Comics have gained immense popularity as a means of narrating queer narratives. Take for instance the case of Heartstopper, which started off as a series of graphic novels by Alice Oseman before becoming one of Netflix’s most sought-after shows. Not only that, but a multitude of other outstanding comic books like The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen and Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe have also captivated readers with their breathtaking accounts of characters embarking on a journey towards self-acceptance and grappling with how to disclose their queer identity to others. These comics beautifully portray the intricacies of the queer experience and the challenges faced in sharing it with the world.
Mattie Lubchansky, an accomplished writer, has recently released a remarkable graphic novel called Boys Weekend. This brilliant creation beautifully weaves together queer narratives with elements of real-life encounters, sea monsters, and even apocalyptic science fiction. It is an impressive achievement because it skillfully combines these various themes to create a captivating reading experience. The engaging storytelling of Boys Weekend allows readers to explore diverse perspectives while immersing themselves in a thrilling world filled with unexpected twists. Despite its fantastical elements, the novel remains grounded in authentic human experiences, making it a truly unique and engrossing piece of literature.
Boys Weekend is an irresistibly captivating narrative that combines not one, but two enthralling storylines. Firstly, we follow the journey of our courageous main character, Sammie, who finds themselves faced with a perplexing challenge: how to disclose their trans identity to a group of tech-savvy gentlemen during a boisterous bachelor weekend. Inspired by the author’s own personal experience, this relatable situation adds a layer of authenticity to the plot.
However, the excitement doesn’t end there. In a brilliant twist, Boys Weekend unravels on a futuristic island brimming with advanced technology and inhabited by affluent libertarians. Among this eclectic mix, the wealthy elite amusingly spout nonsensical jargon about pyramid schemes, hinting at the existence of a dark and clandestine cult that could rival the chilling tales of H.P. Lovecraft himself.
Through skillful storytelling, Boys Weekend captivates readers with its intricate blend of real-life struggles and otherworldly elements. The engaging narrative paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by our protagonist while immersing us in an enigmatic, high-tech world where shady conspiracies lurk beneath the surface. Prepare to be entertained, captivated, and left craving for more as you delve into the captivating world of Boys Weekend.
Boys Weekend doesn’t dwell too much on the topic of disclosing one’s queer identity to long-time friends. Instead, this comic repeatedly emphasizes the idea that accepting your friends’ queer identities should be a simple and natural process. Interestingly, the characters who struggle to grasp this concept end up joining a cult that worships monsters, resulting in an apocalyptic scenario. This vivid blend of exaggerated satire and authentic personal experiences seamlessly comes together in Lubchansky’s work. Lubchansky, who has been creating political cartoons for both The Nib and their personal website, finds it only fitting to combine their sharp social commentary with relatable anecdotes.
“This is the reality we experience every day. When discussing the topics of trans identity and masculinity in a book, it goes hand in hand with larger themes pertaining to our society, particularly capitalism,” shares Lubchansky in an interview with EW. “To me, it’s like dealing with a colossal creature that encompasses everything. When I crack jokes about one aspect, I’m implicitly commenting on all the interconnected issues as well. I’ve always held great respect for those who can skillfully address present-day concerns through the lens of speculative fiction.”
Lubchansky can draw a parallel between Elon Musk, who is currently regarded as the top tech billionaire in our society, and the topic at hand. With Musk’s influence on Twitter, the platform has removed safeguards against anti-trans hate speech. From the author’s perspective, this intertwines with a larger narrative. It’s like connecting the dots – all these occurrences are just different pieces of a bigger puzzle.
Although Boys Weekend employs the clever wit and satirical flair that Lubchansky has honed through their numerous short cartoons, they enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to showcase their creative prowess in the form of a comprehensive graphic novel. This venture allowed them to explore new avenues and fully unleash their artistic talent.
According to Lubchansky, having more visual space provides a delightful opportunity to engage in various activities. By breaking away from the conventional notion of uniformity, each page becomes distinct and unique. Moreover, drawing intriguing subjects like skeletons, laser guns, or tentacles is far more enjoyable than repeatedly illustrating Trump’s distinctive hair.
The sci-fi aspects of Boys Weekend don’t clash with its realistic foundation. Instead, they offer a unique perspective on the nature of truth. One scene that stands out is when the guys go on a safari-like adventure, where they must track down and eliminate their own clones. For Sammie, their clone represents the version of themselves before their transition. This moment is especially poignant and impactful.
According to Lubchansky, science fiction has a unique ability to tackle complex subjects in an exaggerated manner that still resonates with our human experiences. In particular, there is a recurring theme in transgender fiction where individuals converse with their past selves. This theme reflects a strong desire among queer and trans individuals to have discovered their true selves earlier. In one specific scene, I aimed to convey the idea that the events of the past are already set in stone. It is natural to feel frustrated with our past selves for not realizing things sooner, yet dwelling on blame does not serve a purpose. So, who does it truly benefit to be angry at ourselves for not understanding sooner?
Lubchansky expresses that someone played a crucial role in saving them and enabling them to transform their life according to their desired lifestyle. With humility, they admit their inability to eloquently articulate this experience. Nevertheless, they possess the skills to depict an individual pursuing their own duplicate in a confined arena situated on a libertarian healthcare island within a sea setting. These are the resources they possess and thus decided to employ them in their narrative.
You won’t believe the amazing visuals and mind-blowing ideas packed into Boys Weekend, a book that you can get right now. It’s an absolute must-read for Pride Month or any time of year. Trust me, this book will leave you speechless and wanting more. Don’t miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in this captivating experience. Get your copy now!