Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Graphic Novel Review: Monstermind by Alfonso Casas

Title: MonsterMind; Dealing with Anxiety & Self-Doubt
Author: Alfonso Casas
Genre: Art; Graphic Novel; Mental Health
Publication Date: December 21, 2021
Publisher: Diamond Books

Alfonso Casas's MonsterMind is a very personal account of the inner monsters that live inside his head. But, who doesn't have a monster inside them? Who has never heard that voice inside their head undermining everything they do? You're not good enough... You just got really lucky... There are people far better and more qualified than you ... In a very honest exercise, Alfonso Casas identifies and introduces his own monsters to his readers: Mr. Past Traumas, Mr. Fear, Mr. Social Anxiety, Mr. Impostor Syndrome, Mr. Sadness, Mr. Doubt... The pessimistic, the insecure, the self-demanding, the monster that keeps you from sleeping while you think of what you could have said back in that conversation two years ago, or that keeps you looking over the punctuation of every text message to figure out the tone lurking beneath the surface.

All those monsters make up the bestiary of contemporary society. But the anxiety generation is expert in more things: in looking inside themselves and their lives, and--why not?--in laughing at their own neuroses as best they can. In the end, if the monsters won't leave us, we might as well get to know them and laugh at them! Anxiety is another pandemic, but the monsters dwelling inside us are funny, too.

Rating

*A Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this. This is my honest and unbiased review*
 
Hello Fellow Readers, 

This book was not only a visually appealing novel but a relatable one as well. Each page resonated with me, so much so that I immediately recommended this to friends. Even if you have never dealt with a mental illness, you will relate to Casas and his monsters. I've definitely had Mr. Past Traumas and Mr. Sadness make an appearance in my life and keep me up at night. 

Casas's artwork, at first glance, looks simple but if you pay attention you see these small details that Casas has put in that really does take his art to a whole other level. As far as the story goes, I did love the evolution of Casas's relationships with his monsters, as he goes from hating these monsters to acceptance of them. 

Overall, a fun and interesting graphic novel.
 

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