Water Memory: A Magical Mystery By the Sea for All Ages

[divider type=”space_thin”] Writer: Raynes Mathieu / Artist: Valerie Vernayn / Roar (Lion Forge Comics) Editor’s Note: This is an Advance Review, if it piques your interest be sure to pre-order the comic, due for release this September. At first it seems that Marion couldn’t be happier after the move. Although the death of her grandmother leads Marion’s mother to up and move their family back to her (rather derelict) childhood home by the sea, there’s still warm neighbors, picnics on the cliff, and great swimming at their private beach. But the farther Marion ventures, the more she uncovers about the mysterious carved rocks dotting the landscape and their frightening connection to the hermit who lives in the lighthouse. Inspired by the wondrous fantasy of Hayao Miyazaki and sweeping French coastlines, Raynes Mathieu and Valerie Vernayn’s graphic novel Water Memory explores the meanings of heritage, legends, and the impact our choices have on future generations.

It’s hard to describe just how masterful the subtlety in both Mathieu’s writing and Vernayn’s art is, but without a doubt it is this book’s greatest strength. Reading through this comic Vernayn’s rich landscapes hint at a deeper magic without drenching the reader in this awareness, creating a vivid world that teeters between warmth and threat with every frame. The character styles are simple but impactful, and occasionally entire pages are devoid of dialogue because of how clear the expressions and action are. I’m par…