Radiator Comics

Description

Dumb chronicles Georgia Webber’s throat injury, and her rehabilitation through not speaking. Through a well-crafted visual language, Georgia tells the story of how her work, relationships with friends, and day-to-day living is dramatically altered by not being able to talk. Prose essays by writers who think deeply about vocal cords supplement each issue’s theme.

Georgia adds a new tool to her navigation of a temporarily silent existence: lipstick. It’s a signal to others that she is not speaking, and makes it easier for people to read her lips. But Georgia is worried about losing her identity as her silent treatment continues. Does wearing lipstick play too much into gender stereotypes? Can new friends really know who Georgia is through limited communication?

This issue’s introductory essay is written by Carly Boyce, and talks about using tools like lipstick, not only to as personal decoration, but as a form of ritual, and a way of reminding yourself you exist.