Odette’s Journey: Navigating Life with a Jellyfish in Her Eye
Odette’s world shifts when a jellyfish takes up residence in her eye. It’s not just a typical floater. Instead, it’s larger, opaque, and stubbornly refuses to disappear. Though not immediately harmful, it’s far from being benign. Her optometrist consoles her with the assurance it’ll eventually dissipate. But for now, Odette must continue her life in Montreal, the last haven for young souls with their own apartments. As the winter’s grasp tightens, she finds solace working at a local bookstore, where she catches the eye of manga enthusiast Naina. All seems great, yet the jellyfish lingers.
A Tale Born from Reality
This narrative stems from the real-life experiences of Quebecoise comic artist Boum, also known as Samantha Leriche-Gionet. Her own struggle with vision loss—specifically being blind in one eye—inspired "The Jellyfish." As Odette’s story unfolds, the jellyfish slowly invades the comic’s panels. It first serves as a mild distraction but later multiplies, growing into a significant concern. The comic mirrors this intrusion by depicting the gradual, encroaching darkness that parallels Odette’s deepening relationship with Naina.
Odette’s bond with Naina isn’t without its challenges. Naina’s tumultuous relationship with her parents acts as another layer of complexity. As Odette supports Naina, she also grapples with her own burgeoning visual impairment. But when Odette’s vision starts to deteriorate, her world becomes increasingly overshadowed by her struggles.
A Community of Support
Boum discussed at the Toronto Comics Arts Festival how others feel second-hand grief as one navigates a life-altering health challenge. Loved ones sometimes experience these emotions even more profoundly. For Odette, emotions run the gamut—denial, bargaining, and depression as they try to maintain their normal life against mounting odds.
The comic explores Odette’s complex emotional journey, highlighted by moments of isolation and transformation. She tries to bargain with her body, adopting a healthier lifestyle in the hope of reversing the inevitable. Despite these efforts, her condition strains her relationships, pushing her into solitude.
A Glimpse into Similar Narratives
One can’t help but draw parallels with Zoe Thorogood’s "The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott." Both works explore vision loss and feature LGBT relationships with a person of color. However, Thorogood frames the narrative as a journey of self-discovery. Still, both emphasize the necessity of a supportive community in overcoming life’s hurdles and realizing one’s potential.
For those who share a phobia of vision loss, these stories might resonate deeply. Without sight, perceiving the comic is impossible. But with the help of others, the seemingly insurmountable weight can be lifted.
In the comic’s final pages, as Odette’s vision nearly vanishes, a symphony of blackness overwhelms the scenes. Yet, Naina emerges as a beacon, a literal and figurative savior. It’s a narrative reminder that love and companionship might not solve every problem, but they offer profound support in navigating life’s darkest chapters.
Even as Odette loses her sight, the story underscores life’s enduring joys—like inhaling the crisp Montreal air. These simple pleasures remain inviolable amid the challenges and changes life hurls our way. Odette may have to rely on her memory and touch, but she won’t face the path ahead alone.
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