherwise I would have placed it firmly in kids.
Cute little fantasy story, involving magic and a boy with a crush on another boy. Love it.
Cute little fantasy story, involving magic and a boy with a crush on another boy. Love it.
May 27, 2024
I'm OBSESSED!
July 9, 2024
A fluffy webcomic about two satyrs in training who may fall for one another in this LGBTQIA+ story. I didn't find a whole lot to the story to keep my interest.
August 17, 2024
This was so cute!!!
October 31, 2024
Meh, felt like just setup. Cute art though.
June 19, 2025
The book was cute but that’s about it. The characters and plot were very predictable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews