Graphic Novel Review: Mind the Gap, Volume 1: Intimate Strangers by Jim McCann and Rodin Esquejo

Mind the Gap, Volume 1: Intimate Strangers by Jim McCann

Genre: Supernatural, Mystery, Crime

Publisher: Image Comics (October 2012)

With thanks to Netgalley and Image Comics for the opportunity to read this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.

Elle Peterssen is young, rich, beautiful, smart. She has a loving boyfriend and a wonderful best friend. She’s also on someone’s hit list and an attack at a subway station leaves her in a coma. Cover ups , suspicion, and deception surround the events of her attack and her current condition, but the only person who can figure that out is Elle herself, who’s spirit has detached from its body.

Many stories explore what goes on within the minds of people in a coma. Mind the Gap has its own unique take, introducing Elle to a world of wandering souls, some of whom know more about her than she does. Some seem to want to help, but, since Elle remembers so little about herself, can they be trusted? I liked the concept presented here, particularly when Elle is forced to confront some of the greater fears that are hindering her recollection, but the real twist was the step even further into the paranormal with Elle’s unique ability to communicate through the recently dead.

The credit pages of the graphic novel listed several songs that immediately had me humming along, with the lyrics scrawled across the page. Elle and her friends also work at a theatre, but my hopes that the music and arts would take on a greater role in the story has no paid off thus far. The focus remains on casting suspicion on all those around her, while she tries to figure things out for herself.

The artwork is sharp and realistic and I love the colours. Each panel is uncluttered by too much imagery and detail, allowing the focus to remain on the characters at the heart of the story.

As is to be expected, volume one ends on a cliffhanger, with the mystery deepening, and Elle’s abilities manifesting in a surprising manner. Of course I want to know what comes next. Once again, Image Comics impresses me with unique stories that continue to break the comic mould.