"Black Hole" by Charles Burns

When you’re a teenager, you may not want to admit it, but your parents will have your back most of the time. When you’re a teenaged character in the “Black Hole” graphic novel by Charles Burns, you don’t have a friend in the whole fucking world. Somewhere in the mid-70’s, teenagers are delving into sex and drugs long before they even know how to drive. As expected, these teenagers contract STD’s from screwing multiple partners. But this isn’t just any STD. It’s something simply known as “The Bug”. It doesn’t make you pee green. It doesn’t set your balls on fire. The Bug turns you into a mutant abomination so obvious to your teenaged peers that you can’t avoid heckling and rumor spreading. These mutations can be anything from extra mouths to gigantic boils to hair falling out to facial twisting to…well, if it’s disturbing and disgusting, it could very well happen to someone who has contracted The Bug. It’s hard enough maintaining relationships with a regular STD. But with these horrible mutations ruining innocence like crazy, these kids don’t have a friend in the whole fucking world. They’re outcasts who hang out in the woods to get away from the ridicule and hatred. It seems like this would be a good time for a kindred soul to come along and say everything’s okay. Word of advice to those living in the Black Hole universe. If someone tells you that everything’s okay, don’t throw that opportunity for friendship away. Build something beautiful with those few chances you get. In the end, the message is simple. Live together in harmony and try to love one another. John Lennon had been saying it long before his death in 1980. Even after the 70’s it’s an important lesson to remember. Somewhere along the way, we either forget or just don’t care anymore. It’s a sad truth that many have tried to change. Let’s be successful this time.

　

***LYRICS OF THE DAY***

“Another day in this carnival of souls. Another night settles in as quickly as it goes. The memories of shadows, ink on the page. And I can’t seem to find my way home. And it’s almost like your heaven’s trying everything to keep me out.”

-Five Finger Death Punch singing “Far From Home”-