
Image Comics 2016
Created & Written by Bryan Lee O’Malley
Created & Illustrated by Leslie Hung
Coloured by Mickey Quinn
Lettered by Mare Odomo
So Lottie is a fashion blogger who lives a life that is not what it seems. See she puts up a nice front and all her photo’s are meticulously shot but she also suffers from severe allergies that cause her nose to run constantly. This is her story and it’s not exactly what you should be expecting it to be.
I think what Bryan does is introduce us to a woman who is so insecure and self absorbed in living a life that’s a lie she’s lost who she is. We see this throughout this issue as she tries to juggle life outside her house with the problems that her allergies bring. I think the kind of characterization that he brings to Lottie is the kind where any reader can associate with knowing someone like that in real life. The masking of insecurities and doing things to be accepted by others, the whole nine yards.
There are a few things that do happen that make you wonder. She gets a new Allergy Doctor, her regular one is apparently on vacation, and a new experimental medication. She also meets a new friend Caroline who outwardly seems perfect. What could possibly go wrong with this new combination? She’s stepping out of her comfort zone and trying new things.
Leslie does a really nice job on the interiors here. I like the overall effect and that even with her runny nose it’s not gross out stuff it just is a part of her. It’s got this very much what I like to refer to as American Manga look and feel to it that perfectly suits the series. Her eye for storytelling through the use of pages and panels is strong. The use of angles and perspective to show a range of emotions and capture the mood and feel of what’s happening is done nicely.
Outwardly this is a cutesy book but there’s a surprising amount of depth to it and some unexpected developments that are cause to pause. I do like that it’s very much about a girl who lives her life not by her own ideals but by what she wants others to think of her. It’s kind of a modern day thing where personalities seem to get lost in the shuffle and the desire to be liked, famous and cool are more important. But then what happens when reality comes crashing down and have to deal with that? Well that’s what i’m looking forward to seeing.
I love being surprised and this one certainly did that. Go in with no expectations except to enjoy yourself and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you find here!