I almost didn’t review this, because as anyone following the title will know, it’s being axed with issue 23 and if you didn’t buy it, it’s YOUR FAULT. American Virgin is like no other comic out there at the moment, and soon it won’t even be out there itself. It’s always been an ill fit for Vertigo, but the paradox is that if it had come out with another publisher, it probably wouldn’t even made it this far. It’s deeply disappointing that a book dealing with religion, sex and death couldn’t find some kind of audience, because it’s the sort of thing that could’ve really stood out if only the right people had found it, but oh well, presumably this frees up some shelf space for another zombie epic or Sandman rip-off. (Ooh, drama alert!)

As I’ve more or less said, the writing and art in American Virgin have always been high quality. There was a period about 9 issues in where it hit a bit of a slump, but it bounced back in a really big way over the last year. The artwork has done nothing but improve, and I’ll soon be sad to miss out on my monthly hit of Cloonan.

In this issue, Adam travels to Cuba with his extended family to find his real father, which Mamie attempts to dissolve his recent marriage. Particular emphasis is placed in this issue on turning Mamie, who was previously little more than an antagonistic matriarchal dragon, into an interesting and sympathetic character, something Seagle largely achieves without having to have her act against type. The mystery of Adam’s real father is something I’m glad to see tackled, and it’s just a pity that Cyndi’s pregnancy plot - the most interesting mystery left - probably isn’t going to get played out to completion before the title’s last issue. I’m going to be sorry to see AV go when ultimately, its only crime was being TOO original.

Tags: American Virgin, Becky Cloonan
Publisher: DC, Vertigo