Fine

This graphic memoir captures Rhea Ewing's exploration of gender identity and the diverse experiences within the transgender community, culminating in the creation of Fine.

In Fine, graphic artist Rhea Ewing offers a vibrant and insightful exploration of the diverse experiences within the transgender community. This debut graphic memoir serves as a powerful testament to the intricacies of gender identity and expression, drawing parallels to the works of notable authors like Alison Bechdel and Meg-John Barker. As Ewing approached graduation in 2012, they found themselves consumed by a profound question: What is gender? This inquiry initiated a journey that took them through their quiet Midwest town, where they engaged friends and strangers alike in interviews that would later be transformed into compelling comics.

Over the course of a decade, this project blossomed into a fantastical yet informative portrayal of a surprisingly vast community across America. Ewing's exploration invites readers to consider questions such as, How do you identify? Through these inquiries, they gathered deep and honest narratives that reflect the complexities of adolescence, the experience of taking hormones, and the significance of changing pronouns. The memoir also highlights how these experiences can vary significantly based on culture, race, and religion, thus enriching the overall narrative.

Interwoven with these narratives is Ewing's own personal story, which provides a visceral account of their upbringing in rural Kentucky. As a teenager grappling with identity, they ultimately found solace and understanding through art. The creation of Fine stands as a testament to their journey of self-discovery and the importance of sharing diverse stories within the transgender community.