The Deep & Dark Blue

One of the big benefits from doing the podcast, Derek would say, was getting the books. It is really exciting to get all sorts of different types of work to read, I have to agree (storing them all is a different matter). Believe it or not, I still get review copies from publishers in the name of the Comics Alternative podcast. Today marks the date of our last posted episode, and to commemorate the day I am going to review a book I recently received.

The Deep & Dark Blue stars twin boys Grayson and Hawke, whose grandfather is the lord of House Sunderlay, a fictional feudal land where magic and destiny reign. Their personalities differ widely but they are still thick as thieves. After a bloody coup, they find themselves on the run and end up disguising themselves as girls (Grayce and Hanna).

 

The resourceful twins masquerade as initiates of the Communion of Blue, an enclave of magical women who weave using a mysterious blue dye that lets them to spin threads that reveal reality and manipulate elements such as fire and water. While in hiding, the twins learn much about themselves: Grayson that he has much to learn to be a true warrior and Hawke that he feels much more at home being female and called to magical weaving. Both of their growing realizations complicate their lives, but they also combine in an unlikely way to help them fulfill their roles to help restore a sense of stability in the upheaval.

The complexity of the plot is well complemented by the fine visual world-building on display here.  The setting and character designs are interestingly exotic, at once familiar but still unique. The expressions, color, and art really bring a sense of animation and emotion to the proceedings. I feel that the coloring is exceptionally well done, with great effects that really sell the moments of magic, make the action pop, and also make the small, intimate moments especially poignant. This book has multiple positive features, spinning a narrative of political and personal intrigue, with great moments of drama and suspense. It tells a tale that is both epic and human, and it does it in grand style.

The Deep & Dark Blue was created by Niki Smith, and it is her first graphic novel intended for a young adult audience. She has one other graphic novel, Crossplay, a story about cosplay, crushes, and identity set at a comic convention. She also has done a bunch of shorter comics works, notably for The Nib. She speaks about her work on this book in this interview.

All the reviews I have read of this book have been celebratory. In a starred review, Kelley Gile called it a "stunning work that does double duty as an absorbing adventure and a gentle musing on gender identity, family, and acceptance." In another starred review, Kirkus Reviews concluded that it was "woven with magic." Publishers Weekly wrote, "With capable worldbuilding and a positive look at transgender identity, Smith’s debut middle grade novel is likely to win over young fans of queer fantasy."

The Deep & Dark Blue was published by Little, Brown Young Readers, and they provide more info about it here.

The publisher provided a review copy.

In closing today, I just want to write that I miss my friend Derek and think of him often. I also miss podcasting and using that platform for having discussions and promoting comics. It is tough for me to think of doing that again without him, but I hope to be up and doing it again sometime in the near future. I had a great role model for how to do it, who set a high standard for humor, quality, and variety. RIP, Derek.