A Quick & Easy Guide to Asexuality

December 6, 2021
The latest installment of the Quick & Easy series delivers a welcoming and informative guide for “asexual people, folks questioning whether they might be ace, and anyone hoping to understand more about asexuality,” from cocreators (themselves “two rad aces”) Muldoon (the Cardboard Kingdom series) and Hernandez. Hernandez’s cheerful, cartoony art is well-suited to the lighthearted tenor of the series, and their expressive characters underscore the absurdity of some misconceptions about the asexual (or “ace”) community, such as when deconstructing “Ace Stereotypes,” exemplified by the robotic “asexual genius type” of Star Trek’s Data character, or detailing “The Spectrum of Asexuality” with an unexpectedly nuanced and extended metaphor about cake. The team follow the series format, providing a trim but informative package, and do an excellent job moving from a big picture definition of asexuality to more insightful discussions, including discovering one’s sexual identity or facing challenges that can arise, whether it’s dating or disbelieving doctors. A useful resource list is included to help address some of those deeper questions. This is a clear-cut primer for readers looking to support an ace person in their own life or those questioning their own identity.

December 1, 2021

Muldoon (The Cardboard Kingdom #2: Roar of the Beast) and Hernandez (Black Crown Omnibus, Vol. 1) both of whom identify as being on the asexual spectrum, or "ace," present this informative guide for "asexual people, folks questioning whether they might be ace, or anyone hoping to understand more about asexuality." After clarifying that "[asexuality] has nothing to do with romance...[or] actually having sex," and is simply "not feeling sexual attraction," the authors discuss a range of topics including the rich spectrum of asexual identity, the sense of isolation and misunderstanding that can accompany growing up as an asexual, and much more--often illustrated with examples from Muldoon and Hernandez's own experience. A chapter devoted to how entertainment media frequently perpetuates the stereotype of asexual males as highly capable and intellectually gifted, and ace females as reacting to some kind of trauma, proves particularly enlightening, as does a section covering dating and relationships. VERDICT The playful illustration and casual tone struck by the creators result in an engaging and essential handbook for anyone interested in gaining insight into an oft-misunderstood community.

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2022
Grades 9-12 Full of good humor and positivity, A Quick & Easy Guide to Asexuality delivers on its promise to be an insightful introduction. Muldoon and Hernandez cheerfully and skillfully combine personal anecdotes with basic definitions and general knowledge to communicate a beginner's understanding of the topic without imparting harmful stereotypes or overgeneralizing. The creators' avatars discuss myths and misunderstandings with confused but usually well-meaning individuals to provide answers to basic questions about growing up ace, dating, and representation. Clear dialogue and responsively drawn faces make these conversations fun despite the occasionally serious subject matter. The lively art includes a variety of speakers as well as a few adorable axolotls and a metaphor about cake to make your mouth water. With a list of resources at the end, this brief book is a great place to start for anyone curious about asexuality. And for anyone who finds themselves on that spectrum, the creators provide numerous validating and supportive messages to make it clear you aren't alone and you are welcome.

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