Fine: A Comic about Gender

In their debut book, Ewing offers a timely, educative, and vividly rendered illustrated portrait. . . The author deftly assembles the most resonant responses, showing the participants generously discussing how gender is interconnected with race, culture, and sexuality; how it moves far beyond conventional masculine and feminine designations; and how embracing fluidity can be liberating and transformative regardless of social norms of appearance and behavior, many of which are constrictive and damaging. . . Ewing presents a uniquely straightforward, unembellished amalgam of narrative and illustration, smoothly braided with their own personal journey. The instructive yet never heavy-handed narrative boldly shows how identity is intimately interpreted and how connections with others can fortify perceptions and perspectives. A vital, richly textured resource for anyone seeking a better understanding of gender identity.--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
In Ewing's ambitious debut, they conduct and draw dozens of interviews over a decade to chart the murky waters of gender.... The scope demonstrates the diversity of experiences and personal relationships to gender within the trans community; some participants hold concrete ideas, while others describe gender and its performance as "loose" and celebrate its contradictions and complexities.... Each section (titled "Masculinity," "Expression," "Body Feelings," and so forth) opens with an expressionistic, tone-setting splash page, and the portraiture art is clean-lined but nuanced enough to handle the diversity of characters.... This thought-provoking work will appeal to those seeking a robust, personal exploration of how gender shapes lives.--Publishers Weekly, starred review
[A] wondrous tapestry of personal reflections and meditations on how people view subjects like gender, masculinity, femininity, and community . . . Ewing's art beautifully reflects the individuality and wishes of their subjects . . . Recommended for everyone who cares about better understanding the complicated, varied, gorgeous mess that is gender.--Sarah Rice, Booklist, starred review