The author of My Friend Dahmer, a chilling graphic novel, recollects a teenage Jeffrey Dahmer in a series of vignettes pulled from memories and extensive research. Derf and his friends made up the "Dahmer Fan Club," treating the future serial killer as an oddball mascot. The author paints a somewhat sympathetic portrait of his former friend, but makes it clear that his sympathy ends with Dahmer's first murder.
Although much has been written about Dahmer, the graphic novel format makes this particular book unique. Derf's minimalistic drawings create a nightmarish atmosphere, and enhance the subject matter rather than trivializing it. Be sure not to skip the 22 pages of plain text the author includes towards the end of the volume. It summarizes the author's research and provides further insight and details to the stories presented earlier in the book. My Friend Dahmer is a quick and fascinating read for fans of true crime stories, and/or graphic novel enthusiasts.
Submitted by Jennifer P. @ Washington Park
