Black Science, Vol. 1: How to Fall Forever (2015) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The sexual content is mild to moderate but leans toward adult situations rather than explicit action. In Chapter 2, a flashback reveals Grant McKay in a compromising situation with a colleague, confirming his infidelity. Chapter 5 features a domestic sequence that includes brief partial nudity, specifically female breasts and buttocks, shown in a non-erotic but mature context. The narrative frequently focuses on the romantic tension and betrayal between Grant, his wife Sara, and his colleague Rebecca. While no…

Violence is strong, frequent, and visceral throughout this science-fiction adventure. Readers will witness graphic combat against alien species, including giant fish-men being impaled and reptilian creatures being slashed. Human characters are not safe, suffering through chemical gas attacks, incinerations, and brutal stabbings that result in detailed blood spray and gore. In Chapter 3, an alternate-history World War I setting depicts soldiers being blown apart by advanced technology. The deaths of established…

Language is strong and pervasive, fitting the adult rating of the comic. The 'f-word' is used dozens of times, often during moments of panic, scientific frustration, or heated interpersonal arguments. Other profanities include 'shit', 'bastard', 'goddamnit', 'hell', and 'bitch', which are scattered across both the spoken dialogue and Grant's internal monologues. The tone is gritty, and the characters use profanity realistically under life-threatening pressure. Parents should expect multiple instances of vulgarity…

Substance use is mild and mostly limited to adult coping mechanisms. Characters like Grant and Kadir are occasionally seen smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol to manage the immense stress of being lost in the multiverse. There is no focus on recreational drug use or addiction as a central plot point, though the atmosphere of the bars and labs sometimes includes background drinking. The focus remains on the sci-fi action rather than chemical dependency. The use of 'Black Science' itself acts as a metaphorical…

The themes are heavy, mature, and deeply nihilistic. The story explores the ethical failures of scientific discovery, suggesting that human ego and the pursuit of 'Black Science' can lead to the destruction of families and realities. Infidelity and betrayal are central, as Grant's affair with Rebecca creates a rift that endangers his children, Pia and Nathan. The 'onion' theory of the multiverse provides a bleak philosophical backdrop where every choice may be meaningless or harmful. The narrative constantly…