Cartoonist Ellen Forney explores the intriguing relationship between “crazy” and “creative” in this graphic memoir of her own bipolar disorder. The narrative is beautifully woven with stories of famous bipolar artists and writers.

Shortly before her thirtieth birthday, Forney was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Flagrantly manic and terrified that medications would cause her to lose her creativity, she began a years-long struggle to find mental stability while retaining her passions and creativity.

In her search to make sense of the popular concept of the “crazy artist”, she finds inspiration from the lives and work of other artists and writers who suffered from mood disorders, including Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, William Styron, and Sylvia Plath. She also delves into the clinical aspects of bipolar disorder, discussing the strengths and limitations of various treatments and medications.

Darkly funny and intensely personal, Forney’s memoir provides a visceral glimpse into the effects of a mood disorder on an artist’s work. She shares her own story through bold black-and-white images and evocative prose, making this a truly unique and engaging read.