Pride On Every Page Guest Post: Madeline McGrane
When I write and draw comics intended for a middle grade reader, I can’t help but think about my experiences as a book-loving kid. I think about what I would’ve found fun and engaging and what would’ve been helpful for me to read about. What would’ve made me feel hopeful and connected with the world. What possibilities I could have been shown and what would have made me feel a little less alone.
I grew up in rural Wisconsin among a conservative homeschooling community. To my conservative Christian friends, when they even acknowledged that gay and trans people existed, being gay was sinful and tragic. To my less-strict friends, it was a joke. I didn’t meet an openly-queer adult until I left my hometown. I pinned my confusion on the sinful nature of all living people and tamped down any thoughts about liking girls or my discomfort with my presentation of gender. I took refuge in reading and drawing.
I immersed myself in adventure, fantasy, and science fiction books, comics, and manga. I fed off the escapism, imagining that I could solve all of my problems by training to be a knight or a ninja. One of my first obsessions was Star Wars comics. I imagined myself as a jedi; I wouldn’t be allowed to get married but I would also have a lightsaber. I never really found a reflection of my feelings—if queer characters were present at all, they were punchlines or side characters. Then there were books with queer subtext, which were thrilling to me, but then ultimately disappointing when no one else recognized what I saw.
The internet of the 2000s was a turbulent ocean with few safe harbors, but it did bring me fan art of my favorite series and, beautifully, webcomics by queer creators telling queer stories. I saw, reflected in those stories, a wonderful possible future for myself, rich with queer love and queer friendship. I also got the inspiration to pursue making comics of my own.
When I started writing and drawing The Accursed Vampire, I wanted to create a story where the main characters are queer. Where the drama and tension is vampire drama or witch tension, not a narrative of queer hardship and tragedy. A nonbinary character gets to take center stage. A lesbian couple offers guidance and help to the young vampires, showing the possibility of queer family and intergenerational mentorship. I want The Accursed Vampire to give young readers the representation and affirmation that I looked for and didn’t find. I want young readers to enjoy a fun, spooky adventure story starring queer characters.
As much as I would prefer to spend my time drawing, writing, and reading comics, most of the work we have to do for this generation of LGBTQ youth takes place outside the realm of publishing. Comic books with queer representation, no matter how great they are, aren’t going to stop legislators from proposing bills that harm trans people, particularly targeting trans youth. While we celebrate the pride and joy of being queer, we also need to work to protect trans youth beyond pride month. When we can do that, and more, we will create the room for stories about queer history, queer struggle, and queer fantastical adventure.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Madeline McGrane lives in Minneapolis and draws comics. She received her BFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2016. She has worked for Marvel Comics, Disney Publishing and CollegeHumor. Her short comic, Iceheist was published by uncivilized books in 2015. This is her debut graphic novel. Find her online at https://madelinemcgrane.com
ABOUT THE BOOK
Dragoslava is a vampire kid. It has its perks, but sometimes being stuck as a kid forever can be a pain in the neck. And that’s not even the worst part. A few centuries ago, Drago was cursed by a witch. If they don’t complete every task she sets, they will be turned into worms.
When the witch wants a spellbook from Baneberry Falls, Drago sets off with their immortal friends. But mysteries await in this sleepy Midwestern town, and Drago must figure out if the keepers of the spellbook have a hidden agenda, like everyone else they’ve ever known.
One thing’s for sure: after this accursed mission, Drago’s immortal life will never be the same again!