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Afar
Boetema suddenly develops the ability to astrally project to other worlds, unintentionally possessing the bodies of people light years away.
Inotu, her inquisitive brother with a penchant for trouble, finds himself on the run after he’s caught eavesdropping on an illegal business deal between small town business tycoons and their cyborg bodyguard. When Boetema accidentally gets someone hurt while in another girl’s body, the siblings are forced to work together to solve the problems they’ve created on their planet and others.
Inotu, her inquisitive brother with a penchant for trouble, finds himself on the run after he’s caught eavesdropping on an illegal business deal between small town business tycoons and their cyborg bodyguard. When Boetema accidentally gets someone hurt while in another girl’s body, the siblings are forced to work together to solve the problems they’ve created on their planet and others.
152 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2017
14 people are currently reading
2,214 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 398 reviews
August 4, 2017
I enjoyed this. It was fun. And it was a joy to see African and Arab rooted characters just doing their thing. I also LOVED the creatures. The trips to other places were my favorite parts, though sometimes this took from the plot. The story was a bit choppy and jumpy. The art is BEAUTIFUL. At times the language felt very American slangy; I normally don't notice that (and I know that can be hard to avoid), but I noticed it here. It also reminded me way too much of Avatar: The Last Airbender. I wanted to see the story and characters stretch more. If there is apart 2, I hope it takes more chances and steps off the beaten path more.
February 27, 2017
I’m not a huge graphic novel reader, but I pick them up for time to time and I have to say that the cover for Afar was the main draw fro me. That beautiful brown face peaking out from a backdrop of planets and stars called to me: “Read me! Read about all of my black girl magic!� And, of course I had to answer the call. My husband, on the other hand, is a huge comic fan. He reads them on a regular basis and often takes trips to the comic book shop on release days to pick up new issues. He also has an impressive collection of X-Men comics that no one is allowed to touch all sealed away in plastic covers at the very top of our home bookshelf.
As a big reader as a kid I loved making images in my mind that coincide with the words on the page. That’s where comics threw me. I had to concede my mind’s eye to the artist’s eye and I still have trouble with it to this day, but if the artwork is truly stunning then I can roll with it. Which brings us to Afar again. It follows Boatema and your younger brother Inotu. They live in a postindustrial world that could be Earth or it could be someplace where humans now reside. In any case Boetema is the oldest and she’s kind of fed up with her conartist Father and the constant moving the family has to do. Things are further complicated when her parents leave her and her brother to fend for themselves while they find work elsewhere. She’s stressed out and irritated and she’s beginning to have weird dreams, dreams where she finds herself on different worlds, as different people, different creatures. Later, we find out that she’s got a rare power that she’s just beginning to understand.
The artwork in this is fantastic (I have to tweak Boatema’s signature hairstyle for my own collection) and I especially enjoyed the hyjinks her brother, Inotu would get into. He offers a bit of comic relief with his pet monkey and there’s a lightness to him that we see in elementary level books with black boy characters, but all but disappears as boys of color get older. In this world he’s free, happy and completely willing to follow a monkey into danger. She, on the other hand, is serious and smart and dedicated to her brother. It’s an all ages quick read.
This book is perfect for:
Anyone looking for a quick escapist read
Anyone who loves adventure stories
Anyone who lived for Guardians of the Galaxy
As a big reader as a kid I loved making images in my mind that coincide with the words on the page. That’s where comics threw me. I had to concede my mind’s eye to the artist’s eye and I still have trouble with it to this day, but if the artwork is truly stunning then I can roll with it. Which brings us to Afar again. It follows Boatema and your younger brother Inotu. They live in a postindustrial world that could be Earth or it could be someplace where humans now reside. In any case Boetema is the oldest and she’s kind of fed up with her conartist Father and the constant moving the family has to do. Things are further complicated when her parents leave her and her brother to fend for themselves while they find work elsewhere. She’s stressed out and irritated and she’s beginning to have weird dreams, dreams where she finds herself on different worlds, as different people, different creatures. Later, we find out that she’s got a rare power that she’s just beginning to understand.
The artwork in this is fantastic (I have to tweak Boatema’s signature hairstyle for my own collection) and I especially enjoyed the hyjinks her brother, Inotu would get into. He offers a bit of comic relief with his pet monkey and there’s a lightness to him that we see in elementary level books with black boy characters, but all but disappears as boys of color get older. In this world he’s free, happy and completely willing to follow a monkey into danger. She, on the other hand, is serious and smart and dedicated to her brother. It’s an all ages quick read.
This book is perfect for:
Anyone looking for a quick escapist read
Anyone who loves adventure stories
Anyone who lived for Guardians of the Galaxy
August 23, 2019
Well that was fun. I already love the characters and feel bad for what they've gone through. Still kids but already with so much responsibility. And Boetema with her being able to travel to other planets while she sleeps, in other bodies. Inotu writing everything down in his notebook. I'm glad I read it. But...I want more. And there isn't more.
January 25, 2018
3.5 Stars
I loved the diversity in this one with the African and Arabic influences. The artwork and world-building were gorgeous and imaginative. Unfortunately, the ending felt incomplete, which was disappointing, considering it's a standalone graphic novel.
I loved the diversity in this one with the African and Arabic influences. The artwork and world-building were gorgeous and imaginative. Unfortunately, the ending felt incomplete, which was disappointing, considering it's a standalone graphic novel.
March 29, 2017
Excellent idea that should have been a series not a graphic novel.
It's a bit like Quantum Leap but too alien worlds, the art work, design and creativity are all amazing. However character development is poor and the story just kind of ends with little really going on.
It's a good read but could have been so much more. If a Ongoing series comes of this I would read it and I do recommend this, but it fails to live up to its potential.
It's a bit like Quantum Leap but too alien worlds, the art work, design and creativity are all amazing. However character development is poor and the story just kind of ends with little really going on.
It's a good read but could have been so much more. If a Ongoing series comes of this I would read it and I do recommend this, but it fails to live up to its potential.
December 4, 2019
Stunning. Great story, astonishing art. A perfect collaboration of talents!
January 20, 2019
Quick Impression
How beautiful is this world?! I felt like I'm flying in a whole new world. I was just watching these wonderful creatures and the beauty of other realms.
Unfortunately, the plot threads are not too tied up together to complete the image perfection of this world.
Once I had felt attached with the characters, the end came too quickly.
I really wish to be there a sequel to this story.
***
I liked this myth!
***
Why so?
***
What a touching moment!
***
Wow!
***
The constellation..
***
This lizard-dog is cute!
How beautiful is this world?! I felt like I'm flying in a whole new world. I was just watching these wonderful creatures and the beauty of other realms.
Unfortunately, the plot threads are not too tied up together to complete the image perfection of this world.
Once I had felt attached with the characters, the end came too quickly.
I really wish to be there a sequel to this story.
***
I liked this myth!
***
Why so?
***
What a touching moment!
***
Wow!
***
The constellation..
***
This lizard-dog is cute!
August 19, 2017
2 It had so much potential! Stars
I am so glad I read this graphic novel, let me be clear, for some reason my rating tends to be way harsher when it comes to the graphic novels, but is just because is difficult to satisfy my expectations. So when you see this two stars they may actually be higher on your rating scale.
I loved how Afar is full of diverse characters. The art was astounding, the color pallet made want to dig my fingers in the pages and to see if it was actually real or not. My problem came to be with it being standalone, I know how we usually want more standalone and not series, but if the author doesn't wrap-up the story correctly it lefts you with a huge hole of distaste. This story has potential to be a series and perhaps I may be putting a little too much pressure, but I bet it could come close to Saga. Yes, that much potential it had! But everything felt so rushed and not much explanation of things, it just needed more development. When I finally had a connection with the characters, I was turning the last page, so I just didn't care much.
I recommend it to check it out for the art's and potential's sake. Plus that cover you guys, I WANT IT AS A POSTER IN MY ROOM.
I am so glad I read this graphic novel, let me be clear, for some reason my rating tends to be way harsher when it comes to the graphic novels, but is just because is difficult to satisfy my expectations. So when you see this two stars they may actually be higher on your rating scale.
I loved how Afar is full of diverse characters. The art was astounding, the color pallet made want to dig my fingers in the pages and to see if it was actually real or not. My problem came to be with it being standalone, I know how we usually want more standalone and not series, but if the author doesn't wrap-up the story correctly it lefts you with a huge hole of distaste. This story has potential to be a series and perhaps I may be putting a little too much pressure, but I bet it could come close to Saga. Yes, that much potential it had! But everything felt so rushed and not much explanation of things, it just needed more development. When I finally had a connection with the characters, I was turning the last page, so I just didn't care much.
I recommend it to check it out for the art's and potential's sake. Plus that cover you guys, I WANT IT AS A POSTER IN MY ROOM.
February 1, 2018
This is a fun graphic novel - a brother and sister, left alone by their parents, trying to find a home. Meanwhile, one is dealing with a new ability to travel into the bodies of other creatures on other planets and the other with overheating something he shouldn’t have and being put in jail for it. The characters are compelling and I really enjoy the artwork. The story confused me a couple of times, but overall it was really interesting and unique.
Read
February 2, 2019I don’t know how I feel about this one yet, I like the art, the plot is okay, the writing was sometimes up and down....I think over all the story was enjoyable but at times it lacked the emotional depth I wanted but...only because the book is one issue?
If this were the first story in a longer series I’d totally keep reading because Itms a cool introductions to a very cool concept. But I feel like I need more!
Review to come on my channel.
If this were the first story in a longer series I’d totally keep reading because Itms a cool introductions to a very cool concept. But I feel like I need more!
Review to come on my channel.
November 5, 2017
Afar has a lot of wonderful moments but I think, in order to really be immersive, needed a bit of a longer storyline. I appreciated the characters and their relationships and predicaments and adventures. It just felt more like a beginning of a story.
September 1, 2017
Read more of my reviews at !
I don't read many graphic novels, but when I do I'll totally admit I pick them based on art. Afar caught my eye with its beautiful cover and upon flipping through the pages I knew I had to read it! I hadn't actually read the synopsis before I took Afar home (like I said, I choose based on art), so I was a little surprised when I realized it was about a girl who is able to astrally project during sleep. This is such a unique premise!
Boetema is the heroine of this story and, while her astral projection is a big part of the book, it isn't the only major plot point. Boetema's brother lands himself in trouble while their parents are away and they set out to find somewhere new to start over. They decide to set off through the desert in search of a city of riches where they can find work for themselves and live comfortably. Its during this journey that Boetema learns to control her ability.
Afar has a lot of things going for it! The art is obviously gorgeous and I thought the premise was fantastic! I love the creatures and the different worlds Boetema visits! She and her brother are also really great characters with a lot of depth for such a short book. Unfortunately, there are also some downfalls.
One issue with Afar is that it jumps around in an extremely jarring way. On one page it could be daytime in Boetema's world and then on the next page she's somewhere new in a new body with no explanation. There are multiple unexplained time jumps and I just found it somewhat difficult to keep up with what was happening at times.
My main complaint with this book is that it tries to be too much with too few pages. There were multiple conflicts that needed resolving and I didn't feel like they were wrapped up very well. Some questions were left entirely unanswered.
Overall I enjoyed Afar! While it definitely had its high and low points, it was a great story with fantastic, diverse characters and beautiful art. With 50 more pages it could've been great! Although this book didn't make my favorites list, I'd still recommend it to YA graphic novel lovers!
I don't read many graphic novels, but when I do I'll totally admit I pick them based on art. Afar caught my eye with its beautiful cover and upon flipping through the pages I knew I had to read it! I hadn't actually read the synopsis before I took Afar home (like I said, I choose based on art), so I was a little surprised when I realized it was about a girl who is able to astrally project during sleep. This is such a unique premise!
Boetema is the heroine of this story and, while her astral projection is a big part of the book, it isn't the only major plot point. Boetema's brother lands himself in trouble while their parents are away and they set out to find somewhere new to start over. They decide to set off through the desert in search of a city of riches where they can find work for themselves and live comfortably. Its during this journey that Boetema learns to control her ability.
Afar has a lot of things going for it! The art is obviously gorgeous and I thought the premise was fantastic! I love the creatures and the different worlds Boetema visits! She and her brother are also really great characters with a lot of depth for such a short book. Unfortunately, there are also some downfalls.
One issue with Afar is that it jumps around in an extremely jarring way. On one page it could be daytime in Boetema's world and then on the next page she's somewhere new in a new body with no explanation. There are multiple unexplained time jumps and I just found it somewhat difficult to keep up with what was happening at times.
My main complaint with this book is that it tries to be too much with too few pages. There were multiple conflicts that needed resolving and I didn't feel like they were wrapped up very well. Some questions were left entirely unanswered.
Overall I enjoyed Afar! While it definitely had its high and low points, it was a great story with fantastic, diverse characters and beautiful art. With 50 more pages it could've been great! Although this book didn't make my favorites list, I'd still recommend it to YA graphic novel lovers!
September 21, 2017
I loved the concept of this story - a sister and brother live in a world a twist off of our own, and she starts having dreams where she finds herself inside beings on other planets. I loved all of the other planets we get to visit.
I'm trying to remember why all of the professional reviews say this is a 9th grade and up title (it's been a few weeks since I read it). I'd like to booktalk it to middle schoolers, but like to use professional reviews to justify my age choices.
Seaton's illustrations are full-color and lovely. The creators of this one are rising stars, and I'm looking forward to reading more of their work!
I'm trying to remember why all of the professional reviews say this is a 9th grade and up title (it's been a few weeks since I read it). I'd like to booktalk it to middle schoolers, but like to use professional reviews to justify my age choices.
Seaton's illustrations are full-color and lovely. The creators of this one are rising stars, and I'm looking forward to reading more of their work!
June 16, 2017
Here's another example of why an artist shouldn't write. That's not to say ALL artists can't write, but MOST fail to realize, like art, writing is a skill and it's not *easy*.
The artwork was phenomenal, but I cringed my way through the most cliche dialogue and the most white ass yuppie girl story ever. I bet this lady thought if she paired her white ass yuppie story with a "exotified" character, she'd win people over, instead she just ended up looking real presumptuous too.
I guess white people realize what's selling now are non-white characters, and they couldn't possible ever ever ever let a non-white WRITER write them!
The story was about astral projection. Fucking yuppie ass woowoo shit. There's a huge problem with this: WHERE THE HELL DOES THE OTHER PERSON GO? So the main character projects into other bodies, but SHE MATTERS MORE than the REAL person. So the dude at the end is in love with a girl, but then main character projects into her, and he's like, wait no I love the lady who projected into you. WHAT? WHAT.
I can't.
The artwork was phenomenal, but I cringed my way through the most cliche dialogue and the most white ass yuppie girl story ever. I bet this lady thought if she paired her white ass yuppie story with a "exotified" character, she'd win people over, instead she just ended up looking real presumptuous too.
I guess white people realize what's selling now are non-white characters, and they couldn't possible ever ever ever let a non-white WRITER write them!
The story was about astral projection. Fucking yuppie ass woowoo shit. There's a huge problem with this: WHERE THE HELL DOES THE OTHER PERSON GO? So the main character projects into other bodies, but SHE MATTERS MORE than the REAL person. So the dude at the end is in love with a girl, but then main character projects into her, and he's like, wait no I love the lady who projected into you. WHAT? WHAT.
I can't.
June 22, 2017
This was really great story, interesting concept, and art. It's about a girl who astral projects when she sleeps. You get to see all types of worlds and creatures, when she learns she did harm to one of them she is searching to get back to them to try to help. Her brother who has accidentally gotten himself into trouble with the law, he is running away and is also gifted in engineering. This story is about them traveling and living together while their parents are struggling to make some money elsewhere to send to them. I really am looking forward to picking up the next volume! ~Ashley
If you want some more magic type books then you might want to try
If you want some more magic type books then you might want to try
January 2, 2018
This was everything I want in a graphic novel! Interesting story and beautiful art.
Afar is the story of a brother and sister trying to survive on their own have their parents have abandoned them for a few months to work in the salt mines. Yet, all is not what it seems the sister, Boetema has the special ability to astral project her sleeping self into other bodies on other planets.
I'm excited to read the next one!
Afar is the story of a brother and sister trying to survive on their own have their parents have abandoned them for a few months to work in the salt mines. Yet, all is not what it seems the sister, Boetema has the special ability to astral project her sleeping self into other bodies on other planets.
I'm excited to read the next one!
October 18, 2021
Oh my gosh the illustrations. Dead.
March 10, 2019
Absolutely one of the most gorgeous graphic novels I've ever experienced. Interesting premise. Solid characters and plot. I hope we get more!
My Rating Breakdown
Characters: 3.5
Atmosphere: 4
Writing Style: 3.5
Plot: 3
Intrigue: 3.5
Logic: 3
Enjoyment: 4
Overall Rating: 3.5
(for full details on this rating system see: )
My Rating Breakdown
Characters: 3.5
Atmosphere: 4
Writing Style: 3.5
Plot: 3
Intrigue: 3.5
Logic: 3
Enjoyment: 4
Overall Rating: 3.5
(for full details on this rating system see: )
June 20, 2017
I was first attracted to this book by its beautiful cover design and the hook: The Nameless City meets Star Wars meets Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant; all of which I've either heard great things about or already know are fantastic. Then I noticed it was written by Leila del Duca, who's artwork I fell in love with in the guest artist portion of the Wicked and The Divine, so what can I say, I was a sucker for this graphic novel. It was sooo sooooo good and unlike anything I've ever read. I loved Boetema's relationship with her brother, Inotu, and how it felt like it was being told from both their perspectives. The atmosphere and characters definitely had Star Wars vibes...and maybe even Avatar(?)! And Inotu's and Monkey's hijinks were also a bit reminiscent to me of Disney's Aladdin. I highly recommend reading this. I can't wait to get my hands on the next volume. And until I can read it, I'll just be sleeping over here, trying to astrally project.
July 30, 2018
This was a 5 star until I realized it was a stand alone!!!
Beautiful, diverse, compelling, and absolutely addicting. However I felt my addiction ran dry far too soon. It HAS an ending, the ending isn't bad, but it feels so... unfinished? I hope that minds are changed and there is more, if so I'll revisit my tantrum and see if I cannot up it a star.
Beautiful, diverse, compelling, and absolutely addicting. However I felt my addiction ran dry far too soon. It HAS an ending, the ending isn't bad, but it feels so... unfinished? I hope that minds are changed and there is more, if so I'll revisit my tantrum and see if I cannot up it a star.
November 9, 2017
Artwork. Artwork. Artwork.
March 2, 2018
There's a lot that I liked about this one, the art especially, and the planet traveling. I liked Inotu and his monkey too. But certain parts felt very abrupt, and there are so many things left completely unexplained in the end, which is weird if there doesn't end up being any more of it. I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!
So yeah, I hope Del Duca and Seaton do another one.
So yeah, I hope Del Duca and Seaton do another one.
April 2, 2018
I really liked this but I wish there was more? So much potential!
March 22, 2019
KIT SEATON, you are so talented!! all of the characters are so beautiful! the art gave me micron w watercolor over it vibes and im living for it
February 17, 2018
Lovely colorful book, set in the distant future, in a desert community where Boetema and her brother Inotu must make their way int he world while their parents have gone off to earn some money. The only problem is, Inotu has gotten in trouble, and Boetema keeps going on spirit trips every time she falls asleep.
The places are real, and she wants to go back to the same places again, but can’t figure out why. Meanwhile, the two have to keep alive.
Good story telling. Lovely pictures, as you can see below. The brown scenes are the here and now part of the story, and the colorful ones are for when she is spirit traveling.
Good, quick read. Makes me wonder if there will be a volume 2, as this ending leaves a bit of things open. Oh, and Agama Wanwatu is caracturer from her myths, who is now a constellation which includes the North Star. (For us it would be Ursa Minor ).
Agama Wanwatu
Market scene
The places are real, and she wants to go back to the same places again, but can’t figure out why. Meanwhile, the two have to keep alive.
Good story telling. Lovely pictures, as you can see below. The brown scenes are the here and now part of the story, and the colorful ones are for when she is spirit traveling.
Good, quick read. Makes me wonder if there will be a volume 2, as this ending leaves a bit of things open. Oh, and Agama Wanwatu is caracturer from her myths, who is now a constellation which includes the North Star. (For us it would be Ursa Minor ).
Agama Wanwatu Market scene
March 1, 2019
This story follows siblings Boetema and Inotu. Shortly after their parents leave them alone to go find work. Boetema suddenly develops the ability to astrally project to other worlds, unintentionally possessing bodies of people far, far away. In one of these instances, she accidentally gets someone hurt. Inotu, her brother, is smart and curious but has a penchant for trouble. He finds himself in trouble when he accidentally eavesdrops on a business deal. The siblings work together to not only take care of each other but to help each other out on the problems they face.
I really enjoyed this! It was super fun to see characters with African and Arab roots. My favorite thing about this though was all of the creatures and places from the other worlds! The artwork was absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Though the story was a little choppy and had a lot of heavy American slang which was not conducive to the people and place of this story. The plot was pretty run of the mill, nothing surprising but nothing bad either. Overall, I had a really fun time reading it but if there is or will be a part/volume 2, I hope it's a little more creative story-wise.
I really enjoyed this! It was super fun to see characters with African and Arab roots. My favorite thing about this though was all of the creatures and places from the other worlds! The artwork was absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Though the story was a little choppy and had a lot of heavy American slang which was not conducive to the people and place of this story. The plot was pretty run of the mill, nothing surprising but nothing bad either. Overall, I had a really fun time reading it but if there is or will be a part/volume 2, I hope it's a little more creative story-wise.
July 23, 2017
In a postindustrial desert, Boetema and her brother Inotu travel from town to town with their parents, who are always chasing the next scheme and often are just one step ahead of the authorities. When their parents leave the two of them to their own devices and head out on a three-month work stint, the money starts to run out and the siblings decide to strike out into the desert on their own. Boetema has also discovered that she can astral project while she sleeps, traveling to other planets and societies.
While I loved the fantastical elements of the story, what really made this a standout for me was the deft way del Duca shows the relationship between Boetema and Inotu as it grows and changes. Boetema learns to open up and trust her brother, and Inotu learns to trust his instincts and decisions.
While I loved the fantastical elements of the story, what really made this a standout for me was the deft way del Duca shows the relationship between Boetema and Inotu as it grows and changes. Boetema learns to open up and trust her brother, and Inotu learns to trust his instincts and decisions.
May 8, 2017
সিকুয়াল হব� নাকি? খু� ভালো হবে। ইউনি� একটা প্লট সাথে অদ্ভুত এক জগত। এস্ট্রাল প্রজেক্টের শক্ত� পাওয়া এক মেয়� বেখেয়ালিত� অন্য জগতে চল� যায়� ভর কর� সে জগতে� এক মেয়ের দেহে� না তথকথিত ভু� পেত্নী� মত� না� আর কর� ফেলে এক ভুল। এখ� সে ভুলে� মাশু� দিতে হব� আর নয়তোব� ভুলক� ঠি� করতে হবে। কাহিনী� শুরু এভাবেই... বাকি আউটস্ট্যান্ডিং� পড়ে দেখু�, আশ� কর� ভালো লাগবে।
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