How i survived my teenage years comic zine

A reader says:

“It’s so beautiful. It’s such a beautiful tribute to record your story. I feel really honoured to have these insights through these snapshots. Such a tender and compassionate way to look back at one’s teenage years. I’m really touched and I love your illustrations. The colour choice, the composition.

The “practise piano for hours” and “the spending pocket money on unsuccessfully trying to dye your hair. I think these moments are so relatable by so many people - not just queer people!”

(Fimi of @AtelierFBX, a Black non binary artist on How I Survived My Teenage Years)

Welcome to my awkward teenage memories

Flip through 13 humorous, tentacle-drawn snapshots of my life... Within these pages, you’ll discover some of my *proudest achievements* - from making school trips more fun, to embarrassing myself in front of a crush, epic hair dye experiments (which terrified my parents!) and more!

Wait - who are am I?

The Mollusc Dimension (he/him) is a British-born Chinese comics creator and "transqueerian", non binary, project-based artist. You may have heard his song, “Asians Have Feelings Too”. He’s inking an autobiographical comic huddle called "The Weird & Wonderful Surviveries of Squid Horse". This is his 17th zine.

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Hello Reader of This Zine!

Your interest means a lot to me. As you may know. British-born and raised ESEA (East and Southeast Asians) are vastly underrepresented in literature, the arts and in many sectors. I’ve become more aware about the difficulties ESEA immigrants may face. Stereotypes and hushings have been barriers to my storytelling and continue to affect my confidence. So, I’ve been hatching this idea for a while.

Vaguely and reluctantly (!) aware I was British-born Chinese, I had no idea about being neurodivergent, queer and trans. After leaving school, I found some LGBTIQ+ role models. Luckily, in recent years I finally met many people with similar identities, experiences and allies. Their/your passion, work and support helped me connect mental health with creativity.

I've always loved drawing and find it really helpful for expressing how I feel. Maybe this could inspire you to make a zine! :)

The Mollusc Dimension