BLUSH - Nightshade Anthology Book 2 Comic Review
A queer love story drenched in memory, mystery, and just the right amount of blood.
Author: Lorry Jamison
Artist: Lorry Jamison
Publisher: Comicker Press
Summary from the Author
Uh oh, is my new crush the cause of all those missing townsfolk? Sure, he seems really sweet, but he and his dad are hiding something, I know it!
When the sun goes down, that’s when people start to disappear. And there are reports of someone lurking in the shadows, always near the scene of the crimes...
It’s love at first sight for Caleb and Hunter, but a deadly secret is about to wreck their romance. Will their love story be cut short in the face of a shadowy onslaught? Blush is a blossoming love story with a whole lot of bite, perfect for fans of Twilight and Love, Simon!
BLUSH is a blossoming love story with a whole lot of bite, perfect for fans of Twilight and Love, Simon
Introduction
I have to make another review-related confession.
I’ve never read or even watched Twilight. I don’t know why, usually I couldn’t care less about what people think of the books or movies I enjoy (which is ironic, I know, considering I write reviews and all). But I do like vampire stories. From the classic Dracula by Bram Stoker to teen series like Buffy, or the cinematic chaos of Blade (seriously, are they ever going to bring that back?).
So naturally, when I picked up Blush by Lorry Jamison, I had a feeling it was going to be my kind of read.
Story
The stories from our youth shape who we are. I know—that sounds a bit set in stone, and I’m sure plenty of psychologists would argue over how much change is possible, how kids are resilient, and all that. And sure, they are. Kids are resilient. But the truth is, so much of what happens in those early years leaves a mark.
It molds us. We can fight it, we can overcome it—but more often than not, we simply learn to live with what we carry.
When I read Blush, it felt like I was dipping into a memory pulled straight from Lorry’s life. You know that scene in Harry Potter where Harry takes a vial of Dumbledore’s memories, pours it into a bowl of water, and dives in to relive those moments?
That’s what reading Blush felt like.
Even before it was mentioned, I had this gut feeling that I was reliving something real—something deeply personal.
The story follows Caleb and Hunter, two boys who fall in love at first sight. But of course, nothing’s ever that simple. I think of the story in three parts:
The love.
The fight.
The perseverance.
Caleb loves Hunter. Hunter loves Caleb. But when you’re queer, love rarely comes without complications. I haven’t lived Lorry’s experiences, and I won’t pretend I can fully grasp what that feels like, but I imagine it must feel like carrying the weight of the world’s prejudice on your shoulders.
Especially when the people closest to you are chain-smoking, blood-sucking vampires.
But like every good love story, there’s a fight.
A fight to hold on to what you love.
A fight to survive.
Even when that fight is against someone as close as your own father.
Funny enough, the vampire part of the story felt secondary to me. Sure, there are fangs and murders and shadowy figures lurking in the dark, but it’s everything in between that makes Blush hit hard. That’s the real story.
Still, the layer of mystery? It’s what makes this whole thing irresistible.
One thing that really gave me hope was the relationship between Caleb and his parents. It hit me in a quiet, unexpected way. I found myself thinking, I hope I can be that kind of parent to my kids someday. As supportive, as present, as open.
Because sometimes, love stories aren't just about romance, they’re about the people who stand beside you while you figure it all out.
Art
Lorry’s art is as unique as ever. I love how they’ve chosen a dominant color for each book, and the crimson palette for Blush? Perfect. (I mean… blood and all.)
I’m no art critic, but visually, it felt like the father had fully embraced the wild side of vampirism. He definitely seems like the type that has been gargling with human blood instead of mouthwash for quite a while. There’s a chaotic energy to him, like danger with fangs.
Hunter, on the other hand, had a much… safer vibe? Is that even a thing you can say about a vampire? I don’t know. But if I knew Hunter and he told me, “Hey, I’m a vampire, check out my wings and fangs,” sure, I’d probably scream, cry, start praying and faint first. But after that? I think we could hang out.
I think Hunter took the looks from mom’s side.
Conclusion
Blush is a love story wrapped in shadows, stitched with memory, and soaked in crimson. It’s tender, eerie, and deeply personal, like reading someone’s diary with a flashlight under the covers. Lorry Jamison has crafted something that feels both intimate and mythical, like a queer vampire folk tale passed down in whispers.
If you’re into love stories with bite, small-town mysteries, or just want to feel something sharp and real, give this one a read. It’s not just about vampires. It’s about carrying love through fear, and finding yourself in the dark.
PS.
I just learned that I am not the only person who knows nothing about sports. wink wink