The Nib #8

The Nib #8

by Matt Bors

Cartoonists from around the world share quick hits of illustrated stories about the politics and personal
impacts of drugs, including lithium, testosterone, antidepressants, opiates, and marijuana.

Featuring a cover by Michael DeForge and 112 pages of mind-altering substances from more than 30 cartoonists. Say yes to the Drugs issue!

Genres: Comics, Nonfiction, Health, Education, Graphic Novels, Food

112 pages, Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

Matt Bors is a cartoonist, writer, editor, and the founder of The Nib. He was a Pulitzer Prize Finalist for his political cartoons in 2012 and 2020 and is the co-writer of the dystopian satire Justice Warriors with Ben Clarkson.

His cartoons have appeared in The Nation, The Guardian, CNN, The Intercept, and were collected in the book We Should Improve Society Somewhat. He also drew the graphic novel War Is Boring written by David Axe.

Reviews

[Jara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visión amplia y divertida, entretenido e importante

[Lisa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative! Great illustration across the board, focusing on various types of drugs and the feelings that surround them. Educational yet light and fun. Definitely interested in others in the series.

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the Drugs issue, but for various reasons, most of the stories are about cannabis. It happens—it's not like people can just be creative off a checklist, particularly when talking about their own experiences.

I love The Nib because they have done fantastic work over the years, and lots of artists I followed (or NOW follow) have contributed so many great entries. This issue is no exception, though the best is a biography from Rebecca Roher about "My Cousin Dave" that details his life unfortunately shortened by a drug overdose.

"I'm on the Drugs" by Eleri Harris is also a powerful, if possibly sad story (the outcome isn't clear since the story stops before that point) about going on IVF. An acquaintance told me it was a miserable process for them, with a much lower success rate than gets advertised (else fewer people would bother spending thousands of dollars going through years of torment). It makes me glad to have never tried it, though I'm admittedly more on the end of "If it wasn't done naturally, it wasn't meant to be" scale (for myself—can't speak for anyone else).

Definitely a good read though, as with anything, there are a few misses in the lot. I'd say buy a copy to support the artists, but at this point, it would have to be directly from the artists, since The Nib has shuttered operations. :(

[Christopher Reineman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great issue!

[Sara-Zoe Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I subscribed to The Nib ... this issue covers so many aspects of life just like they do each issue ... an intentionally broad voice and perspective. Great art, great comics.

[Kelsey Atherton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially liked the historical inserts about first known human uses of various substances. Had no idea tea was documented in writing earlier than we have archeological evidence for it!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but not my fave ever.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I probably should read these when I first get them rather than waiting, but I do love the selection of comics in this issue so much! Alot of food for thought for sure!

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit flat.