Strange bed
cartoonist: Ariel Slamet Ries
Publisher: Harper Alley
Publication date: March 2025
On the distant planet on the meridian, mankind has established a fair and kind society. All have the freedom to use advanced technology, as are education and health care. There are no barriers to establishing differences in race, gender, sexual behavior or family structure. Humanity celebrates the cultural diversity brought by the older generation from the earth, maintaining its linguistic and religious heritage with joy and pride. Soaring buildings and refreshing green spaces fill the city, and everyone has a place to live. Nevertheless, human nature is still complex even in a world without external conflict.
Strange dreamthe latest graphic novel Ariel Slamet Riesis a sweet and tender love story that is published against the soft background of the Solarpunk world. The meridian settled just a few decades ago, and the third generation of children born on Earth is already adult. Many of these children are “ghosts” that show small-scale psychological power. In keeping with the optimistic tone of the story, the government is not humiliated or monitored by the government, but is fully accepted and integrated into society.
Oberon never showed ghost power, so he was always the “smart man” in his family. When he was in college, a series of dazzling choices overwhelmed him, and he decided to take a leave and go back with his family. This was a huge blow to Oberon’s self-esteem, and he began to suffer from severe headaches. He also has unusually realistic dreams for Kon, the boy he had a brief date in high school.
One morning, when Oberron woke up, Kang did not disappear. To his frustration, other elements of his dreams began to manifest themselves in the real world, from mermaid scales to huge floating tardigrades. After all, Oberon seems to be a ghost who must learn to control his power while bothering by the psychological manifestations of his high school fans.
Kon is obviously more than just a manifestation of dreams, and Oberon can be forgiven and make suspicious decisions. Thankfully, he is surrounded by a large number of supporting characters that can help him understand that it is OK to make mistakes and ask questions. All the secondary characters are organically integrated into the weaving of the story, coming and going when dealing with the problem of tangents and Oberon’s adventures.
I was particularly attracted by Oberon’s boss Fior, who arrived at the meridian with his first spacecraft and now manages small garden maintenance services. At first, Fior seemed to care about social etiquette and just tolerated Oberon. As their relationship deepens, Fior opens up and begins to share the wisdom they gained in their meridian life. In their more influential conversation, Fio speculates why Oberon’s second-generation immigrant parents want him to be happy and still push him to “success.” Even if everyone can reach a consensus on basic ideological principles, life experience will still differ significantly, Fior explained.
Despite the roles from college, Strange bed Suitable for young readers, the common psychological forces on the meridian never face any physical harm. Even if the romance between Kon and Oberon deepens, the characters are completely chaste, even in their dreams.
Also, like the Shojo comics that inspired its magic boy Strange bed Pay special attention to modeling realistic behaviors in social situations. What does a panic attack look like? How do you take a breath from an overwhelming group of friends? How did you ask about his mastectomy scar during a day out on the beach?
Strange bed Also drawn from Solarpunk, an underground art movement that seeks to envision a green and hopeful future, freeing from the constraints of constant pressures that constitute productivity. However, the meridian is far from a utopia because it is necessary to maintain environmental stability while also meeting the needs of the population. As several characters close to Oberon and Kon know from first-hand experience, even the best intentions cannot guarantee success.
Nevertheless, even if everyone works hard to make a living for society, the meridian is a place that brings enough space for joy and dreams. first, Strange bed It is a character drama that looks at Oberon’s slow and steady emotional development, but in the dynamic action scenes, Ries’ art shines, in which Oberon learns to use his newfound psychological power. The dream scene is also a treat, and it’s interesting to see when the Dreamscapes of Oberon and Kon Traverse Vivid are decorated with talking animals, underwater trains and wizard towers. Ries’ ever-evolving bright pastel palette is fantastic.
Everyone has difficulties, and romance is not always easy. The soft and hopeful message of Oberon’s story is that the flaws and complications of human ambitions are what makes our lives interesting and beautiful. Strange bed Assure readers that while we may never live in a perfect utopia, we do not have to give up our dreams of a friendly and green future.
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