The Out Side: Trans & Nonbinary Comics

by The Kao, Julia Kaye (Foreword)

Journeys to truth and self-acceptance from 18 comic artists. Foreword by Julia Kaye.

Genres: Graphic Novels, LGBT, Queer, Comics, Nonfiction, Memoir, Anthologies

111 pages, ebook

First published September 26, 2023

Reviews

[Tawfek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone Deserves to be happy.

I received this Read Now ARC in exchange for an honest review, Thanks to all the amazing individuals that took part in this amazing anthology, for sharing their lives with us, their toughest times, and their greatest times of reaching peace with who they are, and thanks to Netgalley.
This will come out in 26 September of this year, This is an extended version with a few more artists than the last version, it has 65 more pages worth of stories, i would read it again, i am bound to learn new things that i didn't notice the first time, and fall in love with a few more art styles!
3.5/5 Stars

My 8th review for NetGalley, in such a short time, despite being busy with so many different things.

When i was met with resistance i doubled down, It felt dark, but i think we need the dark too, Darkness is a time for us to rest and grow.

I relate to the LGBTQ community, in the coming out thing so much, coming out as an atheist among most Arabs, is pretty similar to coming out as LGBTQ, but the funny thing is, the bigotry and obnoxiousness that i got faced with by most people i confided in as friends, was actually what made me stronger, what made me adamant on talking about it more, and single handedly beating all the vengeful little idiots who had banded against me.
Our personalities are different, it wasn't always looking bright, i had doubts, but once i calmed down, i just pushed through, putting my foot through faces, but it's also fine to not be gutsy and confrontational, we all have our different rhythm of revealing ourselves to the world, and fighting back for our rights, freedom will prevail in the end mark my words.
They don't know it now, they are facing us with bully mentalities, but they forget bullies are the weakest there is, they only prey on who they think is weaker than them, and get absolutely shattered when they realize they were wrong after their first loss.
I might not have a support system like most LGBTQ people, atheists are a herd of cats, each keeps to their own, but i faced Death and kicked his ass, you are beyond delusional to think you can beat me.

I would like to start with why 3.5 stars, The art in most stories were nothing special really, a variation of web art styles, many of them where the ones that needed the littlest effort, Which is usually what web artists do because they are presenting great emotional stories, rather than selling great art really.

Which gets us to the second point, the stories themselves, varied for me between 4 and 5 stars, the vast majority of them were great and emotional, and give such good inspirational power and energy, they inspire you to stay true to who you are, no matter what your difference might be.

But despite saying that about the art, many of these art styles were really cute actually, that i wouldn't mind reading for again, but would still feel apprehensive to give high marks, because i save those to the really impressive.

Many coloring styles were also great, a really good mix of bright color, that is really rare in the comic medium, but there was a couple impressive dark color styles as well, which blew me away.

Nasr ben Safwan was actually the most unique artist in the anthology, i know i am bias because we are both Arabs, but not really.
I am never bias, his style has that decorative style, which is a trait Arabic art is so good at.
Its unique, it's beautiful, it's intricate.
I also like Kayla Aiko so much, even though it was simple and clean pencils, void of color and intricate details, it still caught my attention.
Cyrus was awesome too!
Aidyn AKA snaillords even though he is webtoony, and i think webtoon art is trash from my experience with solo leveling, i think he is actually three levels better than Solo Leveling which is huge, they took the world by storm, and in 5 pages, he won me over.

I feel like i am doing a bad job, reviewing anthology seem to make me talk too much...
This was my first ever Trans/nonbinary comic about real life stories, and this was my first time ever getting close to these people and understanding them, i was googling terms all the time while reading, and learning more and more, it's a vast world we live in, and it just become vaster for me!

I loved the J.K. Rowling trash talk it was hilarious, i am pretty sure she was in 1 story, but it might have been implied in 1 or 2 more.
Getting that much feedback of people being hurt by what you are saying about them, and continuing to say it, is just horrible honestly, i would never want to harm anyone intentionally.

Read The Out Side, it will help you cross the gap to understand and love trans and non binary if u didn't before, but what's even better, it will give you a glimpse into the lives of 29 amazing individuals.
It's also bound to help people struggling with their gender identity to relate to the artists and their stories, and finding their true selves.

[Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really charming collection of nonbinary and trans stories! Most focus on coming out, but a few talk about a later in the process piece of trans life, such as getting top surgery. I enjoyed seeing which pieces of the stories echoed each other, appearing universal, and which stood out as unique to an individual's experience.

[Victoria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great creation! 💖

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful graphic novel compilation of artists who have come together to speak about their experiences struggling with their gender identity, but also about their experiences finding comfort, love, and peace in the acceptance of their identity. There is great variation in the artwork and storytelling style which is a direct reflection of the differences in experience. As with any group, it is easy (yet unfortunate) to lump the experiences of all trans and nonbinary individuals into one group. The Out Side does a wonderful job pushing back against this narrative by illustrating that peoples perception of themselves, their gender, and more varies so vastly. While there were some selections that I enjoyed over the other, as a whole this works very well.

[jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very diverse collection of different artists' gender journeys. touching and relatable, made me tear up a couple times.


read as part of 202-Queer 🌈✨

april reading: 25/26


(i received a digital copy via edelweiss)

[Esme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much! So many talented trans and non binary artist sharing their stories through mini art comics! I would recommend this to everyone! Honestly a must read especially for anyone questioning their journeys.

I loved discovering new artist, I have so many new books I want to check out and art I want to buy! It was also great to see someone from the East Coast.

physical copies come out September 26th 2023 💃

💓💛💙💓💛💙💓💛💙💓💛💙

thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review! I appreciate it! *all my opinions are my own!*

[Chantaal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Out Side sets out to do one thing, and that one thing it does extremely well. It's hard not to appreciate this anthology for what it is, especially with the way America is devolving into hate from coast to coast.

This collection features stories from a variety of trans and non-binary artists that share their experiences on the long road that begins at struggling with their gender identity, and eventually leads to self-acceptance. It's both a teaching tool and a proclamation, a simple "I Exist and That's Amazing" message that is sorely needed and will keep on being needed.

As with any anthology, some stories and art I enjoyed way more than others. At times I wished the artists had more page time to expand their stories, but some were absolutely perfect at a simple 2-4 pages. My favorites were How I Got These Sweet Nips! by The Nifty Fox for the comedy that hit my funny bone in the exact right place, and Familiar by Cyrus for the absolute gut punch of wonderfully effective art.

Whether you are a part of the rainbow or an ally, I think everyone can benefit from checking out this anthology. We're all human in completely different ways, and it's lovely seeing the spectrum of queerness and human expression represented here.

The Out Side began as a Kickstarter project, and is now being traditionally published by Andrews McMeel Publishing for release on September 26, 2023. Thanks to Andrew McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Debby Tiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Representation is so important, and seeing these comics of people’s true stories was an incredible experience. I learned so new things from this book as well.

Since there are 29 different comics, there were some art styles that I liked better than others. I really liked “Never Be Loved” by Snailords, for example. Most of the stories are uplifting, with messages encouraging being your most authentic self.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am telling you the cover do not do justice to the contents and I want to cry!

This collection is so precious and I would say this is a breakthrough in the publishing world! Yes, I may seem like I am overreacting and reading a book on the topic for the first time. No and no. But this book needs to be celebrated and circulated when it comes out. It’s just not about becoming more aware about the different sexual orientations but it is more about knowing the individuals and their work.

Hope this book gets more and more recognition as it comes out.

Thank you, Andrews McMeel Publishing, for the advance reading copy.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a comprehensive, sweet, and very uplifting graphic novel, full of joy and understanding. There were many different art styles, and I was surprised to find that I liked all of them to some degree, as this is somewhat rare for a collection of small comics from different artist - which is what this is.

While it was clear and informative, I don't think you'll get a lot out of this, if you are already pretty informed about trans and queer issues. I would recommend this for children, and for people who haven't spent much time in queer circles and want to learn more.

[Fei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of comics about being trans non binary and genderqueer

[Sana · Rating 4 out of 5]

'I will always be an ever-changing version of myself. I take the shape that serves me most at any given moment.'

I'm so glad Maraia rec'ed me this comicbook because I surely wouldn't have known about its existence otherwise. I know it's an anthology and they couldn't have gone over a certain page limit but I still kinda wish the stories were longer because the longest is like 6 pages and shortest, just 1. But yeah, this is great all-around and I'm sure very affirming for trans and enbies alike 🥹

Some of my faves:
- Outside by Sam is really the best opener about feeling like just another part of nature.
- Not There Yet by Wey Song has very interesting art but the story is emotional since it's about the side of not having reached the state of transition yet.
- Undefined by The Kao (Zhen Tso) is about just how limiting and unnecessary binary labels can be straight from birth. Loved it!
- Genderfluid by Vixtopher has vastly different color palettes on every page that somehow go seamlessly together and enhances the story which is about the boxes the world tend to put people inside and breaking free from them.
- Slow and Steady by Lake Fama made me laugh like, 'Professional queer trainwreck comin' through. 25 years' experience of not knowing what is going on, ever' and it was only a page long, heh.
- Never Be Loved by Snailords (Aidyn Arroyal) has this anime style art which is unexpected but very nice and definitely made the story all the more interesting.
- Familiar by Cyrus. The quote, 'My parents always told me to never talk to strangers. But I have been living with one for most of my life' goes hard and then that art just ugh, so good.
- I've Been Sitting on This Porch for a Year by Nasr Bin Safwan has the most interesting looking art and I loved it as well as the story.

[Billy ⋆｡･☽･⋆* (semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such beautiful art🌈. Such lovely comics. Such amazing queer artists. A beautiful experience, it felt so gratifying reading the experiences of these amazing artists. And the art!, oh so diverse and oh so much talent for storytelling and drawing... 😍


🤍🩷🩵🤎🖤❤️🧡💛💚💙💙💜

[Debbie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK.

This is a collection of short comics by trans and nonbinary artists. So, you get a variety of art and stories!

Highly recommend!!!

[emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you so much to the publisher and to netgalley for letting me read an arc of “the outside”! i loved this so much, it was so inspiring and made me very grateful that this kind of book can exist for queer and trans* people. it was heartwarming and easy to read, and i really loved getting to see stories from such a diverse group of artists! i will definitely be recommending this book to everyone!

[Rhys · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review*

This was my first graphic novel anthology, and I LOVED it. The range of art styles was amazing.

I also loved how diverse the range of identities! So many trans femme voices which is what I want to see in an anthology about trans* identities because they are always underrepresented when talking about trans* identities and represented in media.

Everyone should go read this!

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comic anthologies are great to find new-to-you artists you might enjoy reading more from, and this was no different. I already ordered a couple of books from the library! This being a trans and non-binary anthology, it was also a really great collection of different perspectives and different ways to be trans. I loved this because sometimes you really need to be reminded you're not alone.

[Vale ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley for letting me preview this graphic novel.

A collection of stories drawn by different authors, an anthology, there is finally a positive trans representation.
These stories welcome you and embrace you warmly, as if just wanted to let you know that you are no longer alone.
Each story is unique and beautiful.
It represents their voice loud and clear, proclaiming their existence in the face of a culture that has too long ignored them

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank NetGalley for the ARC of this book, it did not influence my opinion in any way.

3.5, rounded up

I overall really enjoyed this series of comics. The thing is that I didn’t like all of them equally, some I would have easily give 5 stars, others I didn’t like that much. I know this is a personal experience, cause it mostly has stuff to do with the art style. I loved that all stories where different, but in the end all of them give a message of hope.

Overall I would recommend the book if you are looking for an interesting and touching stories of trans and non-binary lives.

[Anna]

I am a little bit underwhelmed. Anthologies are hard in the first place but then you make it a comic anthology and it gets infinitely harder to be successful and that there's just not enough space to tell a memorable story. (Memorable as in I'm going to remember it, not memorable as important. This book is 100% important)

Now I'm not even going to rate this because I don't necessarily believe in rating people's life experiences and the comics were moving and they were important and I think that they are going to make a difference, but they were all very similar to a point where they bleed into one another.

Logically I understand that this is a coming out anthology and that all the stories are going to be about that but it felt like we got a lot of repetitive trans masc representation and afab nonbinary and not as much trans femme. There are also hardly any that reach into the wider depths of the transumbrella like genderqueer, bigender, agender etc. There is definitely one that is bigender and I remember that, but that's the only one that I can remember off the top of my head. I would have also loved to see an intersex comic but that is perhaps a bit nitpicky.

The anthology falls into an odd age range too because my first instinct is to put this in like middle school classrooms but then all the stories are from adult POVs and I don't know that it's 100% appropriate. That being said I think queer kids need to see happy queer adults and that's where I really see the importance of this book. I can only imagine as a closeted queer kid seeing a book with dozens of happy queer adults in it would be life-changing and for that reason alone I'm happy that this book exists.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC! Supported this on the Kickstarter and so happy I have the book now! It was a wonderful read, sad, heartbreaking, but also hopeful and lovely.

[Kamilė · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Out Side is a collection of short comics made by 29 trans and nonbinary artists. They each present their personal experiences of coming out, both to the public and to themselves. While many stories share similarities – both the difficulties of gaining family's understanding and the discovery of family within their friends and peers – each perspective is unique. The artists are from all over the world, exploring how their social and cultural circumstances influenced their relationship with gender.

With a variety of art styles, it's more than likely that you'll find and artist whose works you'll want to follow in the future. My personal favourites were by Jam Aden, Matteo Montero-Murillo, Snailords, Cyrus, and Nasr Bin Safwan.

While the artists featured on "The Out Side" share some of the struggles they've experienced a long the way, the message at the end is positive and simple – it's not the end, and there's a lot more still left to look forward to. It makes for a great feel-good collection that you can jump into when you want something short and sweet.

Thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the arc.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Trans/non-binary books that makes it to publication tend to hit very repetitive beats. So when you're trying to find yourself in these stories you can sometimes question the validity of your identity when you deviate too much from the "recipe".

I think that's why I found this collection of trans and non-binary comics so refreshing. A diverse range of identities/experiences span the collection, and yet you can find some universals across each comic as well. So while each story contains a few of the same ingredients, "The Out Side" shows that gender is more like cooking than baking, with plenty of room to improvise and adjust the recipe to your own taste. Empowering stuff!

It makes a lot of sense that this was the product of a very successful, queer-led Kickstarter campaign, as opposed to the release of a mainstream publisher. Maybe this reviewer is getting a bit soft in their 30s, but I'm going to round this one up to 4 stars!

P.S. Perusing this collection is a great way to discover new queer artists, since each comic is prefaced with a bio of the creator, and where you can find their content online. I even found a contributor from the East Coast of Canada!

[Lotte Van Der Paelt · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Out Side: Trans & Nonbinary Comics" is a short but cute collection of comics by non-cis people about their queerness. The authors are not only trans, non-binary or a mix of both, but also come from many different cultures all over the world. It doesn't matter who you are, this comic collection gives a voice to all kinds of genderqueer people. I love that every author gets their own little introduction in the book, so that you have a chance to get to know them before getting to know their art. There are definitely a few authors that I am going to check out later on. The collection makes sure that you understand that there isn't one kind of genderqueer person, and they all have a different view on their queerness and a different story to tell. Also, there's a list of resources at the end of the book, for those of us who want to learn more. Definitely recommend to everyone who wants to learn more about what it means to be genderqueer.

Thank you to The Kao and their team and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Héloïse ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very beautiful anthology. Lots of different styles, stories and authors from all possible backgrounds. I'm really happy to have been able to read this work and to have discovered all these artists and illustrators.

It's not easy, as a cis person who has never asked themselves these kinds of questions, to understand the process of reflection and transition around the issue of transidentity and non-binarity. I think that if anyone wants to get interested in these issues but doesn't know where to start, this anthology might be a good place to start.

A book that can be bought as a gift and that shows a positive representation of this part of the lgbt+ community.

Thank you to The Kao, David Daneman, Min Christensen, Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I just finished this and wow - I think this is my favorite graphic novel I have read so far! This book features a lot of different artists' mini comics, and every single one of them was incredibly beautiful - the art, the story, and the message they wanted to convey. All experiences and stories were different, but so powerful and beautifully told. Moreover, the artists all have different backgrounds, and this really shows in their stories and drawing styles, which I thought was absolutely beautiful. I can imagine that especially a lot of trans* and nonbinary readers will feel very connected to the experiences of all of these amazing artists. But I would also recommend it to cis people wanting to learn more about the trans* and nonbinary experience. And also, again, the art was just stunning!!!

[Max Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT

So cute. So lovely. And very inspiring too to discover who you truly are, whether it be through gender or through any other means. Never be ashamed of how you feel! There will always be people that love you for who you are! I also love the emphasis a lot of these creators put on fluidity. Try things out. If it doesn’t last, it doesn’t last! Don’t let people put you in a box just because it’s easier for them. So many different angles and interpretations of queerness and non-conformity and I love it.

And what a great idea too to highlight all these brilliant web artists. Such a fantastic variety of art in here, very inspiring for myself as I have always loved art like this and have wanted to learn to draw for the longest time. Might just inspire to pick up a pencil when I get home and get at it!

Recommend this to everyone and anyone.

[Anna (RattleTheShelves) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic anthology is like a warm hug. It's filled with stories by trans people, mostly about their own experiences, about embracing who they are and living their lives. The stories are short and while they talk about similar things, each trabs story is unique and also each one is like a repetition: you're not alone, you can have a good life in this messed up world.

I loved how diverse the artists are - they cover so many identities from under the trans umbrella, live around the world and are of different races and ethnicities.

I definitely recommend it 💜

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology has a ton of different trans & nonbinary comic artists that are sharing their journey with gender and sexuality. I've heard of a lot of the 29 comics artists in this anthology but it was really cool to be introduced to people that I've never heard of before. A lot of these stories focus on when the artists were coming out but there are a few that talk about later in life after people have figured everything out. Overall, I thought that this was a great collection and one that would be a great resource if you are questioning.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to share this on my social media platforms. This was by far the best graphic novel anthology I have read to date in terms of self expression, diversity, depth and art.

I really enjoyed the little snippet at the beginning of every story that told us about the author.

My hope is that the world will continue to go in this direction and we will see more open, honest and true stories of perseverance and self discovery. I can see this anthology helping many people.