Graphic Novel Presentation Handout

Description/ Summary

Misery Loves Comedy is an anthology of different autobiographical works by Ivan Brunetti. Some of his stories break away from the main theme, and include completely fictional situations and characters but usually embody similar elements. The main topic of the anthology as a whole is suicide, and why it’s both honorable and dishonorable. Suicide is presented as a possible solution to the atrocities of the world, but also an inexcusable escape from responsibility. Ivan is torn between his desire to die, and his inability to muster the courage. He hates himself deeply, and hates the world even more. This anthology is full of fantasies of bloodlust directed both inward and outward. A simple sense of powerlessness constantly on the back burner, leading the reader to a point of frustration. Throughout, Brunetti experiments with multiple graphic styles. There is an abundance of visuals which depict nudity, mutilation, death, decay, insanity, and overall detriment. Each of these elements are blended together as well, which creates an even harsher vibe. 

Rationale for Choosing Text

When I first looked at Misery Loves Comedy I had preconceived notions that the author would present some idea of balance between crushing misery and hapless comedy. I was wrong. There is some humor, but it is very sparse and usually very dark. This book is the physical manifestation of Brunetti’s mental illness and it shows. I peeked at the pages of the book before I decided to take it home, and I saw a litany of truly evil images. I mentally told myself, “mom didn’t raise no bitch,” and checked the book out. Evil is way overdone between the covers. There is so much evil it becomes truly absurd. Absurdity, of course, is a primary element of comedy. I expected more blatant comedy at first glance, but instead I earned a new perspective on what constitutes comedy. 

Teaching Ideas

First of all, this book is not for kids. I would never expose this type of material to anybody under the age of 18, as a general rule. WIth this in mind, I would teach this book as a guide to understanding mental illness. I would teach the students to observe closely the mental patterns the characters follow, and present it in a way that frames the patterns as sources of what not to do. Ultimately, I would use this book as a way to teach kindness and compassion. Brunetti came to be that way because of abuse. This book should be taught alongside a message of understanding that different people are always going through different things, and it’s sometimes easy to judge somebody without realizing what kind of obstacles they’re facing. The three main elements of implementing this text into a classroom would be: 

1. Psychological: use this book to take a look into the mind of somebody with mental illness so the reader may learn and have a closer understanding of that perspective. 
2. Moral: what is evil? Does Nihilism have an important place at the table of ideas? This book presents the reader with multiple moral dilemmas. By the end, the reader’s left questioning their own view on what constitutes good or bad. Is violence okay as long as it is for retribution? Is it okay to fantasize about violence, but not use it in real life? Is it healthy to yearn for death? Good and bad become completely subjective constructs in terms of this book.
3. Mental fortitude: this book will stretch the patience of the reader. It dwells on very unpleasant issues and uses graphics to put those issues into material form. At many points throughout reading I wanted to stop, but pushed onward because “mom didn’t raise no bitch.” Finishing this book is a testament to the reader’s mental fortitude. Many minds may clash against this book like waves on rock, and only those with tenacity will come to wear away the stone surface. This book can be used as a tool to teach mental fortitude. 

Challenges using this text

There are many challenges that can be present when attempting to utilize this text. FIrst off, Brunetti spends effort shooting down every type of political viewpoint with his overall “life is meaningless” attitude. People hold their politics close to their hearts, and may become upset that they’ve been exposed to dissenting opinions. Second, such exposure to mental illness may hit too close to home for some people. For this reason, it’s a risk to even address this book at all. Third, there is some risk that patterns and behaviors explicitly shown in the book may be copied by some readers- making it not appropriate for anyone who is mentally unstable. Ultimately, Misery Loves Comedy is a hellish experience that is certain to cause a litany of issues if ever distributed to a classroom. You’re welcome. Due to all the large issues this book may create within a classroom, I would not use this text in a classroom. This text is better absorbed as an individual who is confident in their own mental fortitude and thereby able to deal with the physical, emotional, and spiritual turmoil this book will expose them to.