Set in a richly imagined sci-fi universe, On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden is a graphic novel that blends emotional depth, LGBTQ+ representation, and interstellar adventure. It unfolds across two interconnected timelines, following the life of Mia, a young woman who joins a spaceship crew that restores historic structures scattered across space. As the narrative weaves through her past and present, the story explores themes of love, identity, loss, and redemption. Told with lyrical visuals and thoughtful dialogue, On a Sunbeam is a quiet yet powerful journey through space and emotion, capturing readers with its warmth and wonder.
Setting and World-Building
A Universe of Floating Architecture
The world of On a Sunbeam is entirely unique, where fish-shaped spacecraft glide through the stars, and distant planets host abandoned schools, shattered homes, and ancient ruins. The characters live and work aboard these crafts, navigating both outer space and their own internal conflicts. The setting is beautifully surreal, with entire civilizations scattered across the cosmos, yet grounded by the very human experiences of its characters.
Space Without War
One notable aspect of the world-building is its lack of violent conflict. There are no space battles or galactic empires. Instead, the drama is character-driven, focusing on personal growth, forgiveness, and love. The story emphasizes emotional intensity over spectacle, drawing the reader into a space where relationships matter more than war.
Main Plot Overview
Two Interwoven Timelines
The narrative in On a Sunbeam is divided between Mia’s present journey with the crew of the Aktis and flashbacks to her time at an all-girls boarding school, where she first fell in love with a mysterious girl named Grace. These alternating storylines slowly reveal Mia’s motivations and the emotional pain she carries from the past.
The Present: Life Aboard the Aktis
In the present-day timeline, Mia is the newest member of the restoration crew aboard the Aktis, a ship run by a tight-knit group of women and nonbinary individuals. Each of the crewmates has their own history and dynamic, and Mia must learn to fit in, trust them, and open up about her past. The restoration missions they embark on provide not just income, but a sense of purpose and exploration.
The Past: Love and Loss at School
Years earlier, Mia attended Cleary School for Girls, a distant boarding school in space. There, she met Grace, a quiet and enigmatic student who was unlike anyone else. Their friendship blossomed into a deep romance, but their relationship was cut short when Grace was abruptly taken away. The heartbreak of losing Grace left a lasting scar on Mia, shaping her emotional journey throughout the novel.
Characters and Relationships
Mia: The Protagonist
Mia is headstrong, impulsive, and emotional, but also brave and loyal. Her journey is both literal and symbolic, as she attempts to reunite with Grace and come to terms with her own mistakes and grief. Through her relationships with the crew, Mia begins to rediscover connection and healing.
The Crew of the Aktis
- Jules– The captain and a maternal figure, calm and strategic.
- Alma– A former historian and Jules’ partner, wise and empathetic.
- Char– Quiet, fierce, and mysterious, with a troubled past.
- Elli– A nonbinary crew member who communicates nonverbally, brilliant with machinery.
Each character brings emotional texture to the story, making the Aktis feel like a real and caring community. Their loyalty to one another becomes the foundation that supports Mia’s personal quest.
Grace: The Silent Thread
Grace is an elusive presence in both the past and future. Her sudden disappearance from the school, and Mia’s obsession with finding her again, drives much of the plot. Grace represents both a lost love and a mystery Mia is desperate to solve.
Themes and Symbolism
Love and Identity
At its heart, On a Sunbeam is a love story one that speaks deeply to queer readers but resonates with anyone who has ever longed for connection. The relationships are central and treated with care and realism. Mia’s love for Grace is never questioned by those around her, making the story a rare example of a universe where LGBTQ+ identity is normalized and accepted.
Restoration as Healing
The crew’s work restoring ruins in space mirrors the characters’ emotional restoration. As they mend broken structures, they also confront their own pain, guilt, and longing. The physical act of rebuilding becomes a metaphor for healing and self-discovery.
Isolation and Belonging
Several characters in the novel deal with feelings of isolation either due to their pasts, their identities, or the literal distances of space. But through community, found family, and mutual support, they find belonging and purpose. The Aktis becomes more than a ship; it becomes a home.
Visual Storytelling and Art Style
Atmospheric and Emotional
Tillie Walden’s art style is soft, expressive, and immersive. The use of color palettes shifts with the mood, guiding readers emotionally through the narrative. Scenes of cosmic vastness contrast with intimate moments of connection, highlighting the scale and depth of the story.
Silent Panels and Symbolic Imagery
Walden often uses silent panels to convey emotion and thought, allowing readers to linger in a moment. Symbolism is prevalent throughout, such as the fish-shaped ships that seem to swim through space like living beings, evoking a sense of grace and fluidity.
Climactic Journey and Resolution
The Forbidden Territory
Eventually, Mia and the crew set out on a dangerous mission to locate Grace, who has been taken to a region of space known as The Staircase an area closed off and forbidden. This journey tests the team’s loyalty, courage, and resourcefulness. It is both a rescue mission and a spiritual pilgrimage.
Resolution and New Beginnings
Without revealing every detail, the story concludes with emotional resolution and a sense of renewal. Characters who were broken find strength in one another. Love that seemed lost is rediscovered. While the ending remains open in some ways, it offers closure and hope, reinforcing the theme of healing through connection.
Impact and Reception
Critical Acclaim
On a Sunbeam has received widespread acclaim for its storytelling, representation, and art. Critics have praised its ability to tell a compelling science fiction narrative while keeping the focus on personal, emotional journeys. It has been celebrated as a landmark work in queer literature and graphic novels.
A Graphic Novel Like No Other
What sets On a Sunbeam apart is its quiet, contemplative nature. It doesn’t rely on violence or action to keep readers engaged. Instead, it trusts in the strength of its characters and the emotional truth of their experiences. For readers looking for a story about love, healing, and the beauty of connection even in the most distant corners of space On a Sunbeam delivers a rich, unforgettable journey.