Joy Ravenna is a forensic parapscyhologist who solves cases by making connections between the victims. She engages in the paranormal to do so – setting up equipment on “haunted” locations, waiting for ghosts to appear and provide any information she can use in her investigations. She’s doing fascinating and potentially revolutionary work – but if she doesn’t have any solid results to show for it, her budget is cut and she wont be able to continue. Naturally, she is desperate to find results in her current case – a firearms company heiress who has a paranormal experience in her home. Upon further research, Joy realizes that its connected to a murder in the same family that occurred decades ago. But her most valuable connection to secure resources for her investigations happens to be her ex-wife – who is still feeling betrayed after Joy transitioned while they were still together. Furthermore, her new partner fears for Joy’s wellbeing and wants her to discontinue her work. Despite these obstacles, Joy stops at nothing to connect the murders and convince the industry that parapsychology is a legitimate approach to solving crimes. The Science of Ghosts by Lilah Sturges combines the paranormal with the personal struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, adding a unique spin for the graphic novel genre.
The combined talents of Lilah Sturges, El Garing, and Alitha Martinez result in powerful storytelling and strong illustrations in The Science of Ghosts. The layouts and storyboards flowed seamlessly, allowing me to absorb the emotional and suspenseful narrative while appreciating the artwork. The deeper themes that often challenge the LGBTQ+ community showcased an authentic perspective in how they navigate the world. I will definitely keep my eye on this series to continue the story and see where Joy’s adventures lead her.
Lilah Sturges joins the Cantina Book Club Podcast to talk about how she approaches collaborative projects and the research involved when she wrote this story. Keep an ear out for the interview and pick up a copy of The Science of Ghosts, available now.
