Yes, a graphic novel is what Gay Giant by Gabriel Ebensperger is called, but it is not the usual format of one. It is an art book, a journal, a peek into the mind of one person coming to terms with the fact that it is okay to be you, it is okay to be bigger than life as you try to live it, and it is okay to be gay (both meanings, happy and homosexual). The currently contemporary voice of Ebensperger tells us how he was, is and will be (future Gabriel has no problem being himself and loves a good 1980s reference, but then again, most of his life has had some wonderful pop references). The voice is that of Now Ebensperger remembering Then and has the love and understanding of what he has learned.
The artwork is little different than a usual graphic novel by the art being the focus and the text secondary but also, graphic novels can be text heavy and this one almost adds text as an afterthought, or “by the way, a quick note that I just thought of and maybe you would be interested in but sorry to bother you” way. This is illustration first (and they are simple, minimal to no detail and not really “fleshed” out) and the text is fitted to it on the page. This makes it almost not needed. I am not sure if it was my reader copy, but if the final images stay the same, we will be getting some pink images, with little in the way of other colors. They are oddly contradictory where I was both disappointed and really enjoyed them. I think that is because they might not be what I wanted, but the illustrations are what the book/story needs.
This is an experience book. I might be a little off and saying it is best for someone who is coming to terms with themselves and less for the family and friends of a person coming out. However, it is a book everyone probably should read, just not necessarily will appreciate. It is complicated and while I like it, I am not sure how to recommend other than saying, “Give it a shot. Who knows what the results will be.”