Review by Frank Plowright
In 1963 Hazel Johnson meets Mari McCray. Both are teenagers attending the local church bingo, with Mari having recently moved from California to the small town where Hazel’s grown up. It’s love at first sight, but given the times and the church community it’s several years of close friendship before they’re able to admit the truth to each other. No sooner have they done so, than they’re split up.
That, though, is just an extended prologue during which we come to know Hazel and Mari. The heart of Tee Franklin’s story is the second chance offered decades later.
Bingo Love is a heartbreaker in many ways, but prevented from being a tragedy by Jenn St-Onge’s generally cheery artwork. Her polished cartooning is extremely expressive, brings the cast to life and shows every emotion they feel, while also delighting in the period clothing. If there’s one slight drawback to the art it’s too many people looking younger than they should, which becomes more apparent as the narrative jumps forward to the 21st century.
Franklin uses Hazel as the focal point from which the narrative never diverts, and seeing everything through her eyes means Mari remains relatively unknown. Balanced against that is the complete telling of a loving relationship and the welcome, but unusual concept of spotlighting older people in love.
There is apparently to be a continuation, although it’s difficult to see how. It’s not manifested since 2019, but hot on the heels of this edition came Bingo Love: Jackpot Edition, almost doubling the page count via contributions from other creators, both stories and pin-ups.
