Kimiko Does Cancer starts off running: the very first panel is Kimiko discovering the lump in her breast at age 25.

Kimiko Does Cancer doesn't pull any punches and there are many aspects that are likely to connect with all sorts of different readers. She's so open about how she didn't connect to the sort of cancer programs and stories out there for all sorts of reasons - her age, her queerness, her race, her politics, and most importantly, her personality. There are so many complicating factors with cancer already, from the physical to the emotional, and Kimiko's story really shows how added factors only make the already frustrating and draining experience even more isolating.

I particularly liked how she went into how certain aspects of breast cancer messaging made her feel uncomfortable or disconnected. The feminization, the positivity, rather than being the welcoming and uplifting support intended, didn't connect to Kimiko, and it didn't quite match up with her politics either. However, she doesn't diminish the way others feel about them - this is her journey, her thoughts, her feelings.

Kimiko does a good job of portraying her mental state and how confusing the whole process was and continues to be. Keet Geniza's art only adds to the emotion of Kimiko's story with careful, clear images that match seamlessly with Kimiko's narration. She captures in just a few simple lines, the complexities of Kimiko's feelings, her awkwardness, all of it.

All and all, a beautiful, touching graphic memoir of the uniqueness of an illness to an individual. ( )

At the beginning of my own cancer journey and with this book set in Toronto, I recognized one section very clearly. Had me pondering the end of my own journey and how much preventative I want to do. Also helped me recognize that my experience is very much tied to where I am in my life and reminding me that the process is very different for those not white cis. The artwork ties the story together. A worthwhile read. ( )

graphic nonfiction/memoir - 25 y.o. mixed race Japanese-Canadian woman undergoes surgery, radiation and chemically-induced early menopause with the support of her girlfriend, mother, friends/family, and (finally) therapist.

beautifully rendered, very personal story about one individual's various struggles with the major changes in her life. ( )

Wow wow wow wow wow. I loved this for so many reasons--the confluence of race, gender, sexuality, nationality, age, and ethnicity on health--cancer specifically, of course. Having been through my own recent scare, it particularly resonated with me. I also really appreciated how it wasn't just a story of going through the diagnosis and treatment, but the larger, ongoing effects--both physical and emotional--of living through a traumatic event. I can't believe this was only 96 pages for the depth conveyed. I loved the art as well--sometimes I find a black, white, and gray palette monotonous, particularly in a memoir, but I often found myself resting on the visual details of many different panels. I so look forward to future work from both creators. ( )