The Deep & Dark Blue - Graphic Novel
The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith (Graphic Novel) Published 2020 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published in 2020, Niki Smith has crafted a middle grade graphic novel that excellently blends a fantasy adventure with queer character development with great balance. Our trans character isn’t just trans for the sake of it and neither is it their entire being. Nor does the fantasy and magic of it all kick it to the side. Smith makes the two intertwined and emotionally portrays to the reader the struggles on all sides of these two journeys.
The Deep & Dark Blue follows twin princes after a political coup usurps their noble home and they are forced to flee to the Communion of Blue to hide and plan their return and retaking of their home. While one of our protagonists, Hawke, strives to return to his old life and save his kingdom, his sister Grayce finally is able to lean into her true self as a girl and while she wants her home and country free, she wishes to remain in a place and space that lets her exist as the girl she is. Readers watch as Grayce slowly but surely comes into her identity and loves the version of herself she is becoming and presenting. Her and her brother’s emotions through this transition as well as that of fighting for their home is expertly portrayed with fantastic use of hues and characters’ facial expressions and actions. Character is everywhere in this world we are discovering and exploring with Hawke and Grayce.
Gracye’s transness in this story is handled beautifully, especially for young readers and trans individuals alike who are looking for warm and positive representation. Characters around her are quick to change their habits to fit her identity by using her correct name and pronouns as well as hold others accountable for messing it up. The tone in which her character and the characters around her react to this transformation is heartwarming and excellent to have in representation of something individuals can be fearful of sharing. Even if someone reading it is still hesitant or not able/ willing to share their change like Grayce, that can at least find some comfort in a world and characters that do- and to those readers, I hope you are safe and well loved by the people around you who matter the most to you.
A graphic novel like this can hold great space and significance in a library collection regardless of the place this library exists. I like the idea of maybe encouraging people to experiment with their own graphic novels or comics to express themselves in any way they feel true and comfortable. I also like the idea of maybe posing this to those who are further in their trans awareness in identity and maybe it could be an exercise in representing one’s self as they truly want to be. Not sure who that could be approached but little comic zines would be a stellar creative project to explore the world of creating comics/ the like.
-Ray 02/04/2024 Smith, N. (2020). The Deep & Dark Blue. Little, Brown and Company.
