Comics by Women - W12

This week I read "This One Suer" by the Tamaki cousins. This storyline was different from other graphic novels we've read because it's a story that is kind of like our everyday life. It's a coming of age story that is very normal, in a good way.There is something about summertimes when we are young that is so care-free and whimsical, which is what this story reminded me of.  The arch in the storyline was cohesive with the arch of growing up and how we learn about new things as we mature, and how the world is not really as whimsical as our younger selves make it out to be. "This One Summer" addresses the themes of responsibility, loss, family, and age. The parts of the story where Rose and Windy are exposed to explicit words and conversation are thought provoking and nostalgic at the same time. What makes us as young kids want to partake in those conversations? What is it about growing up tat is so appealing even though we begin to realize more and more that the magic of good times are harder and harder to find, and the bad things in life increase exponentially?
I thought that the story addressed responsibility in the form of Duncan and Jenny's teenage pregnancy was important, as well as the role mental health played and how it affected Rose's parents relationship and the effect on the family. "This One Summer" could be seen as a way to sort of look in the mirror at our live now as well as the past. Though this is written by women and the story is told from a young girl's perspective, it is definitely relatable to everyone because everyone experienced growth and everything that comes with age.