Graphic Novel Review – My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf (4/5 stars)
Reading Level: Teen+
Genre: Memoir/Graphic Novel
Length: 224 pages
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Release Date: March 1, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-1419702174
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 stars
“ You only think you know this story. In 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer—the most notorious serial killer since Jack the Ripper—seared himself into the American consciousness. To the public, Dahmer was a monster who committed unthinkable atrocities. To Derf Backderf, “Jeff” was a much more complex figure: a high school friend with whom he had shared classrooms, hallways, and car rides. In My Friend Dahmer, a haunting and original graphic novel, writer-artist Backderf creates a surprisingly sympathetic portrait of a disturbed young man struggling against the morbid urges emanating from the deep recesses of his psyche—a shy kid, a teenage alcoholic, and a goofball who never quite fit in with his classmates. With profound insight, what emerges is a Jeffrey Dahmer that few ever really knew, and one readers will never forget.”
Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book that I got from the library.
Story (4/5): This was a weird one. It’s basically written by a guy who went to school with Dahmer and talks about Dahmer’s interactions with his classmates and his home life. This is a graphic novel I always thought looked interesting but kept passing up. I was trying to get caught up on my graphic novel reading challenge so I reserved it at my library.
This provides interesting insight into Dahmer and how he grew up. It isn’t really a sympathetic look into Dahmer but does highlight the fact that Dahmer knew he had a problem early on but couldn’t get help from the adults around him. The irresponsibility of the adults in Dahmer’s life is a heavy theme throughout.
Characters (4/5): The main people discussed here are, of course, Dahmer, as well as the small group of friends he hangs around with. It was intriguing to see how Dahmer started off and how he actually knew he had issues and tried to dull those feelings with alcohol for a number of years. What amazed me was how self-absorbed a lot of adults were and how even the teachers didn’t seem to care that Dahmer was perpetually drunk in school as long as he didn’t cause issues. Dahmer was also gay in a time when that was really not accepted which led to his isolation.
Setting (4/5): This is set in the 70’s (the decade I was born in) and it was intriguing to see how things have changed since then. The setting in school has changed quite a bit since then, as well as how kids interact with each other. In a way Dahmer being in high school during this era was the perfect storm to make him the monster he became.
Writing/Drawing Style (4/5): No complaints about the drawing or writing here, both are well done, engaging, and easy to follow. I think Backderf does a good job of explaining the atmosphere and people Dahmer grow up with without spending too much speculating on the causes for Dahmer’s behaviors. I also think he did a good job portraying the grief he has for the path his old friend ended up on without seeming overly sympathetic.
My Summary (4/5): Overall this was well done and interesting, if not a completely comfortable, read. While it’s not something I would read twice, I am glad I read it. It provides some interesting background on Dahmer and gives a glimpse back into a different era.
