Lil is a person... a woman in fact who despite what has happened to her in the past, she has decided to live her life the way she wants to live it, answering to no one but herself in the process. It doesn't necessarily mean that it is the right way, but it is "her" way and you can't take that away from her. The first thing you will notice in this issue is that Lil isn't the most prim or proper lady to have ever graced the comics world. She is pretty raw, engaging in random sexual activity, doing drugs, and speaking her mind in a no holds barred way. She has been hardened by life, but she will not be cracked by it, or at least if she is cracked, it will be on "her" terms. No drug dealer, sexual partner, or rude customer where she waitresses at are going to tell her what to do. They may try, but ultimately Lil will decide how her life will be.
At least that's how it is supposed to be until she comes across a mysterious case left behind in a bathroom where she is engaging in intercourse. The case was obviously left for her and even for someone as hard as Lil, the contents of the case are a little more than she can handle. It is unnerving to her. What will she do next is the big question left the reader.
Lil is the joint effort of Michael Young and Marc Crane. Here in volume one, which covers four issues, they do a good job of showing the essence of Lil who has a hard as nails exterior but a somewhat soft interior that shows only when she is alone. The art is attractive and it does an ample work in showing the sides of Lil as well as the people around her who could all be described as unsavory both in look and action.
As a story, Lil is hard to read, not because it is bad, but because it feels real. You know Lil. You have probably met Lil sometime in your life (I know I have), and it is that knowledge, that "realness" that makes reading Lil uncomfortable. Still though, you turn the pages to see what happens next. Nothing dramatic happens per se, but reality happens and Lil's story could just as easily been a story ripped from the news headlines.
When the contents of the case are revealed, you may have a certain uneasy feeling. Lil now has to deal with something totally unexpected and totally not in her control. She takes some actions, but we will have to await the next volume to see the outcome.
I liked reading Lil, but it is not your normal comic book fare. If you are looking for mysticism, super powers, etc., it might not be for you. But if you want a cold hard dose of reality or life in the graphic novel format, then Lil will satisfy and creep you out at the same time. It is a good effort worthy of purchase.
Score: 3/5
Writer: Michael Young Artist: Marc Crane Price: $6.55 or £4.00 Website