I remember when Bingo Love was on Kickstarter and doing the social media promotion rounds. I figured one day I would have to buy the book if I ever wanted to read it, but the library saves the day again.

A unnamed woman is crying in Hazel's apartment. She says her parents have kicked her out and asks if Hazel can take her in. Hazel says yes and, to comfort the woman, launches into her own love story. On February 10th 1963, Hazel, the dutiful church-going daughter, and Mari, the new girl in town, locked eyes. Just like that, it was over for Hazel. She was in love.

As promised in the blurb, the comic spans the decades of Mari and Hazel's relationship, as they overcome heteronormativity and watch the world grow more accepting of queer love. I mention the frame story of the woman and Hazel because the comic reads just like an elderly grandmother telling a story to a grandchild. Emphasis on told. The comic is rarely allowed to show its character or world. This made for surprisingly bland, awkwardly paced reading.

The reason Bingo Love still has 3 stars is the art. From the linework to the coloring, the art is fantastic. Heartwarming and soft yet firm and certain. Like falling into one's favorite pillow for a well-earned nap. The casual body, race, and ability diversity is wonderful. Where I wasn't affected by the story's words, I was deeply touched by a brushstroke, or the presence of a one-armed character, or Hazel's varied natural hairstyles.

If you're in a mood to not be picky about story and want to treat yourself to some excellent art, pick up Bingo Love.