Unnatural #3
Image Comics
Writer: Mirka Andolfo
Artist: Mirka Andolfo
The penultimate issue of Unnatural’s first arc is a lot to take in. So much happened in this issue and we’re left with so many questions.
First, during Leslie’s makeover, the “doctor” is so impersonal and rude. The makeover team calls Leslie thick as though her curves are something she should be ashamed of, and all the tests she has to endure are extremely invasive. I thought the tests would attempt to match her personality with another pig’s, but it seems to be all physical. She gets a head to toe makeover where the body shaming continues. On top of that, she is unable to speak for herself, and the doctor claims she is insufferable, which is the furthest thing from the truth.
Ironically, the doctor also says they have to do these tests because they only want to breed the very best of each species, and then he calls it natural selection. Good one!
While Leslie is getting made over, Trish finds a treasure trove of information on what Leslie’s dreams might mean. We can only hope those findings are passed along to us in a timely manner. Since the pacing so far has been spot on, I trust this part of the storyline will reach us in perfect timing, too.
Leslie finally goes to her date where it’s going surprisingly well. Her date, Jones, is so handsome, her eyes are literally bugging out of her head. The couple is picturesque, and the date is a total cheese-fest, drawn perfectly by Andolfo. All of the art is amazing, but what stands out to me the most is the facial expressions. They’re always so carefully drawn and so on point. Leslie and Jones are so perfect together I have to wonder, what’s the catch? Leslie is killing it with this guy, and he seems to know just what to say and when to say it. Could he be a wolf in sheep’s clothing?
This issue ends on a huge cliffhanger. I’m afraid to go into any more details for fear of spoiling what is a major plot twist, but I have to comment on Mirka’s storytelling ability. Every issue feels like it’s 40 pages long, but it’s a normal size. She manages to fit so many details into each issue without it feeling crowded or rushed. The art and story flow so nicely together, which I would attribute to the fact Andolfo does all of it herself, similar to Jeff Lemire. It must be so much easier to create one cohesive work when all the source material is coming from the same place. Andolfo’s vision is one I’m anxious to read more of, and the next issue promises to be just as exciting. Naturally, I can’t wait.
Unnatural #3
Andolfo nails the conclusion of Unnatural's first arc in this third issue, creating a piece that is both cohesive and relevant.
-
Story
-
Characters
-
Art