Review: Romeo X Julien by Mary Dumas & Bettina Kurkoski


Note: An advanced reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author via Other Worlds Ink.

Goodness, but it feels like forever since I last picked up a graphic novel. Okay, it's only been a few months, but again, with so much of my reading being purely text, diving into a graphic novel or web comic offers up a great--and very much welcome--change of pace. Romeo X Julien is the creation of Mary Dumas and Bettina Kurkoski, and if the play on the title hasn't clued you in, this was inspired by William Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. The twist? Well, this isn't the heartrending, tragic drama, although there is a bit of the whole star-crossed lovers thing. Oh, and did I mention this is M/M?! Wheee!

Romeo Montague and Julien Capulet meet, not during a party hosted by one rival family that a member of the other family sneaks into, but at a Renaissance Faire. Romeo is the awkward to Julien's quirkiness, and when their paths intersect, it's the beginning of an unexpected connection. There's a lighthearted feel to the entire story, one that's appreciated, especially if you aren't a fan of the depressing ending of the original Shakesperean tragedy. The supporting characters provide bits of hilarity, and it's a great combination to the heart that's packed into Romeo and Julien's romance. Matched quite nicely with Mary Dumas's writing is Bettina Kurkoski's artwork, which features wonderfully colored illustrations that had me grinning in appreciation. 4.5 stars for Dumas and Kurkoski's Romeo X Julien omnibus, one that's fab in digital form, and I'm guessing may be even more eye-catching when the actual graphic novel is in your hands.

Date Read: 04 October 2020


Purchase Romeo X Julien on Amazon.

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