FRIDAY

A compilation of three volumes of an award-winning supernatural horror/mystery comic series.

Home from college for Christmas, Friday Fitzhugh faces an awkward reunion with her best friend and partner in mystery solving, Lancelot Jones, a teen prodigy in the vein of Encyclopedia Brown. But rather than talk about what happened between them before Friday left town, Lance and sidekick Sheriff Bixby drag Friday along on a case involving a ritual dagger stolen from an archaeological dig. An unexpected twist leaves Friday alone, emotionally reeling, and facing a murder to solve. The quaint coastal New England town of Kings Hill is rife with crime and the occult, packed with nostalgic character, and illustrated with lovingly detailed linework. It exudes a beautifully depicted 1970s atmosphere. The fonts and expository techniques emphasize the homage to classic, pulpy crime fiction. The Lovecraftian horror drips with menace, but the lore is weakened by vague references to “Native tribes” and their ancient gods—tropes that are not interrogated. The nonlinear plot comes together cleverly, although the ending may feel too easy. The heart of the story, though—the complicated emotional turmoil of the young detectives and Friday’s first steps into adulthood—takes no shortcuts and will resonate with readers. Most human characters are light-skinned; supporting characters include a positively depicted fat Native American–coded woman, who’s one of Friday’s mothers.

Eerie ambiance and exciting dangers punctuate this beautifully executed love letter to vintage adventure stories.