Search for a Better Life in ‘The Blue Road: A Fable of Migration’ Graphic Novel Review

The Blue Road – the first graphic novel by acclaimed poet and writer Wayde Compton and illustrator April dela Noche Milne – explores the world from a migrant’s perspective with dreamlike wonder. We are introduced to one Lacuna, she without a proper home. She’s also without much in this world: no family, no prospects, no past and seemingly not much of a future. The swamp has always been her home, and she’s just barely managing to survive from day to day. It’s not quite living and thus thriving, but it is sadly, all she’s known. This setup means the readers get a feel for the adventure and journey to come as Lacuna will need all her wits, hopes, and her ingenious nature to get her through each obstacle time and time again.   Photo Credit: Erin Flegg Wayde Compton spins a tale of someone looking for a place to call home, for a place to belong that is fantastic as it has seeped into the realm of fantasy. Not much is lost in the sauce narrative-wise as readers follow Lacuna, I, myself was able to follow her plight with each new obstacle and the parallels people in the real world can and do face. She’s a vital part to the story with her observations and understandings on how this new part of the world she’s entering works and how she can proceed. She doesn’t just move forward–she makes it so for those who may follow behind her, in an attempt to better their lives–can do so with more ease. She works to make that road to finding a home and better options easier, so no one gets…