The Bottom Line
Between the Lines is a comic about a group of transgender teens. Main characters, Shay and Dani must simultaneously navigate the challenges of adolescence, while also dealing with complicated issues related to gender and identity.
Pros
- Tells a seldom heard story from the perspective of transgender teens.
- Captures the readers attention through bold drawings and edgy story lines.
- Few topics are off limits. The series addresses serious issues including child abuse.
Cons
- Figuring out who the characters are can be a little confusing.
- Only a few chapters have been written so far. This leaves a cliffhanger.
Description
- Between the Lines is a graphic depiction of the lives of a group of transgender teens.
- Chapter One finds Dani and Shay out on the town, dressed to party and encountering a little trouble along the way.
- Chapter Two takes us back in history to a time when Shay is a 13-year-old named Kevin.
- Chapter Three is only halfway done! Keep checking back to follow its progress.
Guide Review - Between the Lines - A Comic About Transgender Teens
Between the Lines is the brainchild of Mekari Potts, a 24-year-old transgender artist whose website describes the comic as being:
"About two friends, Dani and Shay, who happen to be transgendered. Neither have it easy, but they try to be who they are despite the ostracism from the society around them."
Between the Lines features main characters who are 14-years-old, and provides a glimpse into the often ignored experiences of young trans teens.
The story follows a pierced and dyed crew through situations that will seem familiar to a lot of trans youth. Transphobia at home and on the street, transitioning, identity, personal style, friends, partying and relationships all come up as the story unfolds one panel at a time.
Deciding to tell this story as a comic gives the characters depth and is likely to attract a more varied audience than might otherwise be drawn to this topic.
