Writer/Artist: Mina
Genre: Dark, Urban Fantasy
Heat takes place in modern times but with a twist: many things go bump in the night. And not everybody knows about them. Some argue that it’s best kept that way. Others, like the main characters of this story, are just trying to make sense of it all, and don’t always do things right.
Although still in its infancy, there’s something innately satisfying about Heat. It’s like crawling under a blanket during a cold day. Currently, with thirteen pages to its name, Heat is a story with vampires at its forefront (at least for right now). Yes, vamps are a little overused, but that’s just because we never fail to find them fascinating. All the power to creators who can talk old lore and breathe new life into it.
Starting a new comic with a sturdy base in mythos and lore (like vampires) is a great way to hook a crowd upfront and then branch out and expand. And expansion there already is! A drake (which is a dragon if I’m not mistaken) and a shape shifter have appeared. Based on the description of the comic, more are sure to show up, and they might not all be horror staples like vamps. Fantasy can mean a lot of things. I personally hope elves, but I’m excited for anything. And honestly, I was hooked on the very first page with an introduction of a (main?) character with lip rings. I loves me some lip rings!
Mina’s art throughout Heat is lovely. It’s a simple style with muted colours, sharp facial angles, and blurry/soft/indistinct backgrounds. It definitely gives off an immediate urban vibe with concrete glowing under streetlights. There’s special attention given to certain actions that are really intriguing. Like the close-up of a book being snapped shut. The angle of the hand really conveys a grace within the mundane action of a book closing. It’s something that might be overlooked in other comics but it really adds something to Heat.
There are elements within the artwork that still need development. Body proportions around the neck and shoulders seem occasionally off and the backgrounds need refinement. Heat is still a baby though, and Mina has acknowledged in the artist’s notes below the panels that backgrounds will improve. The art and technique is something she’s still perfecting and, three hundred uploads from now when Heat is crisp and faultless, it’s going to be amazing to go back to issue one and see the growth of Mina’s already substantial talent.
The Verdict
Heat is absolutely a web comic you should be obsessively checking for updates! If vamps aren’t your thing, no problem, there’s more coming! Including more fantastical creatures, dark urban environments, and queer/mature themes! Mina’s art is a little rough around the edges, but is still a delight to look at, and is only going to get more amazing as each page is uploaded. There’s no downside to Heat, so sink your teeth into it!