The High Desert: Black. Punk. Nowhere.

I loved this. It has quickly become one of my favorite graphic novels of all time. The art is awesome and has a real late 80s, early 90s punk feel to it. The author clearly grew up in the punk culture and understands it completely, so it is very genuine and realistic and relatable and at the same time, it is a unique point of view and a great great story. I got into punk in 1992, and it just feels so true to my experience in many ways. I highly recommend it

This gifted storyteller has spoken to aspects of my own lived, witnessed and experienced life story in ways that damn near close to nobody else ever has or ever could.The High Desert is a starkly beautiful graphic novel, sharing the story of growing as an outcast Black biracial hardcore punk kid in Southern California in the early 1990s, navigating love, loneliness, contradictory types of socialization, finding one's outlets through raw creativity, and searching for community where you are not forced to abandon any parts of yourself at the door, while dealing with microaggressions, blatant overt racism, invisibility, and the perpetual necessity of making something out of nothing.It will never cease to bring me so much joy to see stories being told which encapsulate so much of my being, which were so seldom spoken out loud or acknowledged when I was coming up.It takes great courage to share one's stories like this, as well as a level of vulnerability many people live whole lives never reaching.Absolutely essential reading for anyone raising teenagers, still healing from wounds from one's youth, struggling to place experiences in perspective, and who gives a damn about transforming the social landscape into one where Black children and youth can live care free fulfilled and joyous lives.

This book opens the doors into a dreamworld where a once lost, true-life journey is retold by the author, James Spooner. Spooner’s meticulous detail shows through his illustrations and his storytelling. The Author relives his teenage years through this truthful and candid graphic novel, offering the reader glimpses into what some of Spooner’s real life challenges were growing up in Apple Valley, CA, during the early 1990’s. Spooner’s graphic novel speaks to the reader as if they are being told a first hand account of the challenges he faced as a mixed-race Black teen while trying to integrate into a sub-culture that was historically declared ‘white’ by some…all while playing in a band and falling in love.Those early experiences lead the way for Spooner to become one of modern DIY Punk Counter Culture’s most inventive and inspiring artists & filmmakers, notably creating the 2003 documentary, Afro-Punk.(Yes, I cried at the end.)

I just read The High Desert. It is brilliant. And the art was perfect… like Raymond Pettibon and the Hernandez Brothers had a baby! It’s a big book and I put it down once... to eat dinner. We go through a lot of graphic novels in this house and this one stands out.I was one of the Black kids in the punk scene on the other side of the country around the same time so this is right in my wheelhouse. But I’m certain that anyone who ever struggled to find their way or fit in will relate to this book. Honestly, even someone who never had to deal with that and appreciates great storytelling will enjoy this book (and get some perspective!)

I really like this graphic novel. The seller did a great job with shipping. It arrived in prefect shape.

Having discovered James Spooner’s work on Instagram, I preordered this memoir. It came on release day and I was pleasantly surprised that it was longer than I thought it would be. A pet peeve of mine is when graphic memoirs feel too short. Well, that wasn’t the case here, AND I was totally engrossed by the story. It held my attention all the way through. It hit so many themes: coming of age, music, complicated family, racism, identity, and belonging. It was so good and I will be going back to reread and savor. The NYC visit sequence especially resonated, bringing back the feel of early 90s East Village – the time and place of my college years. I recognized some city blocks in the background of panels. I was pleased to see the Kimya Dawson (one of my favorite singer/songwriters) blurb on the inside flap. Highly recommended for fans of graphic memoir and punk culture.

most of my review got censored, but lets just say the blurb was correct: I felt like I was there. A truly great work that shows a love of art, a love of music, a passion for politics, and a reflectiveness that many in thiss situation lack.

Best comic I've read in years. Truly! I don't think you need to have punk as part of your own personal coming-of-age story to enjoy this, but it really sweetened the story for me.Spooner's art captures adolescent awkwardness, character development, and really everything beautifully. His character in the book is adorable and complex.The storytelling is compelling and I wanted more. He is really vulnerable and shares some really relatable experiences of a young othered person in the middle of nowhere.Also there seemed to be some element of historical nonfiction to this! I learned a couple of things about the punk scene that I hadn't previously known. And his ability to transport me back into a place in time with the tracks/bands he mentioned was....the best. 10/10

Just finished this book. Utterly brilliant!! Really emotional and captivating. And it resonated massively with me too. I’m a mixed race, vegan lesbian and am into rock/metal/punk. I’ve not experienced the white power idiots, but certainly me and my sister know the feeling of being the only one, two or 3... POC at a rock/metal/punk gig here in the UK. We also know the feeling of being brought up on loud, intense and imortant music and how it provides a sense of belonging within a community, both locally and globally.I’ve bought the book for my sister and I know she'll devour it with the same gusto and recognition as I did!Highly recommended does not cover it - it is an absolute must!