This was a very pretty book with an interesting story but I found it hard to follow. I think the combination of bright colours and swirling imagery made it difficult to read on my phone. Perhaps if I had read this with a physical copy I would of enjoyed it more but I ended up not being able to finish it on my phone.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this in exchange for a honest review. This graphic novel is definetly worth the read and the illustrations are amazing and so realistic. Packed full of debenture Bloom and Gloppy skip through different dimensions. A fun packed book for all ages

In mainstream superhero comics publishing, there have been conflicting trends in recent years to give primacy to the art or the story - which drives which, how the creative process flows and what is it that sells a book to a reader. <em>Skip</em> by Molly Mendoza is undeniably an argument for art over story, in this simple but gorgeously realised coming-of-age story.

Bloom is a young boy in a post-apocalyptic environment, left behind by his only companion and frustrated by his limitations. Gloopy is a ghost plant friend wearing a baseball cap who yearns to be creative but his overwhelming ADHD tends to cause frustration and forest fires. (Your usual odd-couple scenario.)

Facilitated by a MacGuffin, the pair tumble through a variety of abstract and bizarre vistas and worlds, encountering friendly alligators, dissolving paintings, hermit AIs and more. This story outline is effectively an excuse for Mendoza to demonstrate their exceptional illustration skills, creating astonishing landscapes and imagery with a breathtaking mastery of line and colour. Sometimes the visual complexity of the artwork can obscure the sequential narrative of the story but I appreciated this embracing of abstract visual storytelling, personally.

On this note, however, I'm not entirely sure who the intended audience for this book is. The story, simple as it is with limited characterisation really feels aimed towards middle-grade readers, but the artwork is often so abstract and complex that this could dissuade less experienced comics readers. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this introduction to Mendoza's art style and I'd love to see them collaborate with someone on writing duties on a future project to allow them to flex their artistic muscles further.

I loved this book. I have bought a hardback copy and it is stunning. The colours are incredible. It really is one of those books where any page would look amazing framed and on the wall. The story follows Bloom who lives with Bee on the side of a lake at some point in the future. Bee talks of things from her past, such as the butter and cheese that used to make potatoes taste good. Bloom isn't sure if these things are really true though. When the radio Bee has been repairing starts to work and they hear a message from someone in danger, Bee goes to help, leaving Bloom to watch the lake. After some time, Bloom ends up falling into another world and meets Gloopy and the two new friends travel together trying to find Bee and learning a lot about themselves and friendship along the way. I absolutely loved everything about this book and look forward to seeing what else Molly Mendoza creates.

Thank you for the ARC!

This graphic novel was amazing. The art style and colours meld so well with the story being told. Loved the alice in wonderland-esque travelling through distinct environments. Had a wonderful time reading this

This graphic novel is visually stunning. The story is easy to follow, and the emotion is complimented by the art.