Although its story is fictitious, Bingo Love reads much like a biography. The book is set in the near future, but dwells mostly on the past, as main character Elle relays her life story, with emphasis on the tale of her great love. Elle’s story spans decades. The reader gets to see every aspect of her relationship with Mari, from their meeting, declaration of love, to the place where it ultimately ends up.
Throughout the comic, the reader is constantly reminded that this is a story being relayed to a third person through consistent of narrative boxes. Not only is this important to the present-day section of the book, it is a crucial part of Bingo Love’s pacing. Particular events or periods of time never feel glossed over or rushed because the narration does a good job of linking everything together. The narration also provides another perspective to Elle’s story. Not only do we see how she felt about what happened at the time, we also get the benefit of how she feels about her earlier years with the benefit of time and experience.
Franklin’s writing style is so committed to its nature as a story being told that it leaves out certain details that another comic might have included. What exactly those details are won’t be revealed for risk of spoilers, but the reader isn’t told everything. Certain aspects of the story are implied and can be inferred based on the information provided, but they aren’t explicitly mentioned. This enforces the feeling that someone is telling the reader their life story instead of the reader perceiving it as an omniscient witness.
Bingo Love is sweet, it’s funny, it’s passionate, and it is heart-wrenching. Tee Franklin, and Jenn St-Onge have crafted something that feels like it contains a real, life story, despite being fiction. The way that the book’s structure and narration mimics a biography makes it easier to view the characters within as a real people. Above all else, Bingo Love is a beautifully told story of love that explores every aspect of love can mean and celebrates how powerful such a bond is.
BINGO LOVE / WRITER: TEE FRANKLIN / ARTIST: JENN ST-ONGE / PUBLISHER: IMAGE COMICS / RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 14TH
