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Remy Boydell
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The Pervert Paperback – May 1, 2018

by Michelle Perez (Author), Remy Boydell (Artist)
4.7 out of 5 stars 251 ratings
Vulture/NY Magazine's Best Comics of 2018

A surprisingly honest and touching account of a trans girl surviving through sex work in Seattle. With excerpts published in Eisner nominated anthology ISLAND, the full colour volume, drawn and painted by Remy Boydell is an unflinching debut graphic novel. Written by Michelle Perez
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  1. Part of Series
    The Pervert
  2. Print length
    160 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Image Comics
  5. Publication date
    May 1, 2018
  6. Reading age
    16 years and up
  7. Dimensions
    6.5 x 0.1 x 10 inches
  8. ISBN-10
    1534307419
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1534307414
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The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Editorial Reviews

Review

LIBRARY JOURNAL -- Fictionalizing her own experiences and those of people she's known, writer Perez recounts episodes (some selections previously published in Island anthology) documenting the life of transgender sex worker Felina Love. This isn't champagne-glamorous, high-class stuff but a sometimes bloody obstacle course undertaken at great risk to stay alive, solvent, and sane. For while Seattle offers Felina more permissive ambiance than did her childhood home in Michigan, threats and bullying plus physical and psychological danger lurk everywhere for a person perceived as neither fully male nor female. Her sometimes tormented customers don't have an easy time of it either. Boydell's (Emergency!; Recovery Blogger) anthropomorphic watercolor art provides a manageable distance between readers and characters while lending ironic poignancy. Felina's sexual life, both professional and personal, is depicted candidly, yet in Boydell's hands the effect is dispassionate, not titillating.
Verdict A challenging, intense, and empathic account of finding oneself despite heavy odds.-Martha Cornog, Philadelphia




AUTOSTRADDLE -- It's a real story that doesn't try to gussy itself up at all. It reads like a Goya painting looks. Perez is telling stories that are so different from other mainstream comics, but will also resonate with so, so many people. You don't need to be trans or a sex worker or depressed to see yourself in this book. Perez is able to capture a shared experience that Millenials have where we just can't seem to swim upriver no matter what or how hard we try. Sometimes when I read books I think "wow, I'd love to live in the world this person has created;" with The Pervert, Perez has written a book where I think "wow, I already do live in the world this person has created." While it's brutal, there's also kindness and love in the book. One of the clients we meet had previously had a relationship with a trans woman and the way he loves her and talks to her warmed my heart. He's never shown as a perfect person, but he's given sympathy, because he's a human being and he's trying. I love these parts of the book. There are also splash pages of art that is simply beautiful. Sometimes the subject matter is something gruesome, like a car crash or deer carcass, but it's still overwhelmingly beautiful.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Image Comics; Illustrated edition (May 1, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1534307419
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1534307414
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 16 years and up
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 0.1 x 10 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 251 ratings

About the author

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Remy Boydell

Remy Boydell

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Remy Boydell is a comic book professional whose early works include Tender Objects, Victim Pheromone, Death Paradise, and Recovery Blogger. Boydell’s debut graphic novel THE PERVERT was featured prominently in the award-winning comics magazine ISLAND.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
251 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the graphic novel's art style, particularly its gorgeous watercolors, and find it an interesting read with a narrative that feels true to life. The book evokes emotion and is heartbreakingly relatable, while being well-written and funny. Customers appreciate the character development, with one noting how the illustrations capture different moods effectively.

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30 customers mention "Art style"27 positive3 negative

Customers love the art style of the book, particularly its gorgeous watercolors, with one customer noting how well the illustrations capture different moods in various settings.

"...The same artwork breathes so much life into not only the characters, but the settings as well, with wonderful spreads and well done backgrounds that..." Read more

"...The watercolor paintings are beautiful and the use of anthropomorphic animals and well known cartoon characters is a masterwork in comic making...." Read more

"...Remy boydell is an amazing artist" Read more

"This was an interesting read definitely loved this artist and their art style The story that it's telling is different which I could see some..." Read more

18 customers mention "Readability"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be an interesting read, with one customer noting how it lends itself surprisingly well to its subject matter.

"...The Pervert is truly one of the best comics I've read. Every single character's hardships were gripping...." Read more

"This was an interesting read definitely loved this artist and their art style The story that it's telling is different which I could see some..." Read more

"So this was an interesting read. I love the art, which is what drew me in at first glance after searching for this book I’d heard so much about...." Read more

"...of sadness you feel while reading is totally deliberate, and very good insight into the struggles the main character faces. Love love love this book." Read more

11 customers mention "Relatability"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relatable, noting that everything feels true to life, with one customer describing it as a haunting insight into a world.

"...Every single character's hardships were gripping. The world felt so real, but the artwork helped to keep it from feeling too serious or dreary...." Read more

"...It's kinda relatable in alot of ways. I highly recommend it and would like to thank my friend for telling me about it...." Read more

"...Anyone curious about sexuality or sex work will also find an interesting narrative...." Read more

"...Despite the drawings creating a whimsical setting, everything felt so true to life and all of the characters reminded me so much of the girls in my..." Read more

10 customers mention "Emotional content"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally evocative, describing it as heartbreakingly relatable and sad.

"...since there's a lot of that in here, but there's just as much heart wrenching and heart warming sentiments too...." Read more

"...emotion and a strong grasp of the comic art style that gets emotions across very well...." Read more

"...The thing is, the wild was ride, emotional at some points, and humbling...but jarring...." Read more

"...it's pretty gruesome - but it's intimate, and human, and heartbreakingly relatable...." Read more

9 customers mention "Narrative quality"7 positive2 negative

Customers praise the narrative quality of the book, finding it well written and a good read, with one customer describing it as a masterwork in comic making.

"...animals and well known cartoon characters is a masterwork in comic making. All cis people should read this story...." Read more

"...Skimming through the book though it looks like a good read though. Shame on Amazon though" Read more

"I really enjoyed this graphic novel. The creators have quite a talent for storytelling and evoking emotion...." Read more

"...The book would have gotten 5 stars but the narrative thread seems to vanish at times, even if it is on purpose, and the flashback to Tom's life was..." Read more

6 customers mention "Humor"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, with one mentioning it made them both laugh and cry, while another describes it as a depressingly good graphic novel.

"...Hilarious and terrifying in turns...." Read more

"I liked it and cried. Felt really seen as a trans woman. Only reviewing so I can read it again on kindle because I dont understand computers." Read more

"Great book. Funny and sad, favorite kind of artwork too." Read more

"Fun read with thoughtful and interesting insights...." Read more

4 customers mention "Character knowledge"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...are beautiful and the use of anthropomorphic animals and well known cartoon characters is a masterwork in comic making...." Read more

"...book for any gay or transgender person looking for an authentic character to read about...." Read more

"...beautiful or poetic, but it's so real I feel like I genuinely know the characters, even the ones left nameless...." Read more

"...I've grown to relate to the characters and the lives they face. Especially in such a line of work...." Read more

Packaging was poor. Will give a review later
4 out of 5 stars
Packaging was poor. Will give a review later
When i opened my package i was a bit annoyed that the book came in with such little care. Skimming through the book though it looks like a good read though. Shame on Amazon though
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Eric Myers
    5.0 out of 5 stars I never thought I'd cry so much about cartoon animal people
    Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    It's been a long time since I've read something that's made me both cry and laugh so many times. This book choked me out, hugged me tight, and yelled in my face all within the span of 10 seconds, and I loved each of those seconds. Remy's artwork mixes so well with Michelle's writing in this wonderful dance of pain that I felt compelled to complete, no matter how much it hurt. Enough waxing fake poetic from me, though. The Pervert is truly one of the best comics I've read. Every single character's hardships were gripping. The world felt so real, but the artwork helped to keep it from feeling too serious or dreary. The same artwork breathes so much life into not only the characters, but the settings as well, with wonderful spreads and well done backgrounds that make you feel like you could be there. I feel like I could type all night about this book, but honestly, it's something you have to behold for yourself. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. Try not to cry.

    You can't do it.

    It's impossible
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Ellen Raby
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Painfully Beautiful intimate look into the life of a trans sex worker
    Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    It is a cliche to put in a review that a work of art will make you laugh and cry. But this comic is a heartbreaking peek into the life of a trans sex worker. In a time where both trans people and sex workers rights are being cracked down upon by our government her story is more important than ever.

    For people who complain about the art in this book, perhaps you should go back to whatever DC and marvel churn out monthly. The watercolor paintings are beautiful and the use of anthropomorphic animals and well known cartoon characters is a masterwork in comic making.

    All cis people should read this story. If you are cis and read this and think it's just about a "man in a dress" like some reviewers here, I cordially invite you to learn a little something about gender and expand your worldview a little bit.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Lucille Peterson
    5.0 out of 5 stars It's sexy, heavy, and heartwarming all at once and I like it a whole lot
    Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    It feels like this comic was tailor made to suit my tastes. I love everything about it, top to bottom. No pun intended.

    If you like the sound of reading the emotional reflections of a trans girl sex worker you're probably gonna like this. Also if you like sex you might like this since there's a lot of that in here, but there's just as much heart wrenching and heart warming sentiments too.

    This comic book is like the best friend with benefits I never had. I'm not sure if that's too weird of a statement but I can't think of anything else that has that nice profound one-liner ring to it so that's what you're all gonna get from me.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Yeet god
    5.0 out of 5 stars this is a good book
    Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    It goes into some of the problems you face as a transgender woman. It's kinda relatable in alot of ways. I highly recommend it and would like to thank my friend for telling me about it. Remy boydell is an amazing artist
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  • Amber Noel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
    Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This was an interesting read definitely loved this artist and their art style The story that it's telling is different which I could see some viewers not likeing but me personally I enjoyed
    2 people found this helpful
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  • LJS
    4.0 out of 5 stars A strange interesting story with some minor flaws
    Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    So this graphic novel is a bit difficult to review. The narrative is a bit loose, more slice of a painful life, autobiographical type story. It reads more like unrelated vignettes eventually leading Felina to decide if she should move back to Michigan. The narrative is loose and nebulous, but I think that is on purpose. Felina lives a whirlwind life that she numbs herself to, and I think the disassociation of who she is from what she does for money comes across true. Then again it could just be a bad narrative. Felina is a strange character, maybe not necessarily lovable but comes across as authentic which is more important.
    The art is fantastic. The people complaining about the art are just ridiculous. The use of color is very good, the water colors are gorgeous, just because it isn't some high texture ultra realistic style doesn't mean the art isn't good. I'd compare it to Tillie Walden who has a simple style with strong use of color to convey emotion and a strong grasp of the comic art style that gets emotions across very well.
    Now I would be remiss if I didn't point out that this book is rated M for a reason. There is a lot of sex in this book, Felina is a sex worker, that makes sense. I definitely wouldn't call it pornographic as the images aren't inherently tantalizing unless you're in deep denial about your sexuality, but they are graphic. If you're afraid of sex or are easily triggered by gay or non-binary people existing, you probably can't handle this book.
    I'd recommend this book for any gay or transgender person looking for an authentic character to read about. Anyone curious about sexuality or sex work will also find an interesting narrative. Anyone who doesn't like gay or trans people should read this book and understand that they're humans just like you. If you prefer superhero comics where the hero punches their problems away, you probably won't like this book, which is all the more reason why you should get out of your niche and realize that graphics novels can cover a wide range of topics in a plethora of styles.
    The book would have gotten 5 stars but the narrative thread seems to vanish at times, even if it is on purpose, and the flashback to Tom's life was very confusing and out of place. Still it's an excellent story with excellent art.
    24 people found this helpful
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  • Daniel Calandro
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun read with thoughtful and interesting insights.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I had read a short article about this book, and it had my interest. Immediately ordered it from Amazon. It tells a bit of a gritty tale but gives a soft aesthetic to it. If you know a bit about the LGBT community, specifically the trans world, you will relate to many parts of this story.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • GushingGranny
    4.0 out of 5 stars Packaging was poor. Will give a review later
    Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    When i opened my package i was a bit annoyed that the book came in with such little care.

    Skimming through the book though it looks like a good read though. Shame on Amazon though
    Customer image
    GushingGranny
    4.0 out of 5 stars
    Packaging was poor. Will give a review later

    Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2024
    When i opened my package i was a bit annoyed that the book came in with such little care.

    Skimming through the book though it looks like a good read though. Shame on Amazon though
    Images in this review
    Customer imageCustomer image
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Júlia Fernando Cândida
    5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely good!
    Reviewed in Brazil on February 27, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I recommend it.
    Report
  • Fio
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 22, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A must read. Shows some real character, for the people out there who really live.
    Report
  • Aleks
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in Canada on August 20, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    great read, love Remy's art. Unfortunately, the bottom corner of mine was folded when it arrived. I don't care too much about the conditions of my books, but for a brand new book it was a little disappointing...
    Report
  • M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars I can't quite describe it...!
    Reviewed in Germany on June 5, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The Pervert is an extremely human portrayal of what it's like to be a transwoman. Nothing is overblown or muted, everything just feel real, raw and sometimes very tender. Very good read and interesting visual design-choices!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Sally
    5.0 out of 5 stars real good!
    Reviewed in Canada on July 29, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Great book, both well illustrated and well written. Funny and insightful anecdotes on sex work as a trans woman. Very cute and moving trans narrative told by trans women, which is rare to find within the larger American publishers. Any negative reviews are likely coming from bigots driven by antidiversity ideology.
    One person found this helpful
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