Boneme: How To Kiss A Monster

“Boneme: How to Kiss a Monster” by Joy Rip is an experimental graphic novel that is more of an art book than a typical comic book. Boneme is the name of our central character. And it tells the story of a poor joyless boy who is determined to experience something called happiness, especially romantic happiness, before he dies. Unfortunately, it is not to be. Joy, the narrator of our story and Boneme’s dream girl, dies at our poor desperate boy’s own hands. Is this picture book a cautionary tale about unrealistic hopes of happiness (or joy)? Is it a nihilistic fairytale? “Boneme” is a tale for telling when there is nothing left to say… A tale for telling when tragedy is neither beautiful nor profound, only overwhelmingly painful and ugly. There are people born unhappy or are quickly made unhappy after birth. Boneme is one. This story is meant for them and those who think they know someone like them. This story is meant for anyone who has no story… anyone wants to hear. Enjoy.