M Is for Monster: A Graphic Novel
by Talia Dutton
Holy SHIT, this is the best graphic novel I've read in a long time. It's exactly the right length, not too crowded or stretched out, and the layouts are STUNNING. They really add to the narrative, too. A few of the stand out 2-page spreads (I forget the technical term for these): - two very different spreads showing M, Maura, and Frances interacting - a spread where M and Maura talk - the page is joined/divided by the cloth being pulled from the mirror/the panel containing Maura.
When I finished (because yes, comics are an irrational pursuit, where the work of years can be read in an hour), I went back and read it all again focusing on the design and layout decisions. I also found myself noticing the expressions on the second read-through, and how much work they do in carrying the story. I could study this for a long, long time and keep finding new things.
Also, uh, I cried. Both times. This is really, really good.
Re: tags, there's a nonbinary side character, but gender is incidental to the story.