Booknote: Bettie Page, Volume 1

David Avallone and Colton Worley (artist), Bettie Page, Volume 1: Bettie in Hollywood. Mt. Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2018. ISBN: 978-1-5241-0644-7.

Genre: graphic novels and comics
Subgenre: 1950s, retro, humor, adventure
Format: e-galley
Source: NetGalley

I was a bit skeptical when I saw this. I know the publishers will try just about anything, but this seemed a bit of a stretch. However, I found it to be a light and fun read that also pokes fun at some of the 1950s images and cliches.

The premise is that famous model Bettie Page kept a secret diary, a diary that tells her story as a secret spy. Of course, this could not be told at the time, but at last the truth can come out now. It all starts when a guy offers her a job as an office assistant in a secret facility, and it goes from there. Along the way she is chased by G-Men as well as mad scientists plus she is also trying to keep working in movies, B-movies in this case.

While the story can be amusing at times, the plot can feel a bit convoluted and confusing in some parts. Despite that, the story has a light sense of humor, like it does not take itself too seriously. For me, the best part in the art, which captures Bettie pretty well as well as the time period, enhancing the B-movie aesthetic in the comic.

Additionally, this volume features a covers gallery section combining photos of Bettie Page and art by Joseph Linsner. Linsner really makes Bettie look good.

Overall, I liked it. The story was mostly OK, but the art and humor help make up for it. I like it enough that I am willing to read the next volume in the series.

3 out of 5 stars.

This book qualifies for the following 2020 Reading Challenges:

#ArcApocalypse Reading Challenge