Monsters

Comics and Eating Disorders

Abstract

Through a performative and interdisciplinary approach, the video essay Monsters invites viewers to consider the unique ability of comics to represent mental states of young adults and children who struggle with eating disorders (EDs). We use close readings of a selection of panels from two Norwegian comics, the graphic short story “Sulten” (Hunger/Hungry, Neverdahl, 2007) and the graphic novel Hva skjedde egentlig med deg? (What Really Happened to You?) (Jordahl, 2020), to reframe utterances made by ED-patients during therapy. This reframing, which is both literal and metaphoric, is meant to illustrate how comics can create a sensorial space where the difficult emotions associated with EDs can be heard, felt, recognized and articulated. Given the puzzling nature and the social taboo of EDs, the video essay and the accompanying statement bring attention to the therapeutic and pedagogic possibilities inherent in comics like those discussed.