(Note: there’s no sample image because opening this tiny graphic novel in my old timey scanner would break it in half. Also I kind of like a comic with “ambiguous” in the title just having the one image on my website)
This comic is going to hit a certain type of person right between the eyes, but I almost missed the theme entirely. On a surface level this is about Blu slowly fading away from school and friends, either from feelings of isolation or the usual process of teenagers doubting their place in the world. But the clues are everywhere, even if I almost missed them: Blu has an eating disorder and is hiding it from the world. This means making excuses for missing events, pretending to be normal while out in the world, and secretly eating in odd places. If you have an eating disorder or know somebody who does, I doubt that these signs will slip by you like they almost did by me. Looking back through this comic what strikes me most is the imagery, as there are long sections with very little dialogue. Just snapshots of what’s happening in Blu’s life, the effort they go to to hide and pretend to be “normal.” Blu’s relationship with Nova will break your heart, as she clearly likes Blu and would like to help, but they’re completely unable to open up about what they’re going through. It’s devastating and honest; people who demand the comfort of a happy ending aren’t going to find much to send them hope satisfied here. But it’s a hell of a book and should be read far and wide. $10
Posted by Kevin