The Dark Matter of Mona Starr

In The Dark Matter of Mona Starr (2020–present, Harry N. Abrams), writer-artist Laura Lee Gulledge crafts a deeply personal graphic novel that visualizes mental health struggles as an otherworldly force called "dark matter." This single-issue work follows Mona, a young artist navigating depression and self-doubt, using a warm, inventive style to transform internal battles into a tangible, relatable narrative. A standout from Abrams' graphic novel line, it matters for its sensitive, metaphor-rich approach to mental wellness, offering readers a compassionate lens on resilience and creativity.