B

Bingo Love

Bingo Love is a sweet romance graphic novel about true love between two Black women. Two teenagers, Mari and Hazel, meet at a church bingo game in 1963. They share their first kiss in front of church after another bingo game, but are separated by their parents. Hazel, the narrator, goes on with her life, missing Mari but marrying a veteran named James and having a stable but passionless marriage. Decades later, Hazel meets Mari at yet another bingo game, and has to decide whether to stay in her marriage or stay with Mari.

This comic is colorful and warm, with art by Jenn St-Onge. I had mixed feelings about the marriage between Hazel (who Mari nicknames ‘Elle’) and James, and I found the revelations concerning his character to be too convenient (hence the B grade). Still, the way events unfold for Hazel and Mari are lovely and the ending bittersweet in the best way. This is a warm celebration of love between two women, of sexuality at all ages, and of friendship and family.

Now and older couple, Mari and Hazel laugh over a bingo game

– Carrie S

When Hazel Johnson and Mari McCray met at church bingo in 1963, it was love at first sight. Forced apart by their families and society, Hazel and Mari both married young men and had families. Decades later, now in their mid-’60s, Hazel and Mari reunite again at a church bingo hall. Realizing their love for each other is still alive, what these grandmothers do next takes absolute strength and courage.From TEE FRANKLIN (NAILBITER’s “THE OUTFIT,” Love is Love) and JENN ST-ONGE (Jem & The Misfits), BINGO LOVE is a touching story of love, family, and resiliency that spans over 60 years.