Advance Review: Olivia Sullivan’s ‘Oracles’ Pushes Boundaries

Writer and illustrator Olivia Sullivan creates a unique graphic novel with Oracles (2026). This is especially true with how the color palette is similar to a stereotypical two-tone camping guide. The page layouts also often visually look the same as a camping guide might. Arguably, this does suit the narrative since the majority takes place in what seems to be a series of outdoor activities. It is also worth mentioning that visual style stays in the realm of realistic detailing while having relatively simplistic designs. Although the art at times gets a little surreal, it adheres to this kind of realism for the detailing of each design. Not to mention the line work is confident, but comes across as a bit robotic since it is so technical in manner.

Despite the art being competent, it does not have the ability to draw the eye. This is primarily because most of the words are below the art at the bottom of the pages. The positioning of this amount of text is also combining with lighter parts of the page than where the art is. Thus, the resulting visuals are therefore more akin to an instruction manual or guide than what a reader desires with sequential art. Still, it does have a narrative to it that is more than a guide. Case in point, the writing is in the form of slam poetry that is mostly steady in flow, with the exception of one page that switches to the past tense. Unfortunately, the premise does not seem like it will translate easily, or at all for certain kinds of readers, such as the extremely literal.

It is fair to say that this is not for the casual reader of either comics or prose books. Instead, it is for those wanting to experience something that attempts to push the boundaries of both.

Oracles sees release from Avery Hill Publishing on April 16th.