LOVE ME TO DEATH

Frankenstein gets a gender-flipped nod when a necromancer is paid by a dead woman’s fiancé to bring her back in this print version of a popular WEBTOON series.

Orphaned Victor Franco-Santino and his one-eyed black cat, Gato, are living under the radar in San Guadario, a city where the church ensures that no one practices necromancy. When it appears that the magic that flows in his blood is finally about to get him caught, arrested, and killed, he’s saved by the wealthy, light-skinned Enrique Olivarez, who hides him in his carriage. Enrique wants to hire Victor to bring back his true love, Mercedes Iglesias, who died on their wedding day, in exchange for gold and safe passage to somewhere necromancy is allowed. Brown-skinned Victor agrees and tracks down a resurrection spell to awaken Mercedes. It works, but she’s lost all her memories, has purplish-gray skin and red eyes, is covered in scars (fearing necromancy, the Sacred Order tore her dead body apart)—and feels irresistibly drawn to Victor. Intent on escaping San Guadario and worried about Enrique’s reaction to Mercedes’ condition, Victor tries to keep them both safely hidden. The relationships among the trio and Gato’s antics are the beating heart of this engaging graphic novel. The rules of magic and church history are fascinating and fresh, and the vibrant artwork and colorful palette bring the Mexico-inspired setting to life.

Emotional and appealing.