Sample Solution

On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden is an episodic story that follows the journey of a young woman named Mia as she travels through space in search of her lost love, Grace. Throughout her travels, Mia meets and befriends an eclectic mix of characters who help to shape and define her experience on board the ship. The comic’s themes include family, friendship, loss and love that are explored through its narrative structure which relies heavily upon visual metaphors to express its ideas.

One prominent theme in On a Sunbeam is friendship. Through her interactions with her new friends aboard the ship, Mia gradually begins to open up about her feelings towards Grace and eventually learns to accept their relationship for what it was: something beautiful but fleeting. This notion of using friendships as a source of comfort during times of sorrow or difficulty can also be seen in another work by Walden – Spinning (2018). In this graphic novel, protagonist Trevor is dealing with his own struggles when he finds solace amongst his friends at roller skating rink who ultimately provide him with emotional support during difficult times.

Another important theme in On a Sunbeam is loss; specifically how one deals with it in light of finding closure or acceptance. Throughout the story we see Mia grapple with coming to terms with not only the life-altering decisions she has made on board the ship but also accepting that there will never be any resolution between herself and Grace. This idea is echoed throughout literature across different cultures such as Japanese author Haruki Murakami’s short story “Kafka on the Shore” (2002), wherein protagonist Kafka Tamura must confront his mother’s death while learning how to come to terms with it and move forward into adulthood.

In conclusion, On a Sunbeam explores themes such as friendship, loss and love by relying heavily upon visual metaphors within its narrative structure to convey these ideas. By weaving together both mundane conversations as well as larger philosophical questions about our place among others within society & beyond, Walden creates an intricate story full of depth & emotion.