LUMINOUS BEINGS

Four teens grapple with common problems in an uncommon time.

In this stand-alone apocalyptic graphic novel, friends Ty, Burger, Fib, and Miles are at the crossroads of post–high school life. While their world bears some similarities to ours, these young people face something entirely (and happily) foreign: squizzies. The virus-infected squirrels have glowing, bubble gum pink eyes, the ability to fly, and murderous intent. As a result, people must wear bespoke hazmat suits called hazzies every time they go outside. The friends embark on a quixotic quest to locate Stu, their missing boss, and over the course of a fateful night, they face dangers both within their circle and in the world at large. Arnold’s text skillfully portrays post-adolescent banalities against a harrowing and violent backdrop; those sensitive to animal death and violence may be upset at the frequency and gruesomeness with which the squizzies are dispatched. While the story spotlights the interpersonal dynamics, those who prefer robust worldbuilding may be disappointed, as details about the squizzies are scant at best. In a dreamy palette of pink and lavender hues, Pimienta’s illustrations leap off the page in a feat of visual wizardry. Most of the central characters are light-skinned; Burger has brown skin and Afro-textured hair, and the cast contains diversity in gender identity and sexual orientation.

A delightfully disturbing and dystopian snapshot of friendship.