A Quick and Easy Guide to Consent by Isabella Rotman and Luke Howard
Limerence Press / Oni Press
Publication Date: October 27, 2020
ISBN: 9781620107942
The latest in the Quick and Easy Guide series, this volume covers the complicated concept of consent in an easily digestible comic book. The peppy narrator, Sergeant Yes Means Yes, or Sarge, takes readers through a variety of scenarios teens may find themselves in, discussing how to make the scenarios safer and more comfortable for everyone involved. The guide defines consent (complete with examples of what does and does not count as consent), and provides ways to discuss wants and needs with potential partners. The backmatter even includes helpful charts to help readers define their boundaries, interests, sexual activities, and STI risk reduction.
This book is perfect for teens, who are likely encountering these issues for the first time, or at least anticipating encountering them. Sarge is an amusing character that will keep readers’ attention, even as they detail more technical definitions of sex and consent. The diversity in race, ethnicity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, and ability makes it possible for most readers to see themselves included in this book, making it even more easily accessible. Perhaps the most appealing thing about it is its sex positivity. In the US, most sex education is still abstinence-focused, and consent is regularly an afterthought if brought up at all. A Quick and Easy Guide to Consent refuses to talk down to its readers, candidly discussing all aspects of this topic in a respectful and open way.
Fans of the other Quick and Easy Guide books will enjoy this one as much, if not more. Other similar titles include Gender: A Graphic Guide by Meg-John Barker and Jules Scheele and Let’s Talk About It by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan.
—Dakota Hall
Other Nominated Titles
- Sabrina the Teenage Witch, v.2: Something Wicked by Kelly Thompson, Veronica Fish, Andy Fish, and Jack Morelli (April 5, 2021)
- The Way of the Househusband, v.5 by Kousuke Oono (May 18, 2021)
- Stephen McCranie’s Space Boy, v.9 by Stephen McCranie (March 9, 2021)
The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.
Each week, the teams will feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles. Additional titles to receive this designation will be listed as well. At year’s end, the team will use that list of nominated titles to select a final list and Top Ten. The previous years’ lists are also made available on The Hub.
