Black Hole is a graphic novel by Charles Burns that delves into the lives of Seattle teenagers in the 1970s, who contract a mysterious sexually transmitted disease known as “the Bug.” This infection causes grotesque physical mutations, such as extra appendages or severe skin deformities, leading to their social ostracization. The narrative explores themes of adolescence, alienation, and identity, using the disease as a metaphor for the turbulent transition into adulthood. Burns’ stark black-and-white illustrations intensify the unsettling atmosphere, reflecting the internal and external horrors faced by the characters. Serialized over a decade from 1995 to 2005, Black Hole has been lauded for its haunting storytelling and profound psychological depth, earning prestigious accolades like the Eisner and Ignatz Awards. It stands as a seminal work in the graphic novel genre, offering a poignant commentary on the universal experience of growing up. Charles Burns, Pantheon, 2005 Pantheon 978-0375423802 Charles Burns 2005