Comic Review: Mercy #1

Mercy #1

Image Comics

Writer: Mirka Andolfo

Artist: Mirka Andolfo

Mercy is the latest series by writer and artist Mirka Andolfo, a creator who has been on fire lately. Unnatural was a stellar supernatural commentary on discrimination, while Hex Wives and Un/Sacred are both just good fun. Mercy is Andolfo’s second series published by Image Comics and has the potential to be her best comic yet.

Mercy #1 introduces readers to a Victorian Gothic world that focuses on a mining town. The cold open is brutal and throws readers into a harsh attack in the mines. Mercy is an unapologetically adult title with uncomfortable themes, gruesome gore and of course, sex. This issue establishes the dark world that the characters live in but doesn’t rush into pushing the plot forward either. Instead, Andolfo focuses on atmosphere and world-building. What’s impressive is that Mercy #1 never feels like it has slow pacing. It’s just a well-written debut with a fascinating premise.

The dialogue is mostly natural, though it is full of a few cliches. Some of the scenarios are also a bit campy, but this lends itself well to the book’s brand of horror. The conversations do a fine job of allowing readers to get to know the world and characters. While the conversations are insightful, Andolfo does a fine job at balancing them giving too much or too little information. More importantly, nothing feels stiff or unnecessary.

The world is brought to life equally by both the script and the art. Andolfo’s vision is completely realized in this issue. The tone is clear and fills the pages with personality and dread. Andolfo has tapped into serious content before, but never quite like how she does in Mercy. The atmosphere is flawless, and anyone who likes a good gothic tale will surely find tons to love in this book.

Andolfo’s style lends itself well to horror, focusing on ominous angles and fine sequential storytelling to make Mercy a complete experience. The characters look fantastic too, with familiar yet unique designs. The story could almost be told with the art alone thanks to Andolfo’s attention to detail and expressive faces. Bold, clean lines make Mercy a joy to look at, and this series is almost worth the price of admission because of the art alone.

Mercy #1 is a fine debut that utilizes the best tools of the medium effectively. It’s atmospheric, has a great script, and looks fantastic. Fans of gory, gothic tales will love Andolfo’s latest creation and should give it a read.