An enjoyable sci-fi romp with sublime art. I read this in one sitting. In terms of tone and art style, it is somewhere between Moebius and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. This French comic wears its manga influences on its sleeve and is all the better for it. The book’s pacing is impeccable. The layout composition, especially in the action sequences, lends frenetic energy to the pages. There is a dynamic nature to the draftsmanship that I enjoyed. The character and world designs are funky and inventive. It feels like a lived-in world where people are salvaging what they can, including clothes. Our main protagonists are likeable if someone cliche, Aster a gutsy heroine who is a bit of an outsider in her adopted community, and, Wallis the bookish son of a village elder, are charming. The dialogue, on the whole, was witty, and There is a great supporting cast of diverse characters. Merwan is excellent at facial expressions, and there are some neat visual gags. The story itself doesn’t break any new ground, but it seems churlish to criticise Aster of Pan in that regard. It goes to some ridiculous places like Rocky 4 levels of silliness. It is like watching a good action film. You kind of know how it will probably end, but you want to see how they get there. It says a great deal that I am eager to read more stories set in the world of Pan. Lovely stuff.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Please consider buying Aster of Pan with this affliate link.