Author: Mirka Andolfo
Artist: Mirka Andolfo
Publisher: Image Comics
Released: July 2020
Received: Edelweiss
Warnings: Graphic violence, gore, death

I received a copy of Mirka Andolfo’s Mercy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Fans of Mirka Andolfo (Unnatural, Un/Sacred) will be thrilled to hear about her latest project, Mercy. It’s a terrifying and thrilling new horror series, full of vibrant (and memorable) artwork.

One small town has been afraid of the Woodsburgh Devil for years. Yet only a small number of people truly understand the creatures origins – and why they plague the town so. Enter Lady Hellaine, a newcomer to the town, but one who has made effort to obfuscate her intent.

Before I dive into my review, I would like to say that Mercy is every bit as haunting as it is beautiful. That means that this series isn’t exactly for the faint of heart, as some very serious and intense subjects will be broached (and portrayed) over the course of this graphic novel.

I originally read Mercy as individual issues, and eve now, after having read the full graphic novel, I still can’t get over this series. It was brilliant, beautiful, and so freaking terrifying. I loved every minute of it.

There’s no doubt that Mercy has some of the best artwork I’ve seen in quite some time – it’s simply striking. Though it does increase the impact of certain horror elements, which Mirka Andolfo uses to great effect.

On that note, can I just say that I am extremely impressed with Mirka Andolfo? She wrote the whole series, as well as providing most of the artwork (lettering being one of the only exceptions). Holy cow, that’s some talent right there!

The tone and style of this series really is perfect. It blends Victorian style with horror to great effect, resulting in something that feels so very…other. If that doesn’t sound terrifying, think again. For there’s no doubt that the creatures in this tale have earned their reputation.

Shockingly, it’s the human element that added the most shock and fear, at least as far as I’m concerned. It provided a reason to care, but it’s more than that as well. Really, it all comes down to Andolfo’s writing, and it was enchanting.

It’s also heartbreaking, and mostly I mean that in a good way. This is not a series to dive into if you want a feel good story. But it is the perfect series if you want to experience something totally different.