Graphic Novel Review: A Shining Beacon by James Albon

A Shining Beacon by James Albon. Top Shelf, 2019. 9781603094450. 205pp.

An authoritarian government has created a new pool that’s both a grand rejuvenation project and a national sporting monument! All that remains is to find an artist to create the central mural. Most candidates have been blackballed by the censorship committee. The two men in charge of finding an artist have identified Francesca Saxon as the person to recruit for the job. She lives and works in a small town; her art is a little bland, but they don’t expect her to cause any trouble. After receiving their invitation, she heads for the capital as requested and begins to submit her ideas. Of course, they’re all rejected, with little explanation, but she continues to sketch and submit more. And then some real trouble starts.

Albon’s illustrations are beautiful, loose enough to convey both Saxon’s initial excitement and to later capture the oppressiveness and confusion she experiences. His art really comes to life when the city explodes in violence later.

My favorite thing about the book is the relationship between Saxon and the low-level guard who is supposed to keep an eye on her, who accompanies her wherever she goes. Albon goes to great lengths to humanize him as Saxon tries to get to know him.

Albon has three other graphic novels published by Top Shelf: Her Bark & Her Bite, The Delicacy, and, the most recent (from 2025), Love Languages. I plan to read them all as soon as possible.