San Diego Comic Con 2024 hosted the Eisner Awards, and Somna by Becky Cloonan and Tula Lotay won for Best New Series. DSTLRY, the publisher behind Somna, is a relatively new publisher, and they have being proudly advertising themselves as a “new era for comic books.” Somna proves this is exactly the case, catering to a niche corner of comic fans – dark romance readers.
Somna: A Bedtime Story
Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay (creators)
DSTLRY
2023
Somna is set in a puritanical English village, and fears over Satan and witchcraft are high. Ingrid is unsatisfied with her marriage to her witch-finder husband. Longing for much more in this life, she turns to a mysterious, dark force for an erotic escape. However, indulging in “sin” could be her downfall in a town that punishes such acts.
Both Cloonan and Lotay are artists and writers on Somna. The two creators have starkly different art styles. Cloonans’ art is highly expressive with heavier line work and high contrast that makes it feel tangible. Lotay, on the other hand, has an ethereal, dream-like quality of art.
While their styles are different, this works in Somna’s favor. When this dark entity visits Ingrid, it is usually in her dreams. These erotic, mysterious visits are illustrated by Lotay, so her soft, sensual art compliments the dream-like state Ingrid is in when she gives into sin.
When Ingrid is back in reality, though, that is where Cloonan jumps in with her more grounded style. This reality is harsh and cruel, so Cloonan’s bold, evocative strokes work well here. While there is a clear distinction between Ingrid’s dreams and reality at first, as time goes by, the two worlds merge into one.
Switching art style throughout a comic runs the risk of losing some readers. However, Somna makes this stylistic change work in its favor. There is a clear reason for the change. It also compliments where Ingrid is mentally. It’s a brilliant choice to use two art styles for a story of this nature. What makes it better: Cloonan and Lotay’s art styles are perfect for a dark romance.
In short, each page is its own work of art visually. For a comic about pleasure, Somna provides it for the eye from start to finish. This goes well beyond the illustrations. The colors by Lotay, Lee Loughridge, and Dee Cunnifee are a sensory experience.
For instance, no matter how dark and grim Ingrid’s world gets, her eyes always remain a commanding, vibrant blue. Nothing – not the church, not her husband, not God himself – will take away the spark in Ingrid. Along with that, her eyes seem to get brighter as Somna goes on, and that is because reality is getting darker and losing its vibrancy.
Meanwhile, in the dream, the colors are soft, bringing out Ingrid’s sensuality. It is also a world that is painted in reds. On one hand, these warm reds are evocative of a hot, romantic evening. On the other hand, there is a danger to this desire. From the illustrations to the colors, the art of Somna is deeply intentional. It successfully elevates an already engaging story.
The story of Somna is also a novel idea. A comic exploring how women’s sexuality and liberation were conflated with sin and witchcraft in the past is an interesting premise on its own. Add in genuine supernatural forces, and it’s a recipe for success. Somna makes readers want to embrace their inner sensuality, even when others may see that as sin.
Somna’s premise is brilliant yet simple in the best way. It is more than just witch erotica, which would be fine on its own. Somna uses historical witch hunts and fears of the 1600s to explore themes of bodily autonomy, sexual liberation, and the policing of women’s bodies. It may be a period piece, but will resonate with audiences today, tomorrow, and years from now.
Somna is a must read comic for new and old comic fans, as long as they are comfortable with more adult content. The romance genre is not as commonplace as other genres when it comes to comic periodicals, so Somna is a breath of fresh air. It’s a visual masterpiece. It’s a story of liberation and agency with a protagonist readers want to see give into her inner desires. Somna leaves readers excited to see what is in store for DSTLRY and this all-star creative team.
