Review by Ian Keogh

The events of Space Boy 7 didn’t so much offer a peek through the door at Oliver’s problems, but rather applied a battering ram to that door. Readers already knew there was something sinister going on, but not anywhere near the extent of what was revealed. Now people are concerned about cover star Tammie being missing, but Amy has no idea that’s down to her. It hangs a tension over much of the opening scenes as she joyfully prepares for the Homecoming dance while unaware she’s become a target.

If readers were disappointed at the previous volume withholding some information, they’ll be pleased with this providing almost all the answers. Once explained, the clues Stephen McCranie has dropped in previous volumes have the curtain pulled back, revealing some very smart foreshadowing. He’s done it on the sly, but McCranie has completely changed the tone of Space Boy from the largely cheery high school drama to something scary. The new darker tone is indicated by the panels being laid onto black pages rather than the usual white, a method only once previously used during the series, also on a threatening sequence.

There’s more action in Space Boy 8 than all the previous volumes combined, yet the human heart is still very much present. Counterpointing what Amy goes through is Cassie learning that sometimes there aren’t happy endings after all, and the ruthlessness of Commander Saito, seemingly unconcerned about who might be hurt or even killed to protect her secrets.

It’s been a really slow burn, but everything is now out in the open, and Space Boy 9 will present the fallout. Alternatively, Space Boy 7-9 are combined as the third Space Boy Omnibus.