Review by Frank Plowright

Hit Me is a provacative title, and is calculated to shock from the start as Lulu begins our acquaintance by narrating her fees for allowing people to hit her. It’s a dangerous occupation, but in Danny the besotted boxer she has back-up should things go too far.

Given the place she’s starting from, Christa Faust ensures we realise Lulu’s no innocent when, in the way of so many action stories, she takes her opportunity when it arises, and is ensnared in something involving very dangerous people. The type of people who don’t stop hitting when their credit runs out.

Without going into details, this is very definitely an adult rated graphic novel, and it would have been hilarious to have been around artist Priscilla Petraites when she received the script for the second chapter, specifically what she was expected to draw on pages thirteen and fourteen. She delivers a ridiculous scene as the desperation it is, and generally supplies Lulu’s old world and her new situation in depth and detail. An occasional panel features a face that’s little too pinched, and the art is far looser on the final chapter when deadlines are obviously biting,

The crux of Hit Me is whether or not Lulu is the type of hardened emotionless person she claims to be, or whether she’ll put herself out for a friend. Faust has researched her world well, and drops in all kinds of amusingly sordid asides to do with the sex industry, certainly revealing more hard truths than men believing the fantasies would want. Too bad for them, as it makes a great background for Lulu’s ongoing problem.

Because of the areas it delves into, Hit Me is going to disturb people, but the title signifies that, and it’s presumably enough to repulse people who’re going to be offended by the content. Anyone wanting to go ahead will discover what for all the trappings is a classic crime story about a girl with a plan. Eventually. The understated ending seals a really enjoyable experience. For some.