"For better or for worse, you dive face first." ~ Unknown
I don't know much about love but I have felt that feeling before.
The feeling of excitement. The almost dangerous energy in the air after yall exchange pleasantries. That twinkle in each other's eyes. Like children sharing a secret even though you're strangers.
Have you ever seen this scenario illustrated? Well, you have now.
Cover Image by "Whatever Betide" Creator
Whatever Betide begins with Vaea. She moves into a fresh apartment with hopes of a new life of freedom and independence. But who better to start her life with than her soulmate, Len? Vaea's new roommate.
First, let me give you the facts before we get into the vibes.
The Facts
Title: "Whatever Betide" (2024)
Story & Art: H3rsxlf
Genre: Romance, Slice of Life
Publisher: Webtoon Canvas
Current # of Episodes: 24
Status: Ongoing
Vibe: Genesis
Whatever Betide immerses you in the vibration of new beginnings. From the empty apartment of possibilities. The uncertainty of being a young adult with uncharted freedom.
New... people.
*This point forward has spoilers so you can read the story here first.
Layout
Each episode is short but packs a sweet cinematic punch. I could easily see these episodes translated to a live-action show kdrama style.
The comic's vertical scrolling plays an active storytelling role compared to other comics. The panels appear like small glimpses and touches. Adding to the atmosphere of not crossing tempting boundaries.
Whatever Betide succeeds at making the reader crave more but not too soon. You know Vaea and Len are destined to be together from their first meeting. Yet, the journey to get there still tugs at your heartstrings.
What exactly is their journey to true love?
Storytelling
Each encounter between the two is a step closer to something amazing.
But Vaea and Len both have an assumption that holds them back.
They think the other isn't interested.
Which brings us to a humble beginning in the apartment. Starting with the first to arrive, Vaea.
Now that she is settled into her new apartment, where is the excitement of being in a new place? Washing dishes, taking out the trash and the only sound of living comes from your barrage of thoughts. The weight of this isolation and boredom is clear. Still, you can't help but sense... there's something coming around the corner.
Using everyday tasks, the reader is allowed to relish in the same anticipation as Vaea.
We're left waiting for new updates just like her.
Readers get a peek inside of Vaea as a person during the mundane.
This leads me to...
Characters
Vaea is an apprentice tattoo artist. People often mistake her rbf (resting bitch face) for her personality. But she is truly kindhearted when you get to know her.
Although Vaea likes her alone time, she wouldn't mind sharing it with someone.
Someone like...
Len is a pocket full of sunshine whose head is always in the clouds. She's an animal lover and is training to be a vet.
Len is bold. She sometimes speaks without thinking but it works for her. Like a true social butterfly.
Now that you heard about the lovebirds, we have to talk about their love nest.
The Apartment
Whatever Betide world is still in its early stages but the apartment is very telling.
Apartments represent many things. Such as a safe haven. Or nomadic energy waiting until it had its fill to move on. It can also mean a craving for connection as apartments = lots of people.
One important symbolism is-
Autonomy
Vaea didn't set out for love initially (it would be a plus). She wanted a fresh start.
However, apartments can also mean confinement. What parts of Vaea's past will she be stuck to deal with? Or even worse, what parts of Len will she not be ready for yet can't get away from?
Read "Whatever Betide" Now
Whatever Betide is one of the first sapphic comics I've seen that featured black women as the main characters.
That matters to me and I know it does for other people. Stories like this need all the eyes they can get. For the underrepresented to be represented, go read "Whatever Betide" on Webtoon now.
Bonus check out the artist on IG!
This concludes this vibe session. To read more make sure to follow and sub to the Exclusive Vibes newsletter!
To find me in other places✍🏽:
Medium: where you can read Vibes of Fiction, my own stories, social commentary, and in-depth thoughts on creating.