Luminous Beings (A Quiet Film of Cosmic Fury)
Writer: David Arnold
Artist: Jose Pepper
Colorist: CAP Ward
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Publication Date: September 2024
Growing up can be a dangerously tricky thing. Growing up in an apocalyptic world where Zombie Squirrels run rampant is unsurprisingly just as difficult, if not more so. The newest graphic novel from Penguin Random House, Luminous Beings focuses on best friend Ty and Burger, aspiring filmmakers who find themselves at the crossroads of post-high school life. Initially agreeing to take a gap year to strengthen their portfolios, Ty has a secret that might disastrously shake up their friendship.
Award-winning cartoonist Tillie Walden described the graphic novel as follows:
“A gorgeously rendered adventure that captures the ache and joy of adolescence in a mad world.”
Written by novelist David Arnoldknown for works such as I Loved You in Another Lifethe dialogue is realistic and organic. The characters all feel distinct, and there’s plenty of worldbuilding that hints at the larger apocalyptic world the characters find themselves in. There’s a huge amount of references to other works of art, particularly films, but it feels very realistic to the discussions of young aspiring filmmakers and very rarely feels on the nose. Ty and Burger are wonderfully well realized, and you get a solid grasp on how they are and how they process their experiences. If there’s one weak point to the writing, it’s that the story can feel a little directionless at times, often lacking a sense of tension to drive the plot forward in the way it needs to. If you prefer your stories heavy on character and light on plot, you may have absolutely no issue with that, but I feel as if they could’ve been better balanced. There’s a moment towards the end that pulls its punch so to speak, and I cannot help but wish it had some more kick to it. Additionally, the apocalyptic elements are well handled, but opens up more questions than it answers, focusing instead on feeling and character.
Illustrated by Jose Pepperknown for titles such as Twin Citiesthe artwork is great. Moody and atmospheric, with a soft and emotive style that perfectly complements the Young Adult tone of the book, Pimienta’s work is fantastic. The character designs are memorable, with the right mix of detail and style that suits a work like this. There’s some moments where Arnold lets the artwork do the storytelling, and these quiet subtle moments were amongst my favorites in the book. As it goes on, you get the sense that Piemienta grows more comfortable and confident, and they really begin to strut their stuff towards the end of the book. Arnold and Piemienta have great chemistry and feel like their working in tandem with each other, and I can see why these creatives were drawn to each other.
The whole graphic novel is washed with beautiful hazy colors courtesy of CAP Ward. It’s my favorite part of the book, and I think the aspect of it that will grab people’s attention the most. The book becomes a beautiful dreamscape in Ward’s hands, bathed in hues of purple, orange, blue and black. It’s a testament to how important colors are in the medium of comics, and how they can completely define the look of any given graphic novel. I think Ward has a bright future ahead, given what a superb outing this was from them.
Young Adult graphic novels have been on the rise lately, and Luminous Beings serves as a good example of what that type of story can do. As someone not all that far removed from my own pre-university gap year, the story has a lot of heart and speaks truthfully about what people will likely experience or already have done. Well, apart from the zombiefied squirrel apocalypse.
Overall, Luminous Beings happens more than it misfires. While its story has some growing pains, the dreamy and hazy atmosphere at the center of it is wonderful and speaks to the strength of comics as a medium to make you feel. I’m certain it will speak to a lot of young people who are at a crossroads in their life, comforting them and making sure they know they’ll be okay. That alone makes it more than worth it.
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