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 about a young woman navigating depression, which she visualizes as a tangible, shadowy force called "Dark Matter." This single-issue work, published as a standalone hardcover, uses expressive, sketch-like art and intimate storytelling to explore mental health with empathy and honesty. Gulledge’s sensitive portrayal of Mona’s journey toward self-acceptance and connection makes this a resonant addition to the growing canon of comics about emotional well-being. Its quiet power lies in how it transforms an internal struggle into a relatable, visually poetic narrative.