We Won't Be Erased

Ordered from the artist's Etsy site and picked up over the Holidays when we visited the USA.

Title: We Won't Be Erased
Date: 2018
Publisher: Assigned Male Comics
Writer: Sophie LaBelle
Artist: Sophie LaBelle

This collection of the Assigned Male webcomic has three segments. The first is a conversation between Stephie and Frank during an evening, as they discuss a whole range of issues faced by LGBT kids. In addition to some really thought-provoking dialogue, the segment does a great job with using the backgrounds to show the passage of time as the conversation goes on.

The second segment is another conversation, this time between Stephie and her mom. Again, really great dialogue that hits a bunch of the kinds of issues faced by transgender youth while deepening the personalities of the characters.

Finally, a two page scene with Stephie and Ciel as they weave a spell of protection for trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse folks. Uplifting and heartbreaking all at once, with all of the artist's usual wit and charm.

Rating: 9/10

Nail Polish

Ordered this one from the artist's Etsy store last Spring and picked it up from our mail drop when we visited the US in the summer.

Title: Nail Polish
Date: 2016
Publisher: Assigned Male Comics
Writer: Sophie LaBelle
Artist: Sophie LaBelle

Two transgender pre-teens discuss life, clothes, family, and everything else while one of them tries nail polish for the first time.

This was sweet and thoughtful, and the dialogue and pacing worked great for introducing the characters in a small space without a any really jarring plot developments.

LaBelle's artwork is lovely, and she works a kind of quiet wisdom into her writing that connects with the reader.

Rating: 8.5/10