Graphic Novel Review: The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne

Thanks to the generous folks at Serif, I have the opportunity to talk about the autobiographical young adult graphic novel The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne by Sonya Ballantyne with art by Rhael McGregor. Enjoy!

The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne is a young adult autobiographical graphic novel, written by Sonya Ballantyne, illustrated by Rhael McGregor, with colouring by Azby Whitecalf and lettering by Kielamel Sibal. Ballantyne, a Swampy Cree filmmaker and writer based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, brings readers into memories of their life growing up. The graphic novel is presented in what I would describe as a snapshot format, and, as Ballantyne describes, a ‘superhero story’: the Superman version of their life in which the unfair, the discriminatory, the unjustifiable can the can be dealt with when Ballantyne sees of themselves as an alien with a mission to save the world.

The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne reads like a look inside of the key formative moments and the larger feelings of a younger Sonya: discoveries regarding the dire lack of Indigenous representation in films, comics, and authors; moments of racism committed by adults and children around Sonya and her family; formative early crushes and relationship experiences; and connections with Indigenous creatives such actor Michelle Thrush, and non-Indigenous artists such as U2. Artist Rhael McGregor, who you might be familiar with from their illustrations for Kristy Jackson’s Mortified and Touching Grass, does splendid work here: the illustrations are potent- emotive, fluid, and memorable (with excellent colouring and lettering from Whitecalf and Sibal, respectively, making a terrific impact as well).

The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne runs at under 70 pages- unexpectedly short for a teen memoir, let alone a graphic novel- and I will say that its length works to both its strength and to its one disadvantage. Strength in it being immediately appealing, lightning quick to capture attention, and terrific for readers who may be intimidated by longer format graphic novels or memoirs. Disadvantage in the sense that readers (myself included in that), may find themselves wanting even more depth of story to read, to uncover, and to explore. Sincerely heartfelt, balanced with moments of levity and discovery, agony and trauma, The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne is a solid graphic novel read. For readers who are interested in autobiographical graphic novels with layers of complexity, or for those readers looking to explore and discover more Indigenous creative voices, The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne is a terrific pick.

I received a copy of these book courtesy Serif and Portage & Main Press of in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.