EIGHT LIMBS
I recently had the opportunity to read the graphic novel Eight Limbs on Humanoids Publishing, and I must say, it was a captivating read. Retired Muay Thai champion Joanna Carr has her quiet life disrupted when an old friend asks her to temporarily foster a troubled teen. Joanna quickly realizes that the fight to keep their new family intact becomes her greatest challenge yet. Just as Joanna believes she is starting to break through Mari's walls, a misunderstanding drives Mari to run away. Joanna vows to do anything to get Mari back, even if it means returning to the ring. What I appreciated most about this graphic novel was its honest portrayal of Muay Thai. Muay Thai is also known as 'the art of eight limbs', it's a discipline that uses knees, elbows, fists, and shins, alongside clinching and sweeping techniques.
I’ll be the first to admit that I am not typically a fan of MMA or other combat sports, however after reading this book I realized that it was due to my own ignorance of the sport that led me to harshly judge its importance. It didn't shy away from showing the physical and emotional toll that training and competing can have on a person. In a very poignant moment between Joanna and Mari she explains the sparring between two opponents is a display of years of discipline and hard-work and when you misuse those skills outside the ring it is simply violence. That explanation stuck with me as I read the book and still sits with me as I write this. I, foolishly, mistook the raw and visceral display of human impact as nothing more than chaotic and unrestrained rage. Having more context given to me through this book I see now that it is about much more than exchanging blows wildly between two people and more about a respected and honorable battle between professional fighters. This is why the art style perfectly captures the intensity and brutality of the sport, while also highlighting the beauty and grace of the fighters' movements.
But beyond the action and drama of the fighting scenes, Eight Limbs also explored deeper themes of family, identity, and perseverance. Jonna’s relationship with Mari was particularly moving and added an extra layer of complexity to her story. Mari’s tough exterior and rough childhood reminds Joanna of her past and she begins to realize that she can be a positive force in this teens life. What Mari doesn’t realize is that Joanna is battling with problem’s of her own. Joanna is coming to terms with her aging and bruised body in a sport that favors the young. She is also having issues connecting and caring for her newborn daughter, and as a new dad myself, the fear and desperation of forming an attachment with your child really struck a chord with me and I could immediately relate to Joanna.
Overall, I highly recommend Eight Limbs to anyone looking for a gripping and thought-provoking graphic novel. The book is thoughtfully written by Stephanie Phillips (Grim, Harley Quinn) vividly illustrated by Giulia Lalli, and life-giving colors provided by Lee Loughridge. Humanoid Publishing has truly outdone themselves with this one, and I can't wait to see what they come up with next.
By: Greg Lickteig
Rating: 9/10 - “This book is brimming with raw action and emotion. It will deliver a 1-2 punch to your soul and have you crying out for more. A textbook TKO of comic book greatness. I’m all out of fighting terminology…it was a great story.“
Eight Limbs
Publisher: Humanoids
Writer: Stephanie Phillips
Illustrator: Giulia Lalli
Colorist: Lee Loughridge