Review: Beyondtopia: Legends by Bryan Valenza and Henry Barajas
Fatuma Hydara"Stories are real. They keep your heart beating. Make you smile when you feel like there's nothing to smile about. The words we share either on the page or told over a campfire will live with you forever."
This quote towards the end of Beyondtopia: Legends by Bryan Valenza and Henry Barajas is exactly why everyone needs to read this book.
Beyondtopia is an amazing and unique collection of fascinating graphic novel stories based on Indonesian folklores, heroes, and legends by an Indonesian writer and Latinx illustrator. Showcasing the art of artists from Indonesia and the world, enjoy stunning full-cover illustrations of stories that are exciting, heartwarming, and thought-provoking.
My only complaint is that there wasn't more! So many of the stories hooked in completely and then I got to the end like, "That's it?!" It left me eager for more.
There was a great mix of genres so something for everyone. Some stories were dark and tense, while others were fun adventures. A few stories were lighthearted and funny, creating a perfect balance throughout the anthology.
I highly recommend, especially to further diversify your reading and understanding of others stories. This was my first time reading work by an Indonesian writer and learning from Indonesian myths and legends. I'm so glad I read this book.
