A Distant Soil #7
1985
First Published
5.00
Average Rating
300
Number of Pages
Part of Series
A Distant Soil is an epic space opera comic book series, combining science fiction and fantasy with Arthurian themes. Written and illustrated by Colleen Doran, it is one of the works for which she is best known. The story, which Doran created at the age of twelve, centers on a young girl who is born heir to an alien religious dynasty, and explores issues of politics, gender identity, and tolerance. A Distant Soil is among the first US graphic novels created solely by a female writer/artist, appearing in fanzines when the artist was still in high school. It was unique in comics at the time of publication for its New Age themes, crystal technology, and space opera setting. A Distant Soil is also notable for being among the earliest comics to feature openly gay characters, predating Marvel's Northstar, and for featuring a gay couple as romantic leads. The series gained a Gaylactic Spectrum Award nomination for Best Other Work in 2001. It was recommended as a graphic novel of interest to improve reading skills for "reluctant readers" in Library Media Connection . The Voice of Youth Advocates profiled the book in their quarterly journal, stating that one of Doran's influences for A Distant Soil was the 1978 Samuel R. Delany/Howard Chaykin graphic novel Empire. It is one of the earliest American comics to display the influence of manga (Japanese storytelling techniques,)[9] though Doran does not consider A Distant Soil to be OEL (original English language manga). The series was a top ten nominee in the 2004 Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Awards, with Doran nominated as Favorite Penciler, Favorite Inker, Favorite Cover Artist, and A Distant Soil nominated for Favorite Comic Book.
Avg Rating
5.00
Number of Ratings
1
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Author
Colleen Doran
Author · 41 books
Colleen Doran is an American writer-artist and cartoonist. She illustrated hundreds of comics, graphic novels, books and magazines, including the autobiographical graphic novel of Marvel Comics editor and writer Stan Lee entitled Amazing Fantastic Incredible Stan Lee, which became a New York Times bestseller. She adapted and did the art for the short story "Troll Bridge" by Neil Gaiman, which also became a New York Times bestseller. Her books have received Eisner, Harvey, Bram Stoker, and International Horror Guild Awards.
