'The History of Everything' is a coming-of-age graphic novel about female friendship that is sweet, touching, heartfelt, and a little sad. It is like 'Daria', 'Ghost World', and 'Mall Goth' - it is part of that cultural subgenre and milestone in depicting teenage girl angst, and the complexities and powerhouse positivity and feminism inherent in teen girl best friends. In that type of friendship group and social circle, where even just two girl soulmates is enough for them to form a connection, to be powerful and beautiful. Their bond is sealed like magic.
Solidarity and support forever.
Even when one of the best friends is moving away.
Plan a best summer ever before that happens! Just the two of you.
Right?
Nothing should change that much, and so quickly.
Right...?
'The History of Everything' is timeless in its themes and smalltown setting, while simultaneously it is rather dated in its stereotypical depiction of goth girls and other "weirdo loner" girls. Because of this, I'd thought it took place in the 90s at first - to go with its homage to things like 'Daria' and 'Ghost World' - before I remembered that it contains mobile phones, texting, and DVDs instead of video cassettes. But no streaming platforms? Plus, the use of old cameras is a plot point.
Why are the two girl best friends, Agnes and Daisy, social outcasts, anyway? They appear to be nice enough, and not too awkward or standoffish. Merely antisocial, with a "too good for the stupid, superficial popular crowd" attitude. Or is only Agnes like that, and is holding Daisy back out of fear of losing her? Is Agnes the lonely and dependent one? Are they seriously loners because of how they're dressed and how they do their hair? They look great, and it isn't the 8os - no one is weirded out by goth girls anymore! Even if they do go over the top and 90s about it.
Speaking of being stuck in the 90s mindset, the graphic novel is very heteronormative and white (so its Goodreads blurb saying it is 'perfect for fans of Booksmart and Pumpkinheads' seems disingenuous). Anyone outside of that bubble barely exists. While it is still enjoyable and adorable regardless, for a 2025 comic supposedly set in the current day it is definitely noticeable, and I must comment on it.
Yeah, sadly 'The History of Everything' doesn't, in fact, represent everything and everyone, and it won't speak to every outcast girl out there. But it has a retro teen gothic and horror aesthetic and aspect to it, which I love. There is a scrapbook and bucket list, a record shop, teen grunge bands, and a midnight slasher movie marathon in a cinema. It contains affectionate parodies of Hot Topic, slasher movies, Keanu Reeves, and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'. The artwork is super cute, wonderful, and nice, too.
Extra female bonding bonus: one of the themes is (single) mother and daughter relationships. Also lovely, sweet and positive.
Family dynamics, social status and classism are the more subtle leitmotifs.
The blurb of every edition of 'The History of Everything' includes this spot on line: it is about growing up without growing apart. Plans change, life changes, and that's okay. Female bonds have the power to endure for a lifetime, boy or no boy, long distance or no.
Goth female friendship to the max!
Final Sore: 3.5/5
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