hypnotically good ( )

Don't let the sparse drawing fool you, this is a seriously beautiful comic about the vague angst of adolescence. I'm probably partial to it because while I came of age in the 1990's, I still listened to all the same music (Husker Du, The Cure, Camper Van Beethoven) that the author references. Even if you don't know the songs, though, you understand the feeling he's conveying. It's bittersweet and a little melancholy and a bit tongue in cheek. Remember how everything seemed like such a big deal, navigating through dating and friendships and parties, it's all in this book. John Porcellino is unflinching at showing both the flaws and strengths of his characters, and makes you think of being a teenager kind of fondly, while remembering why you're glad you're a grown-up. ( )

Teen angst. Alienation. Depression. Friendship, sort of. Total self-involvement. Punk rock. 1980s life in the suburbs of Chicago. Ultra-simple line drawings, but very effective. It seems so familiar.