Was That Normal?
In Alex Potts’s wry graphic novel Was That Normal?, a man vacillates between social connections and solitude.
In his forties, Philip rents a room, works from home, and is desperate to enjoy some social interaction. He’s awkward in social situations, though, and he often avoids his flatmate. He’s invigorated when he meets a woman who sings for a band, but their budding romance is paused when her ex-boyfriend is killed in an accident, leaving Philip confused and uncertain.
The book is both sad and funny. Philip overanalyzes his conversations, though his neurotic internal monologue is revealing. When he tries to interact with a woman, for instance, he wonders, “How much is the right amount of talking?” He rehearses small talk, reviewing the results by asking afterward, “Was that normal?” He also daydreams at random—about having a dog named Juan; about fighting a chihuahua and gorilla monsters. A snarky, omniscient narrator adds to the humor; for example, when Philip sits at a café, intending to read a book, the caption criticizes: “But look at him, checking his phone every minute or two.”
The art has grungy charm. Its depictions are often comical, though they hint at deeper personal and existential issues. For example, a huge, half-destroyed tower in town sheds pieces of itself every so often—a symbol of Philip’s emotional status, and perhaps the town’s.
In the dark but whimsical graphic novel Was That Normal?, a man resists his sense of isolation.
Reviewed by
Peter Dabbene
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
