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| Cover art by Steenz |
This is a graphic novel which was suggested for the YA
collection in my library. I thought the title and premise were interesting
though I did not fully understand just how important the message of the book
would be. Weir draws on her own experience with depression, anxiety, and thoughts
of suicide for inspiration for the main character, Celeste, in the story (Weir
& Steenz, 2018, 267). This brings to the forefront the importance of
seeking help for mental health issues and taking care of one’s self.
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| Cel seeing the ad for the job |
The story itself is quite inventive and lends itself to the macabre
style used by Steenz in the imagery nicely. The story tells how after a bout
with depression and mental health problems a young librarian finds herself
jobless and in need of a new purpose. Celeste (Cel) is looking for something to
do when she stumbles upon a strange add for an archivist, without a degree. In two
frames Steenz captures the
feels of Cel as she sees the job opening, it could
be horrible or maybe a good opportunity. The following panels illustrate how “haunted”
the Logan Museum maybe, after all, it is a medical museum with actual human skulls
and other “specimens.” After taking the job from Aba, the chief curator, Cel
finds herself in an apartment above the museum, which is fine except for the
sounds she hears on her first night. Is the museum actually haunted, as
suggested by Gina, Cel’s supervisor’s girlfriend? Or is it just her imagination
as Aba suggests? This is the premise of the story and the panels illustrate the
frustration Cel has with everyone around her and the struggle with her mental health
issues along the way. As she works in the museum archive things take a worse
turn as she begins seeing visions and things happen as if a ghost/spirit were
present. By the time Cel finally confides in Holly, her supervisor, what is
happening, she does not believe her. Cel has the same trouble with Kyle, her boyfriend.
These rejections lead her to feel crazy again. The story continues until Cel realizes
perhaps she is actually seeing a ghost of a past patient. If that is true what
must she do to help the other woman find peace, and maybe it will help her too.
Each twist in the story brings new elements of depression and the stigma of
mental health issues to light.  |
| Contrast of present and flashback (right two panels) |
Steenz has done a beautiful job of illustrating this ghost
tale but including elements to keep the seriousness of the matter seen. Nothing
is done disrespectfully, and the images convey the terror of past asylums, as
seen in flashbacks which Cel has in dreams. Each image is wonderfully collared
and smoothly integrates with the text keeping readers interested.
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| Transition pages |
I enjoyed this book, reading it in one sitting (I can’t
remember the last book I read like that!). The story is pertinent to our time
when so many people feel forgotten or pushed aside, remember everyone matters. Cel
feels alone, as does the ghost girl; they just want someone to care for them.
The message is important for everyone to hear, you are important.
Reference
Weir, I. N. and Steenz (2018. Archival quality. Portland, OR: Oni Press.
Images are of the book taken by me. Images illustrated by
Steenz for the book.
