Rainbow Bridge
21,000+ Reviews
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Description
RAINBOW BRIDGE is an original graphic novel from Steve Foxe and SteveOrlando - the first to be published under AfterShock's new YA imprint: SEISMICPRESS. What if the Rainbow Bridge was the Bifrost? ANDY's parentsrescued ROCKET when Andy was just a toddler, and they grew up together, withRocket serving as Andy's guardian through every one of childhood's ups anddowns. So when Rocket passes away right before Andy's 14th birthday, he'srudderless. High school is coming soon and he can't imagine making thattransition without Rocket at his side. The day before school starts, when Andyis at his lowest, he visits Rocket's grave, and unexpectedly summons the RAINBOWBRIDGE, a gateway to a fantasy world where pets discover theirafterlife. One part heaven and one part limbo, this is a final restingplace for pets - but also a realm where any unfinished business must becompleted, before restless pet souls twist into bizarre, seemingly malevolentwraiths that haunt the periphery of this otherwise splendid paradise. It'sextremely rare for a human to visit this realm, but Rocket and Andy find eachother again in this wondrous pet Valhalla to go on one last epic adventure tohelp Rocket reunite with his lost littermate, fulfilling Rocket's last wishes.Here, the roles are reversed, as Andy has to be the strong one and supportRocket in his quest for closure. By adventure's end, Andy finally gains theconfidence to let go of his childhood and enter the next phase of his life, starting his first day of high school. RAINBOW BRIDGE is aimed primarilyat younger readers, on the border of middle grade and YA, but should resonatewith anyone who has ever had to say goodbye to a beloved pet - or anyone whogreeted growing up with nervousness and anxiety. Like JOE THE BARBARIAN beforeit, RAINBOW BRIDGE can address the lines between reality and fantasy (althougheverything in the book is portrayed as actually happening), wish fulfillment andpersonal growth, childhood and young adulthood. There are also themes ofovercoming trauma, and of compassion for animals. The Realm Beyond the RainbowBridge is shaped by its inhabitants, and contains vast fantasy vistas inspiredby the adventures pets and their owners, especially kids, imagine forthemselves.Product Details
Price
$16.99
$15.80
Publisher
Aftershock Comics
Publish Date
August 24, 2021
Pages
120
Dimensions
6.3 X 9.37 X 0.39 inches | 0.55 pounds
Language
English
Type
Paperback
EAN/UPC
9781949028676
BISAC Categories:
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About the Author
Steve Foxe is the author of more than 50 children's books and comics for properties including Pokémon, Batman, Transformers, Adventure Time, Steven Universe, and Grumpy Cat. He lives in Queens, New York, with his partner and their dog. His favorite things in life are creepy movies, comic books, and chihuahuas. Find out more at stevefoxe.com.
Steve Orlando has written for every major American comic book publisher. His works include the Eisner-Winning LOVE IS LOVE (IDW Publishing), as well as the Eisner-Nominated OUTLAW TERRITORY (Image Comics) and RAINBOW BRIDGE (AfterShock Comics). Outside of comics publishing, Orlando has written for and been featured in HELLO MR as well as NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine. In animation, he worked with Man of Action Studios on the fourth season of BEN 10.
Valentina Bianconi is an Italian colorist currently working in the comic book industry and as illustrator for Lone Wolf gamebooks. Valentina's work has various publishing credits including Sergio Bonelli Editore, Aftershock Comics, Edition Soleil, Treyarch, Image Comics, Vincent Books, Disney, Boom! Studios and Titan Comics.
Reviews
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL -- Gr 4-8-Based on "The Rainbow Bridge," an anonymous poem often shared with grieving pet owners that imagines a paradise for deceased animals, this graphic novel opens on a verdant meadow where a chubby corgi named Rocket plays with the abundant balls and bones strewn across the landscape. Things are odd here-he can't find his boy, Andy, and his paws are slightly see-through, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. A group of shadowy figures interrupt his revelry, endangering his afterlife; readers soon discover that these wraiths are unloved pets who want to make every other creature as miserable as them. Back in the living world, Andy is rudderless without Rocket. Though he's running late to freshman orientation, Andy takes a detour to Rocket's grave, only to be sucked into the canine afterlife, where chance encounters with former pets lead him to his beloved doggo. Here, all pets can communicate with Andy, and the animals are gigantic (Andy can ride Rocket!). The pace of the plot absolutely flies, bringing the two best friends swiftly together. Captured in vibrant colors, the world and its characters are expressive and lovely-in fact, it's everything an animal lover hopes awaits their pets in the afterlife. The main characters appear to be white; Andy is part of the LGBTQ+ community. VERDICT The ending leaves plenty of room for a sequel to this satisfying read, which will please readers. A recommended first purchase.-Abby Bussen, Muskego P.L., WI
