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Bigfoot
Bigfoot presents a wry take on short-lived YouTube notoriety Jimmy is a teenager in a crummy little town. He's got a lousy best friend, Simon; a porn habit; and an uncle whose miserable existence is the embodiment of life stalled in its tracks. He's also got a tender soul, a pure-hearted crush, and the makings of a budding artist. A horrible YouTube video of Jimmy dancing in his living room becomes viral, courtesy of Simon, and makes every sweet and hopeful thing about Jimmy seem utterly pathetic. Everyone from fellow classmates to the clerk at the corner store has seen the video, and Jimmy finds himself a celebrity in his town, just for the wrong reason. Unfortunately, the YouTube antics do not stop there. As in his debut graphic novella, Nicolas , Pascal Girard showcases a spare, deceptively simple style that is wonderfully expressive with pitch-perfect dialogue. Girard utilizes a drawn line full of tentative, exploratory, and intuitive emotion, a line as sure of the treasure it carries as is the book's quiet hero.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published May 21, 2010
2 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Pascal Girard
34 books75 followersPascal Girard est né à Jonquière en 1981. Dès sa première journée sur les bancs d’école, il remplit de dessins les marges de ses cahiers et agendas. Comme il n’a jamais pu se débarasser de cette bonne habitude, il a naturellement décidé d’en faire son métier. En 2004, il termine un baccalauréat interdisciplinaire en arts à l’Université du Québec à Chicoutimi.
Depuis, il a déménagé à Québec où il mène une double carrière d’illustrateur et d’auteur de bandes dessinées. Ses deux premiers livres Dans un cruchon et Nicolas, se sont partagé le prix Réal-Fillion au Festival de la bande dessinée francophone de Québec en 2006. Il a fait paraître Paresse et Jimmy et le Bigfoot à la Pastèque.
Depuis, il a déménagé à Québec où il mène une double carrière d’illustrateur et d’auteur de bandes dessinées. Ses deux premiers livres Dans un cruchon et Nicolas, se sont partagé le prix Réal-Fillion au Festival de la bande dessinée francophone de Québec en 2006. Il a fait paraître Paresse et Jimmy et le Bigfoot à la Pastèque.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 31, 2018
The illustrations didn't really appeal to me, but I am so relieved that I didn't have to compete with social media when I was in high school.
February 5, 2015
Jimmy’s rotten friend Simon uploads a video he secretly took of Jimmy dancing and it quickly goes viral - suddenly everyone knows who “Disco Jimmy” is and it’s ruining poor Jim’s life! Then his uncle shoots some footage of what he insists is Bigfoot and the media swoops in to focus on the family - as if the teasing at high school wasn’t bad enough, poor Jimmy’s gotten yet more unwanted attention!
Bigfoot is Pascal Girard’s second book back when he was still focused on fiction, so it’s understandable that its not nearly as accomplished as his later works, Reunion and Petty Theft, both memoirs. It’s also unfortunately a much less engrossing read.
On the one hand Girard does fine in portraying small town life where everyone knows everyone’s business, as well as the frustrations and awkwardness of being a high school kid. There’s also a slight variation on the coming of age story because of Youtube - this generation has to deal with the fact that everyone in the world could watch their mistakes on the internet rather than kids pre-Youtube, so the embarrassment factor is magnified hugely.
I also thought Jimmy and Simon’s relationship was convincing - Simon’s the happy-go-lucky jerk who treats Jimmy poorly until Jimmy stands up for himself and cuts his “friend” loose. I think a lot of young friendships are like this so many people are able to relate - I know I could!
On the other hand - and I know this is a very shallow critique - none of that interested me at all. Though I guess it’s not that shallow as it’s the author’s job to make the reader care about his characters/story and I wasn’t into either.
I really wasn’t sure what Girard was going for with the Bigfoot angle. There’s some parallels between Jimmy and Bigfoot as both are unwittingly filmed and their footage posted everywhere. Maybe the comment is that short clips of footage reduces a person down rather than show you who they really are? Though that implies Bigfoot is real so… Or maybe “Bigfoot” was a symbol for change - after Jimmy’s uncle and then Jimmy see him, it signals a turning point for them and their lives take a different, most positive direction afterwards.
I like Pascal Girard’s comics but Bigfoot was my least favourite so far. Unlike Bigfoot’s footprint, it doesn’t leave much of an impression, not least because it’s really short at 48 pages, but because whatever it was trying to say was too vague. Girard found his niche with nonfiction memoirs which is just as well as his attempt at fiction in this book floundered.
Bigfoot is Pascal Girard’s second book back when he was still focused on fiction, so it’s understandable that its not nearly as accomplished as his later works, Reunion and Petty Theft, both memoirs. It’s also unfortunately a much less engrossing read.
On the one hand Girard does fine in portraying small town life where everyone knows everyone’s business, as well as the frustrations and awkwardness of being a high school kid. There’s also a slight variation on the coming of age story because of Youtube - this generation has to deal with the fact that everyone in the world could watch their mistakes on the internet rather than kids pre-Youtube, so the embarrassment factor is magnified hugely.
I also thought Jimmy and Simon’s relationship was convincing - Simon’s the happy-go-lucky jerk who treats Jimmy poorly until Jimmy stands up for himself and cuts his “friend” loose. I think a lot of young friendships are like this so many people are able to relate - I know I could!
On the other hand - and I know this is a very shallow critique - none of that interested me at all. Though I guess it’s not that shallow as it’s the author’s job to make the reader care about his characters/story and I wasn’t into either.
I really wasn’t sure what Girard was going for with the Bigfoot angle. There’s some parallels between Jimmy and Bigfoot as both are unwittingly filmed and their footage posted everywhere. Maybe the comment is that short clips of footage reduces a person down rather than show you who they really are? Though that implies Bigfoot is real so… Or maybe “Bigfoot” was a symbol for change - after Jimmy’s uncle and then Jimmy see him, it signals a turning point for them and their lives take a different, most positive direction afterwards.
I like Pascal Girard’s comics but Bigfoot was my least favourite so far. Unlike Bigfoot’s footprint, it doesn’t leave much of an impression, not least because it’s really short at 48 pages, but because whatever it was trying to say was too vague. Girard found his niche with nonfiction memoirs which is just as well as his attempt at fiction in this book floundered.
May 19, 2025
The story here was pretty good. I liked the characters. But — I am just not clever enough to be able to tell the characters apart, visually. Often I had no idea. They all looked the same.
A confused reader is not a happy reader. If only I was more clever. I know, that's a big ask. If only — it might have changed my whole life.
A confused reader is not a happy reader. If only I was more clever. I know, that's a big ask. If only — it might have changed my whole life.
May 19, 2019
There’s been no shortage of comics creators who have attempted to explore the uniquely confusing experience of being a teenager but few have been able to do so with the wit, grace, and authenticity of Pascal Girard’s lovely “Bigfoot.” It doesn’t seem like internet infamy, cryptid sightings, an unrequited crush, and art classes would perfectly capture what it feels like to be a disoriented, hormone-addled high schooler but it does. With an idiosyncratic art style and impressionistic storytelling, Girard has crafted a graphic novel that feels uncomfortably familiar to anyone who has ever wished they could be invisible to everyone but the one person who doesn’t see them.
In “Bigfoot,” aimless teenager Jimmy has become famous online as “Disco Jimmy,” after his supposed friend Simon uploaded a private video of Jimmy dancing alone. Fully familiar with the downsides of going viral, Jimmy urges his eccentric uncle not to post a video of his own that he claims captured a Sasquatch sighting. On top of all that, Jimmy’s got a pretty serious thing for his classmate Jolene (who seems more interested in Simon for some reason) so, yeah, he’s got a lot on his plate. I don’t know if it’s because Girard is Canadian or perhaps it’s that his story is perhaps more personal than fiction, but he achieves a certain kind of nostalgic melancholy that’s mesmerizing. I was riveted from the first page, totally drawn in by all the little details that Girard throws in that feel oh so real. Is Bigfoot a metaphor for the elusiveness of love or happiness? Is it an actual hairy beast lurking in the Canadian wilderness? You could make a case for either but, for me, I thoroughly enjoyed “Bigfoot” simply as a bittersweet coming-of-age comic that hit all the right marks.
Profane, emotional, frustrating, and cozy, “Bigfoot” is a stunner. It’s not the first or last graphic novel that’ll tackle being an adolescent but everyone trying from now on should read Girard’s work to see how it’s done the right way.
In “Bigfoot,” aimless teenager Jimmy has become famous online as “Disco Jimmy,” after his supposed friend Simon uploaded a private video of Jimmy dancing alone. Fully familiar with the downsides of going viral, Jimmy urges his eccentric uncle not to post a video of his own that he claims captured a Sasquatch sighting. On top of all that, Jimmy’s got a pretty serious thing for his classmate Jolene (who seems more interested in Simon for some reason) so, yeah, he’s got a lot on his plate. I don’t know if it’s because Girard is Canadian or perhaps it’s that his story is perhaps more personal than fiction, but he achieves a certain kind of nostalgic melancholy that’s mesmerizing. I was riveted from the first page, totally drawn in by all the little details that Girard throws in that feel oh so real. Is Bigfoot a metaphor for the elusiveness of love or happiness? Is it an actual hairy beast lurking in the Canadian wilderness? You could make a case for either but, for me, I thoroughly enjoyed “Bigfoot” simply as a bittersweet coming-of-age comic that hit all the right marks.
Profane, emotional, frustrating, and cozy, “Bigfoot” is a stunner. It’s not the first or last graphic novel that’ll tackle being an adolescent but everyone trying from now on should read Girard’s work to see how it’s done the right way.
April 12, 2018
3.25 ⭐️ |
April 15, 2011
I thought it was an enticing story because I wanted the main character to get the girl. The art has a unique style that is youthful and even though the weather seems bleak, the hopes of the main character seem bright. I could relate to it because being teased and bullied is universal.
August 19, 2011
For as short as it is, Mr. Girard tells a pertinent and empathetic tale. Simple as it appears, I like his art, and his story-telling feels true to today and provides an honest take on a coming of age story. Some of the paneling/pacing felt a bit off, but overall, this was worth the read.
December 6, 2013
Cute. Makes me grateful all over again to have survived adolescence before the era of YouTube.
August 7, 2021
Girard's short graphic novel is a fine-tuned depiction of male adolescence. Our protagonist is awkward and probably thinks of himself as a nerd or a loser; he seems primed to get radicalized on 4chan or become an incel. He can't quite figure out why his friend does better with girls than he does; instead of focusing on improving his own self-confidence or getting over his inferiority complex he mostly just feels sorry for himself while also failing to notice that there are at least two attractive peers who would be with him, if only he could figure his shit out. It's nothing ground-breaking but its a nice commentary on the pitfalls of what I guess we could call "toxic boyhood."
March 8, 2017
Cette bande-dessinée représente bien l'univers de l'adolescence, de part l'importance des relations sociales et de son image personnelle ainsi que par les premières fréquentations/relations amoureuses. Avec une simplicité et une touche d'humour, l'auteur sait bien nous garder accrochés jusqu'à la fin !
January 14, 2019
This is teen-angst well distilled. Its brevity and creation/creator from outside of the U.S. drew me to it since I need perspective for teen-aged characters and now choose foreign over domestic.
These kind of stories give me a case of the groans and I rarely enjoy them. Thus, my rating of **** may mean ***** to those who went though this kind of stuff and can relate to it.
These kind of stories give me a case of the groans and I rarely enjoy them. Thus, my rating of **** may mean ***** to those who went though this kind of stuff and can relate to it.
May 19, 2018
Une histoire qui m'a très peu accrochée, on dirait que je n'avais pas lu le tome avant et que la fin n'en était pas une... Jimmy ne m'a pas charmée et l'histoire de Big Foot ne me semblait pas assez significative pour en faire le titre. Ai-je manqué quelque chose?...
October 4, 2021
J'ai trouvé que le titre n'est pas évocateur. L'histoire avec le Bigfoot est relégué au second plan et je trouve que ce n'est pas faire confiance au lecteur. J'ai trouvé toutefois la lecture assez facile à faire.
December 18, 2017
Slim tale of teen angst -- but it's a long time since I read something so sympathetic and good-natured toward the erratic behaviour of youth. I just hope he doesn't end up like his uncle.
August 8, 2021
This was a signed-by-the-author giveaway in a Little Free Library. It's going back.
October 4, 2021
Meh ? J'ai trouvé les personnages fades, sans intérêt. L'intrigue du Bigfoot est complètement placée à l'arrière plan...très décevant.
December 14, 2022
Très touchant. Pas facile d'être ado, surtout avec les réseaux sociaux qui sont omniprésents et encore plus depuis que cette BD a été publiée. Je trouve les dessins très réussis.
November 25, 2025
Cute ! Teen nonsense . Maybe Bigfoot is the horrors of adolescence .
December 29, 2020
Kind of cute slice-of-life coming-of-age tale.
January 21, 2018
Story about bullying, one way love, booze and everyday life of a teenage boy; it's cute, believable, entertaining and clever
April 15, 2012
Bigfoot contains a teenager’s world of sexual urges, falling in love, YouTube embarrassment, having a best friend who could be your worst enemy, and a crazy uncle who is obsessed with proving the existence of Bigfoot.
Jimmy is the likeable, sensitive hero of this graphic novella who never seems to be quite in control of his fate. Jimmy’s attempts at forming complex relationships is what grabbed me and the realistic dialogue kept me reading.
There is a marvellous sense of setting: Everyone knows Jimmy in the small town isolated by a ring of woods. No matter where he goes--to the local depanneur, the cinema, or a video store--all recognize hiim as the boy in the YouTube video.
I guess I would have liked to see Jimmy “win” by the end of the book, but perhaps there’ll be room for that in a sequel.
Since we are entering a teenager’s world, there is some explicit language and images.
Jimmy is the likeable, sensitive hero of this graphic novella who never seems to be quite in control of his fate. Jimmy’s attempts at forming complex relationships is what grabbed me and the realistic dialogue kept me reading.
There is a marvellous sense of setting: Everyone knows Jimmy in the small town isolated by a ring of woods. No matter where he goes--to the local depanneur, the cinema, or a video store--all recognize hiim as the boy in the YouTube video.
I guess I would have liked to see Jimmy “win” by the end of the book, but perhaps there’ll be room for that in a sequel.
Since we are entering a teenager’s world, there is some explicit language and images.
June 11, 2013
A funny little modern romp that for some reason reminds me of Kick Ass; which is odd because as far as I can tell the only similarity is its relevance to modern society/culture and the next-gens. What I am hung up on is the location of this book in my library...tucked between the graphic interpretation of Twilight and Bone in the children's section. I felt that perhaps this would be better situation in the YA next to Its a Good Life if you Don't Weaken and Mause, so readers can take Geist's advice and read while drinking a nice stout honey brown ale.
Did any one else have a urge to make a flip book of the dance sequence on the back cover...just like the old Calvin and Hobbes one from their collection.
Cheers.
Did any one else have a urge to make a flip book of the dance sequence on the back cover...just like the old Calvin and Hobbes one from their collection.
Cheers.
August 31, 2011
A slice of teen life in rural Quebec that manages to be totally modern and sweetly quaint, as well. The main character has achieved unwanted YouTube fame as Disco Jimmy after a not so great friend uploads a video of him dancing. This makes the ordinary pains of adolescence in a small town even more acute as he tries to win the affections of a female classmate. And then his uncle decides he wants to share his footage of Bigfoot on the Internet, too. Despite the perils of navigating teen drama in the Internet age, Bigfoot shows that kids are still kids.
September 16, 2016
Great characters. Youth will relate to Jimmy's multiple predicaments - Youtube notoriety for a video he thought was private; trying to talk to girls without being an idiot; a lousy "best" friend; a mom who's not really around; and an uncle who thinks he's seen Bigfoot. Uncle pushes Jimmy to post the Bigfoot video online, it goes viral, and the whole family is ridiculed. Betrayal from all sides ensues.
Worth reading. I would particularly recommend this to young guys who stand awkwardly, talk just a bit too loudly, and struggle to talk with girls.
Worth reading. I would particularly recommend this to young guys who stand awkwardly, talk just a bit too loudly, and struggle to talk with girls.
August 26, 2012
Well-done coming-of-age story. Jimmy has to deal with the typical trials of adolescence, made worse by a hideously embarrassing YouTube video that has made him "famous" in his small town. This book would make a great movie. My only problem---it is not about Bigfoot! (Bigfoot barely makes a cameo appearance...I was completely disappointed...) It’s in our adult graphic novel collection (perhaps due to porn viewing and some sex scenes) but I think it will really resonate with older teens.
June 30, 2015
Why do I love you so Pascal Girard? Perhaps it is because you are so good at capturing what it is like to be a loser without making it overdramatic or trying to make the reader feel sorry for your losers. Perhaps you remind me of what a loser I am myself. I enjoyed this small story of high school humilation that didn't offer any great resolution and didn't quite go anywhere, but left the characters a little wiser and kinder than they started out. Maybe? More please.
June 18, 2014
I liked it! Growing Up boy story with a weird and funny video of "Bigfoot" and a disco dancing video featured as the humiliations Our Hero must face… along with girls. Reunion, a latter work, is much better. His story about the book thief girlfriend is better. But this is Girard and worth reading if you like his stuff, of course.
February 8, 2013
It was interesting and I love the drawing style, but...I was just unsatisfied with the ending. Alot. If it had been longer, could have been a little more fulfilling. Love the LAST panel though--such a cute little face X)
November 26, 2021
Moderately interesting story about a kid unintentionally becoming famous on the internet, a unrequited one way crush, and his dealing with people who seem unsympathetic at best. I appreciate the realism where the story doesn't work out perfectly in the end, but works out well enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews