New Comics Day is always full of excitement and trepidation. Readers are blessed with the vast quantity of new titles that are available each and every week. The trepidation part comes in when trying to figure out how to manage your comic spending budget.
It’s no secret I have a passion for the big name characters from the big name publishers. Despite this, I feel it is crucial to try new books from other publishers–like The Me You Love in the Dark.
Because this five-issue miniseries is by Skottie Young and Jorge Corona, it’s not a gamble whether or not to check it out. Young is known to many for his art, but he has more than established his skills at writing thrilling and unique stories with Middlewest, I Hate Fairyland, and Strange Academy. Corona’s work with Young on Middlewest along with other books such as We Are Robin and Big Trouble in Little China lets readers know what to expect as well.
When it came to this series, I read the first issue without looking a single piece of information as to what the story or plot was about. For me, this makes the story more exciting. Sometimes a twist or direction of the story can be given away in the synopsis. Although this may not be a buying tactic many would be willing to follow, I found it can add to the fun and excitement when trying something new.
Simply put: this is a really cool comic. The title alone is enough to call out to you. The Me You Love in the Dark just makes me want to read it. It doesn’t follow the traditional naming scheme for comics. It makes me want to find out what the story is about and how it’s all going to end.
If you must know more, you can see from the cover there is a spooky-looking house involved. We are introduced to an artist named Ro Meadows. She moves into this old house in order to get her creative juices going again. What we don’t know is why has she sought out a new location to work in or what exactly will she discover within the house.
It’s always refreshing to read a book that focuses on story and character development rather just a bunch of big “comic book action” scenes. In some ways, it’s a bigger test for the writer and artist to move the story along when you have, or example, a scene of a character simply walking through a house, as seen above. I found myself more focused with the story, waiting to see what might jump out on the next panel or page.
It’s also reassuring to know that Young and Corona have worked together previously. This means they’ll know how to work together to combine their creative energy to deliver a great series. Readers will benefit from this pre-existing working relationship.
And what would a Skottie Young book be without Jean-Francois Beaulieu’s colors? The colors really help to create the atmospheric vibe that is crucial in making the story and art even more compelling. Nate Piekos handling the letters as well makes this truly a Middlewest reunion.
Do yourself a favor and pick up The Me You Love in the Dark. Skottie Young, Jorge Corona, Jean-Francois Beaulieu, and Nate Piekos have once again delivered the goods. It’s always good to try out new comic series. If the title alone doesn’t convince you, the creative team should be reason enough to get this book. We get a great set up that will leave you counting down the days until the next issue. You just might find yourself loving this book…but obviously I don’t recommend trying to read it in the dark since it wouldn’t be good for your eyes.
What the Heck is going on?!? 