“When the mirror reflects the void, what are we left with?”
Hesther, a brilliant engineer, single mother, and survivor of a terminal diagnosis, embraces eternity as part of a daring mission. Now, in the boundless cosmos, she encounters an enigmatic mirror showing Earth ravaged by an alien invasion. But is this vision a reflection of the past or a glimpse into the future? Consumed by regret and the hope for redemption, Hesther risks everything to right her wrongs and confront the secrets of the void.
In this third collaboration between Miguel Peres and Majory Yokomizo, the first published by Gorila Sentado, The Reflecting Void is a gripping journey through guilt, sacrifice, and the mysteries of the universe of the Solar Sailors.
As a Portuguese chunky kid born in the late 80's, I used to read a lot of comic books, fantasying with the day I could write them. 2011 was the year when the dream came true, starting out in the world of comics as writer and co-editor of the Portuguese anthology Zone BD, focuses on discovering young Portuguese and Brazilian artists. Since then, I wrote a dozen short stories in national and international comics anthologies, as well as 4 graphic novels published in Portugal, the UK and Brazil. In the worst year of our recent lives, I wrote my first literary short novel, realizing that not every story is suited for this medium.
I live happily in a semi-isolation state with my wife and newly born daughter in a small village by the sea.
Awards:
Nominee for "Best Comic Book Writer" in Portuguese Professional Comics Awards (2013) Nominee for "Best Portuguese Graphic Novel" with "Graveyard of Dreams" in Amadora BD Awards (2017) Nominee for "Best Nacional Publication" with "Graveyard of Dreams" in XV Central Comics Trophies (2017) Nominee for "Adamastor award for Fantastic Fiction in Comics" with "Graveyard of Dreams" in Fórum Fantástico (2018) Nominee for "Best Independent Publication" with "RANDOM" in XVIII Central Comics Trophies (2021) Nominee for "Best Independent Publication" with "RANDOM" in Amadora BD Awards (2021) Winner for "Best Script by a Portuguese author" with "Fishing Memories" in Vinhetas D'Ouro (2022) Nominee for "Best Script" and "Best National Publication" with "Fishing Memories" in XIX Central Comics Trophies (2022)
PT É sempre entusiasmante descobrir algo novo da Gorila Sentado, especialmente quando é criado pela mesma dupla responsável por "O Pescador de Memórias" — uma história que adoro profundamente.
Esta nova obra parece mergulhar em temas densos: a natureza da existência, o vazio inevitável que nos espera no fim da jornada e o fascínio da imortalidade. São questões que poderia passar horas — até dias — a contemplar, por isso a premissa tinha, para mim, um forte apelo.
Dito isto, não esperes uma exploração filosófica profunda destes conceitos — afinal, isso não seria viável numa banda desenhada de 28 páginas. Em vez disso, temos uma viagem ao passado que acrescenta mais uma peça ao puzzle que nos ajuda a compreender melhor o universo de Solar Sailors.
Aborda a leitura com a mente aberta, preparado para interpretar a narrativa à tua maneira. Talvez até sintas vontade de a reler, como eu fiz.
Quanto à arte, gosto genuinamente do estilo da Majory Yokomizo — embora não esteja totalmente convencido de que combine com o tom de ficção científica da história. Ainda assim, é apenas um detalhe menor numa leitura, no geral, envolvente.
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EN It's always exciting to discover something new from Gorila Sentado, especially when it's created by the same duo behind "O Pescador de Memórias"—a story I absolutely adore.
This latest work appears to delve into weighty themes: the nature of existence, the inevitable void that awaits us at the end of our journey, and the allure of immortality. These are the kinds of questions I could spend hours—days, even—pondering, so the premise held strong appeal for me.
That said, don’t expect a deep philosophical dive into these concepts—after all, that wouldn’t be feasible in a 28-page comic. What we get instead is a journey into the past, adding another piece to the puzzle that helps us better understand the Solar Sailors universe.
Approach it with an open mind, ready to interpret the narrative in your own way. You might even find it worth reading more than once, as I did.
As for the artwork, I genuinely like Majory Yokomizo’s style—though I’m not entirely convinced it fits the sci-fi tone of the story. Still, that's a minor quibble in an otherwise engaging read.