Epeolatry Book Review: Draw You In, Vol. 1 by Jasper Bark

Okay, I’ll admit I’m not the greatest comic fan in the world, so it might seem strange that I’ve picked up this book. BUT I do love a good mystery and I’m always on the lookout for an original take. The premise behind this particular trilogy certainly seemed to tick those boxes and so I took a punt and started reading.

Firstly, I will deal with the issue of the comic world backdrop. Names are mentioned, processes described, but not in a heavy-handed manner. For me, this just happens to be the industry in which the story is set. However, it does show the author’s own expertise and skill in weaving the fictional with the real in such a seamless manner that you are unaware of it. I googled a fair number of references, and their reality adds to the authenticity of the setting and the author’s own love of the genre. I am fairly certain that comic afficionados will be delighting in the references and nodding their heads in recognition, whilst those, like me, who haven’t a clue, will just absorb it as an interesting part of the story.

After mentioning comics, do not expect their mention in the prologue. I must warn you that this is a brutal chapter of abuse and psychological trauma. I certainly did not expect that, but it is powerful in its telling and its implications are never far below the surface in the rest of the story. (There are no content warnings so be prepared for anything!)

Then Bark takes us into his beloved world of comics using his protagonist, Linda Corrigan, as the vehicle. The explicit mystery in this book follows the disappearance of an editor and the subsequent denial of everyone she contacts as to his existence in the first place. It’s almost as if she’s been gaslighted. When she teams up with FBI Agent Macpherson, they start searching for him, other ‘disappeared,’ and for a certain comic artist R.L. Carver, the latter being the link to all of them. But, as I’ve reflected on this mystery, there is also another story, that of the enigma of Linda herself. Her story is only partially told and we are made aware of others monitoring and manipulating her investigation, leading us to ponder an additional puzzle: not just the ‘who is Linda Corrigan?’ but also ‘why Linda Corrigan?’. There is also the vaguest hint of another world, just beyond the page, just beyond the reader; the cosmic element perhaps indicated in the synopsis? But that is all it remains in Volume 1 … a very small hint.

Linda is a likeable and relatable woman, someone determined to make her own way, someone who has faced discrimination in her career because of her gender. (Aspects of discrimination, whether by gender or race in the history of the comic world are also touched upon). She is also someone who one minute appears totally open about her situation, and then keeps secrets the next; she has her flaws … and her layers. There also appears to be supernatural forces at work upon her following her viewing of sketches that were drawn by the elusive R.L. Carver. An effect not just restricted to her as you discover their provenance. And the deeper Linda and her friends dive into the investigation, the more life begins to imitate the art of the comic strips. Whilst her investigation is carried out with the support of FBI Agent Macpherson and Richard Ford, comic historian, they are very much supporting roles. This does allow us to see what sort of person she is, and how she relates to others. In particular, this seems to be a friendship born of necessity rather than genuine liking, and although that slowly changes, it is clear she is someone who prefers to keep others at arm’s length. 

Within the pages are instances of unlikeable characters. Deeply offensive and misogynistic language from one of them in particular makes my blood boil, particularly because it reflects a horrible corner of our society in reality. This is Bark reflecting modern times, however, and let’s just say, such individuals are dealt with. (Note: I have no objection to any of this within the context of the story; it’s relevant and not gratuitous.)

The ending implies things are turning a corner for Linda in terms of her career in the comic industry but … I will leave it there as it feeds a cliffhanger which demands you carry on with the series. 

Personally, I will say that this is not a book to read as a standalone – unless you put it by simply because it’s not for you. As the author answers some questions, he automatically triggers a myriad of others and you need to keep reading. The book has been wonderfully written, the narrative inventive and entertaining. This is a Russian doll of a book and I can’t wait to discover what lies at its centre. I have volumes 2 and 3 waiting and they really are drawing me back in …

PS: As a by the by, this is the second book in recent times that has mentioned or referenced Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. Who said genre writers weren’t literary?

/5

Available from Amazon and Bookshop.