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Destiny, NY #1
Destiny, NY, Volume One: Who I Used to Be
Set in a version of New York City where magic is a real and accepted part of life, Logan McBride struggles to find purpose. She was the subject of an incredible prophecy when she was just thriteen. Now in her twenties, Logan navigates through graduate school for Prophecy Kids while searching for her place in a world that tells her she's already finished.
156 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2017
6 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Pat Shand
662 books91 followersPAT SHAND writes comic books (Robyn Hood, Family Pets, Charmed, Angel) and pop culture journalism (Sad Girls Guide, Blastoff Comics). He lives in San Diego with his girlfriend and their veritable zoo of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 4, 2021
rep: lesbian mc, lesbian li, side lesbian characters (latina & black), side gay black characters
this is a world where there's a uni for The Chosen Ones bc there r so many of them. how cool of an idea is that?? and our mc fulfilled her prophecy when she was 13, so really, this is a story of how she learns to navigate adulthood.
and then u have the assortment of great, really well fleshed-out & fun characters! and listen, literally like one boy is straight... it's amazing.
this is a world where there's a uni for The Chosen Ones bc there r so many of them. how cool of an idea is that?? and our mc fulfilled her prophecy when she was 13, so really, this is a story of how she learns to navigate adulthood.
and then u have the assortment of great, really well fleshed-out & fun characters! and listen, literally like one boy is straight... it's amazing.
March 27, 2023
I now understand why the author keeps returning to this series. It’s an absolutely great story that’s easily expanded on. I really like the character leads and the world. Hold was really well done. I just met Pat this past weekend at GalaxyCon RVA and I couldn’t have been happier to meet such a nice and kind person. I can really tell his heart goes into his work and how much he loves the stores he creates. And I can’t wait to read more.
July 14, 2017
In Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Gene Wilder, as Wonka, says, "Hurry, please! We have so much time and so little to see! Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it. Thank you."
What if, in tracking the anxieties of urban twentysomethings in a world where fantasy/magic is reality, readers also stumble upon a twentysomething for whom this world's expectations are done and over with? An individual for whom destiny no longer carries weight?
Once a person's destiny has been unlocked, achieved, and put to bed, the lure of world-class adventure tends to lose its aroma. But is one's waning desire because the adventure itself is no longer worth pursuing, or is it because the individual, believing they have done all they can do, has been convinced there are no more opportunities to "strike" and "reverse," to pivot and pursue something new? What happens when hero is done being a hero, and is just . . . a person?
So much time, and so little to see.
In DESTINY, NY, Logan McBride walks a tightrope. She did what was expected of her. She was a prodigy. But now what? Good question. She's still trying to figure that out. In the meantime, a promising fling with a smoky stranger, her job at a New York coffee shop, and a solid helping of why-won't-you-leave-me-alone relationship drama are all queued to fill in the gaps.
Then stuff happens. And the gaps get smaller.
DESTINY, NY is the kind of urban-fantasy graphic novel that the world needs more of: the character dynamics drive the story; the dialogue relies more on traits than on tropes; and the magical/fantasy elements aren't poured over every page, but are rather an outgrowth of the story's naturally occurring elements.
In other words, Logan finishes accomplishing her prophesied destiny, but instead of running around New York and using her magical abilities to master the unknown, she looks inward, and tries to learn about herself. Does she succeed? (Eh. . .)
Or, what about when Logan's new sexy-time couch-mate, Lilith, comes under the microscope? Does Lilith fold? Does she fight back? Does she ask for help? (Well, she's quite stubborn. . .)
And what about Gia, amicable and even-tempered, who is assigned a rather daunting task: to "fell the most ancient evil on this plane." Really? Gia is 100% warm smiles. Will she kill if it's her destiny to do so? ("Is it okay if we talk about literally anything else in the world?")
The chief currency of DESTINY, NY is drama, which may feel unnatural for readers of urban fantasy who expect all manner of supernatural creatures to be flying around. DESTINY, NY is an understated book. It isn't about magic, it's about the human anxieties of the people whose responsibility is the fair and just use of magic. For readers anticipating a graphic novel about magic, or anticipating a book with a fresh approach to magic-users, this will prove a disappointment.
Another challenge will surely be Shand's approach to storytelling in general. Shand is good with dialogue. Really good. Characters are diverse, they sound natural, and they have an identity. The challenge? Well, there's a lot of dialogue in this book. Not every comics reader has the patience for a coffee-table conversation with an ex-girlfriend that spans four pages, or the patience for an extended confessional-reverie in the afterglow of couch sex (to be fair, that couch gets a lot of action).
It's a challenge because the moral quandaries these characters face are ambiguous for much of the book. DESTINY, NY has plenty of drama but very little in the way of dramatic irony. Sitting in Lilith's back pocket, for example, waiting for her to fess up to a rather muddy past, is good for drama, but it doesn't do much fun for readers waiting for her to grit her teeth and charge ahead, as her personality seems wont to do.
Fortunately, on the whole, the book possesses an urgency one doesn't realize is there until someone or something knocks the whole narrative off its course. Extended dialogue is sometimes masked by clever (and helpful) scene transitions. For example, Gia discusses her destiny with a seer/prognosticator, and is overheard by a gossipy schoolmate, who then runs into Logan, whom, four pages (and a short time) later, is on a date with Gia discussing the very same subject. Four separate conversations. Three separate scenes. One subject. All drama and no action, sure, but the rhythm is nice.
DESTINY, NY, altogether, is a clean book. The writing is tight, the characters feel alive, and the art is crisp and purposeful. The book's artist, Preitano, knows his stuff, too. Those extended conversations that canvass multiple scenes? Natural hand gestures and twitchy eyebrows accompany cinematic widescreen pans and friendly character blocking. DESTINY, NY isn't a cut-and-paste indie book, it's the real deal. Absorbing its qualities requires a bit of patience, but it's the real deal.
What if, in tracking the anxieties of urban twentysomethings in a world where fantasy/magic is reality, readers also stumble upon a twentysomething for whom this world's expectations are done and over with? An individual for whom destiny no longer carries weight?
Once a person's destiny has been unlocked, achieved, and put to bed, the lure of world-class adventure tends to lose its aroma. But is one's waning desire because the adventure itself is no longer worth pursuing, or is it because the individual, believing they have done all they can do, has been convinced there are no more opportunities to "strike" and "reverse," to pivot and pursue something new? What happens when hero is done being a hero, and is just . . . a person?
So much time, and so little to see.
In DESTINY, NY, Logan McBride walks a tightrope. She did what was expected of her. She was a prodigy. But now what? Good question. She's still trying to figure that out. In the meantime, a promising fling with a smoky stranger, her job at a New York coffee shop, and a solid helping of why-won't-you-leave-me-alone relationship drama are all queued to fill in the gaps.
Then stuff happens. And the gaps get smaller.
DESTINY, NY is the kind of urban-fantasy graphic novel that the world needs more of: the character dynamics drive the story; the dialogue relies more on traits than on tropes; and the magical/fantasy elements aren't poured over every page, but are rather an outgrowth of the story's naturally occurring elements.
In other words, Logan finishes accomplishing her prophesied destiny, but instead of running around New York and using her magical abilities to master the unknown, she looks inward, and tries to learn about herself. Does she succeed? (Eh. . .)
Or, what about when Logan's new sexy-time couch-mate, Lilith, comes under the microscope? Does Lilith fold? Does she fight back? Does she ask for help? (Well, she's quite stubborn. . .)
And what about Gia, amicable and even-tempered, who is assigned a rather daunting task: to "fell the most ancient evil on this plane." Really? Gia is 100% warm smiles. Will she kill if it's her destiny to do so? ("Is it okay if we talk about literally anything else in the world?")
The chief currency of DESTINY, NY is drama, which may feel unnatural for readers of urban fantasy who expect all manner of supernatural creatures to be flying around. DESTINY, NY is an understated book. It isn't about magic, it's about the human anxieties of the people whose responsibility is the fair and just use of magic. For readers anticipating a graphic novel about magic, or anticipating a book with a fresh approach to magic-users, this will prove a disappointment.
Another challenge will surely be Shand's approach to storytelling in general. Shand is good with dialogue. Really good. Characters are diverse, they sound natural, and they have an identity. The challenge? Well, there's a lot of dialogue in this book. Not every comics reader has the patience for a coffee-table conversation with an ex-girlfriend that spans four pages, or the patience for an extended confessional-reverie in the afterglow of couch sex (to be fair, that couch gets a lot of action).
It's a challenge because the moral quandaries these characters face are ambiguous for much of the book. DESTINY, NY has plenty of drama but very little in the way of dramatic irony. Sitting in Lilith's back pocket, for example, waiting for her to fess up to a rather muddy past, is good for drama, but it doesn't do much fun for readers waiting for her to grit her teeth and charge ahead, as her personality seems wont to do.
Fortunately, on the whole, the book possesses an urgency one doesn't realize is there until someone or something knocks the whole narrative off its course. Extended dialogue is sometimes masked by clever (and helpful) scene transitions. For example, Gia discusses her destiny with a seer/prognosticator, and is overheard by a gossipy schoolmate, who then runs into Logan, whom, four pages (and a short time) later, is on a date with Gia discussing the very same subject. Four separate conversations. Three separate scenes. One subject. All drama and no action, sure, but the rhythm is nice.
DESTINY, NY, altogether, is a clean book. The writing is tight, the characters feel alive, and the art is crisp and purposeful. The book's artist, Preitano, knows his stuff, too. Those extended conversations that canvass multiple scenes? Natural hand gestures and twitchy eyebrows accompany cinematic widescreen pans and friendly character blocking. DESTINY, NY isn't a cut-and-paste indie book, it's the real deal. Absorbing its qualities requires a bit of patience, but it's the real deal.
February 13, 2019
This was so damn good. I am mad I've never heard of it until now. I literally just clicked on an interesting name in a list of comics with LGBTQ themes and found something I loved.
Queer as all get out.
Fantastic cast of characters. Including side characters.
Character driven plot in a world that just happens to be magical.
Plus those last couple volumes fucked me up. I wasn't ready.
Logan is such a great lead. She's a girl who completed her big prophecy already. What do you do next? It's been years and she doesn't know. She's trying to figure out her place in the world. Dealing with the fact that the girl she used to be in love with just got engaged. It was a compelling story.
Queer as all get out.
Fantastic cast of characters. Including side characters.
Character driven plot in a world that just happens to be magical.
Plus those last couple volumes fucked me up. I wasn't ready.
Logan is such a great lead. She's a girl who completed her big prophecy already. What do you do next? It's been years and she doesn't know. She's trying to figure out her place in the world. Dealing with the fact that the girl she used to be in love with just got engaged. It was a compelling story.
March 3, 2019
this was so good i mean magic + gay i'm sold
October 5, 2021
4 stars
Logan McBride had a prophecy to fulfill. Unfortunately, she completed her prophecy when she was young, so now what does she do with her life?
I thought the overall concept of this series to be intriguing. Any Fantasy novel features some sort of destiny or prophecy for the main protagonist, and Destiny NY flipped this trope around. While Logan is the main character, I found that she wasn't what I remembered most about this series. I liked the side characters like Gia who attends school with Logan to Lillith the woman who's supposed to bring about evil. Anthony is the seer who predicts Gia's prophecy. Logan may be the main character, however, I found the other side characters to be more memorable to me.
Additionally, I like the LGBTQIA+ relationships in this, that's always a plus to see in comics.
I liked the art in this! All the art was in Black & White, yet enough was conveyed to give me the feel of a magical New York.
I really liked this series, I thought it brought an interesting concept to light in a comics format.
Logan McBride had a prophecy to fulfill. Unfortunately, she completed her prophecy when she was young, so now what does she do with her life?
I thought the overall concept of this series to be intriguing. Any Fantasy novel features some sort of destiny or prophecy for the main protagonist, and Destiny NY flipped this trope around. While Logan is the main character, I found that she wasn't what I remembered most about this series. I liked the side characters like Gia who attends school with Logan to Lillith the woman who's supposed to bring about evil. Anthony is the seer who predicts Gia's prophecy. Logan may be the main character, however, I found the other side characters to be more memorable to me.
Additionally, I like the LGBTQIA+ relationships in this, that's always a plus to see in comics.
I liked the art in this! All the art was in Black & White, yet enough was conveyed to give me the feel of a magical New York.
I really liked this series, I thought it brought an interesting concept to light in a comics format.
November 22, 2024
Poor Logan. In a world where magic works and Chosen Ones are common, she achieved her Chosen One destiny at 13. Ever since then she's been lost for what to do next. Now she's just started up a romance with a tough young woman named Lilith, unaware Lilith has been identified as the most evil force in the world and another Chosen One is out to kill her ...
Good stuff.
Good stuff.
January 12, 2023
Immediate fan after reading the first Destiny NY Halloween and this volume just solidifies it. Interesting world and characters. Will definitely read more from this series.
May 5, 2024
I was a little hesitant because of the supernatural aspect, but the character drama is just so. Dang. Good.
January 1, 2023
Fun and gay as hell, exciting story but I don't personally care that much. I think my brain just doesn't find this type of story quite as interesting as I did as a kid looking for adventure and mystery. I'd recommend it for sure, but I don't know if I'll read book 2.
September 3, 2017
I picked up this book at FlameCon 2017 on a whim, during a whirlwind weekend of art- and graphic novel-buying. Destiny, NY was billed as a story about a Magical Girl and her life after her big magical adventure is (prematurely?) done.
I went in expecting Sailor Moon-esque transformation sequences and flashy spells, but this book is not that. (Though I do appreciate sparkly magicks, don't get me wrong.) Instead, the sorcery takes a back seat in this character driven story about romances and friendships, finding one's place in the world, and growing up (which, nowadays, easily extends into one's twenties).
My favorite aspect of this book is how it turns the Token LGBTQ Character trope on its head: the majority of the characters are queer! What's even better is that in this universe, being queer is totally noncontroversial and taken for granted. We have so many stories about overcoming anti-gay oppression and/or the tortures of coming out, and while those do need to be told, this story takes a different tack. Without preamble, it dives right into the characters' lives with all their dramas, none of which are a result of their being queer.
It's escapist and refreshing and I can't wait for Volume 2!
I went in expecting Sailor Moon-esque transformation sequences and flashy spells, but this book is not that. (Though I do appreciate sparkly magicks, don't get me wrong.) Instead, the sorcery takes a back seat in this character driven story about romances and friendships, finding one's place in the world, and growing up (which, nowadays, easily extends into one's twenties).
My favorite aspect of this book is how it turns the Token LGBTQ Character trope on its head: the majority of the characters are queer! What's even better is that in this universe, being queer is totally noncontroversial and taken for granted. We have so many stories about overcoming anti-gay oppression and/or the tortures of coming out, and while those do need to be told, this story takes a different tack. Without preamble, it dives right into the characters' lives with all their dramas, none of which are a result of their being queer.
It's escapist and refreshing and I can't wait for Volume 2!
June 26, 2021
Destiny, NY volume I ( issues #01-05) written by Pat Shand and illustrated by Manuel Preitano - a slice-of-life romance and drama meets mysterious intrigue.
Logan McBride was the subject of an incredible prophecy when she was a child, but fulfilled her foretold destiny when she was just thirteen. Now in her late twenties, Logan navigates through graduate school for Prophecy Kids while searching for her place in a world that tells her sheʼs already finished.
I started to read this series over a year ago and then got sidetracked. Sometimes you just forget what you got until you peruse your ‘still-to-read’ section on GR. So now I’m invested once more. I really like the artwork and the characters. Most of the cast is gay and nobody blinks an eye (how refreshing). It’s off to a great start with plenty of magical goings on, an ex-girlfriend flying in to upset the apple cart and a hot mysterious woman with a price on her head. Looking forward to volume 2.
f/f, even some m/m it’s all very gay
Themes: New York, a prophecy fulfilled? a psycho sister, the art has a young adult feel even though the characters are in their late twenties.
4 Stars
Logan McBride was the subject of an incredible prophecy when she was a child, but fulfilled her foretold destiny when she was just thirteen. Now in her late twenties, Logan navigates through graduate school for Prophecy Kids while searching for her place in a world that tells her sheʼs already finished.
I started to read this series over a year ago and then got sidetracked. Sometimes you just forget what you got until you peruse your ‘still-to-read’ section on GR. So now I’m invested once more. I really like the artwork and the characters. Most of the cast is gay and nobody blinks an eye (how refreshing). It’s off to a great start with plenty of magical goings on, an ex-girlfriend flying in to upset the apple cart and a hot mysterious woman with a price on her head. Looking forward to volume 2.
f/f, even some m/m it’s all very gay
Themes: New York, a prophecy fulfilled? a psycho sister, the art has a young adult feel even though the characters are in their late twenties.
4 Stars
March 5, 2020
Not what I expected... Too much angst and not enough interesting stuff. I was almost falling asleep while I was reading.
The concept was interesting but... I don't know... Somewhere along all the teenager angst the story got lost. I'm not even sure I like Logan as a character. Maybe it was because I couldn't connect with any character.
I like the art, though. Which it's a pity since I'm afraid the illustrator will change for the next volumes.
I really wanted to like this because I had planned on backing the fourth volumes. For the reason I searched the internet for a second hand copy of the first one at a reasonable price: I wanted to see how it was. When I finally found it I was very happy with my luck.
But... Living in Europe makes backing projects on Kickstarter very, very expensive and one must choose carefully. This one sadly didn't make the cut.
The concept was interesting but... I don't know... Somewhere along all the teenager angst the story got lost. I'm not even sure I like Logan as a character. Maybe it was because I couldn't connect with any character.
I like the art, though. Which it's a pity since I'm afraid the illustrator will change for the next volumes.
I really wanted to like this because I had planned on backing the fourth volumes. For the reason I searched the internet for a second hand copy of the first one at a reasonable price: I wanted to see how it was. When I finally found it I was very happy with my luck.
But... Living in Europe makes backing projects on Kickstarter very, very expensive and one must choose carefully. This one sadly didn't make the cut.
March 31, 2021
I'm a sucker for good diversity in a novel, but this sadly gives me the feeling that the author just threw in different POC to check off a list.
The main character is a beautiful, gorgeous, thin and very attractive, white female. While it is based around lesbians it doesn't go outside of that box, and honestly, it kinda shoves it down your throat that THIS IS GAY, LOOK AT THE GAY, SEE!? GAY!, NO OTHER RELATIONSHIPS HERE, JUST GAY!! which I personally feel is a bit insulting, but each to their own.
It's a small 3 volumes so I will stick it out. Hopefully now the introductions are out the way, we can see some character development and story arcs.
The main character is a beautiful, gorgeous, thin and very attractive, white female. While it is based around lesbians it doesn't go outside of that box, and honestly, it kinda shoves it down your throat that THIS IS GAY, LOOK AT THE GAY, SEE!? GAY!, NO OTHER RELATIONSHIPS HERE, JUST GAY!! which I personally feel is a bit insulting, but each to their own.
It's a small 3 volumes so I will stick it out. Hopefully now the introductions are out the way, we can see some character development and story arcs.
April 28, 2019
This seems like a series I should really like, because it explores concepts I find interesting and features queer characters, but somehow it hasn't really clicked with me. I think maybe it's the fact that it focuses a lot more on the slice-of-life aspect of its characters lives, and I'm not very into this genre, and wanted more magical destiny things. The art is pretty.
For the record: I bought digital issues individually, and so only read #1 and #2. I don't know how many issues are collected in this volume, and could not find that information anywhere (which really annoys me).
For the record: I bought digital issues individually, and so only read #1 and #2. I don't know how many issues are collected in this volume, and could not find that information anywhere (which really annoys me).
May 24, 2019
Me gustó el arte en blanco y negro, me gustó la historia de la personas con un destino mágico, me gustó el romance de la protagonistas (quizá demasiada presencia gay para ser real, pero es un mundo mágico después de todo jajaja), y me gustó el modo en que la historia se movió: buen equilibrio de suspenso, misterio, acción, conflictos personales y romance.
March 7, 2022
I love this! The idea of a School/University for chosen ones it's great! I usually struggle with chosen ones, most of the time I end up not standing them but having a bunch of them and so it not being as special makes it cooler! And the character designs are so cool! Lilith and Logan own my ass. And everyone is so gay.
July 2, 2019
I have a new comic obsession. Sort of a queer Harry Potter/Percy Jackson/Chosen One story that doesn't take it's self too seriously, this comic is awesome. Great art and characters, I can't wait to read volume 02.
December 22, 2019
Let's face it, this series is not exactly intended for me. The setting of a school for "chosen ones" is I interesting and once the action picks up its more engaging, but much of this is young adult relationship drama.
April 7, 2020
Holy shit that was refreshing. A comic series that manages to have complex characters (with a very queer cast!!!!) and an extremely engaging plot full of great world building while remaining light and fun??? Amazing. Just wonderful. I wish I could buy it all over again.
August 30, 2019
The romantic relationship in this was really nice and the magic in the world was a really unique take on the whole chosen one trope. I can't wait to read Vol. 2
April 29, 2020
DAMN I LOVE IT SO MUCH!
September 15, 2020
This was fine, but I don't think I'll be reading the rest of the series.
December 30, 2020
This was really good. There is some obvious Harry Potter humor in here, but it reminded me a lot of Strangers in Paradise. Lots of action but character and relationship driven at its heart.
July 8, 2021
3.5 ***
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews