Writer & Artist: Michaël Sanalavaille
Translator: Dan Chrstensen
Editor: Mike Kennedy
Production Assistant & Letterer: Chris Northrop
Publisher: Magnetic Press
Price: $19.99
Release Date: November 5, 2025
In a house along the cliffs, a man turns on his TV. He watches a match from Mustang Beach, where the Mud Brothers are challenging the League Two hopefuls, the Black Falcons. What game is he watching? And why is he interested in this violent team sport? Let’s leap into Banana Sioule Vol 1: Helena SC and see!
Story
Helena enjoys life on her father's farm. Her friends may be finding jobs or attending University, but Helena is content. Life on the farm suits her. When her father finds a calf has fallen along the cliffs, Helena doesn't hesitate. She secures a rope along the top of the cliffs and leaps down to the ledge where the calf lies injured. After he winches them back up, she and her father transport the calf to Jo's, where the veterinarian attends to its needs.
But trouble brews on the horizon in Banana Sioule Vol 1: Helena SC. Her father wants her to commit to her future, while Helena prefers to take life one day at a time. When he keeps pushing her, the kind, amiable girl grows increasingly vehement. She won't let him dictate her life, even if all he wants is for her to explore what the world has to offer.
In Michaël Sanalavaille’s story, Helena has reached the optimal age to discover what she’s best suited for. Still, she finds the thought of leaving home scary. Helena doesn't need her father to provide for her or approve of her actions. So, Helena avoids him. She hangs out with her friends Neil, Dennis, Toby, and Manille. Helena takes comfort in their camaraderie and familiar activities such as camping and swimming.
While embracing pursuits that have always given her joy, Helena discovers a new pastime. Although Helena enjoys ball games, she has never heard of Sioule. But when Helena discovers she has a natural aptitude for this violent game, her growing circle of friends educates her in the sport. As they help her hone her abilities, Helena wonders how far this game with no rules can take her in Banana Sioule Vol 1: Helena SC.
Art
The bluffs bordering Helena's family farm evoke the chalk cliffs of England. While her father watches a flatscreen TV in a darkened room, a crowd sits in grandstands lining a coastal road. Beyond the seawall, athletes crouch, stand, and charge through the water. Adorned with helmets and pads, they strive to land a ball within a circle of floats surrounding a pole guarded by players of the opposing team.
Michaël Sanalavaille shades his Black & White art to give it depth and reality in Banana Sioule Vol 1: Helena SC. In this alternate world, Fauste evokes Lassie while racing to find Helena. The dog finds Helena clad in overalls. Her eyes sparkle as a smile stretches across her face. Helena carries her axe in one hand and a fallen log over her shoulder as she walks to her truck.
As in a manga, black uppercase letters fill dialogue balloons of varying shapes in this fast-paced debut volume. Words enlarge as scooters, motorcycles, and trucks with rollbars and cabin lights roar past windswept villages. Sound effects fill panels as Helena’s friends demonstrate uniqueness, charm, and vitality. Direction lines enhance the intense sport that Helena discovers a passion for. Thanks to Magnetic Press, Oni Press, and Superfan Promotions for providing a review copy.
Final Thoughts
Helena’s father wants the best for her. As often occurs when keeping secrets, he turns Helena against him while shielding her from his interests. But whether he likes it or not, Helena's friends help her explore her options, and take the path her father has shielded her from in Banana Sioule Vol 1: Helena SC.
Rating 9.6/10
