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Moth & Whisper #1-5
Moth & Whisper Vol. 1
Everyone knows that the two greatest thieves in the city are the Moth and the Whisper. Very few know that the Moth and the Whisper disappeared six months ago. And what nobody knows is that the new Moth and Whisper are actually one person pretending to be both of them. One supremely skilled but uncertain young genderfluid thief: Niki, the child of the Moth and the Whisper.
Niki has been trained by their parents in the arts of stealth and infiltration, but they're still just a teenager, and now they're alone, searching for their parents in a hostile cyberpunk dystopia. Corporations run the streets while crime lords like Ambrose Wolfe run the alleys-identity is a commodity and privacy is impossible. The truth about Niki's parents and their disappearance is out there, but can Niki survive long enough to find it?
A YA cyberpunk thriller starring a genderqueer super-thief, MOTH & WHISPER is the brainchild of Ted Anderson (My Little Pony, Adventure Time) and Jen Hickman (Jem and the Holograms, The Dead), that just HAD to be told at AfterShock!
Niki has been trained by their parents in the arts of stealth and infiltration, but they're still just a teenager, and now they're alone, searching for their parents in a hostile cyberpunk dystopia. Corporations run the streets while crime lords like Ambrose Wolfe run the alleys-identity is a commodity and privacy is impossible. The truth about Niki's parents and their disappearance is out there, but can Niki survive long enough to find it?
A YA cyberpunk thriller starring a genderqueer super-thief, MOTH & WHISPER is the brainchild of Ted Anderson (My Little Pony, Adventure Time) and Jen Hickman (Jem and the Holograms, The Dead), that just HAD to be told at AfterShock!
120 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2019
1 person is currently reading
232 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 26, 2019
The Moth and the Whisper were the two great thieves in the city
Along the way Niki meets a couple of unlikely allies: Walter
There are some fun action scenes and plenty of handy gadgets that I expect even Q would appreciate. My favourite invention was the Weaver suit, which is “a combination shapeshifting outfit and instant makeup kit.” I would like to place my order for one of these please!
A lot of background information is included in this Volume. I found this useful but would expect less info dumps in future Volumes. The narrative touches on human trafficking and organ dealing. I enjoyed the story and loved Jen Hickman’s illustrations, particularly their use of colour.
Thank you to NetGalley, AfterShock Comics and Diamond Book Distributors for the opportunity to read this graphic novel. I’m looking forward to reading the next Volume.
but they haven’t been seen by anyone in almost six months, not even their child, Niki.
Niki’s parents didn’t want them to search for them or put themselves in any danger if they ever disappeared. Naturally Niki, who is a teenager, does the exact opposite, utilising the tools the Moth and the Whisper left behind to try to track them down.
Along the way Niki meets a couple of unlikely allies: Walter
and Moira.
Niki is non-binary (them/they/their). I really liked that this was part of the story and loved that everyone used the correct pronouns, even the villains!
There are some fun action scenes and plenty of handy gadgets that I expect even Q would appreciate. My favourite invention was the Weaver suit, which is “a combination shapeshifting outfit and instant makeup kit.” I would like to place my order for one of these please!
A lot of background information is included in this Volume. I found this useful but would expect less info dumps in future Volumes. The narrative touches on human trafficking and organ dealing. I enjoyed the story and loved Jen Hickman’s illustrations, particularly their use of colour.
Thank you to NetGalley, AfterShock Comics and Diamond Book Distributors for the opportunity to read this graphic novel. I’m looking forward to reading the next Volume.
October 17, 2019
The Moth and the Whisper are the premier thieves in this dystopian future where everyone is constantly tracked. When they disappear their child is left not knowing what happened to them and seeks revenge on the most likely subject, taking over the family business. It's a simple story that's been told before, but it's told well. The main character is genderqueer but that is not the focus of the book, it's more on an incidental fact. Jen Hickman's art is clear and concise. I liked the muted colors for this world as well. Hopefully, we'll see a sequel in the future.
Received a review copy from Aftershock and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Aftershock and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
July 4, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
Overall this was a very fun read. I liked the main characters and the art style was good. I think it probably could have been a bit longer and as far as I remember we don't actually learn what really happened to her parents, but maybe they are planning on doing another volume. It works well as a standalone but I could also see it becoming a series. Definitely a good short read for people who like sci-fi and lgbtia protagonists.
Overall this was a very fun read. I liked the main characters and the art style was good. I think it probably could have been a bit longer and as far as I remember we don't actually learn what really happened to her parents, but maybe they are planning on doing another volume. It works well as a standalone but I could also see it becoming a series. Definitely a good short read for people who like sci-fi and lgbtia protagonists.
July 8, 2019
4 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via Edelweiss. This has not influenced my review.*
I really liked this, and here's why:
- Nice art! How it looks on the cover is basically how it looks inside (but, you know, with panels and whatnot).
- Cool premise! A bit superhero-esque, a bit spy-esque, except the main character is a thief-for-hire with high-tech gadgets, taking up the mantle of their parents who recently disappeared.
- A genderqueer main character! They even state it on the page, and they use they/them pronouns. They also have a high-tech suit that's mostly used for missions and safety, I think, but it allows them to have different gender expressions, sometimes masculine, sometimes feminine.
- Diversity/inclusivity! There weren't too many characters in this volume, but Niki was genderqueer, Niki's mother and the character helping Niki had dark skin, and every character didn't have the same typical "perfect" body types sometimes found in comics.
- Futuristic cyberpunk world! Lots of technology but also with a creepy, overbearing government vibe.
- Likeable characters! Niki seemed very down-to-earth, determined, and maybe a little sassy. But they also seemed kinda lonely and a bit lost, what with their parents having disappeared. I felt for them in their plight and wanted to just give them a hug, chill with them, and be friends. I'll be curious to get to know them better and see if/how their character changes throughout the series. There were only two other non-villain characters, but I liked them too.
- Possible future romance? This is pure speculation, and I'll be happy to keep reading whether there's romance or not, but I sense there might've been a bit of chemistry between Niki and Walter.
The blurb calls this a "YA cyberpunk thriller." I don't know exactly how old the characters are (maybe I missed that) and I didn't get any particular YA vibe from the story, but I see no reason why this couldn't be read by teens.
All in all, I'm looking forward to more!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes graphic novels, genderqueer characters, heists, and cyberpunk worlds.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
---------------------
Initial Thoughts:
I really liked this! Nice art, futuristic world, cool premise, and a great genderqueer MC. I'm looking forward to more! Full review soon.
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via Edelweiss. This has not influenced my review.*
I really liked this, and here's why:
- Nice art! How it looks on the cover is basically how it looks inside (but, you know, with panels and whatnot).
- Cool premise! A bit superhero-esque, a bit spy-esque, except the main character is a thief-for-hire with high-tech gadgets, taking up the mantle of their parents who recently disappeared.
- A genderqueer main character! They even state it on the page, and they use they/them pronouns. They also have a high-tech suit that's mostly used for missions and safety, I think, but it allows them to have different gender expressions, sometimes masculine, sometimes feminine.
- Diversity/inclusivity! There weren't too many characters in this volume, but Niki was genderqueer, Niki's mother and the character helping Niki had dark skin, and every character didn't have the same typical "perfect" body types sometimes found in comics.
- Futuristic cyberpunk world! Lots of technology but also with a creepy, overbearing government vibe.
- Likeable characters! Niki seemed very down-to-earth, determined, and maybe a little sassy. But they also seemed kinda lonely and a bit lost, what with their parents having disappeared. I felt for them in their plight and wanted to just give them a hug, chill with them, and be friends. I'll be curious to get to know them better and see if/how their character changes throughout the series. There were only two other non-villain characters, but I liked them too.
- Possible future romance? This is pure speculation, and I'll be happy to keep reading whether there's romance or not, but I sense there might've been a bit of chemistry between Niki and Walter.
The blurb calls this a "YA cyberpunk thriller." I don't know exactly how old the characters are (maybe I missed that) and I didn't get any particular YA vibe from the story, but I see no reason why this couldn't be read by teens.
All in all, I'm looking forward to more!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes graphic novels, genderqueer characters, heists, and cyberpunk worlds.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
---------------------
Initial Thoughts:
I really liked this! Nice art, futuristic world, cool premise, and a great genderqueer MC. I'm looking forward to more! Full review soon.
July 9, 2019
Moth & Whisper is a crisp, clear, fun thievery thriller set in an intriguing, if underdeveloped, dystopian future. The main character is the genderqueer child of the Moth and the Whisper, two infamous thieves who have disappeared. Niki is dedicated to finding out where they've gone, but the majority of this first volume is a detour into taking down the city's most prominent crime boss.
Where is this city? When is this city? Why are there so many crime bosses? These world-building elements are sorely missed, but the characters in Moth & Whisper are well-developed (particularly Niki) and the plot moves like lightning. I was fully engaged the entire time, both due to Ted Anderson's exciting narrative and Jen Hickman's beautiful artwork. Hickman's flat color work is especially brilliant, adding welcome noir elements to the story.
Moth & Whisper is a worthwhile pick-up simply to support non-traditional characters who aren't defined by their gender identity. Thankfully, it's also a fine adventure in its own right. I'll be keeping an eye out for future volumes.
Where is this city? When is this city? Why are there so many crime bosses? These world-building elements are sorely missed, but the characters in Moth & Whisper are well-developed (particularly Niki) and the plot moves like lightning. I was fully engaged the entire time, both due to Ted Anderson's exciting narrative and Jen Hickman's beautiful artwork. Hickman's flat color work is especially brilliant, adding welcome noir elements to the story.
Moth & Whisper is a worthwhile pick-up simply to support non-traditional characters who aren't defined by their gender identity. Thankfully, it's also a fine adventure in its own right. I'll be keeping an eye out for future volumes.
December 23, 2019
Interesting concept and characters are undercut by a far-from-interesting crime plot. Ho-hum.
June 11, 2019
Young adult cyberpunk příběh s hrdinou, kteří jsou zbytečně navíc genderqueer (they/them).
Young adult příběhy mi obecně nijak nevadí, bohužel v tomto případě mi přijde, že to používám spíš hanlivě než objektivně. Celý ten příběh mi totiž přišel docela zbytečně naivní a jednoduchý. Ať už chování hlavních hrdinů, tak padouchů a vlastně všech zúčastněných. Svět, který obývají nebyl nezajímavý, nebýt to prostě taková ta vize budoucnosti, která "nás momentálně tíží" (čti fanboyové Orwella budou mít radost). To že je/jsou hlavní hrdina genderqueer je tu dvakrát hodně nadbytečně zmíněno, což vůbec není potřeba, neboť bohatě stačilo zůstat u toho, že při častých změnách identity přechází plynule mezi mužem a ženou. Opravdu nebyla potřeba to ještě cpát do konverzace, nedejbože tam dát krátkou scénu o tom, jak moc v pohodě s tím rodiče byli a jak je to super.
Kresba tu k příběhu krásně sedí, ale bohužel mi osobně moc nesedlo, jak jsou kreslené postavy a tato iritace nezmizela až do (neuvěřitelně naivního) konce.
I když je příběh uzavřený a další díly zatím nevychází, tak pořád je to jeden z těch konců na které jde v pohodě navázat. V takovém případě to vidím max na přečtení v digitálu, protože na průměrné věci doma v poličce místa moc není.
Mohlo by se vám líbit, pokud:
- jste hladoví po jakémkoliv cyberpunku
- věříte, že směřujeme k budoucnosti plné nonstop špehování a chcete se přiučit, co s tím
Spíš vás zklame, pokud:
- potřebujete dospělejší příběh
- nechcete číst scény, kde vám gender identita hlavního hrdiny přijde násilně naroubovaná
Young adult příběhy mi obecně nijak nevadí, bohužel v tomto případě mi přijde, že to používám spíš hanlivě než objektivně. Celý ten příběh mi totiž přišel docela zbytečně naivní a jednoduchý. Ať už chování hlavních hrdinů, tak padouchů a vlastně všech zúčastněných. Svět, který obývají nebyl nezajímavý, nebýt to prostě taková ta vize budoucnosti, která "nás momentálně tíží" (čti fanboyové Orwella budou mít radost). To že je/jsou hlavní hrdina genderqueer je tu dvakrát hodně nadbytečně zmíněno, což vůbec není potřeba, neboť bohatě stačilo zůstat u toho, že při častých změnách identity přechází plynule mezi mužem a ženou. Opravdu nebyla potřeba to ještě cpát do konverzace, nedejbože tam dát krátkou scénu o tom, jak moc v pohodě s tím rodiče byli a jak je to super.
Kresba tu k příběhu krásně sedí, ale bohužel mi osobně moc nesedlo, jak jsou kreslené postavy a tato iritace nezmizela až do (neuvěřitelně naivního) konce.
I když je příběh uzavřený a další díly zatím nevychází, tak pořád je to jeden z těch konců na které jde v pohodě navázat. V takovém případě to vidím max na přečtení v digitálu, protože na průměrné věci doma v poličce místa moc není.
Mohlo by se vám líbit, pokud:
- jste hladoví po jakémkoliv cyberpunku
- věříte, že směřujeme k budoucnosti plné nonstop špehování a chcete se přiučit, co s tím
Spíš vás zklame, pokud:
- potřebujete dospělejší příběh
- nechcete číst scény, kde vám gender identita hlavního hrdiny přijde násilně naroubovaná
September 11, 2019
Great graphic novel!
I would love to thank Ted Anderson & Jen Hickman, Aftershock Comics and Netgalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.
This graphic novel follows Niki, the kid of 2 of the greatest thieves in the city, The Moth and The Whisper. Niki is not a girl nor a boy, it's both, and it is such an amazing and cute character!
The other characters are great as well, even the villains.
Niki wants to find their parents, because they disappeared a while ago and they left a message for their child. The main character goes in a quest to find the evil guy so to find out where are their parents, but in doing so, Niki meets a guy along the way and they befriend and work together.
In the end we still don't find out where Niki's parents are, but it's still a great and progressive story. I need the next book!
I would love to thank Ted Anderson & Jen Hickman, Aftershock Comics and Netgalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.
This graphic novel follows Niki, the kid of 2 of the greatest thieves in the city, The Moth and The Whisper. Niki is not a girl nor a boy, it's both, and it is such an amazing and cute character!
The other characters are great as well, even the villains.
Niki wants to find their parents, because they disappeared a while ago and they left a message for their child. The main character goes in a quest to find the evil guy so to find out where are their parents, but in doing so, Niki meets a guy along the way and they befriend and work together.
In the end we still don't find out where Niki's parents are, but it's still a great and progressive story. I need the next book!
July 12, 2019
2,5/5. Strong beginning with and intriguing premises and a solid character. In the middle the storyline became easy, simple and we saw it coming from far away. The queer character didn't bring anything to the story it just seem to have been put there to say that it bring inclusivity in it. I like it but could have been way better and didn't enjoy it enough to continue the series!
July 15, 2019
Awesome story set in a futuristic world with dystopian vibes. A very likable main character who's genderqueer, which in my opinion made this story even more liberal in terms of worldbuilding.
I'm highly intrigued by Moth and Whisper and I'm looking forward to seeing more of their story.
A fast-paced plot which keeps you interested and by the time this thriller cyberpunk graphic novel mixed with the sci-fi elements and also the crime to be conquered sank in I was faced with a 'to be continued' and was taken aback by how enjoyable this actually was.
I think this was enough raving and I'm confident I convinced you to go check it out.
*A copy provided in exchange for an honest review
I'm highly intrigued by Moth and Whisper and I'm looking forward to seeing more of their story.
A fast-paced plot which keeps you interested and by the time this thriller cyberpunk graphic novel mixed with the sci-fi elements and also the crime to be conquered sank in I was faced with a 'to be continued' and was taken aback by how enjoyable this actually was.
I think this was enough raving and I'm confident I convinced you to go check it out.
*A copy provided in exchange for an honest review
April 16, 2019
I found myself drawn to Hickman's art style, but the story was all telling, no showing, which is frustrating in such a visual medium.
I found myself tuning out very early on.
If you like caper books, this might be for you. It's a genderqueer cyberpunk story, which is conceptually awesome, but the characters and their dialogue never engaged me, and I grew tired of them discussing their backstory.
I found myself tuning out very early on.
If you like caper books, this might be for you. It's a genderqueer cyberpunk story, which is conceptually awesome, but the characters and their dialogue never engaged me, and I grew tired of them discussing their backstory.
July 4, 2019
I got a chance to read this through NetGalley.com.
This was a fun concept with a lot of ideas I was interested to see developed. Two notorious thieves, the Moth and the Whisper, run the city, pulling off capers for whoever holds the right amount of money. But no one knows that the Moth and Whisper are one person: Niki.
I loved the style of art and some of the ways that the artist drew in the perspective. I was also really interested in the details the author and artist included at the end of the book, detailing why some of the details were drawn, colored, or included the way they were. Honestly, I would like to search back for the details I missed when reading this for the first time! What I wish there was more of was substance. I think Niki needed more time to develop as a character, develop relationships with characters outside of their mother and father, and have time to have a real arc of a story. As much as you don't want to have to info dump in the story, I would also have loved to see this world built and fleshed out more, though more books could be coming and I don't know about it!
Interesting story, great art, but just want a little more.
This was a fun concept with a lot of ideas I was interested to see developed. Two notorious thieves, the Moth and the Whisper, run the city, pulling off capers for whoever holds the right amount of money. But no one knows that the Moth and Whisper are one person: Niki.
I loved the style of art and some of the ways that the artist drew in the perspective. I was also really interested in the details the author and artist included at the end of the book, detailing why some of the details were drawn, colored, or included the way they were. Honestly, I would like to search back for the details I missed when reading this for the first time! What I wish there was more of was substance. I think Niki needed more time to develop as a character, develop relationships with characters outside of their mother and father, and have time to have a real arc of a story. As much as you don't want to have to info dump in the story, I would also have loved to see this world built and fleshed out more, though more books could be coming and I don't know about it!
Interesting story, great art, but just want a little more.
September 28, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley for a free review copy of this book.
This was a fantastic first volume to this series. I loved the MC, Niki and the fact that they were gender fluid. The story moved along at a quick pace and we learned a lot about Niki and their parents but I still feel like there is plenty to explore and learn in subsequent volumes. I really liked the idea of this series. It is something that I haven't read to much of lately. It is billed as a cyberpunk thriller and that really comes through. I loved all of the characters and I can't wait to get to know them more in the next volumes. I would highly recommend this book to any fans of sci-fi or adventure type books. I personally loved this book and will definitely be recommending it to my friends and family.
This was a fantastic first volume to this series. I loved the MC, Niki and the fact that they were gender fluid. The story moved along at a quick pace and we learned a lot about Niki and their parents but I still feel like there is plenty to explore and learn in subsequent volumes. I really liked the idea of this series. It is something that I haven't read to much of lately. It is billed as a cyberpunk thriller and that really comes through. I loved all of the characters and I can't wait to get to know them more in the next volumes. I would highly recommend this book to any fans of sci-fi or adventure type books. I personally loved this book and will definitely be recommending it to my friends and family.
July 21, 2019
Parts of the narrative felt over explained and slowed the pace of the story.
Though there was some character development, I didn't feel fully connected. The villian though powerful didn't seem very observant, in a way that took me out of the story the main character displays an OVER confidence by the end of the novel. I won't go into detail because *spoilers*
I liked the novel showed some diversity and the illustrations were cool
Though there was some character development, I didn't feel fully connected. The villian though powerful didn't seem very observant, in a way that took me out of the story the main character displays an OVER confidence by the end of the novel. I won't go into detail because *spoilers*
I liked the novel showed some diversity and the illustrations were cool
August 7, 2019
4.5 stars.
This was a very interesting read and I loved the world setting a lot especially with all the high tech. The artstyle was great too especially the backgrounds. Besides the story, I also like the characters and the representation.
My only complain about this book is how easy things get taken care of but otherwise I'm invested in the story especially as to the mystery of what happened to Niki's parents.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
This was a very interesting read and I loved the world setting a lot especially with all the high tech. The artstyle was great too especially the backgrounds. Besides the story, I also like the characters and the representation.
My only complain about this book is how easy things get taken care of but otherwise I'm invested in the story especially as to the mystery of what happened to Niki's parents.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
June 16, 2019
A futuristic crime thriller with a gender queer thief as the main protagonist? - Hell yeah!
March 29, 2022
Can I give this 10 stars??
August 11, 2019
*Disclaimer: I was given an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
I found myself zoning out around vol. 3 with this story, so I did not complete the trade, but I found the art style engaging. The story is lacking in some parts, as there is too much "showing instead of telling" which I would think is hard to do with a comic? The cast is diverse and there is a good amount of representation among the characters.
+ Diverse cast of characters
+ Gender queer protagonist
+ Art style
+ use of correct pronouns
- More telling than showing
- Too much focus on back stories/past instead of focusing on the actual story
I found myself zoning out around vol. 3 with this story, so I did not complete the trade, but I found the art style engaging. The story is lacking in some parts, as there is too much "showing instead of telling" which I would think is hard to do with a comic? The cast is diverse and there is a good amount of representation among the characters.
+ Diverse cast of characters
+ Gender queer protagonist
+ Art style
+ use of correct pronouns
- More telling than showing
- Too much focus on back stories/past instead of focusing on the actual story
Read
August 11, 2019I received a copy of Moth & Whisper Vol. 1 through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Moth & Whisper is a new cyberpunk/thriller graphic novel, and one with a very appealing name at that. The series follows the child of two famous thieves, one known as Moth, and the other known as Whisper. But what does that make their child? Unfortunately, it seems like they’ll have to figure it out for themselves, because the parents have gone missing.
This was a captivating tale of sleuthing, spying, and infiltration. So if you’ve ever wanted a spy series in graphic novel form, this is one to check out. Oh! And did I mention that the main character is genderqueer, as advertised? Love it.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Moth & Whisper is a new cyberpunk/thriller graphic novel, and one with a very appealing name at that. The series follows the child of two famous thieves, one known as Moth, and the other known as Whisper. But what does that make their child? Unfortunately, it seems like they’ll have to figure it out for themselves, because the parents have gone missing.
This was a captivating tale of sleuthing, spying, and infiltration. So if you’ve ever wanted a spy series in graphic novel form, this is one to check out. Oh! And did I mention that the main character is genderqueer, as advertised? Love it.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
October 2, 2019
MOTH & WHISPER is an inclusive hero comic that treads almost entirely on familiar ground. There are, to wit, substantial benefits to be gained from literature that fills in the gaps when it comes to providing readers with familiar and realistic characters whose identity struggles are oft overlaid those struggles more common to their station. There is not, however, much creative intrigue to be gained by dropping new characters with new identities into tired narratives and outdated story scenarios.
Niki is the genderqueer kid of a pair of top-notch thieves: the Moth (expert of disguise) and the Whisper (expert of stealth infiltration). As things go, Niki (they/their) is left to fend for oneself after their parent's disappearance a few months prior. Of course, charging into an enemy hideout, armed with naught but a few leftover pieces of tech, isn't the best course of action to take, but this comic doesn't appear interested in generating much motive otherwise . . . so into the den readers go.
Readers accustomed to the games played by the creators of dystopic future empires and overzealous technocrats will find nothing new or of substantive interest in the super-city of MOTH & WHISPER. Security cameras are everywhere, all manner of hacking and data theft are routine, dirty politicians are run of the mill, there are no good jobs anymore, and so on and so forth. Niki's asynchronous dip into vigilante justice while simultaneously serving as a proponent of the underground is fun, for a while, but with no motivation beyond locating their parents, Niki's story is inevitably, almost tragically linear. Niki uses a fancy suit that stores visual data and can rework their appearance as needed, but that's about the breadth of originality one finds in this title.
The art is nice. What for a not insignificant handful of continuity errors and unconventional character designs, the book's visual lungs breathe easy. The pacing is nice and the inking and coloring lend the title good charm and atmosphere that might otherwise be wasted on an exceedingly generic story. The characters don't emote very much but when they do the story takes on a dimension not generated elsewhere.
MOTH & WHISPER is okay. Niki's adventure to locate their parents includes a few enjoyable twists and turns but is not otherwise particularly stimulating. In the end, it's just another tale of a lost child in search of their lost parents.
Niki is the genderqueer kid of a pair of top-notch thieves: the Moth (expert of disguise) and the Whisper (expert of stealth infiltration). As things go, Niki (they/their) is left to fend for oneself after their parent's disappearance a few months prior. Of course, charging into an enemy hideout, armed with naught but a few leftover pieces of tech, isn't the best course of action to take, but this comic doesn't appear interested in generating much motive otherwise . . . so into the den readers go.
Readers accustomed to the games played by the creators of dystopic future empires and overzealous technocrats will find nothing new or of substantive interest in the super-city of MOTH & WHISPER. Security cameras are everywhere, all manner of hacking and data theft are routine, dirty politicians are run of the mill, there are no good jobs anymore, and so on and so forth. Niki's asynchronous dip into vigilante justice while simultaneously serving as a proponent of the underground is fun, for a while, but with no motivation beyond locating their parents, Niki's story is inevitably, almost tragically linear. Niki uses a fancy suit that stores visual data and can rework their appearance as needed, but that's about the breadth of originality one finds in this title.
The art is nice. What for a not insignificant handful of continuity errors and unconventional character designs, the book's visual lungs breathe easy. The pacing is nice and the inking and coloring lend the title good charm and atmosphere that might otherwise be wasted on an exceedingly generic story. The characters don't emote very much but when they do the story takes on a dimension not generated elsewhere.
MOTH & WHISPER is okay. Niki's adventure to locate their parents includes a few enjoyable twists and turns but is not otherwise particularly stimulating. In the end, it's just another tale of a lost child in search of their lost parents.
August 19, 2019
Digital Arc copy provided by netgalley.
Moth and whisper is a graphic novel about a family of theives set in a dystopian future with a heavy cyberpunk feel. The story starts off by telling about the most amazing best theives ever the Moth and whisper, the story being told by their genderqueer teen daughter Niki. They've disappeared and left niki behind on their own to deal with everything. However they've left niki with all of their tech which is more than enough for niki to get by... For now. Niki hasn't given up hope on their parents and every job they do they do it in hope of getting closer to them. Niki's main focus is finding out who made them leave and take them down. Niki sets off into a series of fights and chases sending them straight into the arms of their main leads, Wolfe. Things take a turn when Niki finds out theirfather was working for him. They break free saving their friend at the same time and make it out all the while they're both hurt and the chase follows them out the building. Niki and their friend go to the one place Niki thinks they might be safe they weren't expecting someone else to be there. Apparently Nikis parents did keep a lot of secrets because they didn't know the moth & whisper had a silent hacker partner. Niki find out why their parents were working with the evilest evil and end up finding out it was all for them. So Niki teams up with Moira the silent partner and a rivals son to take down the evilest evil in the city, Wolfe. Niki takes literally everything from him and gets to go back to her life. Though they didn't find their parents they're not done and they're not giving up. Niki's gonna continue to take over both roles with the help of Moira. I can't wait to find out what happens next now that Nikis not truly alone and has help. Here's to hoping their parents are out there somewhere waiting on them.
4.5 stars absolutely love the style and time it was set in! Very unique storyline of a spy who's a second generation thief. It dragged a bit for me in the beginning and I ended up putting it down for a bit but the style really kept drawing in me and once I picked it back up I was stuck.
Moth and whisper is a graphic novel about a family of theives set in a dystopian future with a heavy cyberpunk feel. The story starts off by telling about the most amazing best theives ever the Moth and whisper, the story being told by their genderqueer teen daughter Niki. They've disappeared and left niki behind on their own to deal with everything. However they've left niki with all of their tech which is more than enough for niki to get by... For now. Niki hasn't given up hope on their parents and every job they do they do it in hope of getting closer to them. Niki's main focus is finding out who made them leave and take them down. Niki sets off into a series of fights and chases sending them straight into the arms of their main leads, Wolfe. Things take a turn when Niki finds out theirfather was working for him. They break free saving their friend at the same time and make it out all the while they're both hurt and the chase follows them out the building. Niki and their friend go to the one place Niki thinks they might be safe they weren't expecting someone else to be there. Apparently Nikis parents did keep a lot of secrets because they didn't know the moth & whisper had a silent hacker partner. Niki find out why their parents were working with the evilest evil and end up finding out it was all for them. So Niki teams up with Moira the silent partner and a rivals son to take down the evilest evil in the city, Wolfe. Niki takes literally everything from him and gets to go back to her life. Though they didn't find their parents they're not done and they're not giving up. Niki's gonna continue to take over both roles with the help of Moira. I can't wait to find out what happens next now that Nikis not truly alone and has help. Here's to hoping their parents are out there somewhere waiting on them.
4.5 stars absolutely love the style and time it was set in! Very unique storyline of a spy who's a second generation thief. It dragged a bit for me in the beginning and I ended up putting it down for a bit but the style really kept drawing in me and once I picked it back up I was stuck.
September 12, 2019
Distinctive Art, Nice Cyberpunk Vibe, Engaging Backstory, So-So Plot
It's great to have a genderfluid character, but maybe even better is that in this book the character's identity is just treated as a matter of fact - noted, accepted, and more or less taken for granted. I don't know if we're really at a post-genderqueer place yet, but this book helps.
Happily, this isn't just a book limited to making a sexual identity point. It's an engaging, gadgety, superthief tale, and the superthief angle is handled with a lot of style, where even the techy info dumping has a certain charm. Our hero, Niki, the child of the famous Moth and Whisper, is following in the family tradition, and Niki has plenty of cyberpunk tricks up the literal sleeve.
The book starts with a stylish intro of the Moth and the Whisper, which sets an elegant and sophisticated caper sort of tone. The art, which can be jazzy and impressionistic, enhances and complements that tone. We then switch to Niki and begin to learn her backstory as we are introduced to her abilities and her gadgets. It all has a Cary Grant/Audrey Hepburn sort of feel, (and Niki is both), with some teenage angst for variety, and it works very well.
The plot is sort of a non-starter, but that was O.K. by me, because the plot was just an excuse to move Niki around, introduce other characters, and keep the action level up. I mean after all, caper tales don't really need to be all that plausible as long as they're entertaining and the characters hold our attention. And for me, that's exactly what you get here. I thought the whole project was engaging and well conceived and crisply delivered.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
It's great to have a genderfluid character, but maybe even better is that in this book the character's identity is just treated as a matter of fact - noted, accepted, and more or less taken for granted. I don't know if we're really at a post-genderqueer place yet, but this book helps.
Happily, this isn't just a book limited to making a sexual identity point. It's an engaging, gadgety, superthief tale, and the superthief angle is handled with a lot of style, where even the techy info dumping has a certain charm. Our hero, Niki, the child of the famous Moth and Whisper, is following in the family tradition, and Niki has plenty of cyberpunk tricks up the literal sleeve.
The book starts with a stylish intro of the Moth and the Whisper, which sets an elegant and sophisticated caper sort of tone. The art, which can be jazzy and impressionistic, enhances and complements that tone. We then switch to Niki and begin to learn her backstory as we are introduced to her abilities and her gadgets. It all has a Cary Grant/Audrey Hepburn sort of feel, (and Niki is both), with some teenage angst for variety, and it works very well.
The plot is sort of a non-starter, but that was O.K. by me, because the plot was just an excuse to move Niki around, introduce other characters, and keep the action level up. I mean after all, caper tales don't really need to be all that plausible as long as they're entertaining and the characters hold our attention. And for me, that's exactly what you get here. I thought the whole project was engaging and well conceived and crisply delivered.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
July 22, 2019
I thought I'd have many reasons to dislike this comic, but lo and behold it proved to be inherently readable, and good, clever fun. The second handicap I knew of was when I found this would have a "gender-queer" lead character, and that it would be using "they" as a pronoun, which is a sucky, sucky bastardisation of the language and should have been nixed before birth. In actual fact, the creator did what he wanted – build a world and show a story featuring a gender-fluid person where it hardly counts as an issue. For one thing, the heroino (well, if others can do it, why not me?) is half its mother, half its father, and can use their high-tech cloaking suit and mask to be any identity it wishes. Its Iron-Man-in-polyester armour can nick any identity, right down to absorbing an impression of fingerprints, to coat it with an impermeable tech version of fantasy's glamour.
The world this is played out in is well built, although it does raise many questions about how people will even be allowed to decide they need a sex-change while everyone's identity is being remotely scanned 24/7. It's not quite as grubby and grimy as it might be, but it works as a near-future, and the story of revenge and embattled mafia gangs seems slim on reflection but works well as an introductory arc. What I favoured was the ease of the telling – some of the technospeak was poor but you accepted that, for every scene flowed with a perfect rhythm, never getting too wordy or obscure. I found little to fault in the end, despite my preconceptions, so I'd certainly come back for more. Oh, and that first handicap? Well, this is by far the best Aftershock comic I've knowingly read – their brand hasn't exactly been the provider of classics whatsoever in recent reads, to my mind. This is certainly different – and in many more ways than one.
The world this is played out in is well built, although it does raise many questions about how people will even be allowed to decide they need a sex-change while everyone's identity is being remotely scanned 24/7. It's not quite as grubby and grimy as it might be, but it works as a near-future, and the story of revenge and embattled mafia gangs seems slim on reflection but works well as an introductory arc. What I favoured was the ease of the telling – some of the technospeak was poor but you accepted that, for every scene flowed with a perfect rhythm, never getting too wordy or obscure. I found little to fault in the end, despite my preconceptions, so I'd certainly come back for more. Oh, and that first handicap? Well, this is by far the best Aftershock comic I've knowingly read – their brand hasn't exactly been the provider of classics whatsoever in recent reads, to my mind. This is certainly different – and in many more ways than one.
October 22, 2019
If you're picking up this comic it is most likely because you are drawn to the genderqueer star Niki, which is a good thing, because the premise and the plot feel tired and overused. I do like that the creators allow the reader to make inferences about the worldbuilding based on the drawings instead of exposition, but it is really just your bog standard highly monitored future that is seen in countless books and movies and TV shows and therefore not worthy of more detail. Back to Niki... I'm very happy to see genderqueer representation on the page but at the same time it's how I felt about Children of Blood and Bone, it's a book that's a good starting off point but really brings nothing original to the table other than treating people who are genderqueer as equals. So it's a good first step but it just didn't work for me. Also, while the creators just wanted to have the star be genderqueer without backstory of how they discovered that this is who they were I have to wonder if being given six identities by your parents, male and female, might make you question/influence your sexual identity. I felt that this really needed to be addressed and it wasn't. At least yet, but I don't see myself continuing to follow this series. If I want a futuristic comic I have many favorites that I would rather read, and if I wanted a stylish thief, I've never gone wrong with Bandette. Also, if you're going to place the thank yous are the front of your book perhaps DO NOT spoil the plot in your thank yous... I'm look at you Jen Hickman.
November 19, 2019
'Moth & Whisper Vol 1' by Ted Anderson with art by Jen Hickman is a fun ride in the world of very capable thieves.
The Moth and the Whisper are legends in the city they live in. Sometimes at odds, sometimes partners, and never caught. When they go missing, their capable child Niki tries to find out what happened by assuming both identities and using tech left behind.
It's an interesting premise with interesting characters, but the story sort of starts to feel pretty standard, and there are interesting world-building things that just kind of get looked over. The main character binary queer. This didn't really add anything to the story, but apparently it was important enough to state twice. Perhaps that becomes a story point going forward. It does add to the character being comfortable posing as either sex in disguises. Maybe that's all that needed to be shown?
The art isn't bad and the plot does move along at a brisk pace.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Aftershock Comics, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
The Moth and the Whisper are legends in the city they live in. Sometimes at odds, sometimes partners, and never caught. When they go missing, their capable child Niki tries to find out what happened by assuming both identities and using tech left behind.
It's an interesting premise with interesting characters, but the story sort of starts to feel pretty standard, and there are interesting world-building things that just kind of get looked over. The main character binary queer. This didn't really add anything to the story, but apparently it was important enough to state twice. Perhaps that becomes a story point going forward. It does add to the character being comfortable posing as either sex in disguises. Maybe that's all that needed to be shown?
The art isn't bad and the plot does move along at a brisk pace.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Aftershock Comics, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
July 28, 2019
I don't see too many heist stories. When I do, I hope they get to be as fun or engaging as Lupin III while showing their own style. Fortunately, the premise alone makes a great run. The title character is able to be anyone they want. So they decide to combine their parents' legacy into a dual identity. Much like the writer, I am an allosexual cisgender so I'm not able to understand the personal life of a gender-fluid queer. But here that's not something that is required of following Niki. The audience is supposed to be an outsider unless they can relate to the cast. At the same time, the audience can't help but watch the spectacle of Niki balancing the several identities.
The world-building is top notch as well. Signs that display subtle messages of security are everywhere. In fact one of the subjects comes up on the side later. It shows just what kind of world is for Niki to be off the grid. For a thief, misinformation is crucial. It's all about the presentation, and that's something every major player puts out on a regular basis.
The world-building is top notch as well. Signs that display subtle messages of security are everywhere. In fact one of the subjects comes up on the side later. It shows just what kind of world is for Niki to be off the grid. For a thief, misinformation is crucial. It's all about the presentation, and that's something every major player puts out on a regular basis.
July 19, 2019
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this comic!
Rating: 3.5 stars
Rep: genderqueer MC
As soon as I read the words "genderqueer super thief" I was extremely intrigued. I am always over the moon when I come across more genderqueer representation in books, so I knew I had to give this comic a go!
The artwork and colour scheme was stunning. I loved our main character, Nikki, they were so interesting and while I would've liked to see more character development, I still loved them.
The main problem I had was the world-building, which confused me a lot. This may be due to the fact that the story is so fast-paced, it's relatively short and this is the first volume though.
The storyline was gripping, engaging and unique, the twists and turns were super fun!
Overall, I would 100% read the next volume and I would recommend this comic to anyone who likes diverse characters, interesting worlds and gripping plots.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Rep: genderqueer MC
As soon as I read the words "genderqueer super thief" I was extremely intrigued. I am always over the moon when I come across more genderqueer representation in books, so I knew I had to give this comic a go!
The artwork and colour scheme was stunning. I loved our main character, Nikki, they were so interesting and while I would've liked to see more character development, I still loved them.
The main problem I had was the world-building, which confused me a lot. This may be due to the fact that the story is so fast-paced, it's relatively short and this is the first volume though.
The storyline was gripping, engaging and unique, the twists and turns were super fun!
Overall, I would 100% read the next volume and I would recommend this comic to anyone who likes diverse characters, interesting worlds and gripping plots.
Read
July 28, 2019The Moth and the Whisper are the two greatest thieves in a cyberpunk city of the dystopian near now. The former is an expert at disguise; you never know you've met them, been robbed by them, until you find the calling card. The latter favours stealth; you won't see them at all. People assume they're rivals, not realising they were actually a couple. And now their kid, heir to both legacies, must work out what's happened to them. The notion of one character with multiple secret identities has always tickled me (it's just so fabulously greedy), and making that character genderqueer too is not only cool from a representation POV, but also adds another layer, and a pleasing neatness. But that aside, the story has few surprises to offer anyone who's read a near-future heist thriller, or even a fantasy one come to that, and the art seems torn between gritty realism and more cartoonish moments in a way which didn't quite gel for me.
(Edelweiss ARC)
(Edelweiss ARC)
December 9, 2019
This is an amazing new graphic novel with a genderqueer main character.
I was hooked on this story right from the beginning. It started with Niki pulling off some stealth thefts by changing their identity. It was so exciting to see them change their entire look with a special mask that draws on make-up. The plot was very exciting and the book was hard to put down!
It is so important to see genderqueer characters in books so that readers can relate to the characters. Niki’s genre idenity is only a small part of their story, but it helps out when they can change their look into either a man or a woman. It made the thefts more intense when they could disappear into a crowd by changing their identity in that way.
I loved this story!
Thank you Aftershock Comics for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was hooked on this story right from the beginning. It started with Niki pulling off some stealth thefts by changing their identity. It was so exciting to see them change their entire look with a special mask that draws on make-up. The plot was very exciting and the book was hard to put down!
It is so important to see genderqueer characters in books so that readers can relate to the characters. Niki’s genre idenity is only a small part of their story, but it helps out when they can change their look into either a man or a woman. It made the thefts more intense when they could disappear into a crowd by changing their identity in that way.
I loved this story!
Thank you Aftershock Comics for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2020
First volume of "Moth & Whisper" is like the pilot episode of new TV series.
Not everything is great, there's few technical slips (when it comes to visual side) and story is compressed quite a bit to fit all important characters, give brief description of them, as well as of world they live in and still make sense (not great, but compelling and enjoyable enough), but you definitely see great potential in it - if creators will get enough time and resources to actually make use of it.
It's also nice, that comic make an effort to portray protagonist in a way, that makes their identity - as non-binary person - seen not as just a bonus, addition or a quirk; their queer ststus (for lack of better description) is integral part of who they are, what shaped them and what is their current position in a world.
In short - was not blown away, but definitely will look foreward to next volume.
Not everything is great, there's few technical slips (when it comes to visual side) and story is compressed quite a bit to fit all important characters, give brief description of them, as well as of world they live in and still make sense (not great, but compelling and enjoyable enough), but you definitely see great potential in it - if creators will get enough time and resources to actually make use of it.
It's also nice, that comic make an effort to portray protagonist in a way, that makes their identity - as non-binary person - seen not as just a bonus, addition or a quirk; their queer ststus (for lack of better description) is integral part of who they are, what shaped them and what is their current position in a world.
In short - was not blown away, but definitely will look foreward to next volume.
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