Item: Mirka Andolfo's Mercy: The Fair Lady, The Frost, and The Fiend
Rating: 5.00
Author: quirkycat

by Mirka Andolfo

MERCY, a goth-inspired, Victorian monsterseries explores topics of “otherness,” damnation and redemption, andwhat it means to be a monster in a horror graphic novel perfect for fans ofPenny Dreadful, Crimson Peak, The Alienist, Parasol Protectorate, and DarkShadows.

This new graphic novel by acclaimedcreator MIRKA ANDOLFO (UNNATURAL) is a gothic horror tale where mysteriesand unspeakable sins are blended together in a unique and sensual way.

Washington State, late nineteenth century.During the frenzied historical era commonly known as the Klondike Gold Rush, amysterious woman arrives in Woodsburgh, a small mining town close to theCanadian border.

It's been a few years sincethe Swanson mine was closed following the terrible accident that claimed thelives of so many men and women, including the owner's and the city it's stillstruggling in search for a new place on the map of the country.

Elegant and extraordinarily wealthy, LadyHellaine arrives in the city accompanied by her faithful butler Goodwill andsettles in one of the most luxurious mansions in town. A lifestyle thatcontrasts sharply with that of the majority of the population, forced to choosebetween humble crafts and illegalactivities.

No one is aware of the reasonsthat led such a classy lady to move from Seattle to the small village, but herarrival certainly did not go unnoticed. Especially in the eyes of Lady Swanson,widow of the late mine owner and leading figure of the local bourgeoisie. LadyHellaine's plans will bring her on a collision course with the powerful LadySwanson, who, for reasons not entirely rational, distrusts thenewcomer.

Meanwhile, the streets andsurroundings of Woodsburgh are flooded in blood: a heinous creature is killingincautious citizens, wreaking havoc on their bodies. Enough to induce localauthorities to impose a strict curfew aftersunset.

And with the falling of the firstsnow, the “Woodsburgh Devil”'s fury seems to have even increased.What's the connection, if any, between this disturbing presence and theivory-skinned stranger?

Who is Lady Hellaine,really? And what's her secret agenda?

Collects MIRKA ANDOLFO'S MERCY#1-6

Summary:

Fans of Mirka Andolfo (Unnatural, Un/Sacred) will be thrilled to hear about her latest project, Mercy. It's a terrifying and thrilling new horror series full of vibrant (and memorable) artwork.

One small town has been afraid of the Woodsburgh Devil for years. Yet only a small number of people truly understand the origins of the creatures – and why they plague the town so. Enter Lady Hellaine, a newcomer to the town but one who has made an effort to obfuscate her intent.

Review:

Before I dive into my review, I would like to say that Mercy is as haunting as beautiful. That means that this series isn't exactly for the faint of heart, as some very serious and intense subjects will be broached (and portrayed) throughout this graphic novel.

I originally read Mercy as individual issues, and even now, after reading the full graphic novel, I still can't get over this series. It was brilliant, beautiful, and so freaking terrifying. I loved every minute of it.

There's no doubt that Mercy has some of the best artwork I've seen in quite some time – it's simply striking. However, it does greatly increase the impact of certain horror elements, which Mirka Andolfo uses.

On that note, can I just say that I am extremely impressed with Mirka Andolfo? She wrote the whole series and provided most of the artwork (lettering is one of the only exceptions). Holy cow, that's some talent right there!

The tone and style of this series are perfect. It blends Victorian style with horror, resulting in something that feels so very...other. If that doesn't sound terrifying, think again. Shockingly, the human element added the most shock and fear, at least as far as I'm concerned. It provided a reason to care, but it's more than that. Really, it all comes down to Andolfo's writing, and it was enchanting.

It's also heartbreaking, and mostly, I mean that in a good way. If you want a feel-good story, this is not a series to dive into. But it is the perfect series to experience something completely different.

Highlights:
Gothic Horror
Historical
Romantic Subplot
Mirka Andolfo

Thanks to Image Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Reading updates

15 October, 2020: Started reading

15 October, 2020: Finished reading

15 October, 2020: Reviewed