Alison Bechdel’s Superhuman Strength [Stuck in Vermont 638]

Alison Bechdel’s Superhuman Strength [Stuck in Vermont 638]

Vermont cartoonist Alison Bechdel’s new graphic novel The Secret to Superhuman Strength documents her lifelong obsession with fitness during the last six decades. The former cartoonist laureate of Vermont and a MacArthur fellow, Alison is also known for her comic strip “Dykes to Watch Out For” and her graphic novels Are You My Mother? and Fun Home. The latter became a Tony-award winning Broadway musical and will soon be adapted into a film.

Eva visited Alison at her home near Bolton to hear about her new book and to see some of her cartoon panels come to life.

Music:

Greg Davis, Curling Pond Woods, “Air”

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This episode of Stuck in Vermont was supported by New England Federal Credit Union.

[RB-ozmm]

Just finished the new book. Even as a non-athlete, I am a longtime Bechdel fan from the 90s DTWOF comic strip. I love the way AB ties in personal history (not of parents this time) with historical touchstones like Adrienne Rich, Kerouac, and the transcendentalists. One of our best storytellers!

[wildswan]

Bechdel makes Vermont look like a fun winter destination! Never thought of the state that way. Super fit author!!

[morgan]

this is random but I honestly come back and watch this whenever I’m having a panicky moment 😭 the conversation is so interesting yet so calming, and just the perfect balance between interview questions/natural conversation. I love that there isn’t constant background music too. If only I had a waterfall nearby to stick my head under lol! Lots of love from the uk :))

[lisakusel]

Wow, Eva, this was brilliant. I could have watched another hour of this. Alison is so relatable and thoughtful and authentic. I loved every moment. Thank you.

[alexandrafalbo]

I audibly gasped with joy when I saw 1.a new video 2. Allison Bechdel! I always love when you and Allison interview, because unlike a lot of others you get to see her in her own space and if you’re lucky her gorgeous drawings. What a delight, absolutely made my week and now I’ve got a new book on pre-order to boot!

[eileenlaurie]

I loved this. Alison in the nature around her, taking and reflecting and showing her beautiful free work in brush and ink. I want to be an elf too! Thank you.

[elenafaverio]

This was so insightful! I’m looking forward to reading the new book. Thank you for making it!

[jeannekeller]

Just delighted to find this today, as her Vt book award is annkunced. . Excellent editing. I expect every second of video was a keeper, but you held such a lovely flow, and using voice overs so we could see her at work and play. You are the best, Eva.

[jeanchristophe]

Thank’s :) I ´ ve a question : where can we write to Alison ? ( mail)