Be Gay, Do Comics is a groundbreaking anthology that brings together a diverse collection of LGBTQIA+ experiences through the art of comics. This massive queer comics anthology from The Nib is a celebration of resilience, inspiration, and humor, featuring more than 30 cartoonists including Hazel Newlevant, Joey Alison Sayers, Maia Kobabe, Matt Lubchansky, and many more.
The comics cover a wide range of LGBTQIA+ experiences, from personal stories to queer history to cutting satire about pronoun panic and brands desperate to co-opt pride. The anthology also delves into true stories of gay badasses throughout history, web-style comics, and illustrated essays on gender. The book is a powerful representation of queer voices and experiences, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Pros:
- Varied and diverse collection of comics
- Touches on important historical and contemporary LGBTQIA+ issues
- Brings together personal stories, queer history, and cutting satire
- Features top indie cartoonists
- Resilient, inspiring, and humorous
Cons:
- Some printings may have small text
- Extra page in some printings
One of the most commendable aspects of this anthology is its aggressive political stance, diverse portrayal of races, and handling of different ethnicities’ specific queer issues, including indigenous and non-Western nonbinary concepts of gender. The historical lessons about LGBTQ+ people from times past, along with the emotional and thought-provoking personal stories, make this collection a must-read for anyone interested in LGBTQIA+ experiences.
By providing a safe space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to share their coming of age and coming of gender stories, Be Gay, Do Comics is not only an important representation of queer voices but also a valuable resource for educating and inspiring readers. The book’s ability to break down the gender binary and stigmas surrounding love and identity is crucial in fostering understanding and acceptance.
Overall, Be Gay, Do Comics is a delightful, heartfelt, and educational collection that offers a gateway to understanding broader human experiences. It is a must-have for anyone who values queer voices and seeks to gain insight into the diverse and rich tapestry of LGBTQIA+ experiences.