I love Oni Press because as a publisher, they take the most chances on stories that evoke an emotion. In Lola: A Ghost Story, the story follows a little boy, Jesse, who travels with his family to the Philippines to attend his grandma’s funeral. He hasn’t been back to the Philippines since the last death in the family.

Title: Lola: A Ghost Story
Publisher: Oni Press
Writer: J. Torres
Artist: Elbert Or
Price: $14.95

I love Oni Press because as a publisher, they take the most chances on stories that evoke an emotion. In Lola: A Ghost Story, the story follows a little boy, Jesse, who travels with his family to the Philippines to attend his grandma’s funeral. He hasn’t been back to the Philippines since the last death in the family.

Lola, Jesse’s grandmother was much loved by her family but also was very special. She had visions and she used those visions to help others that lived in her small town. Jesse’s cousin tells Jesse about the stories of how Lola discovered her talent and used her visions.

We learn that Jesse also sees dead people, but that he’s never told anyone. In learning about his family history he learns how to face his own talents and to stop looking at them as a negative.

I really enjoyed Lola: A Ghost Story because of the way the story was told. I read it as a pdf, but I saw the book recently at a comic book store and the hardback is beautiful. I enjoyed the look into Philippine culture. Throughout the story we are given translations and explanations of cultural aspects. I love the artwork and the way J. Torres chose the less is more approach to dialogue. Each panel had meaning and the story didn’t feel rushed. Lola: A Ghost Story is yet another Oni Press title that delivers alot of emotion in a little package. I hope that this isn’t the last story about Jesse that we see.

Review product was provided by Oni Press, and does not affect the outcome of this review.