Dear Kenneth, by Cole Degenstein
An irresistible story in letters and art about a paradoxical protagonist
If conflict is the lifeblood of a story, Dear Kenneth has a healthy, even bold, blood count. Not that Cole, the unhappy, insecure narrator/illustrator of this graphic novel would see himself as remotely bold. But perhaps he is, without realizing it—and in those conflicting sensibilities, conscious versus un, lies the story’s intriguing, bemusing appeal.
In a blend of brief, lyrical fan letters and vivid drawings to a poet named Kenneth, Cole confides his dejection and self-doubts. Just arrived in Tokyo, he illustrates a field in bright green and orange squares that belie his sad, apologetic accompanying note, “I hope you don’t mind my writing.”
Such contrasts of glum tone and lively art continue. “I could say I’m doing better these days, but it wouldn’t actually mean anything,” shares a page with an exquisite drawing of green- and-pink-leaved branches gleaming with green, pink and blue berries. The reader wants to reach in and give Cole a shake. C’mon, you can draw like this, and you’re not happy? Of course, while reaching in, we’d be sure to grab some of those sumptuous berries.
By now you’ll have picked up that our conflicted protagonist is not one, but two Coles. The inspiring Cole wows us with a gorgeous sketch of a Japanese cherry tree in full vivid pink bloom. The morose Cole crawls along an expressway, searching for roadkill to make a meal with. A few pages on, the inspiring Cole seems to mischievously parody this episode with a double-page spread of adorably drawn pigeons, pecking at food. This time it’s a pencil that we, indeed inspired, will want to reach for, to experience the fun and satisfaction of drawing our own birds.
Beholding the sheer breadth of Cole’s talent is pure enjoyment. Here are two more examples, very different: his luscious noir rendering of a city at night, and his mouth-watering depictions of food that will have you craving sushi and sashimi.
Will our conflicted protagonist recognize his inner, boldly creative self and let himself enjoy life a bit more? There are hints, including an illustration of a swim in a stream, that he might just find the refreshing catharsis he needs. Know that we’re rooting for you, Cole.
Also an irresistible read: Conundrum, the Dear Kenneth publisher’s eponymous annual magazine of comic arts. Featuring a rich array of whimsy, wit, and wisdom from nine Conundrum writers/artists, including Degenstein, the current issue has an introduction by founding publisher Andy Brown. “I initially began Conundrum as an art project. I was taking photographs, writing, drawing, making things with my hands. Thirty years later, my hobby has become my job. One could do worse.”
About the Author
Hailing from the prairies and based in Montreal, Cole Degenstein is an artist whose work takes form in illustration, comics, and bookmaking. Tenderness is at the core of his work, which centres itself in storytelling about intimacy, rural life, gay history, and domesticity. His graphic novel 10-10 to the Wind (Fieldmouse, 2021) received the 2024 Cartoonist Studio Prize from the Center for Cartoon Studies for best Graphic Short, and was nominated for an Ignatz Award.
About the Reviewer
Melanie Jackson is a freelance Vancouver writer/editor. She’s also the award-winning author of middle-grade/YA suspensers, including Orca Books’ Dinah Galloway Mystery Series, and several chillers set in amusement parks. Visit Melanie’s page at The Writers’ Union of Canada.
Book Details
Publisher: Conundrum Books, June 2026
Language: English
Paperback: 120 pages
ISBN 9781772621204