This story has verified that I am, in fact, such a huge fan of most, if not all, artists that come out of Vermont’s Center for Cartoon Studies. This fThis story has verified that I am, in fact, such a huge fan of most, if not all, artists that come out of Vermont’s Center for Cartoon Studies. This felt like a fresh, queer, take on the “dude in the woods” story that soooo many straight white men have claimed over centuries now. ...more
Truly a beautiful read. The pastel colored pencil sketches juxtapose the retelling of sexual trauma in such a way that reinforces a type of acceptanceTruly a beautiful read. The pastel colored pencil sketches juxtapose the retelling of sexual trauma in such a way that reinforces a type of acceptance that most books do not depict. While capturing the yonic imagery of the objects and art that surround her, Delporte tells her own story of coming out with an inner peace that is rare....more
I liked this story so much that when it ended I became extremely underwhelmed and confused. Similar to a book I read earlier in the year (Big Ugly by I liked this story so much that when it ended I became extremely underwhelmed and confused. Similar to a book I read earlier in the year (Big Ugly by Ellice Weaver), I was very disappointed with this title mostly because it felt like it ended right as the most interesting element of the story was taking center stage. When this happens, I’m never able to tell if it’s an artistic decision or a rush-to-the-deadline scenario. ...more
This one had me giggling to myself all throughout! The juxtaposition between the beautiful enlightened words of the protagonist with the ignorance of This one had me giggling to myself all throughout! The juxtaposition between the beautiful enlightened words of the protagonist with the ignorance of the world surrounding them was not only hilarious but pointed. Serving as a window into the small moments of everyday bigotry, Szabo is very clear about one thing: the beauty of transness is one that is grounded in self-liberation making it something worth celebrating. ...more
I finished this book feeling like the story was largely unfinished. There are such rich characters introduced with complex dynamics and complicated faI finished this book feeling like the story was largely unfinished. There are such rich characters introduced with complex dynamics and complicated family trauma that feel incredibly real and just when you start to understand its depth the entire book is over. I really hope the author continues this story in some way since it felt like the story ended right before the climax. With vibrant colors and smooth linework, the art is easily the best part of the book....more
I find most self-help books to be hacky and gross - and I admittedly had no idea that this was one of them going into it - however, this one wasn’t baI find most self-help books to be hacky and gross - and I admittedly had no idea that this was one of them going into it - however, this one wasn’t bad! This book would be something I would give someone who is entering their late teens or early twenties as an introduction to dating. Unfortunately though, I wasn’t a fan of the artwork in this one simply because it felt almost unfinished or unpolished in some panels. ...more
Instead of providing readers with a linear narrative, Reed gives us a series of character sketches that allow us to understand each member of the bandInstead of providing readers with a linear narrative, Reed gives us a series of character sketches that allow us to understand each member of the band. Though we are provided with a few instances of their dynamic as a group, this book is more interested in exploring the past each person carries with them and how that affects their day-to-day lives. The art style is wildly fun and psychedelic which provides an interesting juxtaposition to the heavy content. ...more
This story communicated a sense of loneliness and alienation that I haven’t quite felt before within a book. Its nuanced exploration of depression andThis story communicated a sense of loneliness and alienation that I haven’t quite felt before within a book. Its nuanced exploration of depression and suicidal ideation in marginal communities was one that felt incredibly real. Though its contents are quite triggering, this book is a great intro to the topic for folks in their late teens or early twenties....more
The afterwards presented by the different women who worked on this project was far more interesting to me than the work itself. The story felt slightlThe afterwards presented by the different women who worked on this project was far more interesting to me than the work itself. The story felt slightly out of date and forced in some ways. I preferred hearing about the way the story brought its creators together and gave them a sense of control and power over their own narratives. ...more
Reframing pandemic-related trauma into a story like this one was very impressive. It touched on two of the most difficult struggles people dealt with Reframing pandemic-related trauma into a story like this one was very impressive. It touched on two of the most difficult struggles people dealt with during lockdown: lack of adequate healthcare and addiction/mental health. Depicting addiction is no easy feat, however, Klein managed to pull it off successfully by giving this topic the appropriate weight and providing a realistic resolution....more
Wow. This book had me engrossed from the first page. Though I’ve seen many tv shows and books tackle eating disorders, few are as candid as Gold’s accWow. This book had me engrossed from the first page. Though I’ve seen many tv shows and books tackle eating disorders, few are as candid as Gold’s account of her own decades-long struggle with anorexia. Though this comes off as a young adult novel at first, halfway through the book it becomes abundantly clear that this is very pointedly NOT a YA novel. Though anorexia is popularly viewed as a disorder that predominantly affects young girls, this novel makes it clear that it is more than just a “phase” which is what many people view it as (doctors included). While I highly recommend this read, much of the content in this book is highly triggering for those who have a history of disordered eating or self harm so proceed with caution. ...more