Previous Issues: Miss Abbott and the Doctor

This Webtoons series was one of my favorite finds during lockdown. With all the negativity in the world, Maripaz Villar‘s idealistic trouble-making free-spirit Miss Abbott put the “fun” in the dysfunctional for this comic. Set in a very cottage-core turn-of-the-century village, Miss Abbott finds herself at odds with the new town doctor over his very practical ways while she manages to get herself into a different scrape each day. as a fan of Anne of Green Gables, Miss Abbott certainly was a delight. She felt like a more grown-up version of Anne, and that made reading a nostalgic endeavor.

While many Webtoons feature incredibly talented artists and colorists, Villar’s choice to focus pretty much primarily with simple blue pencil line art allows the storytelling and characters to shine. It also really reinforced the simplicity of the setting. This design choice felt even more noticeable during the peaks of my highest anxiety moments during covid lockdown and losing my job, and settling in each week felt like a breath of fresh air.

Not all of Miss Abbott and the Doctor is told chronologically linearly, and that can be frustrating. However, Villar’s author’s note would make sure the timeline was clear and so it’s not very distracting. It actually made sneaking in a quick comic here and there easier- it wasn’t a huge deal if I’d forgotten what or when I was. I’d be reminded.

I was quite heartbroken when the series ended, but I also felt like it was at a realistic spot. Trying to continue ran the risk of losing the charm that made the comic so appealing. The series ended neatly and happily, and it’s worth a shot to check out if you’re in need of something soothing to pop into. Miss Abbott and the Doctor is available for Webtoons Daily pass, unlocking additional episodes for free daily

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