Review by Ian Keogh

The short review would be that Space Boy 19 is another melancholic treat. For much of the time, unlike Space Boy 18, it’s not a volume that fundamentally moves the plot forward, but the character moments are so engrossing that it’s compelling anyway.

Bit by bit Stephen McCranie has moved Space Boy from a series strongly focussing on two people to one featuring an engaging ensemble cast. Nineteen different people have so far appeared on the covers, and the bigger percentage of them still play a part, while several other regulars have yet to feature on a cover. It gives an indication as to how many cast members McCranie is juggling, yet Space Boy never seems too crowded, nor does it ever seem someone’s lacking, even when it’s Oliver himself, not seen for very long at all this time. He’s finally completed his painting, though, and it’s really sweet.

Space Boy takes place in three primary locations, and as we all know, someone can’t be in two places at one time. Or can they? No, actually, but that seems to be the case as Zeph comes up with a smart way to move forward his investigation into Amy’s disappearance. That leads to Cassie pretty well taking the starring role in this volume. She’s involved in almost everything of consequence, and she continues to be softened from the unsympathetic character she was when first seen, although the edges can manifest on occasion. Given what happens, it seems she’ll also be up front and centre in Space Boy 20.

Incisive and downbeat, McCranie’s Space Boy continues to delight.