SE Case’s Rigsby, WI is a coming-of-age new adult graphic novel set in 2002, where a group of misfit teens in a small town are all grappling with their own personal struggles. The tension between finding solace and navigating the uncertainties of youth is palpable. The friendship dynamic between Bethany, Jeordie, Erik, and Anna is the heart of the story, showing how they lean on each other as they try to figure out life. Bethany’s search for stability resonates deeply, especially as she forms connections with friends who are each carrying their own emotional weight. There’s a great conversation about CDs and making mixtapes that brought back some nostalgic memories for me. The art style is fantastic, and I loved the bonus comics at the end. They give a deeper backstory to the characters. As the first volume in a series, this is just the beginning of a story I’m eager to continue. I’ll definitely be picking up volume 2.

This book captures youth angst and the feeling of being stuck in a small town in the Midwest well. Fans of Sophie Campbell’s Wet Moon series would feel at home here, though I’m not seeing any undercurrent of violence as with hers. The art is fantastic, the characters believable and likable. I want to read vol2, as this one mostly seemed to introduce me to the large cast.