A graphic novel about a mother and child who try to cross the border into the United States in an attempt to have a better, safer life and to escape those after them. However, the mother's child discovers he has superpowers, and he must learn to control them while being hunted down.

The art was great, and I enjoyed the storyline and pacing. Overall a good read.

I love to read graphic novels and how they can lend visuals to human emotions and experience. I think HOME definitely used that to its advantage in this suspenseful, emotional and turbulent comic. I did question whether this was middle grade, but I think that's because of its more comic-like illustrations. I really liked the blend of real issues and super heros and found this to be an informative, emotional and impactful read.

This is the story of a young boy and mother escaping from Guatemala. Immigration changed in the US, but they had no idea of the change. Suddenly everything starts to go wrong at immigration. The boy is taken from his mother and thrown with the other children. The escapes using his super powers and contacts his aunt. She comes to his rescue and his aunt explains his powers (inherited from his father). The Feds try to get the boy, aunt & cousins.

I generally like graphic novels, but this one with the super powers thrown in doesn’t work for me.

First of all I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the possibility of reading this book early.

Rating: 2,5
An immigrants tell.
This story is about a little boy and his mother that run away from Guatemala to find exile in the United States, but when they get there is not like they dreamed at all. I really liked the way it showed their struggles and they way the system failled them and all those people around them but the superpower thing did not work for me. I felt like it didn't fit the story at all and it was just there to make it more than narrative it has.
I think this is a great graphic novel for little kids that are going through this process because it's hard and seeing another child, like them, go through this hard situation.

This graphic novel did not work for me. It is interesting as an origin story in some ways, and I do appreciate how it depicts the struggle of illegal immigrants to the US during the ICE separation period. But I had a few challenges reading this and truly enjoying it.

First, I was not a fan of the artwork at all. The character's faces were just very jarring for me and as a result I had a hard time truly embracing them. The good and the bad all had these very harsh and surreal lines that made me react in a visceral way. Perhaps intentional but not for me.

Second, the vilification of the enemy. Yes, I don't think that ICE handles deportation cases well and there is some truth in the story presented, especially around the inhumane separation of parents from children. But there is also the other side which is that these individuals have left their countries to seek asylum in the US illegally. I understand leaving behind a situation that is more refugee than immigrant, but it is still illegal and the US does have some authority to push back.

Third, the story felt very disjointed. How the supers emerge. How they use their powers. And how the immigrants are depicted by the press (FOX News I guess) which is very one sided despite there being other sides. Also not sure about the ending with the spoiler of who is working for whom.

So, there was a lot of potential and if you want to read about a new superhero storyline, this may work. Just didn't work for me.

I gave it two stars for the effort at putting forward the topic and for building a new super story.

This is a very real and raw view of the world and hardships migrants endure with a hopeful superhero twist that’s the perfect read for the Latine tween.

HOME is a dramatic graphic novel where the illustrator has truly captured vivid expressions on the faces of the characters... Fright, anxiousness, despair, sadness, anger, loneliness…

This is the story a young boy who is inhumanely separated from his mother while seeking asylum at the U.S. border. The father was murdered by violent gangs in Guatemala and then came after his young son. This is why the mother made the to flee their home country. Before embarking on the harsh journey to the American border where she had a relative waiting for her call, had lined up a place to live and a job in a hospital to begin a new life of freedom. Instead she and her son are put in cages then violently separated.
At this point when the boy feels threatened and angered, he makes a discovery about himself. He has superhuman abilities that will change his life forever. Then we discover everyone in the family has some sort of amazing ability.

This book explores the real world implications of migrants seeking a better and safer life in America. Sadly there seems to be no safety in their treatment at the border,

The is installment one in a five issue mini-series. Home ends leaving the reader wanting more.

The authors have included an extensive teaching plan at the end of this first book.

Well written but may be a hard read for some younger readers.

Home Vol. 1 is a graphic novel that follows a mother and a son escaping Guatemala and seeking asylum and help in the U.S. They are separated at the border and following a series of events Juan, the son escapes because of new found super abilities.

This story is an intersection of fantasy and modern politics. Just as many other reviewers have said, it’s comparable to the ideas and themes of X-Men. I think this is a great book for middle grade or as a supplemental text in high school. I think the connection of super powers making you seem as an outsider with a character who is already being treated as an outsider creates relevant and interesting discussions for students.

I think this book is important for students and teachers to read. The storyline allows readers to see the perspective of immigration and the border in the eyes of those experiencing it rather than just what the news and storylines tell the public.

Home was a lovely graphic novel. I wish the font was a little bigger.
Very realistic at how seeking asylum in the US can go. I appreciated seeing the various struggles and racism encountered. a heavy but necessary book.

#NetGalleyARC This was such a great graphic novel. The illustrations were amazing, very realistic, and the writing was great. The story of a mother and child who are trying to escape Guatemala and find asylum but end up being separated and fighting to be reunited. This is a story out of the headlines, we've seen and read about this happening for years and this is a great way to explain these situations to kids. A great read.

I love graphic novels. I love when graphic novels touch on something that I see around me, and that deeply affects my community. "Home" Vol 1, is about a young boy and his mom who leave Guatemala after experiencing gang violence, to seek asylum within the United States. However, this is after Trump's decree that all illegal immigration will be blocked. This book shows the cruelty that occurs to migrants as they try to seek safety within the land of opportunities.

So many details showed how unfair the treatment migrants face when coming from the Southern border into the United States. From the detention centers without proper facilities, splitting of families, deporting mothers and fathers, but maintaining custody of minors (likely to face abuse of racist ICE workers).

Home made me cry, but also made me extremely proud to see the family of the young boy embrace their superpowers to fight for what is right. This graphic novel mixes the harrowing reality of immigration along the Southern border, with elements of magic and superpowers to bring empowerment to the disenfranchised. This was extremely powerful. The art was moving.

I received a free electronic copy of this book to review, all opinions and ratings are my own.

I loved reading this graphic novel! It discusses heavier issues of immigration and the detention of migrants seeking asylum. This graphic novel demonstrates the impact of separating families at the boarder and the was families reacted to it. However, the book also had a cool twist of supernatural powers that made the plot seem more entertaining and less heavy.

This comic is a way to engage children/teenagers in looking at issues of immigration and asylum. There is a fiction fantasy story, but it’s based around actual USA policies: which I personally think are heartbreaking. There is a section at the end of the comic for ‘homeschooling’ on this issue, but this would work equally well for use in a normal school setting. This story is based firmly in an American setting, but is equally relevant to Europe government policies. Thank you to Image Comics and NetGalley for the comic ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

The best way to describe this comic series is revenge fantasy. The story tells of a family trying to get refugee status after having escaped from gangs in Guatemala, only to end up in the US, when Trump was separating children from their parents.

But, this child, and this family have powers, though the boy doesn't know he does, and they are not to be messed with, as the story unfolds , and the boy gains control over his powers.

This is book also has a teaching guide at the end, to help teachers teach this book.

Although it doesn’t say so this appears to be just the first volume.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. THis book was first published in 2021, so is probably readily available.

Home: A Superb Reimagining of the Immigration Story

Rating: 5/5 stars

In "Home," written by Julio Anta and illustrated by Anna Wieszczyk and Lisa Sterle, readers are taken on a poignant journey through the experiences of Juan, a young immigrant forced to cross the border due to the violence and threats he faced in his home country. The gripping illustrations vividly depict the harsh realities of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies, leaving a lasting impact on readers.

While the topic of immigration is not new, the emotional depth with which the characters' stories are portrayed makes the narrative all the more compelling. It is heart-wrenching to witness their struggles, but it is essential to confront these realities, as they reflect the current U.S. environment. Ignoring such issues would be a disservice to those affected and inhibit our progress towards a more compassionate society.

However, the comic takes a fascinating turn when Juan discovers his superpowers, unintentionally escaping a detention center for children. This twist adds an element of entertainment to the story while also offering thought-provoking parallels. The revelation that Juan's powers stem from his family's lineage is reminiscent of the X-Men, showcasing a powerful "X-family" of Latine individuals. This juxtaposition between genuine human struggles and superhuman abilities effectively highlights society's tendency to dehumanize certain groups while simultaneously fearing and targeting them.

As an immigrant myself, I found it fitting that the comic explores the descriptor of "aliens" and how superpowers manifest within this group. It cleverly exposes how a government entity, responsible for the dehumanization of a specific community, discovers extraordinary abilities in the very people it vilifies as dangerous and violent—a concept all too familiar from news headlines.

Moreover, "Home" emphasizes the pervasive fear ingrained in society, resulting in divisions among different races and ethnic groups. It insightfully explores the divisive tactics of those in power, forcing members of marginalized communities to betray their own. This portrayal is a reminder of the destructive impact fear can have on a society when used as a tool for control.

This powerful comic should be considered required reading, especially for students. It goes beyond entertainment and provides a comprehensive set of learning modules in the back, enhancing readers' understanding of the complex issues surrounding immigration. Representative stories like "Home" have the potential to foster empathy and compassion while expanding readers' perspectives. As an immigrant, I wish I had access to such compelling graphic novels during my school years, and I feel fortunate to have experienced this impactful narrative.

In conclusion, "Home" is an exceptional reimagining of immigration in comic form. Its vivid illustrations, relatable characters, and thought-provoking storytelling make it a must-read. It is a testament to the power of representative literature and its ability to foster empathy and understanding among readers of all ages and backgrounds.

few graphic novels tend to move me like a Julio Anta comic. the story has a unique take on a sadly real world issue that happened (and still happens) in our country. people come to America to be free but are subjected to criminal treatment. especially innocent children. I loved how different an issue like this was tackled, as a fan of super hero comics and manga. I definitely ended this book on the edge of my seat. I really want to read the next several issues!

Dealing with the Trump administration's attitude to immigration into the US, this volume also involves a super-powered family from Guatemala, adding a different dimension to this thorny issue.
The story is engaging and interesting while the artwork is clear and reasonably detailed. It's just the beginning as there's more to come but it's well-told and well worth while. Recommended to all l.overs of good stories with a extra moral dimension.