Review of Archival Quality by Ivy Noelle Weir & Steenz

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.

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.

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.