Mysteries: The Law and The Lady by Wagner & Seiter (French book)

1875, England. Valeria Brinton, a young and beautiful woman, just married the charming Eustace Woodville. It was love at first sight. The spouses are very attached to each other and everything seems perfect about this newlywed couple. Suddenly, the young woman discovers some deep hidden secrets who become a constant reminder how little she knows her husband.

Their marriage was not approved by her husband’s family who refused to attend to their wedding and even Valeria’s uncles were not happy about this situation.

During the first days of their honeymoon, she accidentally meets her mother-in-law and finds out her husband uses a false name. Why is he hiding his true identity?! Troubled by so many mysteries, the young woman decides to take the matters on her own hands and find out the truth. But everything is much more complex than she ever imagined…

This is the 1st volume of the French historical comic series, Mysteries: Seule contre la loi (The Law and The Lady) freely adapted from Wilkie Collins‘ book with the same name. The author even shows up during the story as an old friend of the heroine.

When I picked it up at the library, I just wanted a comic who would be quick to read and interesting enough to hold my attention. I previously read The Woman in White and Moonstone by Collins and really enjoyed both. This was another opportunity to get to know the author a little better and I’ll definately read The Law and The Lady in a near future.

If completely in love for Eustace, Valeria knows she cannot rest until she finds out the reasons of so many mysteries. She’s brave and independent and doesn’t scare off easily.

Her husband, in the other hand, never really tries to explain the reasons of his lies. He just abandons his wife to her fate thinking he is doing a huge sacrifice leaving her alone. I do understand Eustace has reasons to think no one will believe him but he gives up easily, especially with someone he loves so much (or he says so).

The drawing style can be sometimes a bit too schematic concerning the characters’ faces but Wagner manages very well to show all the emotions with every stroke. A special note about the Victorian clothes, hairdos or even the architecture details which were a real pleasure to admire.

I noticed my library had the 2nd volume so I’ll bring it home as soon as possible. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

Grade: 4/5