Fantagraphics present a new graphic novel from debuting comic artist Miguel Vila in Milky Way. Marco and Stella’s lukewarm, aspiring yuppie romance was already on the ropes when they meet Lulu, an older, working-class ice cream server with a kid and a shady past. But when Marco develops an interest in her that soon veers into obsession, it awakens in him a problematic and dormant sexuality.
Yuppies are always prime targets for deconstructive narratives (with American Psycho being a great example) and this comic pulls no punches in that department. Initially a loving couple, the sparks between Marco and Stella quickly fizzle out. Between being financially dependant on Stella and her best friend – who is in love with Stella – believing he is not good enough for her, Marco quickly seeks other outlets for love, and it is here where we see the pitfalls of the his lifestyle.
As one can imagine, Marco isn’t a particularly sympathetic protagonist. His lack of activeness and obsessive behaviour drive home the pitfalls of sex addiction whilst blinding him to the troubles that the target of his obsession Lulu is going through. Beyond the rather shocking sexual subjects explored, it’s a brutally honest look at how seemingly strong relationships can fall apart whilst exploring difficult themes that are not often approached in any medium.
To compliment the frank storytelling, Villa is equally blunt when it comes to his artwork. He is very detailed in his approach which – given the graphic nature of the story and the lewd type of relationship Marco and Lulu develop – helps enhance the general unpleasantness of the characters involved. Little details that usually highlight negative features of the body are focused on in a neat array of panels which vary drastically in size and shape in order to enhance the focus on certain attributes. With no characters in the comic intended to be truly likable, Villa strips them down to their core and exposes all their negative features, warts and all.
Milky Way is a strong debut that exposes the pitfalls that can arise in love and lust. Miguel Milla is definitely a talent to watch.
Milky Way is out now from Fantagraphics (9781683968818, h/b, £24.99)
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