Story and Art: Luana Vecchio
English Adaption: Edward Caio
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 25th, 2023
Jack, a mysterious figure from Domino’s past, makes a grand entrance in Lovesick #4, and amplifies all of Domino’s inner turmoil and self-doubt. We get a look into Domino’s origins as the book moves away from the Red Room to an even more grotesque world of high society dinners where cannibalism is the main attraction and Domino may be next on the menu.
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The Story
Last issue’s attack on Domino by the Bloodcels seems to not only have damaged her physically, but it’s also struck her psyche too.
In Lovesick #4, we get a fascinating look into Domino’s past and her induction into the S&M lifestyle by Jack, the man who first “discovered” her when she was 16. Jack’s one of the most evil characters ever, at least in my opinion. I’m sure in the S&M community, he’d be just another average Joe (Jack). I really felt sorry for Domino as we get flashbacks of her first sessions with Jack, who takes young Domino and begins dominating her. I feel that she was way too young to know what she was looking for in a partner, despite the fact Jack thinks she absolutely knows what she wants.
The series, especially this issue, is great at putting the reader in the mind of those deeply entrenched in the S&M culture, and at times it’s hard to read, not because of the writing but because of the subject matter. But isn’t literature best when it challenges the reader? If you want the same old thing, there are tons of books by the big two companies filled with beefy guys in capes smashing evil and never rocking the boat.
I suppose everyone has that one person who can push their buttons and get them to dance to their command, and in Domino’s case it’s Jack. As the issue progresses and Jack manipulates Domino, who has been such a tower of strength and dominance the past few issues, it’s very disturbing seeing his control over her. At its core, this is still a horror story, so it’s all about the disturbing. The climax of the issue is as terrifying and gory as anything born from Lucio Fulci’s nightmares, and the issue ends with a startling revelation. I love Domino, she’s one of the most fascinating characters I’ve ever read in a series. This issue gives us some harsh views into her past and shows another more fragile side of her, and I can’t wait to see what direction this series takes next.
The Art
Luana Vecchio’s art on Lovesick #4 adds beauty and eroticism to even the most horrific scenes. When characters are being brutalized, the art makes you feel their pain with the invasive views of wounds and entrails sloshing across panels. There are no ugly characters in Lovesick, not on the outside. These are beautiful characters doing horrific things, and this vicious dark underworld comes alive via the art.
Final Thoughts
Lovesick #4 is a fascinating and heart-breaking look into Domino’s past, as she tries to come to grips with her appetite for self-destruction. Jack is equally fascinating. He’s as despicable as it gets, but he’s a great counterpoint to Domino, and it’ll be interesting to see where their relationship, so filled with pain and perversion, goes from here.