Review by Frank Plowright
Events have thrown the very different Mercy and Jonah into each other’s company. She’s smart, but innocent, having grown up in isolated circumstances, while bounty hunter Jonah has the attitude, but, as seen in Volume 1, is far more than the standard surly heroic figure. Mercy also houses a supernatural entity known as the Mist Wolf, which she can call on if necessary, and we’ve also learned that Jonah doesn’t wear an eye patch to conceal a missing eye, but to prevent the eye he has seeing anything. He also carries an unwelcome presence within.
The circumstances of it manifesting and what exactly it is are addressed in the opening chapter, the most horrific in the series to date. There’s an appealing storytelling instinct, though, to joint creative minds Mia Jay Boulton and Laurel Boulton, and this sequence is followed by Mercy asking about moments of beauty. The early revelation of a crucial point indicates the creators considering they have inspiration to spare, and so it proves.
As before, there’s no separation of credits, but Of Swamp and Sea is co-written by both creators, with the drawing handled by Mia and the colour by Laurel. The result conveys what people feel and extra appreciation is due for a webcomic that transfers well to print rather than betraying limitations.
Romance was suggested by the cover to the previous volume, and the beginnings of it are introduced here by an awkward moment, and that moment continues to perpetuate tension throughout the remainder of this volume. Additionally, greater shading is given to both main characters, each in their own way learning to live with something best kept away from humanity in general.
Each successive chapter shifts to a new location, every one broadening the world and introducing people of interest. We’re given a definitive conclusion to one ongoing plot before this volume ends, and that’s imaginatively handled. Choose to look at it in that way, then this volume could seem final, but some threats have been foreshadowed, and the characters are so well defined that it’ll be a contrary reader indeed not awaiting Volume 3.
