The Family Trade Volume 1

by Justin Jordan, Nikki Ryan, Morgan Beem (Artist)

Overview

In a world where alchemy exists and history didn't quite go the way that it did here there is the Float, formally the Free Republic of Thessalia, is an ocean-borne city that's at the center of business and commerce. And on the Float is the Family, a sprawling network of thieves, con men, and assassins with one goal: make sure the Float keeps floating.
Jessa Wynn, their youngest member, is about to learn just how dirty a job it is when she finds herself in the middle of a plot which threatens the stability of the float. And to make matters worse, she finds she cannot do the one job required of her: killing
The beginning of the hit new series by JUSTIN JORDAN, NIKKI RYAN and MORGAN BEEM.


Collects issues 1 through 5

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781534305113
Publisher:	Image Comics
Publication date:	04/17/2018
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.00(d)
Age Range:	13 - 16 Years

Editorial Reviews

05/14/2018
This fantastical espionage comic follows Jessa Wynn, a member of “the Family,” a secret spy ring monitoring the clans who run their constructed island, the Float. Jessa is convinced that Berghardt, currently campaigning to run the island, is corrupt. He is an apparent stand-in for President Trump—even in whimsical watercolors, the hair style and vocabulary are distinct. As Jessa gathers intel at a rally, things go awry. During her escape, she discovers Berghardt knows about the Family, and uncovers a document proving one of the group is colluding with him. As she chases the truth, her life will change forever. Jessa is instantly likable as a character, a woman of color (the artwork suggests she is black or Latina) who fiercely holds her own against the white men who surround her. The romantic, painterly art style is unusual for the genre; colors that don’t typically mesh are splashed across the pages, creating an avant-garde delight. Plot twists abound that will surprise the most adept espionage readers, catching them off guard as soon as they think they’ve figured it out. This first volume in an ongoing series will feel accessible to readers who are new to the form or not typically genre readers, and boasts a satisfying mix of political satire and action (along with a band of spy cats). (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

An interesting setting and a witty, self-aware, badass female lead character is going to reel me in. The Trumpian main character will justifiably push some away, but Jordan and Ryan have built the foundation for a solid, solid series in The Family Trade.” —Court of Nerds



“Vivid and beautifully colored, cartoony in a classical sense, and it adds up to being one of the most visually arresting comics of the year.” —Comic Book Resources



“The Family Trade is a solid start with a foundation to build on: a likable protagonist, an interesting world, and an inner conflict to grow.” —Black Nerd Problems



“High praise is due to this team for writing a heroine worthy of admiration by all ages, and giving her glorious art to match.” —Multiversity Comics



"The Family Trade looks like little on the comics landscape, it's vivid and beautifully colored, cartoony in a classical sense, and it adds up to being on the most visually arresting comics of the year... the world of The Family Trade is worth diving into." -Comic Book Resources



"A strong debut...with stunning art to make every page its own Impressionist work of splendor." -Multiversity Comics

From the Publisher

07/01/2018
Gr 7 Up—This alternate history centers on a floating city in the middle of the Atlantic. Hiding among the average people of the Float is the Family, a secret society armed with cats and the self-appointed mission to manage the ruling elite (the Clans) and to protect the Float by any means necessary. Jessa, a French teacher by day and an aspiring Family assassin/spy by night, is suspicious of a popular new leader. Readers will admire plucky Jessa and her androgynous, clever friend Orianna. These engaging characters somewhat make up for a thinly described world and underdeveloped supporting cast. Adult themes such as murder, sexual harassment, and the torture of prisoners are introduced in passing but are not addressed in depth. The ink and watercolor artwork is lush and evocative, with stylistic choices such as florid red cheeks on every character. Some readers may struggle to follow the action and identify characters from scene to scene. VERDICT Despite some flaws, this is a beautiful and distinct selection. Not a required purchase, but certainly a creative addition to teen graphic novel collections.—Tammy Ivins, Univ. of North Carolina at Wilmington

School Library Journal