Graphic Novel Series: A + E 4ever

And now for something completely different. Today I’m featuring A + E 4ever, which is mostly about a friendship between Asher Machnik and Eulalie Mason. I say mostly because there are many other themes, issues and/or conflicts throughout the graphic novel, including but not in any way limited to LGBTQ, identity, labeling, love and friendship.

While researching the graphic novel, I found an interview with the author. I think this one question for the author perfectly sums up what the novel is all about.

How did you come up with the idea for A + E 4ever?

A few years ago, I was working on a couple of novellas, exploring different love situations through different ages and places in life. The overarching theme of the stories was alienation and obsession—‘a + e 4ever’ was the story expressing what I called ‘metalove’ (or love that was essentially un-label-able); the story of a teenage boy with a beautiful girl’s face and the tough girl with a vulnerable boy’s heart who loved him too much. 

This graphic novel isn’t just unique for the themes it addresses, but for the audience it tries to reach. There aren’t very many young adult graphic novels with LGBTQ themes.  For a fascinating interview with the author Ilike Merey, click here.

Be sure to check out more information about our upcoming Graphic Novel Symposium happening in the library Thursday, Sept. 18 and Friday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.