From the jump, I should admit that I have been skeptical of comics journalism. The method is too slow for the 24-hour news cycle, and making comics about complex and evolving issues risks simplifying things that should remain nuanced.

However, a new, deeply-considered textbook by former editors at The Nib, Shay Mirk and Eleri Harris, has changed my mind.

Making Nonfiction Comics: A Guide for Graphic Narrative draws from both Mirk and Harris’ extensive experience in this still-emerging field. It’s worth noting that Mirk was once a reporter for the Portland Mercury, before their career led them into other journalism jobs. Recently, they were the editor of the 2020 anthology Guantanamo Voices and are currently the publisher at nonfiction comics press Crucial Comix.

Don’t let my use of the

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