How did a graphic novel about three mermaids who become human just so they could get drunk become one of the best--no, THE best mermaid story ever told?
Is it odd that I adore mermaids, but dislike most stories about them? It is why I'd put off reading 'Thirsty Mermaids' for this long. That and its content and humour didn't look like it would appeal to me.I'm glad beyond any measure of flotsam and jetsam I rectified that mistake sooner rather than later.
Read 'Thirsty Mermaids', no matter who you are. It's hilarious (rarely have I read or seen anything so continuously funny and clever), subversive, full of heart, full of tears, full of the best characters ever, and the art is amazing. Mer-mazing. Ok that's the only pun in this review I swear.
Meet Pearl, Tooth and Eez. But also Vivi de la Vega, her sister Angel, her spouse Ada, and the best treasure divers and older M/M couple ever, Spud and Jim. Everybody is diverse - in body type, race, skin colour, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Even the mermaid designs are vastly different from each other. There are subspecies of merfolk creatures. There is nonbinary rep, and Vivi, the bartender who takes in the mermaids-turned-human-by-magic, is a trans woman.
How clever and wonderful is it that the human the mermaids grow closest to is trans? It's not presented as a big deal at all, and it isn't, but there is a very subtle reflection and parallel between the women there. Yeah, it's there, however it's not the basis of their drunken-buddies friendship by any stretch. Their comradery and Vivi's kindness and helpfulness are (despite her not believing they are actually mermaids throughout the majority of the comic). Pearl, Tooth and Eez are lucky to encounter a human like her within their first hour as humans themselves - in the bar, The Thirsty Mermaid, in booze heaven! This is especially true in light of their situation - their hangover situation, where they realise (well, Eez the sea witch does) they don't know how to turn back into merfolk! Vivi invites the poor, clueless comedic messes to stay at her place instantly.
'Thirsty Mermaids' could be called 'Steven Universe' strictly for adults. The influence is obvious. One in the trio of supernatural female-presenting humanoid creatures is even named Pearl (it's not who you'd think it would be, however). It's sort of slice-of-life with comedy bits and moments, and dramatic events, culminating in a high stakes, life-and-death, tough-decision-time climax.
It's one of the best endings in a comic I've ever seen. One of the best, satisfactory endings I've seen in a mermaid story. I'm so happy.
'Thirsty Mermaids' is an emotional roller coaster. And a damn fun one to boot.
It's not coarse or vulgar at all. It's about kindness, understanding, friendship and found family. The only bad taste and self-indulgence here is in the alcohol.
I love it.
Thanks, Kat Leyh!
Final Score: 4.5/5
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