So full disclosure: This is a webcomic, which I read as a webcomic, which was published as a three-volume graphic novel series after web publication. I’m splitting the difference and entering it as a single book here.

Quite an astonishing memoir about a man who was fed through the woodchipper of the troubled teen industry by his parents and the legal system. I believe I first started this a few years ago but didn’t quite grasp that it was a true story rather than very immersive fiction– that’s how brutal it is. It is heartbreaking and inspiring, both in content and in the meta-level of seeing the artist’s evolution over time, which is summarized very touchingly in the epilogue.

Joe Nobody (as he calls himself) would like everyone in the world to hear his story, and I would too. Very much worth a read. If you want to drop in media res (but in maxima artistic talent,) try the shorter standalone comic, The Race: https://elan.school/lc2-the-race/. The comic is long and IMO drags a little towards the end, but the payoff is all so worth it.

In the news, and how this came across my radar again: Paris Hilton spoke out against the troubled teen industry some several years ago, and her abusive school was just shut down! https://apnews.com/article/paris-hilton-provo-canyon-school-abuse-license-29ac18786db7872bdadb1ecdbb0a60bc

There are so many awful things in this world. If you have kids, hold them tight; if you are free to make your own choices, take a moment to enjoy doing something pleasant.

Moby Dyke