Review: Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story by Sarah Myer.
First Second, 2023. 272 p. ill. ISBN 9781250268792 (h/c), $25.99.
Reviewed August 2024
by Tannaz Motevalli, Information Literacy and Instructional Design Librarian, Decker Library, Maryland Institute College of Art, tmotevalli@mica.edu
Fitting in, or the struggles thereof, are quintessential for any coming-of-age story, and Monstrous by Sarah Myer meets that criteria. What is particularly special about this autobiographical young adult graphic novel is how quickly you can see yourself in it, regardless of how well you fit the mold of the main character. Monstrous tells the story of Myer’s own coming-of-age as a Korean adoptee raised by white parents in rural America. Through the author’s personal journey, the reader comes to empathize with the parts of themselves that at some point in their lives may have felt like monsters.
From the unfiltered and explicit acts of racism to the unique isolation of being a transracial adoptee, Myer does not shy away from the ugly sides of their upbringing. While the unrelenting hate speech may be hard to read at times, the depth and honesty of the storytelling allows for the joyous moments to shine even brighter in this work. The way Myer writes (and draws) about their love and passion for anime, cosplay, and drawing are truly transformative. They leave the reader in awe of art’s power to heal and provide a sense of belonging to those in need of one.
Colorful, intimate, and full of movement, Myer’s drawing style evokes elements of some of their early inspirations such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sailor Moon. Sometimes intricate and detailed, and other times more simplistic, Myer’s illustrations use color, line, and other graphic elements to pull you into the internal workings of the main character. Sometimes the monster inside Myer takes over the whole page, while at other times, Myer simply breaks the confines of the panel to present feelings of both isolation and overwhelm throughout.
Monstrous is an excellent addition to any library looking to collect graphic novels and young
adult memoirs that touch on adoption, racism, and transgender or queer narratives.
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