The Dissidents by Derk Backderf

[u/Alaskan_Guy]

I Pre-ordered this book weeks ago. I had no idea about its subject matter beyond the title. In the order form it asked for "special instructions" I wrote, a sketch of Emma Goldman would be cool. Emma Goldman is a personal hero of mine and the lady we named our daughter after. I was blown away to actually see Backderf had indeed done a sketch of her on the title page. Turns out this book puts alot of focus on her life too. This is an amazing read and makes my short list for book of the year.

[u/ChasPM]

That’s absolutely awesome! Such a cool thing for him to do and resulted in something that you can pass on with a great story to go with it.

[u/Alaskan_Guy → u/ChasPM]

For a book nerd like me it really doesnt get much better. Besides the personalized sketch that im really jazzed about, I must say the contents of the book are quite phenomenal. The cartooning, and subject matter are exceptional. I cant recommend this book enough.

[u/ChasPM → u/Alaskan_Guy]

Thanks for posting, I’ll check it out. I’ve gotten into some of Derf’s stuff but not as much as I know I should.

[u/Alaskan_Guy → u/ChasPM]

I've never picked up anything of his before. I have no idea what possessed me to order this book. Must have been bored at work. Im glad i did though.

[u/ttyler1999]

I recently got my signed copy at Baltimore ComicCon and I just finished reading it.

Derf has leveled up his art quite a bit over his previous books, including splashes of color where appropriate. The story has tremendous parallels to the world we are currently living in and really showcases the cartoonists from a century ago, along with examples of their work, and shows how the government overreacted and almost killed the 1st ammedment.

This is a really powerful book that I look forward to reading again.

PS, my doodle was of Art Young, but I like yours too!

[u/Alaskan_Guy → u/ttyler1999]

Thats a great breakdown and awesome sketch. Now if only I could get Thompson to do a sketch on my copy of Habibi I'd be set. Looks like I need to hang out at Partner and Sons. The Fantagraphics store will only get me so far, it seems.

[u/ttyler1999 → u/Alaskan_Guy]

Yeah Partners and Sons has so many good artists visit! I'm hoping they can get Chris Ware for the new issue of Acme Novelty Library that is coming out soon.

https://drawnandquarterly.com/books/acme-novelty-library-21/

[u/Swervies → u/Alaskan_Guy]

Craig was at Heroes Con in Charlotte in 2025. He sketched in all the books I brought, and a couple of album covers as well. He was very sweet and generous.

[u/Swervies → u/ttyler1999]

This is one of my books of the year. I love Derf, and this may be his finest work. I wish I could have attended Baltimore this year to meet him!

[u/comicsnerd]

Great storytelling and great art. His best book so far (and I have all of them)

[u/SaltyAuthorOne]

Awesome

[u/Kindly-Can2534]

Looks good.

Check out all his work. "Trashed" should be required reading in high schools and "My Friend Dahmer" is a moving and terrible story/work. I was kind of reluctant to like his work based on the clunky style, but the content sets it far, far above what might be expected of it.

[u/moofus]

This book is spectacular.

[u/wafuda]

I’ve been meaning to check him out…it’s all non-fiction stuff he does???

[u/u_touch_my_tra_la_la]

Oh boy, that is beyond cool. Did not know Derf was about to release a new book either. Time to do some Tetris with the shelves.