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Soma
Una historia Planeta Manga. El ritmo al que debe dibujar, la sensación de no estar haciendo las obras que a ella le gustaría y la falta absoluta de tiempo para hacer nada más la oprime bastante. Todo empeora aún más en el momento en que un alienígena se cuela por la ventana. Necesita los suyos están a punto de empezar la conquista de la Tierra y debe impedirlo. Juntos, Maya y el alien, se lanzarán a una batalla que no pueden ganar contra soldados, naves gigantescas y tentáculos, ¡muchísimos tentáculos!.
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2025
12 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
February 19, 2025
In a Nutshell: A scifi action graphic novel about a comic artist fighting an alien invasion. Wacky characters and wildly adventurous storytelling. Works in bits and pieces, but doesn’t come together in a cohesive whole. This is partly because the story went in a direction I don’t prefer reading.
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Plot Preview:
This graphic novel was originally published in 2023 under the same title in Spanish (Castilian). This English translation is due to be published in February 2025.
If I have to use one word to describe this entire reading experience, it would probably be “quirky.� From the characters to the plotline, there’s nothing ordinary about this story. But this isn't necessarily a good thing. The quirkiness is as much a strength as a weakness of the book.
Maya is an interesting character. It was fun to see her channelize her frustration with her work into anger against the invading aliens. Soma is a great extra-terrestrial addition to the plot. (Note that his name is revealed only after the 80% mark, which is quite strange considering the book is named after him. Even the blurb mentions his name clearly.) Juu is quite weird at first, and it is good to see him gain courage as the story progresses. However, if we strictly think about it, his arc isn’t vital to the main story at all, so he feels like a page filler at times. In addition to these three characters, there are also a few secondary characters who shine in their limited roles. That said, I couldn’t really get a clear idea of why most of the characters behaved the way they did.
The storyline of the book is good, not great. The alien invasion trope is fairly common in comics. The only differentiating factor here is the type of attack and the counterattack. I like the imaginativeness of the “weapon� that worked against the invaders. There are also some comic scenes to lighten the proceedings.
However, I am not that big a reader of action-adventure kind of storylines, so the moment this book diverged into that kind of narrative, I lost my interest. I might not have opted for this graphic novel had I known that at least a third of the book would involve action sequences. (The English cover simply doesn’t indicate that this would go into an actual Hollywood-style alien attack. � The Spanish cover is more accurate in that respect, but I didn’t see it before getting the book.)
The plot is fairly fast-paced. It is divided into three distinct parts � before, during, and after the invasion. The Before section is quite interesting, but there’s a sudden segue into the actual invasion, during which things feel somewhat repetitive and chaotic. The invasion scenes could have benefited with some more detailing. The attack feels too rushed: nothing in one scene and total destruction in the next. The After section is decent, but again, it feels abrupt and too quiet after all the noise of the invasion pages.
The whole book reads like a children’s novel with an overly straightforward plot. But it is actually meant for adults, which leaves me slightly conflicted about how well it will work with the actual target audience.
The illustrations are decent but somewhat cluttered. There’s a lot happening on some pages, which ends up bombarding the eyes with an illustrative overload. Plus, the “invasion� pages are red-dominant, which saturates the eyes sooner. The scenes in the alien spaceships aren’t so clear in plot. The “snot dripping from the nose� expression is a bit too repetitive. That said, I love that the speech bubbles have coloured backgrounds to denote which character is speaking � a great idea.
All in all, not a bad story, but perhaps not a great option for adult graphic novel readers. The storyline is way too simplistic and rushed for adults. However, it might work better for teens and young adults. It might also click with those who enjoy action-adventure comics. Not my cuppa tea, though.
2 stars.
My thanks to Oni Press for providing the DRC of “Soma� via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this didn’t work out better.
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Plot Preview:
Maya is a comic book artist frustrated about deadlines and about not doing the kind of comics she loves. Her best friend Juu is also frustrated, but with his lacklustre love life.
One day, when Maya has just returned home after doling out dating advice to Juu, she receives an unexpected visitor: a tiny alien named Soma who has crashlanded in her living room to warn her that his people are planning an invasion against Earth However, as his spacesuit is destroyed, he needs Maya’s help to stop the attack. (He has his reasons for helping humankind.)
This graphic novel was originally published in 2023 under the same title in Spanish (Castilian). This English translation is due to be published in February 2025.
If I have to use one word to describe this entire reading experience, it would probably be “quirky.� From the characters to the plotline, there’s nothing ordinary about this story. But this isn't necessarily a good thing. The quirkiness is as much a strength as a weakness of the book.
Maya is an interesting character. It was fun to see her channelize her frustration with her work into anger against the invading aliens. Soma is a great extra-terrestrial addition to the plot. (Note that his name is revealed only after the 80% mark, which is quite strange considering the book is named after him. Even the blurb mentions his name clearly.) Juu is quite weird at first, and it is good to see him gain courage as the story progresses. However, if we strictly think about it, his arc isn’t vital to the main story at all, so he feels like a page filler at times. In addition to these three characters, there are also a few secondary characters who shine in their limited roles. That said, I couldn’t really get a clear idea of why most of the characters behaved the way they did.
The storyline of the book is good, not great. The alien invasion trope is fairly common in comics. The only differentiating factor here is the type of attack and the counterattack. I like the imaginativeness of the “weapon� that worked against the invaders. There are also some comic scenes to lighten the proceedings.
However, I am not that big a reader of action-adventure kind of storylines, so the moment this book diverged into that kind of narrative, I lost my interest. I might not have opted for this graphic novel had I known that at least a third of the book would involve action sequences. (The English cover simply doesn’t indicate that this would go into an actual Hollywood-style alien attack. � The Spanish cover is more accurate in that respect, but I didn’t see it before getting the book.)
The plot is fairly fast-paced. It is divided into three distinct parts � before, during, and after the invasion. The Before section is quite interesting, but there’s a sudden segue into the actual invasion, during which things feel somewhat repetitive and chaotic. The invasion scenes could have benefited with some more detailing. The attack feels too rushed: nothing in one scene and total destruction in the next. The After section is decent, but again, it feels abrupt and too quiet after all the noise of the invasion pages.
The whole book reads like a children’s novel with an overly straightforward plot. But it is actually meant for adults, which leaves me slightly conflicted about how well it will work with the actual target audience.
The illustrations are decent but somewhat cluttered. There’s a lot happening on some pages, which ends up bombarding the eyes with an illustrative overload. Plus, the “invasion� pages are red-dominant, which saturates the eyes sooner. The scenes in the alien spaceships aren’t so clear in plot. The “snot dripping from the nose� expression is a bit too repetitive. That said, I love that the speech bubbles have coloured backgrounds to denote which character is speaking � a great idea.
All in all, not a bad story, but perhaps not a great option for adult graphic novel readers. The storyline is way too simplistic and rushed for adults. However, it might work better for teens and young adults. It might also click with those who enjoy action-adventure comics. Not my cuppa tea, though.
2 stars.
My thanks to Oni Press for providing the DRC of “Soma� via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this didn’t work out better.
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Connect with me through:
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March 8, 2025
A young chain-smoking artist gets pulled into a world-blasting alien invasion, bonding with one of the aliens who wants to step its brethren.
Very cute art, but the story is merely okay.
(Thanks to Oni Press for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley)
Very cute art, but the story is merely okay.
(Thanks to Oni Press for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley)
November 21, 2024
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Oni press for providing me with this e-arc!!!
3.85 stars!! Round up to 4
Omg!! This is the first ever e-arc that I've received and I couldn't be happier. I've been a fan of Carles Dalmau for years now and and still remember reading Lucid Lucy as a teenager. So the fact that I was approved for this was really exciting and I got into it straight away. And it didn't disappoint!
This was so fun. I honestly liked all of the characters we met, the dialogue was relatable at times, the pacing was pretty fast but the book itself was long enough not to make it feel rushed, the plot was interesting and there was a lot of action. The art was fantastic, despite not being too big on sci-fi I found it to be quite enjoyable in a graphic novel/comic format, and I really really liked the ending and found it to be quite wholesome. I also really liked some of the commentary we got on human nature and the selfless kindness of others. And I liked the commentary on how life and working and relationships can be a drag and people need a break, or even to change the way they live to make their lives easier on themselves.
The biggest criticism that I have is that the translation was a bit off? Just in the sense that I could tell that it was kind if a *direct* translation or there were maybe a couple typos, so I just hope they'll fix that before the official release. There were also some scenes that I just didn't like and found to be a bit questionable (as in why did they decide to do this), and it just struck me personally as a bit offputing and took me out of it a little bit? Either way, I really enjoyed myself with this one. I would really really recommend this if you love alien sci-fi and graphic novels, or if you're just a fan of Dalmau I think you'll enjoy it too.
3.85 stars!! Round up to 4
Omg!! This is the first ever e-arc that I've received and I couldn't be happier. I've been a fan of Carles Dalmau for years now and and still remember reading Lucid Lucy as a teenager. So the fact that I was approved for this was really exciting and I got into it straight away. And it didn't disappoint!
This was so fun. I honestly liked all of the characters we met, the dialogue was relatable at times, the pacing was pretty fast but the book itself was long enough not to make it feel rushed, the plot was interesting and there was a lot of action. The art was fantastic, despite not being too big on sci-fi I found it to be quite enjoyable in a graphic novel/comic format, and I really really liked the ending and found it to be quite wholesome. I also really liked some of the commentary we got on human nature and the selfless kindness of others. And I liked the commentary on how life and working and relationships can be a drag and people need a break, or even to change the way they live to make their lives easier on themselves.
The biggest criticism that I have is that the translation was a bit off? Just in the sense that I could tell that it was kind if a *direct* translation or there were maybe a couple typos, so I just hope they'll fix that before the official release. There were also some scenes that I just didn't like and found to be a bit questionable (as in why did they decide to do this), and it just struck me personally as a bit offputing and took me out of it a little bit? Either way, I really enjoyed myself with this one. I would really really recommend this if you love alien sci-fi and graphic novels, or if you're just a fan of Dalmau I think you'll enjoy it too.
February 12, 2025
Soma follows the story of Maya a struggling and burnt out comic book artist as her world is turned upside down when an alien crash lands through her window.
I loved how the art style changed and adapted for the different circumstances Maya finds herself in. Be it the flashbacks from Soma's perspective, the different comics she is illustrating or the one off snippets of something different and unique. The art style in general was beautiful and kept me engaged.
Soma as a character is cute and funny and his story brought a tear to my eye. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good graphic novel to read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing an ARC copy for review. All opinions are my own.
I loved how the art style changed and adapted for the different circumstances Maya finds herself in. Be it the flashbacks from Soma's perspective, the different comics she is illustrating or the one off snippets of something different and unique. The art style in general was beautiful and kept me engaged.
Soma as a character is cute and funny and his story brought a tear to my eye. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good graphic novel to read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing an ARC copy for review. All opinions are my own.
October 31, 2024
i saw the cover of this graphic novel on netgalley and thought to give it a try. it was cute!
🦇 i liked the fact that maya didn't like kids lol so relatable.
🦇 maya also was a comic writer which i thought was unique, but at the same time, i did find it a bit boring when we got to see some pages of her work.
🦇 the artwork was really cute!
🦇 the story itself wasn't too unique since it's a typical alien invasion story but omg soma was so adorable!
🦇 i think it's safe to say my favourite characters were maya and soma. we had a pov of other characters but i didn't really manage to connect with them on a deeper level but maya and soma's friendship was everything.
🦇 i do recommend reading this if you want a quick and cute graphic novel that's about alien invasion!
🦇 i liked the fact that maya didn't like kids lol so relatable.
🦇 maya also was a comic writer which i thought was unique, but at the same time, i did find it a bit boring when we got to see some pages of her work.
🦇 the artwork was really cute!
🦇 the story itself wasn't too unique since it's a typical alien invasion story but omg soma was so adorable!
🦇 i think it's safe to say my favourite characters were maya and soma. we had a pov of other characters but i didn't really manage to connect with them on a deeper level but maya and soma's friendship was everything.
🦇 i do recommend reading this if you want a quick and cute graphic novel that's about alien invasion!
November 1, 2024
This was such a sweet story! The cover had me interested as soon as I saw it. I love the color pallet used through this whole GN, it has some of my favorite colors and its just really nice to look at. The art is beautiful very well done.
The story was really fun. I loved that it was really fast paced and full of action. I loved all the characters and got really attached to them to the point where this had me tearing up while reading it. Maya felt really relatable as a character. It was just really overall great. I absolutely would recommend it to anyone who loves reading graphic novels. It's a great time full of aliens what's not to love!
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Oni press for an ARC copy!! All opinions are my own 🫶🏻
The story was really fun. I loved that it was really fast paced and full of action. I loved all the characters and got really attached to them to the point where this had me tearing up while reading it. Maya felt really relatable as a character. It was just really overall great. I absolutely would recommend it to anyone who loves reading graphic novels. It's a great time full of aliens what's not to love!
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Oni press for an ARC copy!! All opinions are my own 🫶🏻
February 16, 2025
3.5�
“Soma� nos cuenta la historia de Maya, una dibujante de cómics que lleva una vida monótona hasta que un extraterrestre llega a su vida.
Al inicio me parecía aburrido y tardé bastante en empezar a leerlo seriamente; leía una que otra página ocasionalmente. Al saber que era ciencia ficción, esperaba que fuera todo muy intenso desde el inicio.
Ahora que lo terminé y tuve mi tiempo de reflexión, me di cuenta de que construyeron el mundo demasiado bien; sentía aburrimiento porque era lo que Maya sentía en ese momento. Empaticé bastante con los personajes.
Las ilustraciones son hermosas; me encanta que el estilo de dibujo acompañe tan bien a la historia y se adapte a todos los momentos.
Disfruté mucho la lectura.
� Gracias NetGalley por permitirme leer este libro.
“Soma� nos cuenta la historia de Maya, una dibujante de cómics que lleva una vida monótona hasta que un extraterrestre llega a su vida.
Al inicio me parecía aburrido y tardé bastante en empezar a leerlo seriamente; leía una que otra página ocasionalmente. Al saber que era ciencia ficción, esperaba que fuera todo muy intenso desde el inicio.
Ahora que lo terminé y tuve mi tiempo de reflexión, me di cuenta de que construyeron el mundo demasiado bien; sentía aburrimiento porque era lo que Maya sentía en ese momento. Empaticé bastante con los personajes.
Las ilustraciones son hermosas; me encanta que el estilo de dibujo acompañe tan bien a la historia y se adapte a todos los momentos.
Disfruté mucho la lectura.
� Gracias NetGalley por permitirme leer este libro.
October 12, 2024
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Likes
The best was the ending and what happened after it. The whole explaining how the comic was done and some images here and there was really cool. One could really see how much effort was done to make the comic perfect!
There were many scenes that were funny, for example, the church scene where the man just stole the donation money, it was hilarious.
The art style is quite stunning and I appreciate that the speech bubbles have different colours, so one can distinguish between the characters (who is talking).
I love the art style of Carles Dalmau, I previously read Cult of the Lamb, which was illustrated by him as well and it was so beautiful!!
Dislikes
Why the heck did Juu eat the burger when he said he is vegetarian. I don't get it. The girl knew it too so he didn't need to pretend. Why did he eat it??
Also how did Maya manage to speak under water several times!?
Only thing I noticed about the art style, was that one specific facial expression was used a bit too much. I mean the one where the snot from the nose was coming out, to symbolise fear in characters. Instead of just using this all the time one could use other facial expressions that have the same effect. I also think that using wide eyes or an open mouth to show shock or fear is much better than snot.
Thank you Oni Press for the advanced reader copy of Soma by Fernando Llor and Carles Dalmau
—ĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔ�
Started the book: 12. October 2024
Finished the book: 12. October 2024
Wrote the review: 12. October 2024
Likes
The best was the ending and what happened after it. The whole explaining how the comic was done and some images here and there was really cool. One could really see how much effort was done to make the comic perfect!
There were many scenes that were funny, for example, the church scene where the man just stole the donation money, it was hilarious.
The art style is quite stunning and I appreciate that the speech bubbles have different colours, so one can distinguish between the characters (who is talking).
I love the art style of Carles Dalmau, I previously read Cult of the Lamb, which was illustrated by him as well and it was so beautiful!!
Dislikes
Why the heck did Juu eat the burger when he said he is vegetarian. I don't get it. The girl knew it too so he didn't need to pretend. Why did he eat it??
Also how did Maya manage to speak under water several times!?
Only thing I noticed about the art style, was that one specific facial expression was used a bit too much. I mean the one where the snot from the nose was coming out, to symbolise fear in characters. Instead of just using this all the time one could use other facial expressions that have the same effect. I also think that using wide eyes or an open mouth to show shock or fear is much better than snot.
Thank you Oni Press for the advanced reader copy of Soma by Fernando Llor and Carles Dalmau
—ĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔ�
Started the book: 12. October 2024
Finished the book: 12. October 2024
Wrote the review: 12. October 2024
January 11, 2025
I had the pleasure of receiving a free arc from NetGalley !
I absolutely adored this comic.
I loveeedddd the art style so much
The sci-fi was so cute
It was such an easy read and I loved the character designs (Soma especially) a lottttttt !
I absolutely adored this comic.
I loveeedddd the art style so much
The sci-fi was so cute
It was such an easy read and I loved the character designs (Soma especially) a lottttttt !
November 2, 2024
Soma is a interesting read. I like to challenge myself sometimes to read things that don't interest me based on cover/description and Soma is that. But under it all I enjoyed most of my time with it, even if it didn't blow me away.
The general idea the main author is struggling to write something is good. As someone who loves to write, I've went through that many times. However, the zanny weird story she begins to write is so over the top, and the humor a lot of the times didn't land for me. But the art itself is great, with some wacky designs I did really love (The little aliens!!!) but overall if want something a bit zanny and different, this one is pretty fun. A 3 out of 5.
The general idea the main author is struggling to write something is good. As someone who loves to write, I've went through that many times. However, the zanny weird story she begins to write is so over the top, and the humor a lot of the times didn't land for me. But the art itself is great, with some wacky designs I did really love (The little aliens!!!) but overall if want something a bit zanny and different, this one is pretty fun. A 3 out of 5.
October 22, 2024
Firstly a big thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for this ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) of SOMA by Fernando Llor.
First Impressions:
The cover art is beautiful, with an esthetically pleasing colour pallette of neon pinks and blue accents. The following blurb is from the publishers description:
'Maya is a comic book artist in the middle of a creative crisis. She’s constantly stressed about deadlines and feels like she’s not doing the type of work she loves. In between trying to fight her writer’s block and doling out advice to her best friend on how to finally land a date, Maya receives an unexpected visitor: Soma, an extraterrestrial alien who crashlands in Maya’s living room. Soma delivers a message to Maya, warning her that an alien invasion from his own kind is fast approaching, and he needs her help to stop it!'
Impressions after reading it:
After reading this over two weeks, but in two lone sittings, one each week, I really wish I had time to pick it back up and reread it because I really enjoyed it and would enjoy it more if it had stayed fresher in my head.
Absolutely stunning art and the plot proper consumed me. Filled to the brim with violence and adventure.
Probably good for teenagers up, rather than anyone younger as the themes are darker and kids just soak that sort of thing up.
Either way, I really enjoyed this graphic novel and highly recommend it.
First Impressions:
The cover art is beautiful, with an esthetically pleasing colour pallette of neon pinks and blue accents. The following blurb is from the publishers description:
'Maya is a comic book artist in the middle of a creative crisis. She’s constantly stressed about deadlines and feels like she’s not doing the type of work she loves. In between trying to fight her writer’s block and doling out advice to her best friend on how to finally land a date, Maya receives an unexpected visitor: Soma, an extraterrestrial alien who crashlands in Maya’s living room. Soma delivers a message to Maya, warning her that an alien invasion from his own kind is fast approaching, and he needs her help to stop it!'
Impressions after reading it:
After reading this over two weeks, but in two lone sittings, one each week, I really wish I had time to pick it back up and reread it because I really enjoyed it and would enjoy it more if it had stayed fresher in my head.
Absolutely stunning art and the plot proper consumed me. Filled to the brim with violence and adventure.
Probably good for teenagers up, rather than anyone younger as the themes are darker and kids just soak that sort of thing up.
Either way, I really enjoyed this graphic novel and highly recommend it.
January 27, 2025
Comic book artist Maya is stressing about her job when an alien blob crashes into her room. Together Maya and the alien have to try to stop the incoming alien invasion.
This was a fun story with endearing characters (especially Maya's friend Juu) and a zany, action-packed plot. I loved the art style and the meta-ness of seeing Maya's current project / drawings for her job.
While this was fun and action-packed with a ton of fight scenes, it didn't have a real emotional arc to keep me invested. The art/drawings were excellent, but the story lacked a little in heart and detail.
I'd recommend this to a younger audience - maybe young adult or middle grade. It was action-heavy in a way that I think a younger reader would appreciate.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
This was a fun story with endearing characters (especially Maya's friend Juu) and a zany, action-packed plot. I loved the art style and the meta-ness of seeing Maya's current project / drawings for her job.
While this was fun and action-packed with a ton of fight scenes, it didn't have a real emotional arc to keep me invested. The art/drawings were excellent, but the story lacked a little in heart and detail.
I'd recommend this to a younger audience - maybe young adult or middle grade. It was action-heavy in a way that I think a younger reader would appreciate.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
September 28, 2024
We are following Maya an artist in a creative crisis. She's overworked and can't finish any of her assignment .
But one day a weird creature burst out her window and introduce itself as an alien and show her that her world is about to end .
I like that some page have a different art stye for exemple page 172 have a retro game like design . I just realise that the illustrator also worked on the Cult of the Lamb comics.
Even if the situation is dramatic the design make it lighthearted and the Maya don't take it seriously even if people are dying. Thus creating that sensation of "hope", basically you know that it will end well.
In a way it remind me of Maliki, a comic that I think I've read in early 2010's. The character of Maya even look like Maliki and they are both artist.
I like Juu and his reaction to him having to go out at an other time . He prepared and now he have to change every thing. Very relatable.
He's character is pretty empty tho.
Soma was cute and have an interesting story . The moment about his former human family were really cute and when they met again was beautiful I like when stuff like that happen.
My only issues is that I didn't felt anything reading it, a good time but probably an unmemorable one.
But one day a weird creature burst out her window and introduce itself as an alien and show her that her world is about to end .
I like that some page have a different art stye for exemple page 172 have a retro game like design . I just realise that the illustrator also worked on the Cult of the Lamb comics.
Even if the situation is dramatic the design make it lighthearted and the Maya don't take it seriously even if people are dying. Thus creating that sensation of "hope", basically you know that it will end well.
In a way it remind me of Maliki, a comic that I think I've read in early 2010's. The character of Maya even look like Maliki and they are both artist.
I like Juu and his reaction to him having to go out at an other time . He prepared and now he have to change every thing. Very relatable.
He's character is pretty empty tho.
Soma was cute and have an interesting story . The moment about his former human family were really cute and when they met again was beautiful I like when stuff like that happen.
My only issues is that I didn't felt anything reading it, a good time but probably an unmemorable one.
February 21, 2025
***I thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review***
first off, ADORABLE! i am in awe of the gorgeous art style. sooo cute and cosy! plus, with the anime-like expressions, the character designs are amazing!!
as a wannabe artist, i related a lot to maya. i love that her personality wasn’t annoying which is a main issue i find these days.
as for the plot, it was fast paced and packed with action. i’m someone who looks for depth in stories which wasn’t exactly in this one. however, that is a me-problem so don’t judge by the rating!
again, kudos to the talented artists for the sweet design!
x
first off, ADORABLE! i am in awe of the gorgeous art style. sooo cute and cosy! plus, with the anime-like expressions, the character designs are amazing!!
as a wannabe artist, i related a lot to maya. i love that her personality wasn’t annoying which is a main issue i find these days.
as for the plot, it was fast paced and packed with action. i’m someone who looks for depth in stories which wasn’t exactly in this one. however, that is a me-problem so don’t judge by the rating!
again, kudos to the talented artists for the sweet design!
x
February 3, 2025
I loved everything about this. The art style is STUNNING. I adored the colour palette and colour choices; from an artistic perspective, it's the kind of style I personally love.
The story is quite action-packed and fast-paced, which I didn't mind. Some moments could have probably benefitted from more page time, but it didn't affect how much I enjoyed the story. I love a reluctant hero and an unlikely friendship.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the eARC for review. All opinions my own.
The story is quite action-packed and fast-paced, which I didn't mind. Some moments could have probably benefitted from more page time, but it didn't affect how much I enjoyed the story. I love a reluctant hero and an unlikely friendship.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the eARC for review. All opinions my own.
September 28, 2024
This was a WILD ride! I did not expect this to go in the direction it did, but I am SO happy it did.
The action in this story was phenomenal, I loved the characters so much!
The alien invasion kept me on the edge of my seat. Soma was such a fun read. If you want a story to grab your attention and hold it to the end, this is for you.
Thank you, NetGalley for this advanced readers copy of Soma by Fernando Llor!
4⭐️
The action in this story was phenomenal, I loved the characters so much!
The alien invasion kept me on the edge of my seat. Soma was such a fun read. If you want a story to grab your attention and hold it to the end, this is for you.
Thank you, NetGalley for this advanced readers copy of Soma by Fernando Llor!
4⭐️
October 22, 2024
In Soma, by Fernando Llor, I immersed myself in a fun and vibrant world on the brink of alien invasion. The comic book takes place while Maya is trying to get out of a creative slump while feeling disconnected. After helping a friend with dating problems, she returns to work and finds an alien, Soma, crash-landing in her living room. Soma warns her of an imminent invasion, and together, Maya and Soma must try to save her neighborhood/city, which is the alien invasion's first stop before the rest of the world.
I thought this comic was super fun and fast-paced. Due to its easy-to-follow nature, this would be an excellent story for young adults and beyond. As someone firmly in adulthood, I find this a fun read to pass the time. The story kept me on my toes, and I enjoyed the straightforward nature of all the characters. I think the colors of the art and style matched the story.
I didn't give it five stars because I felt that because the story valued straightforwardness, it sacrificed a bit of depth. The most fleshed-out characters seemed to be Maya's friend, but we are asked to care a lot about Maya and Soma when we don't know as much as I'd like to know about them. Maya is a struggling artist, and I understand why Soma cares about humans, but what else? Regardless, I will still read a sequel in the future, and I am now a fan of Fernando Llor.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, but all thoughts are my own.
I thought this comic was super fun and fast-paced. Due to its easy-to-follow nature, this would be an excellent story for young adults and beyond. As someone firmly in adulthood, I find this a fun read to pass the time. The story kept me on my toes, and I enjoyed the straightforward nature of all the characters. I think the colors of the art and style matched the story.
I didn't give it five stars because I felt that because the story valued straightforwardness, it sacrificed a bit of depth. The most fleshed-out characters seemed to be Maya's friend, but we are asked to care a lot about Maya and Soma when we don't know as much as I'd like to know about them. Maya is a struggling artist, and I understand why Soma cares about humans, but what else? Regardless, I will still read a sequel in the future, and I am now a fan of Fernando Llor.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, but all thoughts are my own.
February 14, 2024
La historia es sencilla pero muy entretenida y con momentos divertidos. Por el otro lado, el arte es maravilloso, cada página es un espectáculo visual.
Al final del comic hay un pequeño apartado donde podemos ver el proceso de creación de este libro, lo cual es muy interesante.
Felicidades a Fernando y a Carles por su trabajo!
Al final del comic hay un pequeño apartado donde podemos ver el proceso de creación de este libro, lo cual es muy interesante.
Felicidades a Fernando y a Carles por su trabajo!
October 5, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised! Graphic novels are usually a hit or miss with me, even though I adore reading them. It's just that they're often so quick that I don't form attachments to the characters. This time, however, I did.
Soma is about Maya, an artist, who is going through a burn out. One day she gets an unexpected visitor: an alien warning her about danger. Together they try to save the world. Meanwhile Maya's friend Juu tries to survive with people he found on the street.
First of all I want to point out the AMAZING art that pulled me in from the first second I opened the book on my Netgalley shelf app. I am absolutely amazed by the talent. And everything looked beautiful put together. The style, the colors... everything. It is safe to say I found the art a masterpiece.
I really enjoyed the story as well. It immediately interested me while it normally takes me a couple of pages to get into a story. It was a perfect combination of humor and seriousness. It was fast-paced, but not too fast, you could still keep up with what was happening. I also adored the characters and started rooting for them.
You know what, I think it is safe to say this is the best graphic novel I have ever read. (And yes, that means higher than my previous favorites: Heartstopper). Obviously it's a different genre with this being sci-fi, but still.
I am VERY excited for this being released on February 25th and I am definitely going to try to get my hands on a physical copy. I can't wait to see other people reading it and share my love for it.
Thank you to Netgalley and everyone else who made it possible for me to read this ARC. I am incredibly grateful to have been able to read this absolutely masterpiece.
Soma is about Maya, an artist, who is going through a burn out. One day she gets an unexpected visitor: an alien warning her about danger. Together they try to save the world. Meanwhile Maya's friend Juu tries to survive with people he found on the street.
First of all I want to point out the AMAZING art that pulled me in from the first second I opened the book on my Netgalley shelf app. I am absolutely amazed by the talent. And everything looked beautiful put together. The style, the colors... everything. It is safe to say I found the art a masterpiece.
I really enjoyed the story as well. It immediately interested me while it normally takes me a couple of pages to get into a story. It was a perfect combination of humor and seriousness. It was fast-paced, but not too fast, you could still keep up with what was happening. I also adored the characters and started rooting for them.
You know what, I think it is safe to say this is the best graphic novel I have ever read. (And yes, that means higher than my previous favorites: Heartstopper). Obviously it's a different genre with this being sci-fi, but still.
I am VERY excited for this being released on February 25th and I am definitely going to try to get my hands on a physical copy. I can't wait to see other people reading it and share my love for it.
Thank you to Netgalley and everyone else who made it possible for me to read this ARC. I am incredibly grateful to have been able to read this absolutely masterpiece.
January 8, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley and Oni Press for access to the e-ARC.
Soma is a fun and fast paced apocalyptic sci-fi comic that follows Maya, a comic book artist, and Soma, an extra-terrestrial alien, as they try to stop an alien invasion. I loved this comic so much! The art is beautiful and as you can see in the cover art the colour work is especially amazing - I loved how colourful the comic was throughout, particularly the difference in the colour tones between the invasion and before/afterwards. The characters in Soma are very fun and feel realistic! I loved the side characters a lot (Juu I believe in you). The parallels between the plot of Soma and the comic that Maya is writing is also really fun to see.
Side note: I love when comics include extras for how the character designs progress and all the different versions of the cover art that were considered! It is so cool to see the thought process!
I highly recommend Soma to anyone who is a fan of comic art in general, sci-fi or just wants a fun fast paced comic to pick up!
Soma is a fun and fast paced apocalyptic sci-fi comic that follows Maya, a comic book artist, and Soma, an extra-terrestrial alien, as they try to stop an alien invasion. I loved this comic so much! The art is beautiful and as you can see in the cover art the colour work is especially amazing - I loved how colourful the comic was throughout, particularly the difference in the colour tones between the invasion and before/afterwards. The characters in Soma are very fun and feel realistic! I loved the side characters a lot (Juu I believe in you). The parallels between the plot of Soma and the comic that Maya is writing is also really fun to see.
Side note: I love when comics include extras for how the character designs progress and all the different versions of the cover art that were considered! It is so cool to see the thought process!
I highly recommend Soma to anyone who is a fan of comic art in general, sci-fi or just wants a fun fast paced comic to pick up!
October 19, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and oni press for this arc!💗
Wow! I didn’t expect this book to go in such a bizarre direction. We are following Maya who is falling out of love with her job as a comic artist. BOOM an alien crashed into her living room warning her of an impending alien invasion about to end the world and is requesting Maya’s help.
We also follow Maya’s friend - Juu who is panicking about a first date, the date turns out to be boring but okey until it gets cut short from THE ALIENS CAUSING ABSOLUTE CHAOS!
I have read other comics illustrated by the same artist who did this one and as always it was absolutely gorgeous, i loved that in certain scenes the art style would completely change.
There was multiple funny scenes but i found the action packed scenes a little too chaotic which lost me a bit.
The characters were pretty well fleshed out and lovable except Juu, he felt very bland and whiny.
My favorite part was the pigeons wearing scarfs on page 31/33!! THEY ARE SO CUTEEEE🥰
I really enjoyed that when the book ended we got to read about how it was created, the concept art and sketches were really cool to see <3
Wow! I didn’t expect this book to go in such a bizarre direction. We are following Maya who is falling out of love with her job as a comic artist. BOOM an alien crashed into her living room warning her of an impending alien invasion about to end the world and is requesting Maya’s help.
We also follow Maya’s friend - Juu who is panicking about a first date, the date turns out to be boring but okey until it gets cut short from THE ALIENS CAUSING ABSOLUTE CHAOS!
I have read other comics illustrated by the same artist who did this one and as always it was absolutely gorgeous, i loved that in certain scenes the art style would completely change.
There was multiple funny scenes but i found the action packed scenes a little too chaotic which lost me a bit.
The characters were pretty well fleshed out and lovable except Juu, he felt very bland and whiny.
My favorite part was the pigeons wearing scarfs on page 31/33!! THEY ARE SO CUTEEEE🥰
I really enjoyed that when the book ended we got to read about how it was created, the concept art and sketches were really cool to see <3
January 27, 2025
Soma is a captivating sci-fi graphic novel that follows Maya who is a comic writer herself and apparently has a role in the sudden alien invasion. Struggling with her talent, Maya is shocked to find a crashed alien in her house. And from there her life completes turn upside down. It was an absolute rollercoaster ride of emotions, I laughed, shed a few tears and rejoiced with Maya. The art work is fantastic and the storyline is fast-paced and gripping. I was immediately immersed in the story and into the lives of Maya and Soma.
It's a must read and high priority recommendation from me.
It's a must read and high priority recommendation from me.
October 8, 2024
I enjoyed the book, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend it. That said, the art style and intricate details are absolutely stunning, definitely the highlight!
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC
October 14, 2024
This graphic novel is beautifully illustrated and is unputdownable! This cute but action back story is perfect for anyone looking for their next favorite graphic novel! Despite this graphic novel being 270 pages it felt like such a quick read! probably because it was so fun!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
December 6, 2024
*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free comic book.*
Maya is a comic book artist whose life is turned upside down by the arrival of Soma, an extraterrestrial life form. I loved the aesthetics even though the story was a bit meh. Cute, thank you for letting me read this Netgalley!
3.5 stars
Maya is a comic book artist whose life is turned upside down by the arrival of Soma, an extraterrestrial life form. I loved the aesthetics even though the story was a bit meh. Cute, thank you for letting me read this Netgalley!
3.5 stars
January 19, 2025
Big thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read this advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. No alien pointed a laser gun at my head to write this review.
Fernando Llor's Soma isn't just another alien invasion story - it's also a heartfelt exploration of the comic book creation process, tackling themes of writer's block and the real-life struggles of an up-and-coming artist. Much like Maus by Art Spiegelman or Daytripper by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá, to name a few, Soma dives into the personal challenges and triumphs of creativity while balancing an engaging story - in this case, an alien invasion.
The artwork is absolutely stunning, with a dynamic style that shifts depending on the scene - there's even a delightful pixel art sequence that feels like it jumped straight out of an old-school video game. This visual variety keeps the story fresh and exciting. And let's not forget the protagonist’s footwear choice - rocking Crocs during an alien invasion? Bold move. Whether it's a survival tactic or just an artistic statement, it definitely adds to the quirky charm of the comic book.
Despite its bittersweet ending, Soma remains a lighthearted, uplifting read that offers something valuable for both teens and adults. The occasional gag comic strips throughout the story add a great comedic touch, breaking up the tension with laugh-out-loud moments, such as the scene where an old man steals all the donation money from the cult leader.
One standout feature in Soma is the use of differently colored speech bubbles for each character—something more comic book creators should seriously consider adopting. Not only does it enhance accessibility for readers with visual processing challenges, but in my opinion makes the overal reading experience more enjoyable. I certainly loved that artistic decision.
That said, while Soma offers a page count of nearly 300 (more than your average comic), there are moments where the pacing feels a bit rushed. Some scenes could have benefited from a little more breathing room to fully develop the emotional stakes, but the story's heart and humor manage to shine through nonetheless.
Overall, Soma is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and creativity that fans of sci-fi and the occasional slice-of-life storytelling will thoroughly enjoy.
Fernando Llor's Soma isn't just another alien invasion story - it's also a heartfelt exploration of the comic book creation process, tackling themes of writer's block and the real-life struggles of an up-and-coming artist. Much like Maus by Art Spiegelman or Daytripper by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá, to name a few, Soma dives into the personal challenges and triumphs of creativity while balancing an engaging story - in this case, an alien invasion.
The artwork is absolutely stunning, with a dynamic style that shifts depending on the scene - there's even a delightful pixel art sequence that feels like it jumped straight out of an old-school video game. This visual variety keeps the story fresh and exciting. And let's not forget the protagonist’s footwear choice - rocking Crocs during an alien invasion? Bold move. Whether it's a survival tactic or just an artistic statement, it definitely adds to the quirky charm of the comic book.
Despite its bittersweet ending, Soma remains a lighthearted, uplifting read that offers something valuable for both teens and adults. The occasional gag comic strips throughout the story add a great comedic touch, breaking up the tension with laugh-out-loud moments, such as the scene where an old man steals all the donation money from the cult leader.
One standout feature in Soma is the use of differently colored speech bubbles for each character—something more comic book creators should seriously consider adopting. Not only does it enhance accessibility for readers with visual processing challenges, but in my opinion makes the overal reading experience more enjoyable. I certainly loved that artistic decision.
That said, while Soma offers a page count of nearly 300 (more than your average comic), there are moments where the pacing feels a bit rushed. Some scenes could have benefited from a little more breathing room to fully develop the emotional stakes, but the story's heart and humor manage to shine through nonetheless.
Overall, Soma is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and creativity that fans of sci-fi and the occasional slice-of-life storytelling will thoroughly enjoy.
October 14, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the Editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I fell in love with the cover and, luckily, the whole book keep its promises. It is beautiful and cute and sweet. Well, we have a comic artist who is struggling with her work because she does not enjoy what she is doing anymore, she is lacking inspiration and she needs to find something new and exciting. And since you have to pay attention to what you ask, someone decides to make her happy because she is suddenly in the middle of an alien invasion. Aliens are trying to destroy the Earth, and she is reluctantly involved in this because an alien crashes into her home, but since his armor and tech are damaged, he needs her help to stop the invasion. Not really sweet, right? But this is just the general plot, we have a secondary story line, with Maya’s BFF, and we follow him as he is trying to survive the beginning of the invasion, and his storyline was my favorite.
Mind me, I loved Maya and Soma (the small, cutest alien ever) but the other characters steal the scene, at least plot wise.
But the best part of this is the art. It is so beautiful! It is really a rewarding visual experience, and I loved it. I devoured it, and I fell in love with all these beautiful illustrations.
If you want to see something beautiful, eye-catching and with some nice characters well� go for this one! It is sooo worth it!
I fell in love with the cover and, luckily, the whole book keep its promises. It is beautiful and cute and sweet. Well, we have a comic artist who is struggling with her work because she does not enjoy what she is doing anymore, she is lacking inspiration and she needs to find something new and exciting. And since you have to pay attention to what you ask, someone decides to make her happy because she is suddenly in the middle of an alien invasion. Aliens are trying to destroy the Earth, and she is reluctantly involved in this because an alien crashes into her home, but since his armor and tech are damaged, he needs her help to stop the invasion. Not really sweet, right? But this is just the general plot, we have a secondary story line, with Maya’s BFF, and we follow him as he is trying to survive the beginning of the invasion, and his storyline was my favorite.
Mind me, I loved Maya and Soma (the small, cutest alien ever) but the other characters steal the scene, at least plot wise.
But the best part of this is the art. It is so beautiful! It is really a rewarding visual experience, and I loved it. I devoured it, and I fell in love with all these beautiful illustrations.
If you want to see something beautiful, eye-catching and with some nice characters well� go for this one! It is sooo worth it!
October 6, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the Author for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
I love graphic novels so much, and 'Soma' was no exception. We follow Maya, a comic artist who fells burned out and uninspired in her work. Suddenly, an alien-like creature, almost like the ones she draws in her comics, comes crashing in through her window asking for her help to save the earth. We also follow her friend Juu who tries to survive on the street with the help of Vic and Hannah, two people he runs into.
It was action packed, fast paced and just really fun. I loved the art style, how expression filled the characters were, and the colours were so *chefs kiss*. I really liked the change in perspective, both in the real world, the alien world, and in Maya's comic world. Oh and the pixelated, video game part was such a cool touch as well.
The characters were likeable, and I was genuinely invested in their story. It made me smile, laugh, and even had me teary eyed at times. Normally I have a hard time with Sci-fi, but I was immediately hooked. I found the themes of rebellion, freedom, and political oppression very enjoyable, as it added some seriousness to the otherwise silly humour. Oh and I loved Soma and Maya's strange friend-/companionship, it was so cute.
I highly recommend checking it out, and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy once it releases!
I love graphic novels so much, and 'Soma' was no exception. We follow Maya, a comic artist who fells burned out and uninspired in her work. Suddenly, an alien-like creature, almost like the ones she draws in her comics, comes crashing in through her window asking for her help to save the earth. We also follow her friend Juu who tries to survive on the street with the help of Vic and Hannah, two people he runs into.
It was action packed, fast paced and just really fun. I loved the art style, how expression filled the characters were, and the colours were so *chefs kiss*. I really liked the change in perspective, both in the real world, the alien world, and in Maya's comic world. Oh and the pixelated, video game part was such a cool touch as well.
The characters were likeable, and I was genuinely invested in their story. It made me smile, laugh, and even had me teary eyed at times. Normally I have a hard time with Sci-fi, but I was immediately hooked. I found the themes of rebellion, freedom, and political oppression very enjoyable, as it added some seriousness to the otherwise silly humour. Oh and I loved Soma and Maya's strange friend-/companionship, it was so cute.
I highly recommend checking it out, and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy once it releases!
October 27, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for this arc. All opinions are my own ❤️.
I enjoyed the journey Soma took me in, from its incredible characters to the stunning art. This was a surprising gem, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a graphic novel with heart, humor, and unforgettable visuals! At first it seemed like it’d be a slice-of-life story centered around a cartoonist’s daily life, but it turned out to be so much more thrilling and immersive than I thought. I mean... aliens coming to end all human life?? Like whyyyy!?
From the first pages, it’s clear that this graphic novel is a unique blend of humor, adventure, and personality that draws you right in. The art is stunning, so colorful and unique, it really immerses you in the world and complements the story beautifully.
I wish these was also a novel so we can get more information about the aliens and the life of Maya and Juu. I feel like i can personally relate to both 😂.
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No sabía (de nuevo) que este era un cómic publicado originalmente en español, pero viendo que es así sin duda si lo veo en alguna libreria me lo compro para releerlo de nuevo y tenerlo en la biblioteca. Me gustan mucho las novelas gráficas.
I enjoyed the journey Soma took me in, from its incredible characters to the stunning art. This was a surprising gem, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a graphic novel with heart, humor, and unforgettable visuals! At first it seemed like it’d be a slice-of-life story centered around a cartoonist’s daily life, but it turned out to be so much more thrilling and immersive than I thought. I mean... aliens coming to end all human life?? Like whyyyy!?
From the first pages, it’s clear that this graphic novel is a unique blend of humor, adventure, and personality that draws you right in. The art is stunning, so colorful and unique, it really immerses you in the world and complements the story beautifully.
I wish these was also a novel so we can get more information about the aliens and the life of Maya and Juu. I feel like i can personally relate to both 😂.
-------
No sabía (de nuevo) que este era un cómic publicado originalmente en español, pero viendo que es así sin duda si lo veo en alguna libreria me lo compro para releerlo de nuevo y tenerlo en la biblioteca. Me gustan mucho las novelas gráficas.
December 16, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This comic was absolutely adorable and a joy to read! It follows Soma, a struggling and burned-out artist, on her journey to save the world from an alien invasion after one crashes through her window.
The story is neither overly complicated nor too serious, making it a perfect lighthearted read. The art style is vibrant and stunning, with each “chapter� featuring its own unique color palette that’s thoughtfully chosen and beautifully executed.
Soma was a fun and engaging protagonist. As a bit of a loner and introvert, she’s highly relatable (maybe a little too relatable for me, haha). I also loved her unapologetic dislike of kids—because, honestly� same.
The alien she teams up with was both adorable and hilarious. I appreciated the glimpse into his backstory, which added some emotional depth to the story. While I didn’t cry, I can see how this comic has the potential to tug at the heartstrings, depending on your sensitivity.
The only aspect I didn’t enjoy as much was the few chapters focusing on Soma’s best friend as he tries to survive the invasion. While his POV was cute and added some variety, I didn’t feel it was necessary to the overall story.
This comic was absolutely adorable and a joy to read! It follows Soma, a struggling and burned-out artist, on her journey to save the world from an alien invasion after one crashes through her window.
The story is neither overly complicated nor too serious, making it a perfect lighthearted read. The art style is vibrant and stunning, with each “chapter� featuring its own unique color palette that’s thoughtfully chosen and beautifully executed.
Soma was a fun and engaging protagonist. As a bit of a loner and introvert, she’s highly relatable (maybe a little too relatable for me, haha). I also loved her unapologetic dislike of kids—because, honestly� same.
The alien she teams up with was both adorable and hilarious. I appreciated the glimpse into his backstory, which added some emotional depth to the story. While I didn’t cry, I can see how this comic has the potential to tug at the heartstrings, depending on your sensitivity.
The only aspect I didn’t enjoy as much was the few chapters focusing on Soma’s best friend as he tries to survive the invasion. While his POV was cute and added some variety, I didn’t feel it was necessary to the overall story.
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