Though on paper the premise of AWA/Upshot’s Casual Fling – written by Jason Starr and pencilled by Dalibor Talajic – isn’t one that would normally appeal to me, I’m glad I gave it a chance.

Following her one night stand in the first issue, married, successful executive Jennifer attempts to go back to normality. Unfortunately, the man she had sex with – Alex – has other ideas, and suddenly starts turning up in Jennifer’s professional and personal life. When Jennifer tries to make it even clearer that she wants nothing more to do with Alex, the situation becomes far more precarious – potentially endangering not only Jennifer, but her family too.

Jason Starr’s script once again excels, racing through the plot at a lightning pace and filling the issue with dramatic revelations and confrontations. I’m not sure if this issue was rushed from an art standpoint, though – because it just feels a little less consistent this time around, particularly in terms of the character likenesses. Oddly, this problem also rears it head on the cover by Dani, which gives two of the main characters a decidedly strange look. Much like the interior art for the first issue, Dani’s issue one cover was excellent, which seems to point to a rushed deadline or some other problem that’s meant the art isn’t quite right this time around. Regardless, the story itself is so strong that it makes little difference overall.

Though you may facepalm at some of the decisions and reactions some characters make in the heat of the moment, who’s to tell how we’d react in similar circumstances? It’s still a hugely compelling story, told well and it still feels pretty unpredictable. I’m very keen to see where It’s still a hugely compelling story, told well and it still feels pretty unpredictable.

I’m still very keen to see what happens – and can’t wait for the third issue. AWA/Upshot have a knack for bringing unique and excellent comics to market – and in my opinion, they have yet another winner on their hands with Casual Fling.