Review: The Me You Love in the Dark #2 (of 5)

The second issue of the book with the longest title utilising the lowest number of syllables returns for its second issue. Aft last issues rather quick and surprising hello, how will Ro adapt to sharing her new home?

A presence that may be thought of by others a ghost has made himself known to Ro. At first nerves translate into shyness, then acceptance and eventually communication. But where is most oddest of couple story heading?

Skottie Young moves from prologue, to what could be the first part of the main story. As with any type of house with a possessed spirit, there has to be the moments of bonding between the living and said spirit. this gives the book a more traditional feel than the previous issue may have lead us to believe, but it is a necessary part of the story. Young looks too supplant the norm by using an interest in Ro’s art as a means to seduce her, at least emotionally. For a character that is “looking for something” Ro has certainly found it in spades. The dialogue continues to work as well as the art, with a spidery tone from the “could be” a ghost. Despite the current vibe of the book, horror fans are waiting for the other show to drop, which is were some the tension. comes from with Young managing the expectations of the reader well.

Jorge Corona’s art continues to impress, with the unique angular look continuing to add depth to proceedings. There is also a wealth of clever observations on show, from a half full (or empty depending on your world view) wine glass, to a selection of paint brushes to a very methodical way of cook an english breakfast. Corona doesn’t shy away from the emotional aspects of Ro’s various situations, which helps sell her situation. Where the dialogue has a spidery touch, the interaction between the “ghost” and Ro remind me of those first throes of love, with the “ghost” tentatively to gain approval in small touches and nudges. Furthermore the panels where there is no dialogue actually speaks volumes and show how great Corona’s storytelling is. Jean-Francois Beaulieu’s colors are magnificently demonstrative, with creeping darkness contrasting the bright lights of certain panels; it is a great way to show the differences between living and the dead. As the connection between the two become stronger so does the art and color respectively. The letters remain my only sticking point on the book to be honest; the overly gothic style font whilst suiting the book, still takes some time to get used to. Nate Piekos of Blambot focuses on the need for the story rather than sticking to a perceived norm.

The title of this book lends itself to an idea that Ro may only love the “ghost” in the dark, though with his need for the room to be dark for him to move and interact in the real world maybe the title reflects Ro’s place in his world. With three issues to go, we are in for an interesting read.

Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars

Overall – 5 Stars

Written by; Skottie Young
Art by; Jorge Corona
Colors by; Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Letters by; Nate Piekos of Blambot
Published by; Image Comics

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network