MidState Vol. 1

by Lee Loughridge, Mack Chater (cover_art), Rob Tweedy (letterer)

The arrival of a mysterious doctor to the small town of Ft. Arlington sparks suspicions around a local psychic outcast. In an effort to clear his name, the psychic teams up with the town's rookie detective who is busy chasing down leads of her own in a series of missing-persons cases— together they will either get to the bottom of things or die trying!

Genres: Graphic Novels

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Vikas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume presents an interesting story set in a small town. The idea presented is nice as well, but the art and story leave a little bit lacking. I liked it, but it could have been better.

I have always loved comics, and I can, and I have. I love comics to bits; may the comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more. You should also read what you love, and I hope you will always love it. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics, Diamond Comics, or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on international and classic comics, Mangas, Mahwas, and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I just want to Keep on Reading.

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

MidState presents a truly neat idea that initially grabs your attention. The premise is fun, but unfortunately, the execution feels a bit lacking. While the concept has a lot of potential, the story struggles to fully capitalize on it.

I found it difficult to connect with the lead character, which made it hard to get invested in their journey. The narrative doesn't provide enough for the reader to really grab onto, and as a result, the emotional stakes feel low.

On a more positive note, the art is solid all around. Lee Loughridge's work is a definite highlight, providing a consistent and appealing visual style that makes the book a pleasure to look at, even when the story falters.

Overall, MidState Volume 1 is an interesting and enjoyable read, but it's more of a neat idea than a compelling narrative. It has a great foundation, but I was hoping for more in the end. 3 out of 5.

[Alex Sarll]

MidState geographically, but also as in the realm between life and death, except that the comic consistently writes that one 'mid-state', which does little to remedy the sense of Comixology Originals as a slightly slipshod operation. Still, the colours at least look thoroughly professional, that being what Lee Loughridge is best known for; Mack Chater provides the lines in between, and the pair of them definitely make their small town and its frequently infuriating inhabitants look suitably homely. As a writer, though, I'm not so sure of Loughridge, at least not yet. Our hero, after a fashion, is a washed-up psychic, widely believed to be fake when his gifts are real but erratic. And, as the cover suggests so it's hardly a spoiler, he's not the only one in the area anymore. A battle of wills and wits ensues, but without going anywhere terribly new, and the horror of having someone else invade your mind never comes across half so well as the horror of how incapable a real-world legal system would be of dealing with this situation.

[Dawn Poole]

I may continue reading what I can read for free, but only because my friend is reading this series. My text to him: It's OK. The paucity of dialogue and exposition makes me remember why I never got into comic books despite liking a lot of the art. The character Paul is pretty grody, but I like that. I don't think there's enough fiction out there with realistic characters, especially main or very important characters. It drives me nuts when they take something based on a true story where the hero or protagonist should be uncouth, coarse, or even ugly, but cast Julia Roberts or George Clooney in their role.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dark thriller comic that initially seems well put together, but feels very slight and probably far too forgettable. I mean, it's notable because our author has been one of the industry's go-to colourists since colour printing was invented, but it lacks much to make it stand out apart from that. Our hero is a bit of a drop-out, who struggles with the fact his supernatural abilities are misunderstood and temperamental. He might be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in the shape of a pleasant female cop, but that's when everything kicks off – and everything points to our guy being just too guilty for her interest. So what's with the town's oddball wheelchair-using scientist type, and his hot nurse?

This could certainly have done with more edge – and I don't mean ultraviolence, like so many comics would have chosen, either. It features someone who is very blasé about using and abusing people, but for a silly reason, and neither they nor the book do enough to show how much torment this could bring others. The piece proves that they're well above the lawmakers in ability and guile, but only by showing the lawmakers to be fairly naff, and not the baddy particularly superior. The mental state stuff is not unwelcome, but again underplayed, leaving the whole just a touch too bloodless and safe. I didn't regret reading it – it's a particularly short read anyway – but from someone who's worked on so many books where the author has had more of a free rein, this shows our creator very reluctant to let rip.

[Terence James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midstate really surprised me. It has that small town feel where everybody knows your business, and the story captures that mix of comfort and claustrophobia really well. The bit at the start with Paul’s overbearing mother sets the tone perfectly, showing how boxed in he feels even before the mystery begins to unfold. From there the comic leans into the unease, layering in strange disappearances and the sense that something darker is hiding just beneath the surface.

The pacing isn’t always perfect and I wanted a little more meat on the bones in terms of world-building, but the mood and artwork carried it for me. There’s a warmth in the coloring that makes the town feel real, which only makes the eerie moments more unsettling. I’d love to see a follow-up that takes the ideas further and digs into what’s really going on. For now it’s an easy four stars from me.

Big thanks to NG and Mad Cave for the ARC.

[Elle (Lost in Wonderland) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this has lots of potential, but it lacked depth and background explanation.

For example, our main character Paul Rinaldi is a clairvoyant of sorts, but is also the laughing stock of his small town. It is never clearly articulated how Rinaldi’s abilities work, he briefly talks about ‘lucid dreaming’ and ‘visions’ but then later is able to prevent himself from being mentally manipulated by the villain. How he manages to do this is not clear and I’m hoping we will learn more about his abilities in future issues.

Personally, the art style and coloring was beautiful and the highlight for me.

I am interested in seeing where this story goes, because I see so much potential. Unfortunately, this volume needed more fleshing out to really stand out.

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from Mad Cave Studios via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to know what happens next! Midstate follows small town resident Raul Rinadli, a clairvoyant that sees things in his sleep. The residents think he’s a fraud and mock him whenever they see him. He starts to have horrible visions and connects them to a series of missing persons cases. He teams up with the town’s rookie detective, Abigail Dahlin, to try and solve these cases. Abigail has apprehensions about Paul and his psychic abilities but will do anything to figure out what is going on in their small town.

This was fun! I really enjoyed the artwork and illustrations. I liked how the artwork turned a little trippy whenever something psychic would occur. I liked the characters and think Paul and Abi made a great team. I really want to know what happens next! Never underestimate anyone, even if they are an elderly person in a wheelchair. I can’t wait for volume 2!

Thank you, NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios, for the ARC.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks to Netgalley for the review copy....
There's something frustrating and even maddening about not being believed, and I imagine doubly so if one is convinced they are psychic. This is the current state for one of our main characters Paul Rinaldi as he... well... sees things. He's seen as the laughing stock of the town and as luck would have it then stumble upon a mystery ripe just for his abilities, which no one believes. X-files meets NCIS. Creative story, decent character development and excellent drawings. The drawing bit is to be expected from comic's acclaimed colorists - Lee Loughridge. It is his comic debut and one to shout about. I'd say more, but I don't want to spoil the adventure.

[Adri Holt · Rating 3 out of 5]

People in the Ft. Arlington area are going missing. It is up to Paul Rinaldi, the town weirdo, and Police Officer Abi, to get to the bottom of it.

I'll be honest, I'm not entirely sure what this one was about. Sure, there were people going missing. Sure, Paul has some kind of mental abilities. I'm just not entirely sure how it all connects and a lot wasn't explained thoroughly.

#ThxNetGalley #LeeLoughridge #Midstate

[R.E. Holding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the concept of this story, and the art is well done! The only gripe I have is with the main character, Paul. It seems he blunders around too much, not communicating clearly, and not logically foreseeing when the doctor will come out in his victims, which gets him and Abi in big trouble (I get that he's kinda the town laughing stock, but still). Overall, it was an interesting ride, and I'm curious to see more of this "midstate" that the doctor can move in and out of!

[Federica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received copy of this graphic novel via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
It's nice, but it didn't particularly impress me. The story has good potential, but the execution leaves something to be desired, mainly because of the protagonist, who I found quite annoying and difficult to empathize with.

[gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced thriller

Excellent thriller action book, the psychic elements are not overplayed, fast paced story with great art. Read in one sitting, couldn't put it down till finished, always a good sign!

[Jenn Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love the art. You are instantly put into an uncomfortable position because the art is so intense. I did not expect the big reveal and really found myself just thinking WTF, but in the best way. It was fun.

4 stars