Vulnerability is My Superpower: An Underpants and Overbites Collection

by Jackie E. Davis

By being her anxious, honest, and just plain silly self, Jackie Davis’ potato-shaped character proves that, even though opening up to others is scary at first, vulnerability can be a superpower.

Vulnerability Is My Superpower features Jackie Davis's relatable diary comics about self-discovery, mental health, relationships, and childhood. From bouts with anxiety and insecurity to the thrill of simple pleasures like secretly trying on other people’s coats at a party, she’s figuring things out as she goes along, navigating domestic life with her husband, Pat (aka “the Purple Guy”), and sharing her most embarrassing thoughts and habits so you don’t have to.

For anyone who struggles with self-confidence or just likes to scrutinize the curious workings of relationships and everyday life, the confessional comic gems in this book invite laughter at even the most awkward and vulnerable moments while making you feel less alone.

From Amazon.com

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Humor, Nonfiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Adult, Ebooks

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2021

About the author

Oh hi, I'm Jackie! I live in Rochester, NY with a bunch of happy houseplants, squishy plush toys, and my husband, Pat. He's the exhausted purple character in my comics and is an artist too. I've been drawing chubby things with googly eyes my whole life, but discovered comics and my passion for them around 2015. I've been reading, writing, and drawing them ever since.

When I'm not drawing, I like to play outside, make new friends, find things on the ground, and cook lots and lots of soup. Oh, how I love soup.

You can check read my comics on the social things:
Instagram @underpantsandoverbites
Facebook @underpants and overbites
Twitter @underpantsand

Sometimes people read my Twitter handle and think, "underpant sand". Nobody wants that. Whoops :p

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for belly laughs, look elsewhere. Davis's comics are very feel-goody, warm and fuzzy and cute - more likely to bring a smile rather than a chuckle. This is more like a graphic novel about self-discovery than a comics collection. The author admits that drawing herself as a comic character has helped "me believe in myself. That little character is what makes me feel safe enough to be vulnerable."

Though I wasn't laughing at this collection, I did find the book pretty addictive. And, I do like the author's artistic style. This would make a great gift for a friend who's feeling down.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a sneak peek.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vulnerability is my superpower. But it wasn’t always. If you’d asked me even three years ago, I probably would have said silliness was my superpower, and then made a “boing, boing” sound as I hopped away. Moments later though, I would’ve boinged back anxiously and asked, “Did I say something wrong? Are you mad at me? Do you like me?” Because really, self-doubt was my super-power. Or maybe it was my super-deficit. Either way, it all brought me here.

I follow a few gently humorous webcomics to counteract the seemingly unending negativity of my social media feeds and Underpants and Overbites by Jackie E. Davis is one of my favourite emerging gems. Touted as “diary comics”, Davis’ work is introspective, relatable, and often very funny. Vulnerability is My Superpower is Davis’ first collection in book form, and although I was delighted to come across a free review copy on NetGalley, I will happily buy this collection upon release in order to support this young woman and her art. And you should, too.

A peek at Davis’ quirkiness:





And a taste of her more serious side:



You can't help but want the best for Jackie, her purple potato-shaped husband, Pat, and her favourite plushie, Butter Udder. Good luck to Jackie in all her endeavors, and long may her pencil keep showing her the way!

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh gosh, is this book relatable! Jackie E. Davis has crafted an absolutely hilarious yet totally truthful book in Vulnerability is My Superpower: An Underpants and Overbites Collection.

This selection of comics is seriously funny but hits way too close to home. In all the best ways, of course! I truly marvel at how much this book made me smile, chuckle and feel like someone understood me. Life and adulting is hard, so books like this that can make light of some of the tougher and stranger parts of adulthood is always welcome. I love it and highly recommend picking this book up.

I will say, I am kind of judging Jackie though... Who likes bugs flying into their mouth? That's the one part of adulthood (and my childhood, for goodness sake) that I'm definitely over. Or when they fly into my eyes... No thank you! Please explain Jackie!

The comics are goofy and silly (which is the point) but also are colourful and sassy enough to keep you interested. It's a set of comics that you can binge or jump back into if you don't want to commit. It has everything going for it that I want in a small comic strip series. Jackie, you are awesome! Thank you!

Five out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artist's potato self-image is cute and funny, and she does a good job combining slice of life, radical vulnerability, and honesty about her somewhat sanctimonious past, all wrapped in a heartwarming and generally funny fashion. To some extent this is cartoon therapy, but reading it isn't voyeuristic as much as enlightening; sounds cliché, but by reading about Davis' journey it made me think about my own and what work I want to do going forward to be a better father, partner, and friend.

**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Prin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vulnerability Is My Superpower gives exactly what the title promises. This will make you want to conquer self-doubt and turn your vulnerabilities to possibilities.

It's super inspiring, and much-needed especially in these uncertain times. Reading this made me feel less alone and more understood.

Full review to come on my blog, but posting a quick one here to say that I highly recommend this book to absolutely everyone! This is just one of the most wholesome and pure things ever published.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel for the ARC 💙

update: longer version of my review is now up on my blog, and also updating my final rating to 4.5 rounded up!

https://princessandpages.com/2021/04/...

[Michelé · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was first attracted to the title! Vulnerability is like a buzzword for me! So it’s no surprise I related heavily to Jackie’s way of existing in the world. The sincerity of the work was so refreshing and would really suit a long form comic too (versus these shorter ones). Sometimes the segments actually felt like they cut off a little short, ending at the suggestion of change rather than after the change itself, which I wanted to see.

I loved her ability to mix seriousness and fun, art and deep narrative. It was about her growing up, learning to love herself, and having empathy for others. I just felt like I could relate on a human level and think a lot of people could, especially women--who are taught to please others and not take up space, and anyone with anxiety. It WAS vulnerable in a way I so appreciated.

I loved the lists. A lot of them reach into places of your brain you forgot about but signified a “universal” experience. They made me want to notice the small things. Overall, I felt Jackie exhibited an acute observation and analysis of life and self... but with underpants and overbites.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie Davis’s comic diary is a unique and often hilarious way of dealing with her insecurities, childhood, and life in general. From thoughts that keep her awake at night to feeling like two people are battling inside her, there is so much that is relatable in Vulnerability is My Superpower.
The comics are often beautifully drawn with watercolor. I laughed, I reflected, and I loved every second of this collection.

Vulnerability is My Superpower will be released April 13 2021.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dylan Schnabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ARC copy was provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This was fine. Underpants and Overbites, altogether, is mostly just fine. The self-expression and self-discovery seen in the strip are enjoyable, but the humor rarely clicked for me. I also like Davis's art style.

The collection feels well-composed, but it really just didn't click with me. There were some moments where Davis wrote about anxiety, and that spoke to me. Otherwise, it was a lot of comics I didn't not like but I didn't really enjoy, either.

If you're into heartfelt comics with some humor dashed in, especially heartfelt comics centering around self-discovery, this should be up your alley. It's short, the comics are quick, and I could totally see a lot of people enjoying this one.

[Rebs ✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

relatable. relatable. relatable.

Thats all...

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Syd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Provided by NetGalley

With both humor and tenderness, Jackie Davis explores the struggles and strengths of being a soft soul, in what can often be a scary world. Her illustrations ranged from making me look on in awe at a set of beautiful, nature panels, to bursting out laughing at a series of exposed cartoon butt cracks. Relationships with family, friends, Jackie herself, and a plucky, plush bovine companion are explored throughout in relatable and heartfelt ways. A real joy to read.

[Lisa | Read Between the Spines · Rating 2 out of 5]

As Jackie Davis describes, Vulnerability Is My Superpower is a diary graphic novel made up of individual comics. Some of the comics are about life while others are about anxiety and self-acceptance. I have been reading more and more graphic novels that take the format of a complication of individual comics and really enjoy them. However, I found Vulnerability Is My Superpower to just be okay.

While the comics are relatable, I just did not find them that unique or compelling. The humor did not really work for me. The style of art is not my favorite, although I always love when color is involved. I just did not find it visually appealing.

Overall, this book fell a little flat for me, but I would recommend it to those who enjoy comics and could use some therapy or are struggling.

Thank you NetGalley & Andrews McMeel Publishing the e-ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of diary comics is endearingly familiar, as if reading about your new friend. Author Jackie Davis successfully uses comics to explore many aspects of daily life, mental health and weird thoughts--and I loved it! I felt as though I were meeting a kindred spirit; getting inside the head of someone like me. A quick, easy read but one that you will want to read again and again.

Vulnerability is My Superpower will be published on April 13, 2021. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. #vulnerabilityismysuperpower #netgalley

[Žaba Čita Novine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and fun read. I enjoyed most of it, but it seemed disorganized somehow. More like a collection of unrelated stories than stories under the same topic.

I liked it all the same and I somehow just want to hug the author.

A big thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

i like it when a comic strip makes me laugh.

This is a collection of web comics by an artist that writes these as autobiographical, and a touch of the absurd. There is self-realization, and problems with self doubt, and all those things that make us human.

And then, sometimes, she is just spot on.

One of the comics is her telling her boyfriend "Pss, guess what? You get to do your favorite thing again tonight!"

And he replies "Sleeeep," because that is the right answer.

Another time, she is on the sofa, surrounded by plushes, and says to her boyfriend "Do you ever go to someone's house and wonder where are all the plushies?"

Her boyfriend answers 'no" with a sad look on his face.

If you are familiar with her series, you will love to have her collection.

If you are not familiar, you might like this quirky slice of life.
Thanks to Edelweiss for making this book available for an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read! It's full of really sweet moments, oddness, and earnestness. It feels warm and encouraging. Definitely pick it up if you're in the mood for something light and heartfelt!

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review first published on Oh Just Books.

I've seen Jackie's work on and off over the years, and always found it relatable, but for whatever reason I hadn't done a deep dive, so to speak, into her comics. I really wish I had.

This books is so beautiful, I can't even begin to explain my feelings about it, but I will try. Reading Underpants and Overbites is super soft and cozy and relatable, while also making you think because there's just something about it that hits different. There have been times - while reading this book as well as her other strips - where I have felt that connection with something she mentions and realize that it's okay to feel a certain way.

Read the rest of the review here.

[Emily W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like Jackie had taken a look at my soul while writing these comics. The truth, the authenticity, the humor… *chef’s kiss* it was absolutely perfect. Her comics truly do make me feel less alone.

[Eileen Daly-Boas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem of a book - I love the honesty and the humor that Jackie Davis brings to “Underpants and Overbites.” I always feel a little better about myself and the universe afterwards.

[Sierra Burrous · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly love this collection. There is a combination of both light hearted comics and more serious ones and it’s just fun to read through and some of the messages are great too.

[Wendle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The content of the comics range from silly and fun to deep and meaningful, and I really appreciated that contrast. I found myself laughing one moment and nodding in understanding the next. The art is simple and clear with surprising depth, and small details adding so much to the mood of the comics.

A slightly longer review can be found on my book blog: Marvel at Words.

[Ani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book! This did not affect my review.

Vulnerability is my Superpower is a mixture of funny comics and comics that discuss serious issues like self-doubt and anxiety. The author did an incredible job in creating this mixture, because it keeps the graphic novel light and easy, something a lot of people can use in this period.

I'm afraid the graphic novel just wasn't a perfect match for me. There was one small comic that was an eye-opener, but the rest didn't really impress me. However, the graphic novel definitely wasn't bad! I'm sure that there are many others that will love it!

The colorful comics are a great way to brighten up your day, so I do recommend Vulnerability is my Superpower to everyone who occasionally feels self-doubt and could use a way to cheer themselves up, or to anyone who just wants a laugh. :)

[Katie P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the comics that I so thoroughly enjoy, this collection made me feel happy, less alone, a little sad, but mostly just excited that Jackie exists and shares her world with us.

It's charming and I absolutely love how she sees the world and embraces her full self even when it's weird or scary.

Also the artwork is beautiful!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Artist Jackie Davis embraces her awkwardness. Her comic is called Underpants and Overbites, and she is proud to let her true self come out in these charming and entertaining comics. By sharing her anxieties and vulnerabilities, she makes it easier for her readers to open up about their own fears and worries. And she is very honest.

Davis opens up about her time working in a coffee shop and how much she wanted to quit to become a full-time artist. She talks about how she used to be a jerk, but then she learned how to be a better friend. There are cartoons about when she’s feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, and cartoons about feeling brave and about taking chances. She talks about her marriage, her first boyfriend, and her family with honesty and, well, vulnerability.

She shares some of her least favorite feelings, like forgetting something at the grocery store, getting a tortilla chip stuck in your teeth, and growing apart from a friend despite all your best efforts. And some of her favorite feelings, like getting someone’s full attention, getting to go back to a warm bed on a cold morning, looking for something that’s lost and finding something else that had gone missing, and realizing that mistakes are just a part of life.

Davis also talks about the mundane things in life, finding magic in laundry, setting the alarm clock, and seeing fireflies. And she’s okay with showing how she can get caught up in dark and anxious thoughts. But she also celebrates her victories, no matter how small they might seem.

Vulnerability Is My Superpower is a moving and charming look at life as an artist, as a worrier, as someone who is socially awkward, and most importantly, as someone who is human. As Davis shares her best and worst moments, her favorite and least favorite things, and moments of real life, she shows us all what it means to be open to failure, to others, and to everything life has to give.

I found myself in these comics, and I don’t anyone who wouldn’t find themselves somewhere in these pages. We might not all be as excited at seeing butt cracks in the wild as she is, but we all have something potentially embarrassing that we probably wouldn’t be willing to draw and share with the general public. But Jackie Davis is just that kind of brave, and it’s humbling to be a small part of that by reading her work.

Egalleys for Vulnerability Is My Superpower were provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing through NetGalley, with many thanks.

[Sanjana Srikanth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has my heart! I revisit it from time to time when I need to do something that I'm finding hard to do .The illustrations are spectacularly adorable,hearing the things you're too scared to tell yourself from the gap toothed main character is self affirming like nothing else. Really thoughtful wording that makes you think and also feel warm but not just for a second like the Instagram posts I scroll through rapidly. It's a warmth that lasts the entire afternoon if not the entire day. And true to the title, the author gets vulnerable about the silliest things that made me chuckle and beam. One of my favourite parts was the panels about the strange things that make her happy, I wish I could observe my own life that honestly. Jackie Davis, if you create anything more I'm here for it!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover of this book got me interested in reading it. I thought it might be geared toward young readers and was pleasantly surprised that Jackie Davis' comics have ageless appeal. The author has a great sense of humor that ties with the human psyche. Probably everyone can relate to at least a few of the situations presented in this book. I throughly enjoyed reading the comics and have signed up to follow this author on Facebook! Her comics are funnier than most found in the Sunday paper these days!! This book would make a great gift, especially during these trying times of COVID-19. Kudos to Jackie!

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwww, this was sweet and adorably awkward and very relatable! It was also cathartic, because it wasn't all fun and games; there are moments of anxiety, self doubt, and depression that really hit home. If you've ever felt invisible in social situations, or thought people would think you're weird in a bad way, or just felt alone, you'll find comfort here. You'll also find funny moments to giggle at- I love all the lists, and how honest Jackie is about being a dork and liking odd things- as a fellow dork who likes odd things, it's always nice to meet one of your own, y'know? Reading this is like hanging out with a friend who gets you, and talking about all the things :)

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Vulnerability is my superpower“ by Jackie Davis is a collection of comics in her Underpants and Overbites series.

The main character is anxious, honest, and just different. She looks like a potato. She has interesting pleasures like trying out other people's coats when she goes to parties. Her list of favorite things are pretty funny. This kind of honesty could possibly scare people off or make them feel like they’re not alone.

These are fun comics. There’s a lot of competition for stuff like this, and this is better than most. The art is pretty basic, but it fits the theme of being vulnerable and honest. I recommend it

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really liked this collection of comics. I’ve gone between 4 and 5 stars, so I guess I’ll say 4.5 rounded up. The only thing I sort of wish was different about this book would be some form of organization, but at the same time I think the randomness and not knowing what mood of comic would be next added to my enjoyment.

If you feel awkward at times, struggle to be vulnerable, struggle in general, are a human being with feelings, or any combination of the former descriptions, I think you will like this book.

Thank you to Net Galley, the author, and the publisher for access to an e-ARC in exchange for my review.

[lindsonmars · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a perfect read right now. As we all contemplate and process our shared trauma, Jackie Davis reminds us that we are all works in progress and that each step we take is as meaningful as we believe it is. I appreciate the candor and fresh perspectives along with the whimsical and colorful art. Jackie Davis shares her unique, compelling, and often very funny view of the world through delightfully stylish drawings and entirely idiosyncratic anecdotes. We are so lucky to have her fresh voice in memoir comics.

[Ashley Dang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious, relatable, and overall great read! The story talks about anxiety, the struggles of life, and being vulnerable. It’s an a great read about following your dreams and trying to get through everyday struggles. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a good laugh or is dealing with insecurities and anxieties. I personally found it to be an amazing read!

*Thanks Netgalley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*