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Over My Dead Body: Dissecting My Life
Not yet published
Expected 20 Apr 27A poignant work of graphic medicine, Over My Dead Body explores Kriota Willberg’s journey of healing, artistic expression, and scientific study―all through the lens of anatomy.
It all started with a dead bullfrog. When Kriota was 11, her professor father brought home a preserved frog for the two of them to dissect. Instead of being grossed out, she was delighted to learn about the frog’s anatomy. This strange but illuminating experience sparked what would become her lifelong obsession with anatomy, which she would explore through dance, massage, illustration―and hands-on scientific study in cadaver labs. For cartoonist Kriota Willberg, anatomy is not only a fascinating scientific perspective, but also a lens through which she can explore health, relationships, and artistic expression. Throughout, Willberg’s highly detailed sketches of cadavers reveal the beauty in the structure of our bodies. And her practices of dance and meditation, getting in touch with her body, help her heal from past sexual trauma.
Philosophical, poignant, and playful, Over My Dead Body is a life-affirming memoir about the author’s curiosity and reverence for the human body―dead and alive.
Full color illustrations throughout
It all started with a dead bullfrog. When Kriota was 11, her professor father brought home a preserved frog for the two of them to dissect. Instead of being grossed out, she was delighted to learn about the frog’s anatomy. This strange but illuminating experience sparked what would become her lifelong obsession with anatomy, which she would explore through dance, massage, illustration―and hands-on scientific study in cadaver labs. For cartoonist Kriota Willberg, anatomy is not only a fascinating scientific perspective, but also a lens through which she can explore health, relationships, and artistic expression. Throughout, Willberg’s highly detailed sketches of cadavers reveal the beauty in the structure of our bodies. And her practices of dance and meditation, getting in touch with her body, help her heal from past sexual trauma.
Philosophical, poignant, and playful, Over My Dead Body is a life-affirming memoir about the author’s curiosity and reverence for the human body―dead and alive.
Full color illustrations throughout
- GenresGraphic Novels
204 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 20, 2027
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Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Starting from a very young age, Willberg was always interested in anatomy. Through this graphic novel, she does more than simply explore the meat of cadaver dissections though. Taking this one topic and applying it more broadly to her life, she dives into the intersections it has with illustration, massage, and even personhood. Layers of love and trauma are exposed under peeled back skin and understood through their many physical manifestations. There is a connection to the subject and a respect for the body (whether alive or dead) displayed here that we all should try harder to emulate.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review