Hello, friends! Today I’m bringing you my review and theme analysis of Always Human by Ari North. Thank you to Hear Our Voices Book Tours and Little Bee Books for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First serialized on the popular app and website WebToon, Always Human ran from 2015-2017 and amassed over 76,000 unique subscribers during its run. Now reformatted for a print edition in sponsorship with GLAAD, Always Human is a beautifully drawn graphic novel about a developing relationship between two young women in a near-future, soft sci-fi setting. Always Human is drawn in a manga-influenced style and with an incredible color palette that leaps off the page!
In the near-future, people use technology to give the illusion of all kinds of body modifications—but some people have “Egan’s Syndrome,” a highly sensitive immune system that rejects these “mods” and are unable to use them. Those who are affected maintain a “natural” appearance, reliant on cosmetics and hair dye at most to help them play with their looks.
Sunati is attracted toAusten the first time she sees her and is drawn to what she assumes is Austen’s bravery and confidence to live life unmodded. When Sunati learns the truth, she’s still attracted to Austen and asks her on a date. Gradually, their relationship unfolds as they deal with friends, family, and the emotional conflicts that come with every romance. Together, they will learn and grow in a story that reminds us no matter how technology evolves, we will remain . . . always human.
Rendered in beautiful detail and an extraordinary color palette, Always Human is a sweet love story told in a gentle sci-fi setting by a queer woman cartoonist, Ari North.
Always Human by Ari North is a graphic novel that sparks joy. From beautiful artwork to meaningful themes, Always Human captivates its reader from the very first page.
The language in the graphic novel is easy to follow and understand. There were a couple of instances where Spanish was used it was a delightful surprise! I loved how many characters were multiethnic, this aspect of the novel made it seem more realistic despite the fact that it takes place years in the future. None of the characters identities were seen as a marvel or to further the plot, they were simply a part of who they were and if an aspect was discussed it was done respectfully.
Always Human is full of amazing queer characters and I loved it! We have the two main characters Sunati and Austen meeting and navigating a new relationship whilst having important conversations about disability and confidence. Their romance made me melt inside, it was so beautiful. The progression of their romance was great. North carefully shows the reader how their bond forms and makes sure to develop the relationship well.
Starting a new relationship is a lot of work since you are developing a more intimate bond with your partner(s). One of the most important aspects is developing -you guessed it!- communication. This was the theme that stood out for me! Always Human showcases the development of a healthy relationship and explores how communication develops between partners. This discussion was approached well and an important one. It involved a discussion pertaining to one’s individuality while being in a relationship. I thought this topic was important to discuss because co-dependency can foster at the beginning of a relationship. Therefore, it’s important to maintain a sense of self and trust that your partner will respect that and encourage it.
That got a little sidetracked, but I think this was such an important discussion in Always Human and so I wanted to delve deeper.
Always Human is an adorable graphic novel! It takes the reader on a journey of first love and relationships and discusses disability and self-love through science fiction motifs. The world is rich with representation and North doesn’t make a spectacle of such through the writing. Instead, these are a normal part of the world. It’s a powerful experience to read worlds that resemble our own.
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Ari North is a queer cartoonist who believes an entertaining story should also be full of diversity and inclusion. As a writer, an artist, and a musician, she wrote, drew, and composed the music for Always Human, a complete romance/sci-fi webcomic about two queer girls navigating maturity and finding happiness. She’s currently working on a second webcomic, Aerial Magic, which is about the everyday lives of the witches who work at a broomstick repair shop. She lives in Australia with her husband.