Review Detail

Hello Sunshine is one of those stories that feels confusing at first on purpose, and that actually ends up being one of its strengths.

The story follows a group of people trying to understand what happened to Alex after he suddenly disappears, and you see everything through different perspectives like Noah, Sky, Izzy, and Jamie. At the beginning, it honestly feels a little messy because no one really knows the truth, and everyone is dealing with guilt in their own way. But that confusion works, because it puts you in the same position as the characters, trying to piece everything together.

As the story goes on, things start to get heavier, especially when you begin to understand Alex’s experience. The shift into his perspective is probably the most powerful part of the book. The artwork becomes darker and more chaotic, and the text itself reflects what’s going on in his mind, which makes it feel intense and sometimes uncomfortable to read. I think that was done really well, because it doesn’t just tell you what he’s going through, it makes you feel it in a visual way. It also adds a layer of uncertainty where you’re not always sure what’s real and what isn’t.

Another part that stood out to me is how much the story focuses on the people around Alex, not just Alex himself. Everyone feels like they could have done something differently, and that guilt shows up in different ways like anger, denial, or regret. Jamie’s storyline especially adds depth because of his connection to their mother and the mystery around her. It slowly reveals that what’s happening might not just be random, and that there’s something deeper tied to their family.

Personally, I think this book does a really good job balancing horror with real emotional topics. It’s not just scary because of ghosts or paranormal elements, it’s unsettling because of how real the characters feel and how serious the situation is. The story also shows how important it is to have people who care about you, especially when things get overwhelming. It doesn’t make things seem easy or magically fixed, which made it feel more honest.

Overall, it’s a unique and emotional graphic novel that takes some patience at the start but becomes very meaningful by the end. It mixes mystery, horror, and real life struggles in a way that sticks with you, especially because of how it handles mental health and relationships.