School Library Journal Review
Gr 6 Up--This graphic novel is set in the universe of the Astroneer video game (available on Steam, Xbox, Windows 10, PS4, and Nintendo Switch). A group of characters known by their numbers must work together to solve a puzzle involving a colleague, Astroneer Seven, who keeps disappearing and reappearing on the mysterious planet Boreas. The most memorable images in this book are the astroneers themselves, cute and cartoony astronauts with reflective helmets that hide their faces. Because the Astroneers' faces are always obscured, readers will need to decipher their identities and their emotions through dialogue and body language. The most appealing parts of this story are the humor and the action, which will keep readers engaged. While it is not necessary to be familiar with the Astroneer video game to understand what's going on in this graphic novel, it will have more appeal to fans of the game. This book contains three bonus stories ("Decaf Noir," "Have We Met," and "Out of Bounds") that vary widely in mood, artistic styles, and age range appeal. VERDICT For fans of the Astroneer video game, and for larger collections that are looking to expand their selection of science fiction-themed graphic novels.--Andrea Lipinski
Publisher's Weekly Review
This jocular, episodic graphic novel space adventure, based on the video game Astroneer, endeavors to answer a central question: How many Astroneers does it take to save the world? While researching a desert-like planet in opening tale "Countdown," space explorer Astroneer Seven stumbles upon a sentient crystal that transports him to a strange, psychedelically colorful dimension called the Oatmeal. Upon returning home, he learns that he's been gone for two weeks and that a different Astroneer has taken up residence at his camp. Unexplainable and seemingly inconsequential events repeatedly send the protagonist back into the Oatmeal; a new explorer appears after each recurrence, and what was once a solitary research mission becomes a group operation. The Astroneers struggle to get along, but as the planet becomes increasingly unstable, each individual's skills prove essential in halting the world's imminent meltdown. Cartoonish characters and innovative technologies rendered in eye-catching hues deftly balance the planetary destruction premise. Interstellar action and a hearty dose of humor combine to deliver a madcap adventure fit for source material fans and newcomers alike. Three brief bonus stories with vastly differing tones--"Decaf Noir" has distinctly Ed Brubaker vibes--conclude. Ages 10--17. (Mar.)
