Meghan's Reviews > Submerged Vol. 1

Submerged Vol. 1 by Vita Ayala
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really liked it
bookshelves: arcs, netgalley, published-2019, read-2018, read-2019, lgtbqia
Read 2 times. Last read February 26, 2019.

This quick review is also posted on my blog with some panels from the comic. They're all property of the creators of the comic.

First of all, this book is absolutely gorgeous. It takes a lot to get me to read a book called "Submerged" and has something to do with a hurricane — I don't do water, much less flooded NYC subway stations. Nuh uh — nooooo thank you. But this comic contains absolutely gorgeous blue undertoned artwork.

I will admit that while Netgalley did have this arc on their "read now" shelf, I did actually buy and read this in issue form. I was super curious to see if the volume contained extra bits, so I grabbed it quickly.

I did list this as one of my favorites in 2018, and I still stand by that. It is a weird, surreal comic. Am I still a little bummed that the Dante's Inferno references don't quite pan out? Yes, which is why this isn't a full five-star review. I still love the portrayal of the Ferryman — I am not sure if it is specifically Charon (or which culture's underworld this is), but ferrymen to the underworld are always my favorites. (Okay there is also a mention of Cocytus, so I am going to go with Greek.)

The overall theme of this book discusses the protection of younger siblings and whether you are truly responsible for your families' actions or is there a separation when you become an adult. Dealing with the guilt of not picking up Angel's call before he went missing is eating up Elysia. The comic is woven with flashbacks to her protecting her brother in childhood as well as her tense relationship with her parents. Is there actual danger or is it all just a mental battle with guilt?

Also a forewarning if you don't speak Spanish, there is some throughout the trade, with no translations provided.

PPS I want all the Jen Bartel alternate covers.

PPPS the dog does die.
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Reading Progress

Started Reading
December, 2018 – Finished Reading
February 19, 2019 – Shelved
February 19, 2019 – Shelved as: to-read
February 19, 2019 – Shelved as: arcs
February 19, 2019 – Shelved as: netgalley
February 19, 2019 – Shelved as: published-2019
February 26, 2019 – Started Reading
February 26, 2019 – Shelved as: read-2018
February 26, 2019 – Shelved as: read-2019
February 26, 2019 – Shelved as: lgtbqia
February 26, 2019 – Finished Reading

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