Astral Panic - by Katie Hicks (Paperback)

About the Book

"A colourful, punchy, YA, coming of age graphic novel about roommates tackling anxiety, work life balance (or lack thereof), digital overwhelm and the stresses of every day life. Gale's trying to master his anxiety, and he's hoping the latest wonder-cure 'Simply Pear' can help. Not turning up to his art classes and feeling like everyone is a lot cooler and more in control than he is, he chugs his Simply Pear products and takes advice from its demanding app. Oh, it's definitely not working...His plan is thrown into chaos by the bubbly Aiden, who needs a buddy to help him get a job. Can this colorful and heartfelt romp through shoddy part-time jobs help Gale out of his anxious bubble? There's only one way to find out"--

Book Synopsis

A colourful, punchy, YA, coming of age graphic novel about roommates tackling anxiety, work life balance (or lack thereof), digital overwhelm and the stresses of every day life.

Gale's trying to master his anxiety, and he's hoping the latest wonder-cure "Simply Pear" can help. Not turning up to his art classes and feeling like everyone is a lot cooler and more in control than he is, he chugs his Simply Pear products and takes advice from its demanding app. Oh, it's definitely not working...

His plan is thrown into chaos by the bubbly Aiden, who needs a buddy to help him get a job. Can this colorful and heartfelt romp through shoddy part-time jobs help Gale out of his anxious bubble? There's only one way to find out.

Review Quotes

"Hicks's debut graphic novel is a vibrant parody of 21st-century life that accurately depicts the experience of dealing with anxiety through the lens of a multicultural cast of characters living in Toronto [...]Through an expressive and vibrant retro-pop art style, Hicks explores themes of over-reliance on consumerism, familiar environments, and social media comparison, especially in place of real mental healthcare solutions. [...] The story culminates in such a way that fans of zany, emotional titles, such as Aliza Layne's Beedle & The Hollowbones or Brenna Thummler's Sheets, will likely be enamored. VERDICT A funny yet realistic glimpse into the lives of young adults struggling with mental illness as they strive towards brighter futures by trying to connect with the world around them and finding understanding friends."
-- SLJ STARRED Review

"A new friend gives an anxious young man plenty of opportunities to step outside his comfort zone [...] The book's psychedelic, mostly pink-and-green color scheme suits the retro art style and expressive, cartoonish characters (who seem to be college students). Kaleidoscopic details add plenty of interest, helping readers visualize Gale's anxious, nonstop inner monologue. [...] A wryly humorous and brightly creative representation of intense anxiety."
-- Kirkus Reviews

"Hicks' 1990s-inflected, neon-green and -pink colored artwork is full of bubbly energy and comical asides that will keep readers turning the pages."
-- Booklist Review

About the Author

Katie Hicks was born in Sault St. Marie but grew up in St. Catharines Ontario. She started drawing at a young age by copying her favourite cartoon characters. She studied illustration at Sheridan College and graduated with a bachelors of illustration. After school she did freelance illustration for companies like The New York Times, Reader's Digest and PlanSponsor. She has self published her own comics and was nominated for an Ignatz for her 2020 horror comic GUTS.