l to r: Sonya Ballantyne (Credit: Mary Vallarta), Rhael McGregor (Credit: Rhael McGregor), Azby Whitecalf (Credit: Yannick Dupuis), and Kielamel Sibal (Credit: Kielamel Sibal).

The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne is an autobiographical graphic novel by Swampy Cree author Sonya Ballantyne in which she presents a “Superman version” of her life – one where, despite the obstacles she faces and with portions of her past left out, she is a space alien destined for heroism. It is a story that works well as an episodic graphic novel – with Rhael McGregor’s illustrations, colouring by Azby Whitecalf, and lettering by Kielamel Sibal seamlessly blending fantasy and reality in the visual presentation.

Sonya grows up reading comic books and watching adventure, fantasy, and science fiction movies. She feels like an outsider not just because her hobbies are “nerdy,” but also because she faces frequent racism and misogyny from both the kids around her and their parents. Even Sonya’s hobbies are not a fully satisfying escape, as there are few Indigenous writers, actors, or characters in any of the media she consumes.

Sonya wants to be a writer, but struggles to see that as a realistic option when there are so few examples to look to – just four at her local library. So she finds connection where possible – with Cree actor Michelle Thrush, for example – even when that connection is somewhat unusual, as with Irish band U2. Indigenous youth still rarely see themselves represented in popular media, although work like The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne is helping close that gap.

Ballantyne’s writing is heartfelt. We follow Sonya’s childhood and adolescence, often presented through diary entries, and learn about her struggles with depression, with her sexuality, and with her family, which is loving, but imperfect in the way all families are. By the end of the book, Sonya is able to graduate high school – a first for her family – and attend university.

The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne will appeal to younger teens, especially those who rarely see themselves in graphic novels. The story manages to be both specific and broadly relatable for those who feel isolated or invisible. McGregor – a Winnipeg-based, Métis & Two-Spirit/Queer, award-winning comic artist – provides expressive and brightly coloured illustrations that showcase Sonya’s imaginative inner life. The darker themes in the book are something to be aware of, but do not overwhelm what is ultimately a story of triumph over obstacles as Sonya proves her detractors wrong.