Drama: A Graphic Novel

It is opening night of “Moon Over Mississippi.” Through a series of panels with very little dialogue, Telgemeier depicts a very successful show. The crew and cast work together seamlessly to pull off a perfect performance—with Callie seeing to every detail regarding the cannon and other props and theater effects.

During the play’s second performance the next night, toward the end of the show, West accidentally trips and falls on stage. He and Bonnie finish their number, but Bonnie sulks while everyone tends to West and his bleeding knee backstage. “Nobody asked me if I’m okay. He bumped into me on this trip to the floor, y’know. And who helped him up after that?” (172). Jesse tells Bonnie that she is “unbelievable,” and West asks her why she is “creating extra drama” for herself (172).

Later, the crew is cleaning up the stage after the show. West comes by and thanks Bonnie and Jesse for taking care of him after his fall. He also thanks Jesse for tutoring Bonnie—“She’s actually in danger of passing now!” (173), he quips. It’s then that Jesse reveals that Bonnie asked him to “help her cheat on her last test” (173).