The Book and its AuthorFirst 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 to Austen 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. 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. ReviewAlways Human, an adorable sapphic love story that originated on WEBTOON should be at the top of your graphic novel TBR! I’m so glad I got the chance to read (and develop this moodboard and a book tag for you to try!) First off, I’m immediately adding Always Human to my WEBTOON subscriptions page because I need to be kept informed about any future installments! I also need to emphasize how cute Austen and Sunati are! They’re so cute together, and I loved looking at the scenes where they went on dates and explored the world together. They were so thoughtful about what activities would both show off their personalities and let the other have a good time as well, and… wow now you know how important I find proper date planning in a relationship. Anyways—squeal!! The world was super creative. Set in a futuristic Australia (I’ve never read a book set in Australia before!), characters can use virtual reality, hover cars, and “mods”—things that we can only dream of now. I most enjoyed the interactions between Austen and Sunati where they had some hard conversations about Austen’s Egan’s Syndrome, and how that impacted her. I’ll say that I think Always Human has a heartfelt portrayal of some struggles a person with one might go through, and some that an abled person might have when starting a relationship. I’ve always agreed with the assessment that we need more disabled characters in YA, and Always Human is another great step! I think the only place the story suffered is a lack of plot. There was a clear route of “problem, solution, rinse and repeat” each time, and I felt like Always Human could have been a little longer and delved deeper into some of the conflicts. Don’t get me wrong, I love a short novel, but I wanted to know so much more about the world and characters that I ended up feeling teased by the length. If there are future installments, this paragraph will be a moot point. Overall, like I said before, you should give Always Human a try! It’s a refreshing romantic read perfect for any season and reader. 4/5 stars. MoodboardAlways Human Book TagRULES: 1. Thank the person who tagged you! 2. Link back to the creator, The Baroness of Books 3. Tag some friends! 4. Attach these rules to your post. Sunati: What would you change about your last read?
Austen: What trope will you always enjoy, no matter what book it’s in? Luna: Favorite fictional robot? Rae: Most practical character? Mods: Two of your favorite book covers? Virtual Reality: What time period is your favorite setting to read about? The Waterfall: Most romantic scene you’ve read? Cayli: Sweetest character? Yasel: A book that grew on you after you started it? Starlight Soldiers: Your favorite non-bookish piece of media?
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The BaronessHey, I'm Shreya! I love to read, write, travel, and drink tea. Disclosure: I am an affiliate of bookshop.org and I will earn a small commission if you click the above link and make a purchase.
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