THIEF OF THE HEIGHTS

Moving up could change everything for the better—but for three friends, it could also mean casting aside everything they stand for.

In the vertical city of Muqadas, people’s lives are defined by tiers; quality of life deteriorates as you go deeper. Those in the lowest tier never see the light of day, and a virus called Habar infests their water, causing numbness and often requiring the amputation of limbs. Close friends Mustafa, Basem, and Aarfah are ambitious engineers who dream of making better prosthetics and moving up so they can help change the system. But despite their skills and camaraderie, they’re limited by a lack of resources and Habar’s ubiquity. When an ambassador offers them the chance to leave and run their business in a higher tier, they face a difficult choice: Should they take this opportunity in hopes that it will bring better resources to their people, or stay put and continue the work they’ve been doing to help their community? This story, which features an ethnically diverse cast in a world infused with North African and Islamic cultural elements, as well as meaningful queer and disabled representation, explores complex themes around inequality paired with compelling art. The thoughtful imagery pushes the narrative beyond the text. Yao’s use of light, particularly the striking color palette of teal and orange, brilliantly captures the contrasts between Muqadas’ different levels.

Introspective and insightful, with eclectic characters who burst through the narrative.