The somewhat bleak world in which The Canary That Named The Stars is set has no art or stories. A woman named Chel suffers a painful loss, and even worse, is blamed for the tragic incident. Many years later, Chel decides to tell her side of the story, and her past comes back to haunt her.

This is a remarkably affecting and emotionally charged tale, with beautifully told and vibrantly coloured myths woven into the more muted style of Chel’s overall story. RH Stewart provides some genuinely stunning artwork, both in the more colourful fantasy sequences and the darker scenes within the ‘real world’.

It’s beautifully written by creator Travis Corwin, and touches on so many evocative themes; the healing and transformative nature of stories, including the ability of fantasy to help survive even the bleakest of situations, are at the forefront of the overall narrative.

Though it does have its fair share of seemingly hopeless situations for Chel, it’s an ultimately optimistic and hopeful story, with a firm belief in not just the healing and coping mechanisms that the imagination can provide, but also the redemptive nature of stories too.

It’s a fantastic read, and a real work of thought-provoking art; despite some sequences being a challenge to get through, simply due to the various tragedies and hardships that Chel endures, readers are rewarded for going on Chel’s difficult journey alongside her.

Remarkably, prog rock band Antinode have recorded a concept album that acts as a companion piece and further exploration of the story’s themes, also named The Canary That Named The Stars.

The Canary That Named The Stars is available to buy now from Neverwas Comics. Many thanks to Travis Corwin for sending me a copy of the graphic novel for review purposes.