Esther Verkest #10

The tenth volume of Kim Duchateau's Esther series opens with a striking image: the red-haired Esther suspended like a marionette against a stark black background, strings attached to her limbs as she strikes a dynamic, outstretched pose in a loosened white shirt and purple lingerie. There's something both playful and quietly unsettling about the puppet imagery — "Aan Gene Zude" (Beyond/On the Other Side) promises a story that tugs at questions of control and freedom. Duchateau's clean, expressive linework is on full display here, making this 2012 Oogachtend release a visually confident entry in the beloved Belgian series.