Dumb #1+2

by Georgia Webber, Madeleine Palmer (Introduction), Natalie Zina Walschots (Introduction)

Dumb is a true comic series about Georgia Webber's voicelessness due to injury, and the subsequent months of recovery. It is also a collection of audio pieces, an interview project, a video collage, a documentation experiment, and a filter through which to examine identity, physiology, spirituality, intimacy, sociology, privilege, justice, and more. And everything.
This compilation reprints the first 2 sold-out parts of Dumb in a single book. Dumb has been nominated for both a Doug Wright Award and an Ignatz Award.
Dumb #1 introduces Georgia in her natural vocally abundant state: working, socializing, volunteering at a bike co-op, going out, all as the pain (represented by stars) interferes more and more. A diagnosis is given, but she is left with little more. Includes an introduction written by Madeleine Palmer, Georgia's voice coach.
Dumb #2 shows the aftermath of diagnosis, the gathering of information, and the trauma of change. An internal battle is waged in images on the page. Includes an an introduction written by Natalie Zina Walschots, a music writer specializing in metal, as well as "Aftermath" and "Splitting."

Genres: Comics

36 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Gabriel Infierno · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it.

[Hades Martín · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe it's because I've lived through not having voice, my throat hurting so much I can't sleep, eating, breathing and opening my mouth hurts, but... not being able to talk is not as bad as the pain, and this comic focuses too much on that.

I would have loved to read more about how pain has affected her life instead of only the speaking side. I am aware being unable to speak and use your voice is very restrictive, and that people expect to be able to speak, that friends and family can't withstand accommodating that necessity. I want to think it has not showed the social relationships to show the isolation that eventually happens, yet that was the part that is most affected under that disability (I would not consider I had a disability tho).

I don't know, something is missing. I would read the rest of the comic because I relate to it, to the situation, but I know I won't because it hasn't interested me enough.