Adrian Tomine

Adrian Tomine's "Shortcomings" is a graphic novel exploring the complexities of relationships and identity among young adults in contemporary America. The story centers on Ben, a self-absorbed film student grappling with his romantic life and his feelings about race and culture. Tomine's distinctive art style and sharp writing create a poignant and often humorous portrayal of millennial anxieties and the challenges of self-discovery. The novel delves into themes of cultural identity, romantic relationships, and the complexities of navigating personal growth. It's a coming-of-age story that resonates with readers who have experienced similar struggles with self-awareness and identity.

Q & A tells the story of Ram Mohammad Thomas, a young orphan who wins India's biggest quiz show, 'Who Will Win a Billion?' Despite his victory, he is arrested and accused of cheating. Through a series of flashbacks, Ram explains to his lawyer how various experiences in his life provided him with the answers to the quiz show questions. The novel explores themes of destiny, luck, and personal dedication, set against the backdrop of modern India with its complexities of poverty, corruption, and resilience.

In 'Killing and Dying', Adrian Tomine presents six new stories that are unpredictable, darkly funny, and deeply moving. The collection includes tales such as the title story about a high school girl aspiring to be a stand-up comedian despite her stutter, and 'Go Owls', which chronicles the dysfunctional relationship between two recovering addicts. Tomine's work is characterized by its social realism, vulnerability, and nuanced storytelling, often drawing comparisons to the styles of Yoshihiro Tatsumi and Chris Ware. The stories are slice-of-life vignettes that explore the struggles of middle-class and working-class America, making this book a standout in the graphic novel medium.