In Magic From The Margins, Latonya “Penn” Pennington explores sci-fi fantasy webtoons and Tapas comics by marginalized creators. For the fourteenth entry, they’re checking out Novae.
Novae
Creator: KAIJU
Writer: KAiJU
Artist: KAIJU
Genre: Drama, Historical Fiction
Rating: Young Adult
Platform: WEBTOON
Raziol is an astronomer with a romantic heart. Sulvain is a kind-hearted necromancer with a troubled past. A strong connection forms between them as they discover the cosmos together, but trouble lurks in the streets of Paris. When the body of a fellow astronomer is found on the steps of the Academy of Sciences, Raziol and Sulvain’s lives become entangled and complicated.
One of the things that stood out to me about this ongoing webcomic is its male protagonists, who are diverse in different ways. In addition to being each other’s love interests, Raizol is Arab and Hindustani while Sulvain is mute and communicates by writing in his notebook or trace spelling on people’s hands. Sulvain is especially notable because it is rare to see disabled gay characters in comics.
Another notable feature of this comic is its historical setting of the comic: 1672 in France during King Louis‘ reign. This is significant because same-sex relationships were punishable by law, but many occurred behind closed doors. Although Sulvain and Raziol have a slow-burn relationship that initially begins as friendship with romantic and sexual tension, this historical context makes watching their relationship develop precious and emotional.
In addition to the characters and its historical setting, this comic’s artwork is visually striking. It is beautiful, with masterful use of color and shading to enhance backgrounds, lighting and emotional beats between the characters. One example of this is when Raizol and Sulvain are stargazing together and the glow of the stars provide a backdrop for the romantic tension between them, that’s also accented by a light red blush on Raizol’s face as Sulvain holds his hands.
Finally, the mystery and sinisterness that surrounds Sulvain and the unknown circumstances that result in the death of an astronomer are engrossing to watch unfold. As a necromancer, Sulvain himself isn’t a bad person, but his line of work is dark and secretive. This results in a contrast that is fascinating to read about, especially as more of Sulvain’s abilities are revealed and he starts trying to figure out who murdered the astronomer.
All in all, Novae is a gorgeous historical romance that is as intricate as the stars. With diverse gay male protagonists, an interesting historical setting, and gorgeous art, this comic is entertaining, romantic and magical.
Novae is currently available to read on WEBTOON.
Keep up with every entry in K-Comics Beat’s Magic From The Margins column by clicking here.
