Thirsty Mermaids by Kat Leyh

Genre | Fantasy Graphic Novel
Page #s | 256
Publishing Date | February 2021

Fresh out of shipwreck wine, three tipsy mermaids—Pearl, Tooth, and Eez—hit on the idea of magically masquerading as humans and sneaking onto land to indulge in much more drinking and a whole lot of fun right in the heart of a local seaside tourist trap. But the good times abruptly end the next morning when, through the haze of killer hangovers, the trio realizes they never actually learned how to break the spell, and are now stuck on land for the foreseeable future. Which means everything from: enlisting the aid of their I-know-we-just-met-but-can-we-crash-with-you bartender friend, struggling to make sense of the human world around them, to even trying to get jobs with zero skill sets . . . all while attempting to somehow return to the sea and making the most of their current situation with tenacity and camaraderie (especially if someone else is buying).

Goodreads

Thirsty Mermaids is an absolutely delightful graphic novel that is the very pinnacle of queer chaos. Our three main characters are queer stereotypes both in personality and in body shape, and I love them all with my whole heart. First as mermaids, then as very confused humans, they just want to have a good time and be there for each other.

One of my favorite things about this book is the body neutrality presented. It’s a cartoon, so sizes are exaggerated, and every person represented is just rocking their body exactly as they want to – albeit with some wobbly legs when they first walk on land.

The other excellent thing about this story is how it portrays the inherent idiocy of capitalism. The three mermaids struggle to survive and bumble their way into jobs and out of sticky situations (how were they supposed to know that magic card they found in the stolen shorts was someone else’s money?). It’s ridiculous, funny, and a good argument for a living wage.

This is a celebration of queer community, and as such, it doesn’t stop with the mermaids. They are welcomed into the home of a trans woman, and although she saves them time and again, they also save her by welcoming her into their ragtag, loving family. It’s super cute and an excellent read.

Give Thirsty Mermaids to literally any queer person. It’s excellent!