Trashed is Graphic Novel by John Backderf “Derf”

By Janet Dodrill

Cartoonist ‘Derf’ finds a pen to prepare for book signing. Behind him a drawing of garbage bags which appears in his graphic novel, Trashed.

On January 10th, award-winning cartoonist, John Backderf (aka Derf), appeared at the South Euclid-Lyndhurst branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library, where he discussed his latest graphic novel, Trashed.

Trashed, although fiction, is based on Derf’s brief experience as a garbageman in the 1970s in Bath, Ohio. He is known for his comic strip The City, which has appeared in more than 100 newspapers, and his last graphic novel, My Friend Dahmer, was an international best-seller.

Books were available for purchase by local Cleveland bookstore, Mac’s Backs-Books, and Derf signed and created drawings in patron’s books after the presentation.

The library has (non-renewable ‘sizzler’) copies of the 250-page new graphic novel, Trashed, available for loan as well. I borrowed a copy, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Derf meticulously drew and authored each page. He said on a good day he was able to create four pages, first in pencil, then in ink. The book took a couple years to produce and publish. Not only was the story funny and insightful on the life of a garbage collector, but facts about the world garbage situation from E.P.A. reports and Cornell studies were added to inform the reader. It was very eye-opening.

I highly recommend borrowing or purchasing (retail $18.95) a copy for the purpose of being entertained. The ‘garbage facts’ in the book find a way to almost encourage the reader to perhaps take a stand on the issues for a better future.

Resource Links:

Derfcity Comics LLC www.derfcity.com

The library’s event web page for Derf on Trashed.

 

 

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