Comic Review: “Lady Liar”

Written by Nicaela Gilmore

Maripaz Villar is most notably known for her Webtoons series, “Miss Abbott and the Doctor”. The series is full of diverse characters with heartwarming (and queer) love stories, friendships, and overall shenanigans. I absolutely loved it, so I was extremely excited to see her new project, “Lady Liar”, and knew it would be just as good as her previous work. Now that “Lady Liar” is finished, I can say that it’s now on my list of favorites!

Lies are a tricky thing. It may start from something mundane or innocent, but eventually it can evolve into a tangle of deception, more than you ever intended for it to be. Enter Adara Linnea, a sassy, tough, street-smart young woman on the prowl for a better job, a better life, and, most importantly, a better income. Money is the driving factor for Adara, an avid lover of books and desserts, at odds with her dislike for “monied” people who enjoy them. When clever Adara finds an opportunity of a lifetime that could finally change her poor circumstances, one small lie propels her into new friends, new acquaintances, and… new love.

“Lady Liar” starts the reader off with getting to know the characters and watching Adara adjust to being a “lady” as well as balancing the untruths she has told but morphs into a heartwarming tale about finding people who care for you, support your dreams, accept you for all you are, and, most importantly, tell the truth. The creators’ use of vivacious lines and flow creates dynamic, distinct, and lovable characters that you will absolutely adore. If you like the fashion and aesthetics of the 1800s-1900s, you will enjoy this webtoon. If you like a slow-burn romance that stems from the characters becoming friends and growing to realize they care for each other, even better! Adara is crafty yet sensitive, and her need to lie stems from her past, making her a relatable, flawed character. The many supporting characters you meet along the way are all colorful with their own motives and dreams; even the most miniscule character has their own life and cheeky personality.

The best thing about this story is that the characters aren’t afraid to evolve. As they encounter new situations and understanding, they have agency to go after what they want, like working hard to become an artist or changing their behavior, to get themselves on the right track for the better. Reminding us that change is a simple decision that can lead you to a life you truly want.

This story deals heavily with found family, as does Villar’s previous comic, “Miss Abbott and the Doctor”. It’s heartwarming to see Adara, who grew up as a young girl on her own, become friends with the supporting characters and eventually family. They learn each other’s quirks, find commonality, and come to truly care for one another amidst hilarious shenanigans.

This comic is the kind you would read when you want a story that will make you smile at your phone and hold the promise that everything will work out in the end for the characters.

Read Here: https://www.webtoons.com/en/romance/lady-liar/list?title_no=4526