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The Me You Love in the Dark
The Me You Love in the Dark #1
Writer SKOTTIE YOUNG (I HATE FAIRYLAND, Deadpool, Strange Academy) and artist JORGE CORONA (NO. 1 WITH A BULLET, Super Sons, Feathers) follow up their critically acclaimed series MIDDLEWEST with a brand-new haunting tale. An artist named Ro retreats from the grind of the city to an old house in a small town to find solace and inspiration without realizing the muse within is not what she expected.
31 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2021
13 people are currently reading
1380 people want to read
About the author
Skottie Young
650 books1,046 followersSkottie Young has been an illustrator and cartoonist for over ten years working for entertainment and publishing companies such Marvel, Warner Bros., Image, Upper Deck, Mattel, and many more.
He is currently illustrating the New York Times Best Selling and Eisner Award Nominated adaptions of L. Frank Baum's OZ novels with writer Eric Shanower. The series has gained acclaim from both fans and critics.
Skottie currently lives in Illinois with his family, Casey, Baxter and their Saint Bernard, Emma.
He is currently illustrating the New York Times Best Selling and Eisner Award Nominated adaptions of L. Frank Baum's OZ novels with writer Eric Shanower. The series has gained acclaim from both fans and critics.
Skottie currently lives in Illinois with his family, Casey, Baxter and their Saint Bernard, Emma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
January 17, 2022
3.5 stars
Strong start! Memorable art style, and again I repeat that I am a sucker for a haunted house setting. It’s hooked me.
Strong start! Memorable art style, and again I repeat that I am a sucker for a haunted house setting. It’s hooked me.
August 9, 2021
Great title, cool art, and a nice haunted house vibe, but it feels a bit thin.
This initial issue has us following artist Ro as she rents a spooky old house, trying to get some space to get her painting career back on track after running into a severe case of whatever the painting equivalent of writer's block is.
There's not much dialogue in the issue, mostly Ro's musings to herself or flippant remarks to an imagined ghost, and they manage to really well realize her growing frustration over her inability to paint anything; fame has seemed to make her too self-conscious.
And that leaves plenty of real estate for the art, all nice colors and encroaching darks and great lines and poses. But the style doesn't leave a ton of details in the panels to pour over, and with the little dialogue, you'll fly through the issue in no time, making it feel a little empty.
Still, promising, and looking forward to #2.
This initial issue has us following artist Ro as she rents a spooky old house, trying to get some space to get her painting career back on track after running into a severe case of whatever the painting equivalent of writer's block is.
There's not much dialogue in the issue, mostly Ro's musings to herself or flippant remarks to an imagined ghost, and they manage to really well realize her growing frustration over her inability to paint anything; fame has seemed to make her too self-conscious.
And that leaves plenty of real estate for the art, all nice colors and encroaching darks and great lines and poses. But the style doesn't leave a ton of details in the panels to pour over, and with the little dialogue, you'll fly through the issue in no time, making it feel a little empty.
Still, promising, and looking forward to #2.
February 8, 2023
A very promising start.
An artist renting a so-called haunted house which turned out to be actually haunted.
Or I assumed it's haunted.
You don't see the entity yet but, I'm almost 100% sure, that thing in the house is not human.
Anyways, deducted one star because you maybe I was expecting a little bit more than what I got.
An artist renting a so-called haunted house which turned out to be actually haunted.
Or I assumed it's haunted.
You don't see the entity yet but, I'm almost 100% sure, that thing in the house is not human.
Anyways, deducted one star because you maybe I was expecting a little bit more than what I got.
February 1, 2023
I'm not blown away yet, but I absolutely adore the art style and I'm intrigued to find out where this is going.
May 28, 2024
A wonderfully simple illustrated graphic novel. Ro Meadows - an artist - leaves the city to get some inspiration for her art. She has supposedly had a painters’ block ( if there’s such a thing like writers block ). She rents a haunted house hoping the ghost there will give her inspiration. While she doesn’t really believe that she wants it to make itself to her art by unpacking her goods and pouring some wine.
An interesting ending …. On a To Be Continued note.
I wonder if I will get my hands the rest of the series. But the artists - Skottie and Jorge - Eisner award nominees have done a cool job on this with the illustrations and visual story telling.
An interesting ending …. On a To Be Continued note.
I wonder if I will get my hands the rest of the series. But the artists - Skottie and Jorge - Eisner award nominees have done a cool job on this with the illustrations and visual story telling.
December 19, 2023
I loved the initial premise and artwork, but I was not a fan of where this plot went. This felt predictable, but maybe I would enjoy future editions of the series more.
July 30, 2021
I just read this comic and I have to say, I am very intrigued. The art was very pretty, and the concept pretty intriguing. I can't wait to see what happens next with Ro, our protagonist, and to find out who is haunting the house.
Thank you so much Image Comics for the early copy!
Thank you so much Image Comics for the early copy!
October 16, 2021
so so so so sooooooooo good
September 30, 2023
Read this in under an hour at the witching hour and boy did i enjoy it! I could've appreciated it more but it was still great.
It says a lot about abusive relationships, and that was heartbreaking. Nobody deserves to be controlled in any way, especially under the name of "love".
She's brave. I love the idea of running off with your wine and turntable into a haunted house out in the yonks and just painting like there's no tomorrow.
There were some cliches with body horror and stuff that were just like, nah you didn't need to be so graphic, it would've been more effective if kept more elusive.
Fall in love with a demon, why dontchu.
It says a lot about abusive relationships, and that was heartbreaking. Nobody deserves to be controlled in any way, especially under the name of "love".
She's brave. I love the idea of running off with your wine and turntable into a haunted house out in the yonks and just painting like there's no tomorrow.
There were some cliches with body horror and stuff that were just like, nah you didn't need to be so graphic, it would've been more effective if kept more elusive.
Fall in love with a demon, why dontchu.
December 28, 2023
It's a slow start, but the art is fantastic. I'm digging the story's beginnings so far, and the bits of humor showing through are very entertaining. Can't wait for the next issue.
March 12, 2022
The start of what appears to be a great southern gothic story, with vibes of crimson peak but featuring a blocked painter and a friendly(?) ghost that start to make contact. Beautiful art style and imagery, as well as a fast paced plot that will hit hard with any type of artist that ever felt blocked or on the verge of giving up.
July 2, 2024
In THE ME YOU LOVE IN THE DARK, we get a small glimpse of the dark and twisted relationship between a ghost and an artist. I was immediately drawn in by the beautiful and dark art style, the slice of life sequences and the fast moving plot. If you are looking for a quick read to get you out of a reading slump or something to cozy up to on a rainy day, then this comic is for you.
July 12, 2023
I loved the moodiness of the artwork, the creative form(s) of the ghost in the house, and the slow descent into darkness as the story went on. This also explores interesting themes of love, mental health, and fighting your demons (so to speak), and I’m left wondering–in a good way–if I truly understood the symsbolism in this book. Definitely want to reread!
October 16, 2021
Very intriguing premise and story. I definitely can't wait to read the next one!
August 24, 2022
The Me You Love in the Dark has all the right elements for horror. A haunted house, an ancient evil, and illustrations that use light and shadow to evoke fear in the reader. The truly terrifying thing about this beautiful graphic novel from Skottie Young and Jorge Corona is the subject matter, which reeks of themes of domestic violence and not being able to clearly see the people we say we love. Rowena is an artist looking for something who thinks she has found it, only to have it consume and betray her. Looking forward to issue #2 and happy I pulled this off the shelf to kick off my horror reads of 2022.
May 21, 2024
3.5
very promising start
very promising start
September 18, 2024
I loved the art and the vibes😩It was so short☹️ but I can't wait to read the next of them!
December 10, 2025
This is me, buying a haunted house and talking nonchalant to the ghost, asking for house help since it also lives here.
February 13, 2022
This is very interesting with a cool creepy vibe.
January 13, 2025
3/5
Haunted house? In this economy? Sold! Very much a set up for the rest of the story, but an interesting one! I liked the art and the characters so far.
Haunted house? In this economy? Sold! Very much a set up for the rest of the story, but an interesting one! I liked the art and the characters so far.
September 14, 2021
Skottie Young has done it again with some good reading material. I can't wait to see what issue 2 has in store!
March 9, 2022
The Me You Love in the Dark by Skottie Young:
Why did I want to read this?
The title.
What about the title that interests me?
The title gives me story ideas about an unhealthy romance where one side thinks they know someone and loves them, but they don't. There's more to that person than they think. I also expect some trouble of M.C. loving herself. And I wanted to see how this story unfolds with these elements, along with the fantasy-horror-paranormal aspects.
How is the pacing?
It is not a graphic novel. There are five issues to this story/series. And if the other four are like the first one, they're short and a quick read. The first in the series is 31 pages on a kindle. 24 if you cut out the preview to the next issue. There's an expected publication on March 8, 2022, where all five issues are in one collection. I couldn't wait that long (though I don't have too long to wait, I'm writing this review on February 27, 2022); I wanted to read straight away. My local library didn't have it, and it was 99 cents on Kindle, so I got it.
The beginning:
Good start. The first-two-three-four pages.
The middle:
I would love to talk about it, but that would be summarizing the whole comic, and I'm trying not to do that. Let's say it's simply very short. The pacing affected my two-star rating.
(I wish I could hear an audio version or watch an animation of this. I wonder how different that would be. I wouldn't mind watching it. )
The ending:
Well, it barely started, so we're left on a cliffhanger.
Does the cliffhanger make me curious enough to continue reading the series?
Yes.
Do I recommend this to anyone?
Let me finish the series and I'll let you know what I think.
*Note: Warning! Possible Spoilers Ahead!
Is it what I expected?
I don't know yet. But I'm willing to find out.
Oh, but what I said earlier about the M.C. unable to love herself - that was wrong. I mean that the story isn't about that. As far as I know, anyway. She does struggle with creativity-block. She talks to herself and wonders why or critiques herself for not drawing anything (which is normal, no sarcasm). She's in a stage of her life where she made a name for herself as an artist but can't seem to create anything lately. And when she does, she's not happy with it. She also speaks to the supposed ghost that haunts the house, though she doesn't believe there's a ghost. Even though she doesn't believe in ghosts, she asks them whether she should give up her career and go back to being a barista.
Edit.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
I made a mistake about the publication date. Though the comic still came out on March 8, today (hey!), that was for the kindle edition. The physical copy actually had a release date for March 2, 2022.
Why did I want to read this?
The title.
What about the title that interests me?
The title gives me story ideas about an unhealthy romance where one side thinks they know someone and loves them, but they don't. There's more to that person than they think. I also expect some trouble of M.C. loving herself. And I wanted to see how this story unfolds with these elements, along with the fantasy-horror-paranormal aspects.
How is the pacing?
It is not a graphic novel. There are five issues to this story/series. And if the other four are like the first one, they're short and a quick read. The first in the series is 31 pages on a kindle. 24 if you cut out the preview to the next issue. There's an expected publication on March 8, 2022, where all five issues are in one collection. I couldn't wait that long (though I don't have too long to wait, I'm writing this review on February 27, 2022); I wanted to read straight away. My local library didn't have it, and it was 99 cents on Kindle, so I got it.
The beginning:
Good start. The first-two-three-four pages.
The middle:
I would love to talk about it, but that would be summarizing the whole comic, and I'm trying not to do that. Let's say it's simply very short. The pacing affected my two-star rating.
(I wish I could hear an audio version or watch an animation of this. I wonder how different that would be. I wouldn't mind watching it. )
The ending:
Well, it barely started, so we're left on a cliffhanger.
Does the cliffhanger make me curious enough to continue reading the series?
Yes.
Do I recommend this to anyone?
Let me finish the series and I'll let you know what I think.
*Note: Warning! Possible Spoilers Ahead!
Is it what I expected?
I don't know yet. But I'm willing to find out.
Oh, but what I said earlier about the M.C. unable to love herself - that was wrong. I mean that the story isn't about that. As far as I know, anyway. She does struggle with creativity-block. She talks to herself and wonders why or critiques herself for not drawing anything (which is normal, no sarcasm). She's in a stage of her life where she made a name for herself as an artist but can't seem to create anything lately. And when she does, she's not happy with it. She also speaks to the supposed ghost that haunts the house, though she doesn't believe there's a ghost. Even though she doesn't believe in ghosts, she asks them whether she should give up her career and go back to being a barista.
Edit.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
I made a mistake about the publication date. Though the comic still came out on March 8, today (hey!), that was for the kindle edition. The physical copy actually had a release date for March 2, 2022.
August 5, 2021
I was looking forward to this book for months and although I hate to say it, “The Me You Love in the Dark” failed to deliver on the hype. I’m at a loss and left feeling slightly disappointed on all fronts. The script is sparse, the paneling and artwork feels subdued — even the colour palette of Jean-Francois Beaulieu doesn’t seem to shine as bright.
This is incredibly out of character for Skottie Young. In all the years I’ve been reading his work, I’ve yet to see him miss even once. But this feels off, almost as if Young is using the book as a medium to vent his loathsome feelings about his own creative process.
Are there redeeming moments? Undoubtedly — but they all belong to Jorge Corona. The art is telling the story in “The Me You Love in the Dark, like the classic Marvel comics of old. I’ll still more than likely pick up issue two but only out of a sense of loyalty and mild curiosity.
One last thing — did every single page have to be hospital white with basic square panels? And would it have killed Jorge to include just one single/double splash page?
This is incredibly out of character for Skottie Young. In all the years I’ve been reading his work, I’ve yet to see him miss even once. But this feels off, almost as if Young is using the book as a medium to vent his loathsome feelings about his own creative process.
Are there redeeming moments? Undoubtedly — but they all belong to Jorge Corona. The art is telling the story in “The Me You Love in the Dark, like the classic Marvel comics of old. I’ll still more than likely pick up issue two but only out of a sense of loyalty and mild curiosity.
One last thing — did every single page have to be hospital white with basic square panels? And would it have killed Jorge to include just one single/double splash page?
May 21, 2022
I meant to download the trade paperback instead of just issue 1. Now, I'm left wanting. The premise of a romance between a woman and her house is interesting in the context of the "meaning of space" or the emotional attachments we form with specific places and in the flipping of the usual haunted house story.
Issue 1 sets up a familar protagonist, a painter suffering a creative block under pressure from her gallery to produce new works, who rents a house in a more remote, quieter location with the hope of reigniting her imagination. She ends up drinking bottle after bottle of wine unable to put pencil to canvas.
She is aware the house is rumored to be haunted and believes that it might give her the kickstart she needs to paint again. She even chastises the ghost for being a poor host and not being more hospitable and having her wine prepared before she sits to start painting.
The first issue successful whet my curiosity and I'm looking forward to picking up the trade.
Issue 1 sets up a familar protagonist, a painter suffering a creative block under pressure from her gallery to produce new works, who rents a house in a more remote, quieter location with the hope of reigniting her imagination. She ends up drinking bottle after bottle of wine unable to put pencil to canvas.
She is aware the house is rumored to be haunted and believes that it might give her the kickstart she needs to paint again. She even chastises the ghost for being a poor host and not being more hospitable and having her wine prepared before she sits to start painting.
The first issue successful whet my curiosity and I'm looking forward to picking up the trade.
January 24, 2023
The more I think about this graphic novel, the more I like it. I admit I was hooked just by the title, and the beautiful artwork. The story follows Ro, a painter, who is in "painters block". She rents and escapes to a haunted house looking for inspiration, but the plan is quickly spoiled.
CW/Possible TW: if you're in a controlling relationship, or have trouble reading about one unfolding, maybe skip this one for now <3
Tagging the rest as spoiler, although a more of a "light" spoiler?!
CW/Possible TW: if you're in a controlling relationship, or have trouble reading about one unfolding, maybe skip this one for now <3
Tagging the rest as spoiler, although a more of a "light" spoiler?!
August 9, 2021
I have been waiting for this for a long time. If I was honest, I have probably rounded up the stars from 3.5 to 4, but that is because I am so biased about it. To be fair, as with many opening comics, this instalment is mainly setting the scene.
Ro is an artist who has taken time away, to "find herself." Leaving the city behind, she rents a large house which is meant to be haunted. Far from putting her off, she seems to be drawn to the place, encouraging any ghosts there to show themselves. She needs to concentrate on her art, and make new pieces, but I wonder what influence this 'other' is going to have on her.
There is enough here to keep me interested. Having read this now, I can see the inspiration for some of the variant covers that I have spotted. And, I will definitely get number 2, to see just where Ro's story takes us.
Ro is an artist who has taken time away, to "find herself." Leaving the city behind, she rents a large house which is meant to be haunted. Far from putting her off, she seems to be drawn to the place, encouraging any ghosts there to show themselves. She needs to concentrate on her art, and make new pieces, but I wonder what influence this 'other' is going to have on her.
There is enough here to keep me interested. Having read this now, I can see the inspiration for some of the variant covers that I have spotted. And, I will definitely get number 2, to see just where Ro's story takes us.
February 16, 2022
After reading the entirety of 'The me you love in the dark' in class, I have to say this is another of my favorite reads to come in 2022.
Reading through I took note of the brooding and gothic atmosphere, the house personified as an unwelcoming figure.
'Help me learn to love you better' is a cry from a monster who as only known loneliness. I feel empathy for the monster, Ro makes little effort to actually communicate with him about her feelings, instead of lashing out and getting angry herself.
I believe the monster is capable of these complex emotions, as it's shown how he acts and responds to her when watching the movies, understanding love, want and jealousy. I find this book fascinating and one of my all-time favorites,
Reading through I took note of the brooding and gothic atmosphere, the house personified as an unwelcoming figure.
'Help me learn to love you better' is a cry from a monster who as only known loneliness. I feel empathy for the monster, Ro makes little effort to actually communicate with him about her feelings, instead of lashing out and getting angry herself.
I believe the monster is capable of these complex emotions, as it's shown how he acts and responds to her when watching the movies, understanding love, want and jealousy. I find this book fascinating and one of my all-time favorites,
August 7, 2021
Ugh (to use a word used one too many times in the story). I wanted to like this one. It isn’t horrible but it wasn’t even a ten minute read. The art was okay but should have been…more. Too much white space and wasted areas. But the script was worse if you can call just pages of nothing a script. Maybe Skottie Young is/was having a creative block like his heroine, Ro. But, it shows promise and I will pick up the next issue. Just, please, don’t have Ro say “ugh” again for at least a couple of issues. And write/draw something! Or make it a 12 page story with something as a backup story.
May 20, 2024
I wasn’t sure what to expect opening this graphic novel. At first glance, before I knew it was a graphic novel, from the title, I thought this was going to be a poetry book and that is what intrigued me. Although it wasn’t poetry, this was still a moving book, dark and intense, showcasing struggles both external and internal, and I loved how realistically intertwined they were. I’m curious to read the rest of the series.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress.com
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress.com
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews