I've come a far way since then, but that dream has finally come true! Erika and Matt have finally released their third, entirely educational compilation and it is GLORIOUS. The book collects a bunch of their more factual comics into print, with topics including masturbation, partnered sex, safer sex, and ideas surrounding the way sexuality is conceptualised in our culture. All of it is realised in Erika's signature realistic-yet-uncomplicated linework illustrations and Matt's stellar choices in colour palette that range from soft pink marshmallow to gentle greys and blues. For those unfamiliar with their work, the OJST comics depict such an inclusive intersectional array of characters with huge variety in body types, relationships, gender presentation, races, body modification, and disabilities that it is likely you will find at least one person that you see and think "Oh! that one looks a bit like me!"
But the style of OJST comics has been discussed before and I think we can all agree that it is fabulous. Let's move along to the sex ed stuff.
The collection begins with a forward explaining the parameters and scope of the comics included, of which it is very important to note that they "serve as a quick introduction to subjects that have much more depth to them than [the authors] have the space to include." It means that the book itself is a great starting point or primer for someone just wanting a nonthreatening introduction into some educational topics, but it will point you in the direction of external resources such as Planned Parenthood and Scarleteen for more in-depth self-study. I really liked the way that the chapters were staggered, starting by outlining basic concepts such as "what counts as sex?" before diving into stuff like safer sex supplies and interpersonal relations.
I think one of my most favourite comics was the one on consent, which provided examples of fun ways to discuss what you want to get out of a sexual encounter and demonstrates how you can say 'no' to certain activities but 'yes!' to others. I also really liked how physical cues were emphasised as well as an enthusiastic, verbal 'yes' -- "if [your partner is] looking unhappy, sounding pained, or freezing up, it's time to pause and ask what's up." This is an important thing to remember for young people who may not feel fully confident about verbalising their desires just yet.
I also really enjoyed their guide to sexting, which had an emphasis on the fun, flirty aspect of it while also noting any safety precautions you could take to protect your identity. However, the authors make sure to mention the etiquette of the receiver of said sexts as well. As comic-Erika says, "[Your partner] shared that [image] with you as an act of intimacy and trust, but you do not own their body, and making it available (even photos of it) without their consent is not only a sexual violation but also means that you are a garbage person." Well said, indeed!
Importantly, the book also discusses a buuuuunch of contraceptive methods for pregnancy-free sex, and as a person who has struggled with hormonal contraception in my own life, I enjoyed the way that the comics were upfront about the efficacy/practicality dance that we all have to do when taking hormonal birth control. Erika and Matt's comics tell you right off the bat that certain BC methods might not be right for you, instead of acting as if bodies aren't different. The first hormonal method discussed in the collection is the infamous Pill -- the most ubiquitous of birth control. The little cartoon Erika makes it clear that the Pill didn't work for her, but it may for you. And hey, if not, there are ways to work around it without the use of hormones.
Overall, it is unsurprising that I thoroughly relished this collection despite having read most of it online before. The careful curation of the comics combined with their friendly tone and frank depictions of joyful sexual expression makes Drawn to Sex a wonderful gift for a young person in your life, but I do feel it may be prudent to stick to the 'ages 16 and up' guideline on the cover -- the book does depict explicit sex acts (in an educational, pastel-pink kind of way, but it's still totally happening), so younger teens may feel a touch overwhelmed by all the analingus. Nevertheless, I think Drawn to Sex is wonderful, and would be a must for any sex educator to have on their shelf.
If you want a copy, you should totally back their Kickstarter or ask a local bookstore to order some stock -- it will be worth it! You can also support Erika and Matt through Patreon so that they can keep doing what they do best.
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