A review by mh_doma
The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

5.0

Wow, I can’t believe Ostertag made this graphic novel just for me! This graphic novel is my favorite work from her by far and became an instant favorite. Seeing a butch lesbian with low self-esteem and vulnerability issues and addressing that properly meant so much to me actually. I loved the choice of colors in this graphic novel and found the art style especially smooth and eye-catching. The storytelling and pacing were compelling, and I loved the relationship between Mags and Nessa. A romance between a butch lesbian who doesn’t know how to ask for help and a bisexual trans girl who thinks everything of her? And they are childhood best friends reconnecting after years spent apart? I’m so here. Not to mention the exploration of familial/generational hurts, trauma and how it changes people, the importance of accepting that we deserve to be happy even when we think we don’t, and so much more that this graphic novel did a great job of addressing. Don’t even get me started on all the unhealthy relationships that Mags and Nessa had to unravel with the people in their lives. I hope Ostertag continues making graphic novels with slightly more mature tones like this one because I think this is her best work yet!