Lubchansky nailed what it’s like to be in cis spaces as a trans person, particularly for those who don’t fall on the gender binary and/or are transitioning. Boys Weekend is such a poignant reflection on how difficult it can be to be your true self today, and what it’s like to return to a space with people from your past—who you love(d)—and knew you as a particular person. Lubchansky does a wonderful job exploring what it means to hold onto or let go of that past and its people, and the emotions that come with that decision. 

In addition to this focus on trans identity and being in/finding community, Lubchansky provides biting commentary about capitalism and masculinity in the form of a bachelor’s party and a cult gathering taking place in the more-lawless-and-hedonistic-than-Vegas hotel, El Campo. Admittedly, I’m still trying to make sense of this part of the graphic novel, specifically the gore and eldritch horrors that make an appearance and their underlying meaning. (It made sense but also not, ahaha.) Everything was humorously over-the-top to really drive home the point that this is all absurd. 

Overall, this graphic novel was surprisingly moving. As bleak as things got—especially with the constant misgendering and deadnaming—Lubchansky makes clear that there’s still something for us on the horizon. As the protagonist, Sammie, wonderfully states, “If a world doesn’t hold anything for you? You can leave it behind. We can expect better for ourselves.”
 

Note: I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a finished copy.