Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)

“Some bits of ‘Merry-Go-Round’ by Sergio Rossi made me feel like I was reading a comic book version of a ‘Modern Love’ episode, the popular NYT column that eventually led to the creation of several series inspired by the idea of exploring new age love stories.

The graphic novel follows a group of young friends as they navigate college, comic conventions, and parties while dealing with their romantic lives. The artwork by Agnese Innocente is captivating, with most pages drenched in pleasant pastel shades, regardless of the drama unfolding in the story. Each chapter in the tale focuses on a different pair, delving into their dynamic and emotions towards each other.

Given the multiple protagonists, it can be a bit challenging to recall everyone by the end of the book. Even while reading the novel, sometimes it was hard to keep track of which character’s story you were actually following. Sergio Rossi explores various aspects of dating through different characters, so while one chapter may revolve around chasing someone you like, another might deal with cat-fishing.

Most of the stories were too brief, a few ended abruptly, and in the end, readers may feel like they’ve read a random online thread about people sharing short anecdotes of someone they liked. However, it’s the art that makes ‘Merry-Go-Round’ a fun and enjoyable reading experience.”

It’s a 3.5 on 5 from me.