Our Expanding Universe – Comic Book Review
đ Genre
Slice of Life · Drama · Literary Fiction · Indie Graphic Novel
đ„ Main Characters
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Sam – A former indie-rock enthusiast turned devoted new dad struggling with the transition to fatherhood.
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Jeff – A single, emotionally unavailable friend wrestling with relationship patterns and emotional maturity.
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Roger – A loyal friend caught between cynicism and support, offering biting humor and occasional wisdom.
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Violet – Sam’s wife, balancing career ambitions and motherhood with grace and frustration.
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Rosie – Jeff’s on-again-off-again romantic interest, complex and honest about her needs.
✍️ Writer
Alex Robinson, renowned for his Eisner-winning work Box Office Poison, returns with another nuanced, character-driven narrative filled with everyday realism and introspection.
đš Artist
Alex Robinson also serves as the artist, delivering expressive line work and subtle emotional cues that enhance the slice-of-life storytelling.
đ Editor Details
While specific editorial credits are not listed, the polished pacing and mature thematic flow reflect professional oversight, likely under the auspices of Top Shelf's editorial standards.
đą Publisher and Brand
Published by Top Shelf Productions, a renowned imprint under IDW Publishing, known for supporting independent, character-focused graphic novels.
đ Release Year
2015
đ§ Brief Plot Summary
Our Expanding Universe chronicles the evolving lives of a tight-knit group of friends as adulthood begins to take its toll. Set against the backdrop of Brooklyn, the story centers around Sam, who’s navigating the challenges of new fatherhood, while his longtime friends Jeff and Roger remain child-free and cynical about commitment. As they wrestle with aging, relationships, and the weight of change, tensions rise and bonds are tested. Through raw dialogue and relatable conflicts, the narrative explores how people grow together—and sometimes grow apart.
đ Notable Arcs or Storylines
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The Fatherhood Divide: Sam’s transformation from laid-back hipster to devoted father causes a shift in group dynamics, illustrating the widening gap between parental and non-parental life.
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Emotional Stagnation: Jeff’s journey shows the consequences of emotional detachment, offering a sharp contrast to Sam’s evolution.
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Confronting the Past: Characters grapple with who they once were vs. who they’ve become, creating powerful moments of reflection.
đ Fan Theories or Interpretations
Some readers interpret Jeff’s emotional detachment as a subtle nod to neurodivergence or trauma-based coping, while others suggest that the comic critiques the extended adolescence common in modern adulthood. There’s also a theory that the comic is a semi-autobiographical lens through which Robinson reflects on his own experience with fatherhood and changing friendships.
⭐ Review Summary
Alex Robinson delivers a thoughtful and emotionally resonant piece in Our Expanding Universe. The art is clean, understated, and perfectly suited to the quiet intensity of the story. Characters feel lived-in and complex, with dialogue that is natural and full of subtext. The comic’s strength lies in its realism—there are no melodramatic twists, just the quiet heartbreak and joy of everyday life. Whether you're a new parent or someone clinging to their pre-kid freedom, this story hits home. đ đđŹ
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
