Honestly…

I have been following the artist and author - Gabriel Picolo, on Instagram for the longest time. I had been aware of and in love with, Icarus and the Sun artwork for even longer. The story telling portrayed in just one piece of art was enough to grip me, so the thought of seeing a finished collection... then a book?!

After waiting so patiently, I was surprised to open a parcel and find the hardback one day. I spent that evening reading the story and admiring the artwork.

To have printed copies of some of my favourite pieces was lovely. The palette and juxtaposition of colours is beautiful. The story telling though images of real life, memories and imagination was almost brilliantly executed. And I finally got to read what this retelling was about.

... But I finished this book feeling dispirited.

The story timeline felt a bit flat and rushed. It is possible to create a short story with a heart-felt punch. Also, where was the Moon?! A character I'd so wanted to see more of, after seeing artwork on Picolo's Instagram. That was disappointing. Maybe the character was being softly introduced for a sequel. But this graphic novel needed this third beautiful character’s dynamic, beyond just being mentioned and represented by the actual moon. The whole story would also have been vastly improved if perhaps it focused on a more specific period of time.

For the artwork, I was sad for it's varying quality. I was not expecting every piece to be alike the featured and important frames. But some panels felt rushed and unfinished, and not as advertised on Instagram. I also noticed some continuity errors and typos.

I still love the artwork Picolo creates, and am glad I supported this book, he should be proud of it.