Top Cow Productions/Image Comics 2018
On Sale 05/30/2018
Created & Written by Matt Hawkins & Jenni Cheung
Created, Lettered & Illustrated by Linda Sejic
Spinning off from the universe of SUNSTONE comes a slice-of-life romantic story about a couple trying to regain the sexual energy from the beginning of their relationship by swinging with other couples. An emotional journey of two people fighting to stay in love.
This story marks a departure from what Matt usually likes to write and that he’s doing this with his wife and the research they’ve done to make this as realistic and knowledgeable as possible is part of it’s charm and believability. One of the things that doesn’t change here is Matt’s ability to tell a story as with Postal and other work it’s the characters and the characterisation that make it a book that people enjoy reading and can relate to. So while this may not be what fans expect from maybe it should be. After all to be able to write books in different genre’s not only shows the capability but adaptability of the writer.
I like the opening which is basically a testament from a couple that swings as they talk about their first encounters, the rules of swinging and the do’s and dont’s of getting involved in the first place. I have to say that this is much more impactful to me as a reader at the beginning instead of at the end of the book because let’s face it when most get to the last page of the story they stop reading so this being where it’s at not only sets the tone for what is going to be experienced but it also relays important messages when it comes to sex in general.
Well I will say that the couple in question meet in the regular way at college, she away from her folks who have this idea of a traditional (here I'm going with Chinese) cultural upbringing which living in America is somewhat unachievable if you ask the current generations. Still when a parent relents the final words are just don’t get pregnant which of course is an omen for just that to happen. So parents at a young age that happens and while it may change plans it doesn’t derail things. So that we get to see young lovers who can’t keep their hands off each other well it reminds me of being young and in love myself, or just being young and horny take your pick.
The way that this slice of life unfolds isn’t untypical at all. I mean at some point in time relationships hit a wall and it’s all about how you deal with it that defines who you are. Some go about cheating, which of course leads to divorce more often than not, others talk about and find solutions that work for them. That is what Cathy does here, the latter, talk to her husband Dan about their life together right now and how she feels. One of the things I will say and I'm sure this is a misconception from an outside source but that she’s the open one and he’s the insecure one regarding all this is a nice twist on the roles.
Linda’s work on the interiors here is really nice to see. She and her husband have such amazing skill with computer artwork and the eye for storytelling is pretty amazing. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective, plus the focus on the foreground and blurred background, really show off that eye and talent she has. I don’t know what Stjepan or Matt look like down there but if this what she’s familiar with then can I share him too?!?! I like the fact that this is sensual and erotic but not tacky or full on porn it makes sense within the story, duh, and compliments it but doesn’t overpower the scene.
This is definitely for mature audiences considering it’s dealing with sex. However two things you need to know and remember this isn’t porn or an instruction manual and this isn’t a trivial lifetime cinema moment. This is a story about a couple, their marriage and their lives as seen through Matt, Jenni and Linda’s lenses. It is a spectacularly told story that is meant to expand your world view and introduce you to something you might not have known about.