The Chromatic Fantasy

by H.A.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 300
Rating:

Synopsis:

A Faustian bargain kicks off in this gorgeously drawn graphic novel reminiscent of stained glass and illuminated manuscripts, telling the story of queer transmasc romance, daring adventure, and (literally) fighting your demons. Jules is a trans man trapped in his life as a nun. The devil that the convent guards against offers him a deal to escape: an illicit tryst and lifelong possession. Jules takes the deal, and begins his new life as a criminal who's impervious to harm. He soon meets Casper, another trans man and a poetic thief, and together they steal, lie, and cheat their way through bewildering adventures, and develop feelings for each other along the way. But as Jules and Casper's relationship deepens, so does the devil's jealous grasp...

H.A.’s The Chromatic Fantasy is a pretty mad book, with beautiful colours and fun character designs, which seems mostly designed to satisfy the artist’s desire to show transmasculine characters having fun, falling in love, having sex in a variety of fun ways, and getting into trouble. It’s a weird mix of medieval-esque and modern elements, all jumbled together very energetically.

There’s minimal dysphoria in the story, to be clear, but it’s worth knowing that the characters are portrayed naked and as not having had surgery. There’s a reference or two to the possibility of surgery, but very minor.

It’s hard to explain exactly what happens in this book, it’s pretty nuts, but I enjoyed the artist’s enthusiasm.

Rating: 4/5 (“really liked it”)