SIDE EFFECTS

Hannah is prescribed therapy and meds for her breakdown, but each comes with unexpected side effects. With her powers, she saves her friends from peril and asks out a cute girl. She questions what "well" means and how to fix her brain.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 18 October 2022
Publisher: Aftershock Comics

Hannah's first year away at college is a challenging experience, as she is away from home and without a support network. Within the first month, she experiences a full-on breakdown due to the combination of classes, socializing, and adjusting to college life. Fortunately, her roommate finds her and she goes to campus mental health, where she is prescribed therapy and medication. However, with every new medication, Hannah must watch out for unexpected side effects.

Every new medication Hannah tries comes with a new power and side effect. One makes her super-tough and also causes her to gain thirty pounds. Another gives her telepathy, while also completely screwing up her sleep schedule. Yet another gives her super-strength, as well as terrible constipation.

Nothing balances, but the powers are handy; Hannah even manages to save a few of her friends from mortal peril or at least minor annoyances. With the growing confidence from her powers and therapy, Hannah even manages to ask out the cute girl she's been eyeing!

Hannah doesn't want to be a hero; she just wants to be well. However, what does "well" even look like? What does it mean to be "healthy," mentally speaking? How do you fix your brain when you're living inside it? And can you really help other people if you can't even help yourself?

These are the questions that Hannah grapples with throughout the book. She seeks answers from her therapist, her friends, and even her own experiences. Through her journey, Hannah learns that being well is not just about physical health, but also about mental and emotional well-being. She learns that it's okay to ask for help and that there are resources available to support her.

The book also explores the concept of superheroes and their impact on society. Hannah questions whether superheroes are truly helpful or if they are just a distraction from the real problems that people face. She wonders if there is a better way to use their powers and if they can truly make a difference in the world.

Overall, "Hannah Doesn't Want to Be a Hero" is a powerful and thought-provoking book that explores the complexities of mental health, superheroes, and the importance of asking for help. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with their mental health or who has ever wondered what it means to be well.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 236 x 160 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781956731088