“In Your Skin #2” Review – A Daring Tour De Force

In the previous issue of “In Your Skin”, writer Aditya Bidikar dared to ask the question, “What happens if a parasocial relationship is taken too far?” Here, he seems to want to ask the opposite: what might happen if a celebrity tired of the spotlight gets a chance at a new life? Bidikar continues to push the boundaries, and I’m absolutely loving every second of it.

Writer: Aditya Bidikar
Artist: Som Pal
Colorist: Francesco Segala
Color Assistant: Gloria Martinelli

The Other Side

After having read the first issue, seeing things from the other side isn’t where I expected to go, but I’m so happy that Aditya Bidikar took things there. Seeing things from Ayesha’s perspective was such a unique yet perfect layer to this already spectacular story! Bidikar works hard here to make readers feel the stress of her everyday life and body dysmorphia from getting older. In an industry where age, for some reason, matters, it can really weigh someone down, make them feel like they’re too old, and question what things would be like if they were young again. Bidikar tackles this issue with beauty and grace.

The other thing that he continues to excel at here is the horror. The issue has this near-perfect balance of the body and the psychological. Aditya Bidikar truly forces readers to be inside the skins of the two main characters, putting us through this psychological torture in the best way imaginable. I seriously can’t get enough of this series and am looking forward to a re-read as well as the next issue.

The Art of the Body

Artist Som Pal and colorists Francesco Segala and Gloria Martinelli were all on their A-game here. Matching Bidikar’s efforts to put readers in a horrifying position, the team does a stellar job depicting every moment of body horror. How those moments are drawn by Pal just feel and look so twisted and gross, and I mean that as an utter compliment. For the first time in a while, I felt truly disgusted at times while reading, unsure of what awaited me on the next page.

Coupled with the art style is the usage of colors from Segala and Martinelli. The way they used color to show the psychological differences both characters were going through was simply a masterclass. To exemplify this, there were several moments throughout where these deep reds were used. In each of those moments, I felt nothing but pure anger, confusion, and terror all rolled into one. When you can elicit those reactions from a reader, you know you’ve done something right. Here, the art and colors truly come together to elevate something that’s already perfection.

Final Thoughts

Aditya Bidikar and his art team continue to astound and amaze. So far, “In Your Skin” is something that feels truly timeless, especially in this modern age of fandom and social media. Bidikar continues daring to ask the questions everyone else is afraid to, and I love this all the more for it. I feel as if it’s safe to say we have a modern horror classic on our hands, and you should be reading.

Overall Grade: 10/10

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Comments

Do you intend on reading “In Your Skin #2”? Did you read the previous issue? What are your thoughts so far? Let’s discuss in the comments below!