Today's graphic Novels are not your parent's comic book, like the ones I collected in the 60s and 70s.

To be truthful, I am not sure what to think about Open Earth. Kind of 'Brave New Worldish', where one is hooking up with whom they want, marriage is discourage. At least there are babies and the need for birth control. Good story line..

The graphics were nice, not too cluttered up with word balloons, flowing nicely as the story unfolds. I love the idea of the muff diving in the anti-gravity room, seems like an ideal place for it. The scene with the parents at the end was a nice touch.

No criticism, constructive or otherwise. This just isn't my cup of tea

Thanks to Oni and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is SO SWEET. It gets tons of points on the inclusive chart as Mirk envisions a world free of constraints like gender, compulsive monogamy and harmful body ideals. A charming romance threads through the story, which illustrates cute sex scenes and an altogether refreshing take on sex, romance, and the body. Though the illustrations could be a bit more polished, they're certainly solid and remind me of that webcomic style that many people quite enjoy.

In this graphic novel, humanity has fled to space and, now, lives inside huge spaceships. It is about some of the members of the first generation of space-born humans and the different customs they’ve acquired.
I expected a lot more from this graphic novel. The concept seemed interesting but the rest was terrible. The only thing the characters did was bang each other and the plot was almost nonexistent. The art was fine but it didn’t save the book at all. It is a shame, it had potential to be an interesting story and, instead of that, we get nothing.

I absolutely adore the messages and representation in this graphic novel. So much body and sex positivity, plus diversity and a very real message. The art style and pacing were great and each snippet and interaction were great moments. I would love to read more by these authors and artists and thoroughly enjoyed reading this graphic novel.

This is a comic that deals with polyamory. It's about a group of young people living in space after Earth was no longer habitable, who have an open relationship and where monogamy is out of fashion.
The idea was interesting however I have some conflicts with it: is it necessary the destruction of the planet in order to live in an environment that accepts/breaks the social parameters set beforehand? polyamory shouldn't be the only option, if two people decides to make a commitment in a monogamous relationship there shouldn't be any issues and basically is what the story is about.
The spanglish is another thing that I just cannot deal with, I have read books that include other languages and is so frustrating. But if you want to be inclusive, an Spanish version of the story will be very much appreciated!
The illustrations are good BUT have a high sexual content

Open Earth is a short story, essentially, about the first generation of humans born in a space station orbiting Earth, after we have managed to ruin the planet/blow ourselves up or something. The main action centers on Rigo, as she tries to grapple with wanting a special attachment to her friend Carter, when the first generation is predominantly polyamorous and against partnered attachments.

Plot/Character: 6/10
The world-building in this piece is interesting. I’d say it is even a little exposition heavy in the first couple of pages. While the story may be a reflection of the author’s values, I really read it more as “what if polyamory in space.” Some of the events that led to making Earth uninhabitable echo current events, and in that, I feel like the work is timely.
However, I’m not sure that I can buy all the changes the author has put onto a single generation. These changes happen over time. Maybe, the third generation on the ship, we’d be seeing this deeply set culture that is so much different from their elders. I’ll accept it as part of the premise, but this is a bit like looking at The 100 and accepting that the Grounders have developed a language unintelligible from any previously known Earth language within a couple of generations. Culture shifts over time. Language takes a lot longer.
Thus, moving onto the language: The use of Spanglish is actually something we can believe realistically is spoken among the people of the space station. They all come from California, and while I don’t believe “Spanglish” would ever be declared the national language, I can easily see California, as a country on its own, declaring English and Spanish as the official languages because most of the residents at that point in the future spoke both. And thus, the children of the scientists from that generation would likewise just speak a mix of both as they moved from one to the other.
I’m talking more about world-building than characters, and… I don’t know. There just isn’t much character development. This story is really the setting, plus a vignette as Rigo has sex with her friends and tries to decide whether to move in with Carver. I don’t know much about her, other than she doesn’t like the food on the station, embraces the youth culture ideology, and is maybe a little immature and indecisive.
The other characters are pretty thinly sketched as well. Carver is scientific! Hex is political! Atwood is smart! Franklin is ???
And that’s it.
So concept over character in this case. It’s still an interesting read, even if the plot and characters are a little obvious and flat. You can guess that Rigo will decide to move in with Carver… but only after she talks with ALL OF HER FRIENDS ABOUT IT.

Art: 7/10
My rating for the art is based on a few things. The style does fit with keeping the tone light and open to comedy, and it is realistic enough, at least in the case of women’s bodies, to carry the sex scenes. It’s pleasant to look at, and suits a younger, fresher perspective as the narrative is trying to do
Where the art fails is in serious scenes and often in execution. There are a lot of problems with angles that I shouldn’t have to be noticing (because I wasn’t looking for problems). Bodies were just suddenly turned the wrong way, or the face was uncentered on the head.
The artist did for the most part manage to adapt an Anime-esque style for the plus size heroine, and I will give extra credit for that, since most Anime style seems unable to cope with bodies beyond toothpicks.
Given this, it was irritating that the men were all sorted into slim and athletic or muscular and athletic. So much so that I really thought for the first half of the story that Carver was a woman until his sex scene with Rigo and was deeply, deeply disappointed suddenly that the multiracial, polyamorous, queer comic I had been reading was much less overtly progressive than I had thought.

Themes: 7/10
Our themes here focus on intergenerational divide and polyamory. Though, the latter is really a symptom of the former. I don’t know if either has adequately been developed, but I would say the tension is clearly present. It may be the only real reason Rigo feels like she has to keep pretending she doesn’t think of Carver as special.
I would, though, add that it was disappointing to go into this comic about a multicultural, polyamorous space station and have so little culture and so much heteronormativity. There’s nothing dividing the characters when it comes to jobs, as far as I can tell, but all of the sex scenes are between Rigo and one of her male friend/lovers. Franklin and Carver apparently couple sometimes, and in her dream Rigo and Atwood couple, but this isn’t “onscreen” for the most part. The main sexual tensions are between the male/female couplings. And language is the only remaining vestige of culture here, since there is no music and no food and not plot besides Rigo's dilemma, and they are doing away with sexual mores.
I'm adding a few points for the symbolism of the succulent plants. Especially since it is unspoken, just something that Rigo keeps around. This is significant thematically regarding a community starting over in space: conservation of resources via a plant that doesn't require constant watering.

In general, I think I would like the effort of the story to be punched up a bit on all levels. This is a quick, cute read. I enjoyed having a pansexual, polyamorous, plus size, Latina protagonist. Unlike some other readers, I don’t think this is a prologue, really. The story, as it is set out, is a complete arc about one decision our heroine is making over the course of one day. However, if the author were to expand her narrative, thinking about the larger story of the station, where things are going from here, what other stories might be told on the station or when the other ships are able to contact them…

That would be worthy of a longer series of graphic novels.

I read this graphic novel in one sitting and while I enjoyed it, I didn't really love it. It features very graphic sexual content, which I think is important to know before getting into this. The cover looks more like a teen story, but the inside is defiantly adult. I liked the art style and the world building around this was intriguing enough to keep me going, even when the characters were a little flat.

While I think the aspect of this group being in a poly relationship really worked out and was well represented, I think it's sad, that in a story so full of diversity, all the sex scenes where between heterosexual pairings. There were hints at same-sex relations and the group was definitely mixed, but the focus was completely on the interactions between men and women. The sex scenes themselves were done very well though. I liked the style of them and they were never uncomfortably over sexualised.

Other than that I hope there will be more volumes of this out in the future, since I would definitely be interested in seeing more of these relationships and maybe diving more into other parts of this poly group. My last criticism is that while the main character is a plus size girl, all the men in her life seem to be skinny and gorgeous. Would have loved it if there were some plus-size men around there, too.

I was excited about the idea of this graphic novel. Unfortunately, it felt rather flat. The story seemed hastily written around the sex scenes. I like my sexy time reads, and polyamory is something I would love to see in more books, but I didn't care for the characters or their relationships, which is pretty important in a story about relationships. The artwork is great. I just wish the story wasn't so shallow.

Before I get into any other details, I first want to mention the artwork - it is brilliant and colourful, and perfectly suggestive of what's to come. I can promise it just keeps getting better from there but please keep in mind... this is so very NSFW. So, if you're thinking of picking this up on commute, or as a quick coffee shop read - maybe don't. Or do. You do you!

The diversity in this graphic novel was 10/10, with fat, black, Hispanic, and LGBTQIAP+ rep. Our main character, Rigo, is a funny and confident woman who knows what she wants. She's also unapologetically polyamorous. With very little reading experience with polyamory beforehand, I had no idea how it would be executed throughout this story. Possibly due to lack of open discussion about sex and sexuality, at least where I'm from, and my own (shameful) lack of research on the topic I almost expected there to be a lot of drama tied to the open relationships we see in this graphic novel. I was delighted to see how casual and accepting each of the characters were when it came to sex, and loved how it wasn't a big deal AT ALL.

Living in such tight quarters, honesty and openness is promoted at every turn. Not only was this realistic, but as a plot device it really drove the story forward, eliminating any confusing or hurt feelings between any of the characters. This graphic (and I mean GRAPHIC) novel was wonderfully sex positive, and I honestly learned a lot more about polyamory than I expected.

While there isn't a ton of plot other than sex and relationships, excluding cute and hilarious banter between the characters, there was a lot to love about this graphic novel. Rigo's relationship with her parents surprised me with how open they were in terms of sex and birth control, and I loved the back and forth Rigo and her mum had. There was also a panel that referred to the song "Hotel California" as classical music, and that drew me into the story as much as anything.

I won't say much about the set up of their world because I could so easily dip into spoilers, but I will say that it was sprinkled throughout the story, not so much in afterthought, but in a way that readers aren't overwhelmed with any information dumping. This story is told in Spanglish, so I did have to translate a few times, but I loved that the future held more than just the English Language and the typical set of post-apocalyptic characters we've all become accustomed to with many books, movies, and TV shows.

Overall, I rated this book 3.5 stars. I enjoyed it from start to finish and I'd love to see more of this world and the characters in future editions!

A beautiful and fun exploration of polysexual people in space!
This is what I, as a queer person, love to see. Multiple genders, races, and sexualities exploring what it means to love in a time that is only a little different to now.
I would happily read more from this author.
Stunning artwork.
A little short! But that's really my only criticism and is unique to me, as I adore long long LONG books, so hardly a demerit.

Open Earth is full of great illustrations and sweet relationships. Nothing really happens, except that the main character is having some doubts about their feelings. I did love the fact that the book didn't make any difference between genders, sexuality or ethnicity. I also like it when a book includes sex where it's appropriate. This one included a lot of sex for such few pages, but it was a sweet read, nonetheless.

I would like read the sequel, if there was one, since this one feels a lot like a prologue.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this!

This took place in space so that is already a bonuspoint for me, but it also features queer polyamory which is something loads of people need to know more about. I really enjoyed the artstyle and I really hope there will be more volumes like this

Well that's the first graphic novel that I've ever read. I don't know what I was expecting, except not to enjoy it very much, but it was fun. The story is quite basic, but erotica novels always are. The idea of Californians having moved to a space station and the first generation to be born there wanting to change things into the direction that I think most of us expect California to be anyway - a bit hippy, free love, a 60s vibe - is good.

I love the teamwork in this story between friends, the art and storyline were easy to follow, and I'm glad I read it!

A sexually explicit version of "The 100" before they left the spaceship for Earth. Focuses on a future where isolated 20-year-olds born in space have a different outlook on sex where it's open and meaningless between multiple partners. It looks like the author writes solely on this topic, so this may be hiding an agenda.

First off, the art on the cover is super cute and cartoony but this title is for ADULTS! Some libraries interfile graphic novels for different age ranges... this is a good thing to be aware of before a ten year old picks it up. That said, the adult material is entirely sexual, there's zero violence. There isn't much in the way of plot to this book (it's quite short) and it's mostly about poly relationship negotiation... IN SPACE. I know several people who will love it for those exact reasons, but I wouldn't recommend it to a scifi fan who isn't interested in the romance side. Intended audience will have a blast but I don't think there's a huge amount of crossover appeal, basically. And there's nothing wrong with that! The person in your life who loves Kimchi Cuddles will be delighted with Open Earth.

A simple story following the lives of oversexed teens who live in space. Unfortunately, this wasn't one that I connected with at all. It was relatively short, so I finished it, although there wasn't much of a story line or point to the first installment. Basically just a bunch of teenagers who sleep with anyone and everyone, and worry about who they should be moving in with.

I will stay that the illustrations were stunning. I loved the vibrant colors, and style of art. However, if I'm being completely honest, I probably wont continue with the second volume, if there is one.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Polyamory - in space! It's only a little over 100 pages long, and another 40 or 60 might have given room for a bit more depth - we see that the Earthborn parents consider it all a bit odd and think one at a time is easier, but is the shift an explicit rejection of the possessive attitudes which messed up the planet? A response to the conditions of station life? There are hints of both, but more exploration would have been more satisfactory. As is, it's a sweet and simple little story - protagonist wants to move in with one of her lovers but doesn't want to impose on everyone else, communication is important, yay, the end. I mean, I love that Oni are making a niche as purveyors of off-centre romance comics, but it's no My Boyfriend Is A Bear (and now I've thought of the poor bears down on Earth and am sad). Couple of annoying glitches in the art which an editor should have caught - like one panel where a sleeve/skin line is in the same place as a background line, for which I've forgotten the technical term but I know you don't do it. And a BDSM scene where the sun has clearly taken at least one blow between arse and ribcage, for which the technical term is 'bloody dangerous' and I know you don't do it.

(Netgalley ARC)

Love in Panels was excited to announce this title back in February (www.loveinpanels.com/comics/open-earth-preview), so you can imagine how thrilled I was to see it on NetGalley for early review. I have a lot to say about it, so if you don't feel like reading on - here's the TL;DR - I adored OPEN EARTH.

The book focuses on Rigo, a young Latina woman born on the California space station, and her relationships with several other "First Generation" people on the ship. The plot is given a kick when one of her partners, Carver, has an opening in his room. Space on the station is at a premium, and more than one of Carver's partners wants to move in. I'm using the word "partner" here to mean sexual partner, but it soon becomes apparent that the First Generation to be born in space uses it to mean a more committed relationship among a polyamorous and largely open group of friends.
One of the aphorisms built into California protocol is "Honesty Keeps Us Alive," and that's mentioned a few times, as Rigo struggles with her feelings vs. her expectations of herself. She may have grown up in space, but she's dealing with the same things most of us here on Earth think about. It's a given that she and Carver will continue to have sexual relationships and close friendships and romantic relationships with others, but within that context, what does it mean to commit to someone? Their other partners express concern that Rigo and Carver will couple up and exclude everyone else, which is a reasonable thing to worry about. (Also a valid life choice, as shown by a few other couples on the ship.) It's not how Rigo and Carver want to do things, however, and the way they come to finally talk through everything is both realistic and romantic.

Moving on from the plot! A few things put this book into my "READ IT NOW" list. Let's talk about them, shall we?
First - the sex. The book is 107 pages, but there are at least 4 sexual encounters depicted on page. They appeared to be heterosexual in nature, but I have no reason to think any of the characters identify as heterosexual and it's on page that Franklin (nonbinary) and Carver have a relationship, as well as Atwood (femme) and Rigo. None of the characters seemed to identify as nonbinary or trans (I have been told by Oni Press that Franklin is nonbinary but it didn't read that way), but it also doesn't seem like gender has much of a place on this station, so maybe that's not a thing? There certainly aren't gender-assigned jobs, only pronouns and attraction. The sex is more humorous more often than not, especially a certain scene in a zero-gravity chamber that made me laugh out loud.

The creators give enough time to the history of the California space station without bogging down the narrative. We learn that California seceded from the United States and aggressively pursued enviro-tech. We also learn that things went downhill quickly for the rest of Earth as "the oceans rose and the rains stopped." The space station was launched with a few lucky scientists on board before things truly went to hell, but since the station on Earth stopped responding to their transmissions, the folks on the ship don't know what happened. Is everyone dead? We don't know. We do see a view of the Earth from space and it's clearly a very different topography. Rigo has a conversation with her father about maintaining Earth culture and traditions for when they go back, but Rigo says that it sounds like that culture was responsible for the destruction of Earth... It's a very interesting conversation and, given the fact that California opened borders to Mexico after the secession and declared Spanish the national language, it's reminiscent of diaspora discussions. There's a lot of code-switching in the book, with Spanish and English mixed in a seamless way. Not everyone code-switches, however, which again, feels like a conscious choice and a piece of overall characterization.

The last thing I want to talk about is how a lot of the cultural changes are subtle but so clearly intentional.
Rigo has hairy underarms because um... they're on a spaceship. It makes total sense that they're not shaving, because wouldn't water be at a premium? Who cares about shaving your groin or underarms when resources are scarce?
I also appreciated that Rigo is fat, even though everyone on the ship is eating the same carefully developed vegetarian diet. Some bodies are always going to be fat, regardless of diet. It's about time that we populated our sci-fi and post-apocalyptic worlds with all kinds of bodies.
Last, to my garden-loving delight, plants are special. There's an incredibly sweet romantic gesture near the end of the book and it's got to do with the giving of a plant and... my heart. It's a succulent, of course, because of low water needs, and it's similar to the plant on the cover of the comic, tying everything together nicely.

As I said, I adored this book. I could keep talking about it forever, but probably shouldn't so that you can get your copy and not be completely spoiled. This is what I want to see in the future of romance comics - thoughtful characterization, intricate worldbuilding, cute/hot sex, and characters to cheer for.

Find us at www.loveinpanels.com for more romance comic goodness!

I received this on netgalley, the idea is interesting and I sort of like the comic book format, it definitly makes it a quick read.
I can't see myself reading this again in the future though, it felt very rushed, in fact everything took place within 24 hours.
I like that there was little to no sl*t shaming- I say little because Rigo's father does say that he wished she would settle down with one person, but at the same time he doesn't make her feel guilty about having various sexual partners.
I can't say that i would recommend this though.