Comic Review: Bolero #3

Image Comics

Writer: Wyatt Kennedy

Artist: Luana Vecchio

Letterer: Brandom Graham

Bolero #3 is the sexiest, saddest issue yet, which is saying something. The topsy-turvy trek through the multiverse is put on hold as Devyn tries, finally, to settle into what she’s been looking for all this time: a life.

Much of the issue is dedicated to familiarizing readers with Devyn’s current status quo and “new” relationship, while also teasing how badly she’ll, inevitably, destroy everything. Kennedy’s work is remarkable in this regard; after a page you feel as if this is the series you’ve been reading all along. You know Will. You know Dev’s slightly different connections to Nat and Ames and understand where she’s at with her addiction. It’s impressive.

It calls to mind my only problem with Bolero: I wish it weren’t a mini. Its not that the story feels rushed or incomplete (so far), but rather quite the opposite. Wyatt’s writing and Bolero’s art team slip so easily between realities that a one-shot on dinosaur world and a few issues in outer space would be a delight.

But there’s no need to focus on the lack of Bolero in our cursed future. One of the highlights of the series is Devyn’s attitude and overall demeanor in the first half of #3. It’s warming to see her happy and content. Yet, it’s that same warmth that burns readers and Devyn alike. As ever, the familiar itch of loneliness, confusion, and existential ennui creeps in.

As much as I’d like to see the Bolero team expand the science-fantasy concepts at play, I’d be equally on board for a straight up slice of life/romance book. Something akin to Giant Days. Seeing Dev and Will’s “origins” was as cute as comics get. Of course, it’s a setup for absolute heartbreak.

Like previous issues, Bolero #3 ends in a whirlwind. Closing pages suggest more characters have been traveling the interpersonal multiverse than we thought. Furthermore, some people may have jumped out of a life they’d never planned on leaving.

Considering Dev has between one and zero hops remaining, it’s a wonder as to how she might stitch together some semblance of happiness. We’ll find out in Bolero #4!