Forward

This gentle and heartwarming debut explores finding love after loss in the lesbian scene of Victoria, Canada. Rayanne hasn’t dated since a bad breakup four years earlier. She claims to a friend that it’s because she’s too busy with work, only to slip into a sexy fantasy inspired by a soft butch she spots on the street. Ali is still grieving the death of her wife, Liv, 10 months prior. A supportive friend sets her up with a phone call to a psychic medium and Ali receives a message from the beyond: Liv wants her to find someone new. Rayanne and Ali’s paths inevitably cross at a local coffee shop. An immediate spark is struck between the two women, but can either of them let go of their ghosts for long enough to open up to new love? The large-size, traditionally inked pages are colored with soft watercolor washes. The character’s faces are often warmed by the glow of sunrises or sunsets. From the hand lettering to the lingering glances, the carefully crafted art reflects the intimacy of the script. This authentic, poignant love story offers a welcome depth of emotion to what might have otherwise been a simple romantic comedy. (Apr.)