Serious Damage: A Graffiti Story: A Graphic Memoir

An autobiographical YA coming-of-age graphic novel that explores how art and graffiti helped author Josh Tuininga recover after a devastating injury

It’s 1992 and Josh has everything going for him—a great family, good grades, and lots of friends. But it all grinds to a vicious halt when he’s diagnosed with a serious neurological condition. Josh undergoes a dangerous surgery that saves his life but leaves him scarred—both physically and mentally. Battling depression, he finds comfort in the unlikeliest of places: graffiti.

The thrill of making street art gives Josh relief from the pain and trauma—but keeping it secret from his parents, and the police, isn’t easy. When he eventually discovers an underground competition presented by Seattle’s biggest—and most infamous—street-art crew, Josh is desperate to participate, but will the risk be worth it? After all, the harsh truth about graffiti is that sooner or later . . . you’re going to get caught.

Based off Josh Tuininga’s experience with the underground street art scene of the ’90s, Serious Damage also highlights the history of graffiti and the communities and figures who defined the medium, giving depth and context to an often misunderstood art form with extensive back matter and a foreword from noted graffiti historian Alan Ket. This YA graphic novel grapples with themes of depression and recovery while celebrating artistic expression.