The beginning of the popularity of the Internet as we vaguely remember it: dial-up, cherished cassette tapes, and grunge. It’s the 90’s after all in Matthew Bogart and Jesse Holden’s Young Adult graphic novel, Incredible Doom.
As the chapters alternate, so do the POVs. There’s only child Allison, who’s been forced to be a magician’s assistant for her controlling dad. Then there’s Richard, a new kid in town, struggling to make friends. Both teens find solace in the Bulletin Board System (BBS), a virtual community before the World Wide Web was a thing. At the time, members joined up with their local BBS to avoid International-calling fees. Its local option led to Allison meeting Samir, and Richard meeting Tina, his defense against bullies.
The authors paint their realistic story in typical comic book style. Graphics of plainly drawn faces with intricate backgrounds; and a color scheme of primarily blue, black, and white ink. The emotion is grasped in the dialogue or even in the silence with illustrations giving way to heavier themes, but not once leaving the reader feeling overwhelmed.
Dysfunctional families, friendships (and romance!) found in unlikely places, and 90’s nostalgia will keep both teens and adults engaged in this fast-paced graphic novel.
You can check-out the physical copy here in our online catalog.