Cy

The muted color palette does so much storytelling! I also love the 1920s setting and how the art remains loyal to it in the comic's design. I read it in a few minutes, really, but the story stuck with me a while after. I remember reading a short article about the real-life women that inspired this graphic novel, but how the author portrays the protagonist's humanity and joy makes their story even more heartbreaking. It's sad that they had to suffer and advocate for themselves, despite being obviously wronged by their employers and the justice system, to make sure organizations like OSHA and workers' unions became stronger, but it's a fascinating story nonetheless.… (meer)

In haunting, radium-green and purple colored pencil, Cy tells the story of the women who worked in New Jersey painting watch dials with radium paint - and who, as a result, sickened and died of radium poisoning. Cy writes of the women's friendship and the ways they entertain themselves - at the movies (where they glow in the dark), at speakeasies (it's during Prohibition), and at Coney Island. Ultimately, they win a settlement from USRC - but although this covers their medical expenses, there is no cure for radium poisoning.

See also: The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (nonfic), Radioactive by Lauren Redniss (graphic novel)… (meer)