Graphic novels aren’t real books.
Even though this belief has been argued more than defended as time goes on, graphic novels are seen as a mixture of comics and full-length novels. A story is kept within the pages, told through both illustrations and words, but as graphic novels are a book format rather than a separate genre, they can be diverse. They can be anything from light and comical to more serious, with a deeper message to share. In Liz Montague’s Maybe an Artist, parts of her life are shared in the graphical memoir, delivering an inspirational message through comedy.
The graphic novel was split into four parts: elementary school (starting at age five), middle school, high school, and finally, a reflection of her recent accomplishments. Liz was always concerned about the world around her and changing it for the better, but starting after middle school, academic pressure began to take a bigger role in her life. She struggles with the monotony of academic life, the lack of extensive education on things such as finances, and questions about her future—specifically a potential major, in finding something she loves enough to commit to for the rest of her life.
The illustrations, fonts, and bright colors might draw readers in, but the narration ties it all together. Targeted towards a younger audience, Maybe an Artist can be a good way to explore societal changes as Liz describes her thoughts around 9-11, the recession, or on a lighter note, the introduction of Facebook. It wasn’t a huge part of the story, but she offers a helpful perspective into each of them.
At just 160 pages long, and only a few panels taking up each page, the story felt rushed, with different details (such as her referenced dyslexia or athletic aspirations) only being brought up briefly without being readdressed later on. But on the other hand, Liz is easy to adore, relate to, and even be inspired by. By allowing readers to grow up with her, it was easy to be proud of the impact that Liz made. From her many cartoons—which have taken part in a presidential campaign, been published on the New Yorker, the US Open, and have featured a life-advice-giving dog at times—to a six-slide google doodle in honor of Jackie Ormes, her efforts are evident, and this real book is both an example and compilation of them.
