Graphic Novels Reviews: It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth

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Title: It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth

Published by: Image Comics

Written by: Zoe Thorogood

Illustrated by: Zoe Thorogood

ISBN: 978-1534323865

Ages: 18+

Happiness is difficult.

It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth is an LGBTQ+ auto-bio-graphic novel that chronicles the author’s internal conflicts to take the reigns of her life. She struggles with all her relationships: with friends, family, fans, and – most importantly – herself.

Surreal and a little nightmarish, the author, Zoe Thorogood, manifests aspects of her psyche using different faces and art styles. As she attempts to write a story during the COVID-19 pandemic, she also reflects on her childhood and adulthood in a non-linear storyline. With pop culture and current events references, this graphic novel offers a slice-of-contemporary-life. Throughout the mundane details of her daily life, Zoe is followed by monsters of doubt, depression, and self-deprecation – which take physical, disturbing forms. Her internal monologue has dark humor, deep insights, and pleas for compassion. It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth reads as a diary of a personal therapy session and includes a positive message for all readers.

The artwork of It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth is a cacophony of art styles and jumble of thought processes. Colors and forms reflect the author’s emotions, make the graphic novel into a work of magical realism, and inspire conversation and self-reflection. Visually, the graphic novel is a delight of interesting styles, colors, and techniques.

This graphic novel deals with intense and sensitive topics including suicide, self-harm, sex, and drugs and may not be for casual readers. However, this graphic novel is dedicated to “someone, somewhere” and may offer comfort. It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth is a little trippy, a little scary, and very sincere.

For fans of The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.

Angela Dabrowski
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