STRANGE BEDFELLOWS

On the interstellar settlement of Pangaea Ultima, trans first-year university student Oberon Afolayan is taking a leave of absence after a debilitating panic attack.

Oberon avoids friends and treads lightly with family, anxious about disappointing them further, especially as the only one of his siblings who seemingly isn’t a Ghost. Old crush Kon appears—first in Oberon’s dreams and then in the waking world along with other dream creatures—and reveals that Oberon has developed the power to manifest dreams. He offers to help Oberon learn to control his abilities, get his life back in order, and avoid the Ghost Authority, a government entity that surveils Ghosts with extraordinary capabilities. Initially overwhelmed, Oberon becomes comfortable controlling his manifestations and spending time with Kon, who also maneuvers him to reconnect with friends. But Oberon worries about his growing affection for Kon; intellectually, he believes Kon to be a false apparition born from his subconscious feelings and insecurities. When Oberon’s powers seemingly grow beyond his control, the truth about Kon threatens to break the feelings between them. Ries’ narrative, which relies on readers to interpret contextual clues, weaves in literary references and science-fiction lore. The work features stunningly surreal illustrations and explores forgiveness, love, and family in a futuristic, racially and culturally diverse world that’s body positive and inclusive of queer folks. Oberon is cued as having Javanese Indonesian and Nigerian heritage.

Dreamy.