A scientist attempts to bring her younger sister back to life with unexpected results in Talia Duttonâs M Is for Monster, a Frankenstein-inspired graphic novel about ghosts, identity, and family.
When Doctor Frances Aiâs younger sister Maura died in a tragic accident six months ago, Frances swore she would bring her back to life. However, the creature that rises from the slab is clearly not Maura. This girl, who chooses the name âM,â doesnât remember anything about Mauraâs life and just wants to be her own person.
However, Frances expects M to pursue the same path that Maura had been onâapplying to college to become a scientistâand continue the plans she and Maura shared. Hoping to trigger Mauraâs memories, Frances surrounds M with the trappings of Mauraâs past, but M wants nothing to do with Francesâs attempts to change her into something sheâs not. In order to face the future, both Frances and M need to learn to listen and let go of Maura once and for all.
Talia Duttonâs debut graphic novel, M Is for Monster, takes a hard look at what it means to live up to other peopleâs expectationsâas well as our own. It is one of the titles on our Surely list, which is dedicated to showcasing gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual creators and stories.