“Finding Molly: An Adventure In Catsitting” Review
Cornelia Tzana ‘17 /Emertainment Monthly Head Comic Books Editor
Story By: Justine Prado
Art By: Jenn St-Onge
Coloring By: Carey Pietsch
Lettering By: Joyana McDiarmid
Publisher: Emet Comics
Start reading Finding Molly HERE!
Plenty of comic books have dealt with the high school and college years of their protagonists, the awkwardness of puberty and survival through social interactions and proms. Plenty have also followed adult characters that may or may not have their life together. But Finding Molly is one of those few in comparison that have depicted that awkward moment after school. When college is over and you are standing between the teenage and adult years, not quite letting go of one and not fully accepting the other. Finding Molly explores that very moment. And what better characters to set off the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery than the rulers of memes and leaders of the internet: cats.
Published by Emet Comics, the young publishing organization that has given us Zana, The Wendy Project, and other great works, Finding Molly follows Molly, a recent art school graduate living in the suburbs with her parents. Unlike what she had expected during her college years, Molly is nowhere near making a living out of her art and feels that her surroundings have brought her artistic inspiration to a halt. The only drawings she can create are of her cat, Pishi. That is, until she gets the opportunity catch up with her old art school friends who are currently “living the dream” in the Los Angeles Arts District when she is asked to draw the cat of a couple living near the city. Who could expect that something as simple as catsitting could give Molly the push she needed to put her life in motion once again?
Screenwriter and playwright Justine Prado spins a perfectly relatable story, that, as an art school graduate and cat owner, seems to reflect her own. This comic book will draw the reader in with characters that reflect feelings and desires that are universal, such as taking up unpleasant jobs, starting over in an unfamiliar place, looking for ways to achieve one’s dream and dealing with cats. Yet through her adventures, Molly seems to also discover the little moments that make it all worthwhile: meeting people, falling in love and finding herself.
Prado develops her characters quickly enough to give them substance yet the story never feels rushed or forced. Molly and her cohorts seem to be leading the plot, taking it wherever it needs to go. It is worth to pointing out the diversity of the Finding Molly cast, both leading and supporting, at least half of which are not white. Not to mention the variety of hairstyles, which are cool enough to inspire you to get a brand new haircut!
The art of Jenn St-Onge changes significantly over the first three issues as the the world and its inhabitants grow into themselves. Combined with Carey Pietsch’s fitting color palette and the lettering skills of Joyana McDiarmid, this series is a visual joy to follow. From Molly and her long, often unruly hair and red bangs to her catsitting subjects, each character is unique, memorable and simply fun to look at.
Emet Comics delivers once again with Finding Molly both in terms of story and art. Whether you are a cat lover, an art student, a college grad trying to find your way, or all of the above, following Molly’s adventures in catsitting will be a fun-filled ride.