Tee Franklin

Bingo Love Vol. 1

Lucia Correa

5 STARS. I came across this novel when it was nominated for best GN in 2018 Goodreads choice awards. Graphic novel with lovely art, love story between black older characters- Check, check, check. Among the contributors - writer Gail Simone and artist Cat Staggs. Check Check. Here's my money and I'm very happy.

This is a lovely, sad, and happy story that is told from the point of view of Hazel. Hazel (Elle) Johnson and Mari McCray met in High School when Mari moved from California in 1963. They become fast friends, BFFs in today's lingo. Elle is attracted to Mari from the first time she spots Mari at a church Bingo game, but because of the times, family and culture they remain just friends. Four years later they discover their mutual love but it was short lived. They are discovered and their family separates them. Years pass and Elle marries and is a housewife with three kids and at least 2 grandkids, but she is not happy. Fast forward 50 years and they meet again at the same Bingo game. Their mutual love has not diminished with time.

This Jackpot addition added 6 shorts by various guest writers and artists (and the original creators). It is a great addition, adding stories that fill in a few of the blanks of the original love story of Elle and Mari. One of the writers is Gail Simone. I've been following her for years, even before she wrote professionally. She's written for Marvel, DC, Image and self-published. My favorites of hers was Birds of Prey and Wonder Woman. Cat Staggs is a fabulous artist. I have a few pieces of her original art. She is currently doing the art for Simone's Crosswind comic.

My only disappointment is not getting much of Mari's point of view and her children's reactions. We don't even meet them. However, it ends with a tease story "Dear Diary". Mari's children find her diaries... Unfortunately we will have to wait until 2020 for volume 2.