“Unnatural #1” By Mirka Andolfo & Milo Manara Review

Leslie is a simple pig girl. She loves sushi, she’s stuck with a job she hates, and she lives under a brutal totalitarian government—one that punishes transgressors for anything deemed “unnatural.” Leslie dreams of something different for herself. But those dreams are becoming dangerous… This Italian hit series by MIRKA ANDOLFO (Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, DC Comics Bombshells) will transport you into a colorful but terrible world—full of anthropomorphic creatures, but light on personal freedoms—by way of a breathtaking plot that travels between thriller and fantasy, with a hint of sensuality.

This comic book sets out to explore a provocative world where love and freedom are strictly controlled, yet it stumbles in execution. At the same time this comic book struggles with pacing, character depth, and narrative clarity.

The story in this comic book is set in a dystopian society where personal relationships are dictated by the government. This intriguing setup promises a rich exploration of themes like autonomy, love, and societal control. However, the execution falls short, with a narrative that feels disjointed and lacks cohesion. Critical elements of the world-building are introduced abruptly, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of the societal rules or the stakes involved.

The character development is another area of concern for this comic book in my opinion. The protagonist, Leslie, is presented as a relatable figure trapped in an oppressive system, but her motivations and inner conflicts are not fully explored. The lack of depth makes it challenging for me personally to connect with her journey or invest emotionally in her struggles. Supporting characters are similarly underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.

The dialogues throughout this comic book are often stilted, lacking the emotional resonance necessary to engage me personally. Conversations between characters feel forced and do little to advance the plot or deepen character relationships. This results in a narrative that feels flat, with few memorable moments or engaging interactions.

The artwork itself in this comic book is pretty vibrant and expressive, capturing the aesthetic of the world with style. The illustrations are detailed, with character designs that are both appealing and distinctive. However, despite the visual appeal, the artwork alone cannot compensate for the narrative shortcomings.

The pacing of this comic book is another challenge this comic book has to face, as the story moves quickly through key plot points without allowing sufficient time for development or reflection. This rapid progression makes it difficult for me personally to become invested in the characters’ journeys or the stakes of the narrative. The lack of pacing leaves the story feeling rushed and incomplete.

Despite these shortcomings, the concept behind this comic book holds promise. With a focus on themes of love and control, it has the potential to offer a compelling commentary on societal norms and personal freedoms. Future comic books in this series could benefit from more complex character development, a deeper exploration of themes, and a more cohesive narrative structure.

I Give This Book 1 / 5

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