Aug 14, 2025 2 min read

Review: On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden (2018)

If you haven’t booked a holiday yet, how about a trip into the depths of space?

Review: On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden (2018)
Photo by Phoebe Bush

Reviewed by Phoebe Bush

If you haven’t booked a holiday yet, how about a trip into the depths of space?

Content Warnings: Alcohol, blood/violence, bullying, misgendering. 

Do you like found family, beautiful artwork, and heartfelt coming of age stories? In that case, this masterpiece of storytelling and artwork may just be for you!

This graphic novel follows Mia in two timelines, in the past as she attends school and makes a friend, and in the future: as she joins a crew that go around preserving archaeological space sites. But that is not the only reason she finds herself in space. She is also following the magical trace of a necklace, given to her during her school days... 

The highlight of the whole graphic novel is probably the characters who, in this quirky and sweet art style, come perfectly to life. Also, the real charm is that you can age with them: my favourite character when I first read this as a webcomic was Mia, but as I’ve grown I’ve come to respect the older characters, like Alma and Elliott. This is something that I really appreciated after going back to this graphic novel, alongside the complexity and depth of the relationships: from the romantic ones, to the platonic and the familial. 

The two plotlines work really well together, adding to the mystery of the necklace and filling in gaps in one another. The world-building is also seamlessly woven into the plot, revealing pieces about the Starcaise and the sport of Lux through a well-paced story that I read super quickly, but that also never once felt rushed. 

Plus, there’s a homely atmosphere to it, one that makes it a super comforting, cozy read!

Another huge draw to getting a doorstop-like physical copy of this graphic novel is the stunning interstellar artwork, which you will stare at long after you have finished reading the dialogue. It is definitely proof that graphic novels are not just for young people.

The only critiques that I have is that this graphic novel does tease the reader with world building and character exploration, but does not necessarily provide it – especially with the character of Elliott. The plot in places also felt more wistful, than practical, and could have made some bolder decisions towards the end. That being said, this is character-driven story, and one told through the melding of art and narrative – which is not an easy thing to do.

Overall, I would recommend this if you’re craving some soft sci-fi or looking for a good place to start with graphic novels!

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