One early morning in London, Julia rescues a cold, crying kitten. While doing so, she has a strange yet pleasant encounter with a man who was trying to do the same thing. When Julia reunites with him days later during an interview for a secretarial position, she’s rendered speechless. What are the odds that the man she met that day would be Professor van der Wagema, her prospective employer? Although he’s the same man, he treats Julia completely differently during the interview. He’s cruel and cold, to the point that Julia wonders if she only imagined him in the morning mist. During her weeklong wait for the interview results, she spends time at her parents’ home. Little does she know, she’ll reunite with him there, too!

This comic book offers a romantic narrative that, unfortunately, falls short of its potential. While the story in this comic book aims to capture the charm and emotional depth characteristic of romance novels, it struggles with pacing and character development, which has left me personally wanting more.

The narrative in this comic book follows a familiar romantic trope, focusing on the blossoming relationship between the protagonist and a seemingly unattainable partner. The creators of this comic book attempt to weave a tale of love and personal growth is evident, but the execution lacks the depth needed to fully engage me personally. The plot unfolds predictably, with few surprises or unique twists to distinguish it from other stories in the genre.

The character development is one of the areas where this comic book falters. The protagonist, while relatable in certain moments, often feels one-dimensional. Her motivations and internal struggles are not explored in enough depth to create a strong emotional connection with the reader. Similarly, the love interest comes across as an archetype rather than a fully fleshed-out character, making it difficult to invest in their relationship.

Betty Neels’ influence, known for her classic romance style, is apparent, yet the collaboration with Hatori does not fully capitalize on this potential. The dialogue, while occasionally charming, often lacks the wit and nuance needed to bring the characters to life. Interactions between characters feel stilted at times, missing opportunities to delve into meaningful exchanges that could add depth to the narrative.

The pacing of this comic book is another challenge this comic book has the face. The story moves at a slow pace, with long stretches that do little to advance the plot or deepen the characters. This can make the reading experience feel tedious, as key moments of development and tension are few and far between. A more dynamic pacing could enhance the narrative flow, making the story more engaging and impactful.

The artwork in this comic book complements the romantic tone but does little to elevate the storytelling. The illustrations are serviceable, capturing the basic expressions and settings, but they lack the detail and emotion that could enhance the narrative. More expressive and dynamic artwork might have helped convey the story’s emotional beats more effectively.

Despite its shortcomings this comic book does have moments of charm and warmth, particularly in scenes that focus on the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery. These glimpses suggest potential for growth and improvement in future volumes, should the narrative and characters be given more depth and nuance.

I Give This Book 2 / 5