Chills from Graphic Novel “My Friend Dahmer”

Cartoonist and journalist Derf Backderf (aka John Backderf) worked his way through the creative process to publish a disturbing account of one of the darker people to ever walk this earth in My Friend Dahmer. Derf attended high school with infamouse serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. His first Dahmer-related story Fantagraphics published in Zero Zero #18 in 1997. The Schulz Library is proud to own the next version of his story, a 24 page graphic novel also called “My Friend Dahmer” that hits a few of the same historical notes. But Backderf went back and interviewed more friends, delved into newspaper and TV archives to produce a historical narrative depiction of the life before the madness. Published by Abrams in 2012, the book is a full 224 pages.

Backderf even drew Dahmer back in high school

Dahmer, the person and character. was a loner in high school, somewhat estranged from a slowly dissolving family life, that manifested itself in certain forms of acting out. This only made him popular with Backderf’s friends, the made him their mascot and all sorts of mischief ensued like sneaking him into yearbook photos.

Backderf’s underground art style adds spice to the meal that is My Friend Dahmer, with knobby joints and limbs so long they are like oceans separating heads from hearts and hands. The plodding, purposeful linework makes movements seem strenous and the people themselves are distant aside from only the extremist of emotions. Dahmer needed to be wrangled in while high school and Backderf weaves scenes that make you ache for a lost teenager.

Dahmer being ignored and skipping class

The echo of “where were the adults” in all this stays with you even longer. There are bright moments, the kind where you join in on laughter like you are one of the gang. If anything, Dahmer had a hell of a lot of potential, such as the time he finagled his way into seeing former Vice President Walter Mondale while on a high school D.C. trip.

But do not be mistaken, this graphic novel is a chilling classic. Despite the unease and obvious sense of personal perversion I felt while reading the book, it was hard to put down. Backderf cites resources beautifully in the back of the book which is in itself an excellent read. He gives away a bit more of himself as the regretful adult as well as how he shaped the scenes as an artist and a journalist. For an excellent read and example of comics journalism and history, pick up My Friend Dahmer today.

–Jen Vaughn

Schulz Librarian