It’s Valentines, the day of love, but if you’re after an alternative to the usual hearts and flowers comics then we take a look at Brain Fetish a comic book which attempts to explain the dynamics of love and relationships in a very different way. Will this be a title which captures your heart or will it be left on the shelf alone?

Publisher: Kinga Korska
Writer: Kinga Korska
Artist: Kinga Korska
Price: £15 at Amazon.com

Brain Fetish is a graphic novel which attempts to help explain how to navigate the bumpy road of love, intimacy and relationships. This title is told from the point of view of a mother who attempts to impart the wisdom she has acquired from her own life and marriage upon her conflicted daughter, who herself is attempting to understand the man she has chosen to be with. Containing references and examples abound, this title attempts to clear up some most common issues which occur within relationships in the hopes of working past them until it is realised that, in the end, all you need is love.

With this title, Kinga Korska has produced an really enjoyable comic which, not only is an engrossing read but is also something which is incredibly thought provoking. Brain Fetish could, based on its content, be best described as a ‘self-help’ book in that it is less a story and more a method of providing advice. However, unlike other books of that nature, this one provides readers its content via a good narrative, which keeps readers invested. What really makes this book great is simply a case of just how personal it feels as you read. With every page read, it reads more like an autobiography of sorts, with Korska having to have actually lived through some of these events. Of course, that doesn’t take away from the skilled writing and, more so, research which makes up the immense knowledge littered through the pages. Of course, it’s not perfect, as some of the jumps between the two ‘storylines’ is a little confusing initially as you jump from one to the other without realising it. Also, the entire book does feel more aimed towards female readers, but this is a minor quibble as it still feels very fair minded to both genders and, in fact, may help men gain a better understanding of their wives.

As for the art, the book contains a very simplistic style, akin to those cartoon strips seen in newspapers. That said, Korska obviously plays to her strengths here as this fits the writing perfectly, allowing for the various information, examples and advice to be displayed in a nice, easy manner for readers to absorb. Given the content of the book; one about sex and relationships, the artwork is naturally rather mature, with depictions of nudity appearing throughout. Of course, far from making it all look smutty, Korska delivers the adult material in an incredibly tasteful manner, allowing Brain Fetish’s visuals to come across with the vibe of more french produced comics.

Although a very deep read and not something to be attempted without full concentration, Brain Fetish is, nevertheless, a terrific graphic novel which is well written, beautifully drawn and tremendously thought out in terms of what it tries to get across. While it is obviously not a comic in the traditional sense, this is one comic that will have a big impact on any who read it, whether they be married or wanting to get to that place.