The Out Side: Trans & Nonbinary Comics

by The Kao (Compiler), Min Christensen (Compiler), David Daneman (Compiler)

Overview

In this vibrant and affirming comics anthology, 29 trans & nonbinary comic artists share their personal journeys of self-discovery and acceptance.

Featuring the work of Sage Coffey, Kyla Aiko, and Coco Ouwerkerk, The Out Side: Trans & Nonbinary Comics includes 29 creators' tales of self-love and affirmation and detailing their experiences with gender and identity. Originally published as a successful Kickstarter campaign, this expanded edition includes comics by Dana Simpson (bestselling author of Phoebe and Her Unicorn), Aidyn Huynh (Snailords), Wren Chavers, and more.

Equal parts encouraging, comforting, and life-affirming, The Out Side is a love letter to the trans and nonbinary community, designed to inspire anyone who may be struggling with their own identity and to help educate those who seek greater understanding. As artist Julia Kaye writes in the book's introduction: "I’m so glad this book exists. It’s a loud proclamation of our existence in the face of a culture that has for too long ignored our experiences."
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781524880125
Publisher:	Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication date:	09/26/2023
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	408,819
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

David Daneman is a cartoonist, podcaster and anthologist. As captain of The Original Content Collective, he's created six humor anthologies, most recently Humania!, a collection of comics about pets and animals. Any day now, he'll get back to making his webcomic series The DaneMen.
 

Editorial Reviews

This varied art is a riot of style and color that brings home the individuality of the stories and storytellers… Recommended for anyone needing life-affirming stories or anyone wanting to learn more about trans and nonbinary identities and experiences.” (Sarah Rice, Booklist)

“If you need something fun and joyful to look forward to this fall, look no further! This anthology includes work from 29 trans and nonbinary comic artists who share intimate, personal stories about their lives, gender journeys, and identities. It’s a beautiful celebration of the messy complexity of trans and nonbinary lives and includes a diverse array of art and comics styles.” (Laura Sackton, Book Riot)

“The Out Side is such a beautiful anthology that shares trans and nonbinary stories from all walks of life. All the authors approach their stories in very different ways; when it comes down to it, they all feel so interconnected and warm.” (American Booksellers Association)

"As each story is told by and about the creator of that story, each one feels individualized and true. While themes of self-acceptance flow through the stories, each creator has their own way of interpreting their journey. From Wey's struggle to ignore negativity in "Not There Yet" to Kyla Aiko finding the words to be "Happy," each story feels honest and real.

Each creator's individual style is on display as they represent themselves and their truth. There is no one way to be trans or nonbinary, and that is represented throughout the various stories."
(2023 VLA Graphic Novel Diversity Award Judges)

From the Publisher

07/14/2023

This graphic novel anthology offers readers easily digestible micro-servings of trans and nonbinary experiences alongside a vast array of artistic styles and aesthetics. Originally published as a Kickstarter campaign, this edition includes 29 creators, about a third of whom self-identify as people of color. Standout selections include Lucas—The Nifty Fox's goofy, joyful and exuberant recollection of their top surgery in "Sweet Nips!"; Jam Aden's dreamy pastel illustrations in "What's the Point Then?" where they admit that the pressure of being "a good representation" of a trans person can interfere with their true potential; and Nasr Bin Safwan's glorious, shattered self-portraits in "I've Been Sitting on this Porch for a Year." The collection reminds readers that the rocky road to self-acceptance is long and arduous, and while the destination may never be fully reached, there are many worthwhile stops along the way. VERDICT With the book's sheer breadth of unflinching life experiences lovingly depicted within, appealing illustrations and candy-colored cover, and ample servings of humor, hope, and wit, it's hard to imagine a public library collection that wouldn't benefit from its inclusion.—Ingrid Conley-Abrams

Library Journal