Secret X Folder

nathandouglasdavis Jun 20, 2020

5

The "porn folder" premise is only really used as the glue to justify putting these unrelated pieces of erotica together. Each of the seven stories can be seen as one type of fetish that a different person might have in feir porn folder. Though these fetishes do have some recurring ideas, like domination and semi-public humiliation. And raw intensity is prized over cuddling. Three of the stories involve supernatural elements (mind-reading, angels and demons, and ghosts). I do appreciate how each story feels like thought was put into the concept. But the characters feel like they're just means to an end, to get the stories to the quirky aspects they're built around. In other words, the characters make the plots work, but they themselves don't leave any lasting impression on me.

kilrazan Jan 24, 2019

8

A deliciously amusing collection of short stories revolving around some sort of surprise element that brings two characters together romantically. Story: Surprisingly well fleshed-out for such short stories. Each segment feels like it has a clearly defined story that follows a plotline, develps the characters, and has a satisfying ending. However, there's a lot of suspension of disbelief that needs to be involved in order for the stories to happen, and I'm not just talking about the various surprise elements that can be a bit outlandish. For the sake of making the story happen there's a lot of things that get somewhat glossed-over or are just outright lampshaded. Art: By far the best from this author, and some of the best you'll find for the genre. There is gorgeous detail in every panel, both in the character designs as well as in the background and scenery. The only downside is the author's love for the motion blur tool during action scenes, but this time around he's really toned it down compared to his previous works, and it dramatically improves the visual clarity of the scenes. Characters: Amusing and adorable couples appear in almost all of the segments (I wasn't a big fan of the Shoulder Angel/Demon story). They have clear character traits that make them feel unique and important, as well as enough background to provide context to the situation. There's some cognitive issues with some of the decisions they make, which is pretty much the same complaint as what I mentioned in the story - there's some unconvincing motives invovled that get handwaved away in order for the plot to continue. Other than that, though, there's some really endearing characters here. Overall: An excellent collection of short stories all around. Good for a short read, good for some beatuiful art, and good for the things you normally look for in Borderline H material.