Punk Like Me

This poignant graphic adaptation of Glass’s 2006 novel, drawn by Eisner-nominated cartoonist Dresen (Max & Lily), interweaves lesbian guitarist Nina’s recollections of her heartbreaking coming-out during her junior year of high school with later scenes of her band’s triumphant debut at CBGB. As a student at a Staten Island girls’ prep school “run by nuns” in the 1980s, Nina frequents the punk scene in the East Village on weekends, alongside her BFF—and fellow Love and Rockets fan—Kerry. Nina’s been pining for Samantha, the captain of her swim team, but despite flirtations and an intimate shoreside moment, Samantha ducks away from her advances. Over summer break, Nina and Kerry start dating boys, but Nina develops a crush on Kerry—who returns her affections. When they admit their feelings and kiss, it’s blissful, but kept secret. Nina’s dad thinks Kerry’s a bad influence, and calls her friends gay slurs and “lowlife street punks”; meanwhile, Nina’s worried about hurting her chances at the Naval Academy. As she uncovers her identity, she struggles to find her place, but the buoyant CBGB scenes lift the narrative with a through line of joy as an act of resistance. Dresen’s accessible art employs thick line work, with peppy character designs etched in shades of black and blue that emphasize the dreaminess and melancholy of first love. Fans of queer romance will appreciate the complicated nostalgia of this period piece. Agent: Lane Clarke, Ultra Literary. (Mar.)