How to Completely Lose Your Mind: A Graphic Novel Memoir of One Indie Band’s Attempt to Break a World Record

In this heartfelt and hopeful graphic memoir, Pocket Vinyl bandmates Jancewicz (The Touring Test) and Stevenson depict themselves at the helm of an epic misadventure. The pair set out to play a show in all 50 states in under 50 days, ready to see what kind of savvy it takes to break a world record. But as their anxiety mounts and draining fatigue sets in, they end up answering a different question: What will they lose along the way? Despite such setbacks as playing (and art-making, as live painting is part of the act) to mostly empty rooms or rude audiences, lodging mishaps, and lost sleep, the duo rely on the overwhelming kindness of fans and strangers to guide their cross-country trek. Even an incorrect flight booking can’t stop them from playing their final record-breaking shows in Alaska and Hawaii. They document their entire voyage in cute black-and-white vignettes, but the bigger takeaway is that a dose of empathy can help one through even the most onerous of encounters. Jancewicz drives this home with interstitial instructional sections, teaching readers how to accept compliments, deal with hecklers respectfully, and more. For armchair tourists and music lovers alike, this one’s a charmer. (Oct.)