A colourful, punchy, YA, coming of age graphic novel about roommates tackling anxiety, work life balance (or lack thereof), digital overwhelm and the stresses of every day life.
Gale's trying to master his anxiety, and he's hoping the latest wonder-cure "Simply Pear" can help. Not turning up to his art classes and feeling like everyone is a lot cooler and more in control than he is, he chugs his Simply Pear products and takes advice from its demanding app. Oh, it's definitely not working... His plan is thrown into chaos by the bubbly Aiden, who needs a buddy to help him get a job. Can this colorful and heartfelt romp through shoddy part-time jobs help Gale out of his anxious bubble? There's only one way to find out.
"Painfully relatable but beautifully hopeful, this comic perfectly illustrates the shame of feeling overwhelmed." - Bex Ollerton, Lavender Clouds
"Hicks's debut graphic novel is a vibrant parody of 21st-century life that accurately depicts the experience of dealing with anxiety through the lens of a multicultural cast of characters living in Toronto.[...]. Through an expressive and vibrant retro-pop art style, Hicks explores themes of over-reliance on consumerism, familiar environments, and social media comparison, especially in place of real mental healthcare solutions. The graphic novel uses fluorescent colors and pages packed with small illustrations to evoke the busy feelings inextricably tied with youthful adventures, anxiety, ADHD, and incessant digital notifications from devices. The colorful pop art captures a sense of anxiety while simultaneously delivering engaging illustrations. The story culminates in such a way that fans of zany, emotional titles, such as Aliza Layne's Beedle & The Hollowbones or Brenna Thummler's Sheets, will likely be enamored. VERDICT A funny yet realistic glimpse into the lives of young adults struggling with mental illness as they strive towards brighter futures by trying to connect with the world around them and finding understanding friends.-" - SLJ STARRED Review
"Gale, a young art student with a penchant for drawing fantasy characters, is struggling with such debilitating anxiety that he's likely to cut himself off from the world entirely if he can't get it under control. Unfortunately, his lifestyle brand of choice-Simply Pear, which boasts special beverages, an app with persistent notifications, and more-isn't doing him much good (in fact, it's likely making things worse). [...] Hick's 1990s-inflected, neon-green and -pink colored artwork is full of bubbly energy and comical asides that will keep readers turning the pages." - Booklist Review
"A new friend gives an anxious young man plenty of opportunities to step outside his comfort zone. Gale is chronically embarrassed about many aspects of himself, including his copious perspiration, lack of self-confidence, and fondness for drawing wizards. To cope, he follows lifestyle advice from the Simply Pear app, though its messages don't actually make him feel any less anxious. Neither do the multitude of Simply Pear canned drinks he consumes or the dancing, talking pears populating every square inch of his brain space. Enter adorable walking catastrophe Aiden, Gale's new roommate, who seems impervious to shame. Aiden enlists Gale's help with his job hunt. He also introduces Gale to the members of his band, Astral Panic; they're preparing for their "first show with an audience." The invitation to draw the band a poster may pull Gale further out of his shell-if he can survive the "cycle of pain" brought about by his spiral of self-consciousness and panic attacks. The book's psychedelic, mostly pink-and-green color scheme suits the retro art style and expressive, cartoonish characters (who seem to be college students). Kaleidoscopic details add plenty of interest, helping readers visualize Gale's anxious, nonstop inner monologue. Readers, many of whom will identify with Gale's struggles, will easily forgive the fact that the story is more about feelings and aesthetics than plot. Gale has light skin and jet-black hair, Aiden presents white, and two band members are brown-skinned. A wryly humorous and brightly creative representation of intense anxiety." - Kirkus Reviews
"Anxiety-ridden artist Gale downloads a bossy self-help app, but it's a new IRL friendship that really helps, in this brightly drawn debut" - PW Fall Graphic Novel Preview
"Association with Aiden is a rising of the spirit for Gale, and while Astral Panic's general path is predictable, Gale's gradual crawl from emotional depths is presented with uplifting charm." - Slings and Arrows Graphic Novel Guide