Chasing Dreams Amidst Fashion & Baking

Imagine cradling your dreams closely, nurturing them until they appear nearly tangible. Now, imagine that the one person who should be your biggest supporter, that one sigh of relief in a sea of rejection, casting doubt upon your ambitions. Thus is the rude awakening that Blanca, the protagonist in ‘Eat Your Heart Out,’ experiences. Intent on becoming a fashion designer, she shakes off her mother’s doubts and heads for the grandeur of New York City, hoping to weave her dreams into a tangible reality.

‘Eat Your Heart Out’ is the brainchild of Terry Blas and Matty Newton. Accompanied by artist Lydia Anslow and colorist Claudia Aguirre, the narrative fuses elements of fashion, drag, and – uniquely – baking. It unfolds with a diverse tapestry of characters, underlining the idea that family is often a tribe created by choice, rather than birth. Sierra Hahn, Editor-in-Chief at Oni Press, has brilliantly summed up this sentiment. This 112-page graphic novel from Oni Press has been sending ripples of positivity throughout its readership.

A Slice of ‘Eat Your Heart Out’

To provide you with an intriguing taste of ‘Eat Your Heart Out,’ an exclusive excerpt from the novel is provided below:

In our electrifying saga, Anslow articulates the essence of the story as a coming-of-age tale. It is about discovering yourself, finding your people, and uncovering a passion for food and a flair for fashion.

Blas couldn’t contain his enthusiasm when it came to sharing his diverse interests, including fashion, costume, baking, and drag, with the readers. He expressed his intent to showcase New York City as a vibrant hub filled with colorful individuals. Drawing inspiration from enchanting fairy tales like ‘Cinderella,’ ‘The Little Mermaid,’ ‘Snow White,’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ Blas aspired to incorporate their magic into a modern narrative.

Newton, mindful of the invaluable role a support system plays in individuals’ lives, voiced a similar sentiment. The eagerness to surround Blanca with a supportive network that perceives greatness in one another bore witness to Newton’s own experiences and potential.

The Synopsis: Sprinkling Some Sugar

In ‘Eat Your Heart Out,’ Blanca sets out on a journey away from her mother, Reina, and her rigid perspectives about what Blanca’s life should represent. Without a job or a roof over her head, Blanca finds herself in New York City. Here, she’s taken under the warm wing of a benevolent baker, Emile. Living with Emile and his eclectic friends in the same brownstone, Blanca learns that when you acknowledge the importance of converted family, your dreams could be the main course just a recipe away.

‘Eat Your Heart Out,’ the heartwarmingly novel blend of fashion, drag, and dessert, hit the stores on August 13. A run to your nearest bookstore may be in order to get a taste of this delightful saga. Just remember, the secret ingredient is love.