Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion! Full disclosure: I wanted to cry several times during the reading of this graphic novel, and I did end up crying at the ending. The "found family" troupe absolutely destroys me every single time, and "Cyn" was no exception. All the characters were so thoughtfully written, I wanted nothing more than a happy ending for all of them. I had no idea that Cyn had a backstory in another novel by this author, I will definitely be checking and out and would love, love, LOVE to see a continuation of her story in the future. I feel like she is a character that went through so much redemption in the course of this story, and it was just so moving that I want MORE!!

3.0⭐

Good art and a decent story, but I felt like I had read the same story many times.

Meris has been turned into a cybernetic enforcer known as Cyn and forced to kill. Now she is finally free and is trying to forge a new, peaceful future for herself. On the run and damaged, she is saved by a mechanic that already found that future for himself.

First, some praise for the art. It was very expressive, and I also enjoyed the color palette. During the fights, there were action panels that only showed part of the action to help showcase the speed of it. The character design was good, especially that of Meris.

As for the story, while I enjoyed reading it, I also couldn't help but think that it was kind of basic. Everything pretty much went as I expected and I couldn't help but feel I read this story many times already. Maybe if it had been longer, it could have added some elements to distinguish itself. I especially missed more of Meris's past. There was also very little information on the lore or setting. There seems to be a kind of prequel to this story, but from a different POV, so I don't know if reading that one first would have changed my experience.

As it stands, it was too short and predictable to really get my attention, but I still enjoyed reading it.

I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Even if a fantastical world, the Black man dies to serve as a plot device to further the white womans story. The artwork is beautiful though.

This is an epic fast paced tale. Despite the short nature of the book you quickly learn the characters, their stories, and their goals.

You'll love the characters, you'll love the story, and you'll want to read more.

The story combination of the western / sci fi is a story style that I really enjoy when it is done well. If it leans to heavily into the familiar tropes and patterns, you start to wonder if this is a story that you have already head before.
I appreciated the way the story was told in this case. There was a combination of a Found Family/ Chosen Family, and Redemption. I did enjoy that the main focus of the action or motivation was not romantic. It was nice to see platonic and chosen family given the same respect level as connection as romantic love usually receives.

The art fit the style really well, it felt gritty and visceral enough to give me a vibe that matched the genre. One thing that I really loved, and don’t exactly know how to explain is how well this graphic novel demonstrated movement.
The action sequences just flow in a way that was beautiful to follow.

All in all, the action, story beats of the western / sci fi, and the stand alone complete story line all really worked for me.

I love graphic novels like this one. ReLly great heartfelt cyberpunk story that made me tear up a little because the message was really emotional. Lots of blood and action also. Really short and easy to read and comprehend. The ending made me cry a little. Also if you like dogs you will like this one.

Loved the art and the two main characters. Would’ve liked to know more about Ness but it’s a short graphic novel. It still managed to have a good storyline in a slim volume. Bonus dog rescue content.

I’d love to read more about Cyn and will have to check out the author’s other works.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

This was a pretty tightly woven story! The world-building is woven into the plot so you learn more about it naturally, and never feels like you're missing information. The plot pacing was also very well done! It kept an even pace throughout the entire book and never felt like it was dragging by or rushing along. I was surprised that the characters spoke in a fashion similar to an ancient era, I was reminded of other stories that I've read that are set during the Roman era. They have that serious almost Shakespearean manner to their speech. The feeling of Rome really crept in when they started talking about serving the new Protectorate and referring to things like hoverbikes as steeds or hovercars as chariots. It honestly added an interesting flair I don't think I've ever read in a sci-fi graphic novel before! I honestly enjoyed it and it was solid from start to finish. The art was excellent as well, I really enjoyed it.

4.5 stars rounded up.

Consider me a new fan!

This is a simple tale about second chances, finding the goodness in others, and leaving the past behind. There's found family and a badass cyborg FMC who's soft for her new family, yet ruthless when it comes to anyone who threatens them.

The action and fight sequences are great. There was enough blood and violence without being gratuitous.

I love how this is a BIPOC sci-fi written and illustrated by a BIPOC creator. Usually these types of redemption/revenge stories are written by white dudes and geared towards white folks. It's nice to see something different for a change and I welcome this era of inclusivity.

Another thing I loved about this is that the FMC, Meris, isn't sexualized. It's such a breath of fresh air. As a huge Marvel fan who has read a lot of Black Widow comic books, seeing a badass female character sexualized in ridiculously tight clothing while wearing heels to a fight gets exhausting.

Anyway, I'm very excited to read the first part of this story! I'm actually glad this volume is more of a spiritual successor/sequel to Count. You don't need to know anything about that one to read Cyn.

Thank you to Humanoids, Inc. and NetGalley for this arc.