Occulted

Occulted is a graphic memoir that tells the story of Amy Rose, who escapes a cult in 1997. It reveals the truth about her community, including that Gandhi was not a space alien, Star Trek was not real, and banned books can give her the knowledge to escape.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: Iron Circus Comics

In 1997, young Amy Rose lived in a secluded community where she was forbidden from going to school or even stepping outside. Her community, led by their enigmatic leader, believed that the world was about to end, and there was no use in learning about it. However, when the Hale-Bopp comet appeared in the sky for the first time in over 4,000 years, Amy saw it as a sign of a new and exciting future. Little did she know, it would bring news of a tragic incident at a nearby compound called Heaven's Gate. Televised news reports flooded the temple walls, and Amy heard a word that would change her life forever: cult.

Determined to uncover the truth, Amy embarked on secret trips to an abandoned, off-limits library. There, she discovered a world of knowledge and imagination that contradicted everything she had been taught. She learned that Gandhi was not a space alien, that Star Trek was not real, and that her community was built on a lie. Most importantly, she discovered the power of banned books, which could give her the tools she needed to escape.

Occulted is a powerful graphic memoir that delves into the themes of freedom, knowledge, and rebellion. Survivor Amy Rose, along with Banned Book Club co-author Ryan Estrada and artist Jeongmin Lee, shares their haunting and inspiring tale of bravery and resistance. They offer insights on how to recognize those who seek to control us and how to fight back against oppression. Through their story, readers are reminded of the importance of literary freedom and the power of knowledge to empower individuals.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781638991090