Posted in: Comics, Review | Tagged: berger books, dark horse, the girl in the bay

The Girl In the Bay #2 Reads Like a Drug Fueled Fever Dream

Published Thu, 07 Mar 2019 12:00:57 -0600

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I originally hoped that the cliff hanger ending of The Girl in the Bay #1 would have resolved early in issue #2 of J.M. DeMatteis' most recent work. However, I left with more questions than answers… not only eager for the next comic to release but wondering how to digest this fever dream of a storyline. Mystery and horror are melded together beautifully to create a cohesive tale that doesn't rush and lose the fun of exploring Kathy's new "reality."

DeMatteis' experience writing for The Twilight Zone comes through when he sheds new light on Kathy's plight while simultaneously expanding the unknown and strange wonderland she woke up to. Nothing is ever specifically defined or answered, only pushed into a bigger and more obscure picture. Artist Corin Howell participates in the novelty of this reality, inserting the strange blue woman from the lake into the doppelgänger's home and Kathy's dreams. I found myself discovering intricacies even after reviewing the artwork over and over again. I am currently unclear whether these details are more creative or deliberate, but I expect the artistic themes will play a bigger part in this story's conclusion. Colorist James Delvin completes this talented trio and manages to bring even more levity to this issue. He succeeds in not only bringing character to the pages but also exudes the magic of this story completely. Even the electricity between Kathy and the ghost of her rock-idol Winston Burton feels corporeal.

Although anything seems possible in this universe, I am still expecting the other shoe to drop. Kathy continuously reminisces about her drug use and different trips, almost to the point where I wonder if that's where the story may go. It could read as a coming-of-age-story where a girl comes to, eventually finding life meaning without drugs and partying. The most practical explanation for the story so far is Kathy's drug use, whereas the blue woman follows the Pinocchio fairytale-trope where the blue fairy can make wishes real. Either way, this is a good comic to add to your hold as it's only 4 issues long and offers something new to be discovered with each reading.

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