‘My Friend Dahmer’ Creator Derf At RISD

9:57PM ON 01/25/2013
BY Beth Comery

(1.28) The RISD Illustration and Literary Arts and Studies Department presents A Conversation with Derf Backderf about “My Friend Dahmer.”

Join comix creator Derf Backderf for a slideshow presentation on his graphic novel “My Friend Dahmer,” the haunting memoir of the author’s teenage friendship with the strange boy who would become the most depraved serial killer since Jack the Ripper. Already in its 4th printing, “My Friend Dahmer” is also being translated into French and German and is currently in development as a feature film. Derf, who toiled as an art director at the Providence Journal at the beginning of his career, will discuss the 20-year process of coaxing this unique project from sketchbook to graphic novel. His talk will include rare sketches, high school drawings and never-before-seen photos. Signing to follow.

RISD Literary Arts professor and host, Phil Eil (check out his interview with Backderf last year for The Providence Phoenix) explains the context of the event,

When I learned I was going to be teaching a “True Crime” class at RISD, I knew Derf was my #1 visitor to invite. His book is the perfect combination of RISD-ness (beautiful, provocative visual storytelling) and True Crime-ness (Jeffrey Dahmer, in all of his depravity). Now, he’s actually coming and the event is free and open to the public!

Derf is the cartoonist behind the nationally syndicated “The City” comic strip, which runs in the Phoenix. Event poster after the jump.

[Ed. Note: Yes, this is the same Phil Eil who said very nice things about the Dose in this week's Phoenix; he is clearly a man of taste and discernment. BC]

Free and open to the public, Derf slideshow and signing, 8pm, Monday, January 28, Metcalf Auditorium, Chace Center, 20 North Main Street, (fb)