Graphic novelist Derf Backderf has built a career shining a bright (and sometimes uncomfortably honest) light on the darker corners of American life.
Fortunately for readers, he brings just enough wit along for the ride to keep things from getting too grim.
From My Friend Dahmer to The Dissidents
From his Eisner Award–winning My Friend Dahmer to the meticulously researched Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio, Derf has made a name for himself by turning real events into emotionally powerful, visually striking stories, proving that history can be as compelling as any thriller. Now, Derf is back at it with The Dissidents, arriving from Abrams Books on September 15. This time, he wades into the chaotic political and cultural landscape of the early 20th century, a period packed with racism, unrest, and enough drama to fill multiple news cycles.
At the heart of The Dissidents is a group of bold cartoonists and journalists who took on a corrupt administration and stood up for free speech. In a time when truth was often under fire, these individuals wielded their pens like swords, calling out injustice and refusing to be silenced. It’s a story that still feels very relevant today.
With The Dissidents, Derf once again proves why he’s one of the most compelling voices in graphic nonfiction. His work blends history, artistry, and a strong sense of moral purpose, delivering stories that stick with you long after you’ve closed the book.
A Career Built on Powerful Storytelling
Derf’s work has earned both critical acclaim and a loyal readership. Alongside My Friend Dahmer and Kent State, he’s also the author of Trashed, a gritty, yet darkly funny, look at the world of waste management. His contributions to political cartooning have garnered major recognition, including the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, highlighting his commitment to stories that matter.
Long before his graphic novels gained international attention, Derf connected with readers through his weekly comic strip, The City. Running in more than 150 newspapers for nearly 25 years, the strip showcased his sharp wit and keen eye for the absurdities of everyday life—skills he clearly hasn’t lost.
Derf lives and works in Cleveland, Ohio, a city that continues to shape his perspective and storytelling. Like George Bellows (one of the cartoonists featured in The Dissidents) he’s also an Ohio State University alumnus, giving him an extra thread of connection to the figures who inspired his latest work.
Stop by the Hoopla Booth for an Author Signing
Fans and readers will have a chance to meet Derf in person at this year’s ALA conference in Chicago, where he’ll be signing ARC’s of his newest book The Dissidents – due out in September. Stop by the Hoopla booth (#4416) on Sunday, June 28, from 10-10:45 a.m.
