Crave by Maria Llovet

In a university, an app called Crave appears on student’s phones.  It promises to give you what you want, but what it gives is relationship discord, anarchy, sex in public and potentially the downfall of civilisation.  Can a crack unit of outcasts and geeks save the world?

Well, I’m not here to give you the happy ending you wish.  And yes, I know that is a double entendre.  Crave is collection of the recently competed (or is it?) comic series by Image.  Their story is slightly unsettling - as it should be - with likeable characters and whipsmart dialogue.  Llovet also contributes artwork that is Beardsleyesque in its covers and end papers, but sketchy and full of life in the storytelling.  Lovely sex scenes too, with a scene featuring one of our heroes finding a unique way to improve his grades.  

As someone who loves graphic novels, but in recent years has found them repetitive and unoriginal (other than Sex Criminals, ironically from the same publisher) I would also offer a trigger warning: some content may not be suitable for younger readers. But if what you desire is an erotic, sinister and snarky six issues, you’ll love it.  It’s published by Image on 17th September and I thank them for a preview copy.