The Secret to Happiness

Watchmen is a groundbreaking graphic novel that deconstructs the superhero genre. Written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, with colours by John Higgins, it explores the human failings of superheroes in an alternate timeline where historical events have unfolded differently. The story delves into themes of power, morality, and the complexities of human nature, set against the backdrop of the Cold War era. It is known for its layered storytelling, nuanced dialogue, and its impact on the comic book industry by addressing taboo themes such as abuse of power, conspiracy, and social decay[1][3][5].

Published in 2006, 'Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic' is a graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel that recounts her upbringing in a funeral home in rural Pennsylvania. The book focuses on Bechdel's fraught relationship with her father, Bruce, a closeted gay man and high school English teacher who also worked as a part-time mortician. The narrative is non-linear, using literary and mythological allusions to explore themes of sexual orientation, gender roles, family dysfunction, and the impact of secrets on family life. Bechdel's meticulous artwork and essayistic writing style combine to create a powerful and intimate portrayal of her childhood and her attempts to understand her father and herself.

This graphic memoir is a companion piece to Bechdel's earlier work 'Fun Home', which dealt with her relationship with her father. 'Are You My Mother?' delves into Bechdel's relationship with her mother, an unaffectionate amateur actor trapped in a marriage to a closeted homosexual. The book interweaves memoir with psychoanalysis, drawing on the works of Donald Winnicott, Virginia Woolf, and other literary figures. It follows Bechdel's quest to understand her mother through dreams, therapy sessions, and personal reflections, ultimately concluding on a note of acceptance and appreciation for the complexities of their relationship.