This candid and humorous graphic novel memoir recounts the author’s experiences growing up in the early 2000s in a small town in the United Kingdom. Many of the memoir’s early episodes tackle familiar adolescent dramas of first crushes, fashion fiascos, friendships, and family struggles, through the additional layer and perspective of a young person deeply uncomfortable in their own body. Set in the nascent days of the internet, it’s not until later that Lois will discover the transgender community through YouTube via the encouragement of an art teacher. Narrated by his present self, Lewis pops up in panels with his old self, Lois, at various states of identity and transition, with reminders that his future self will be much happier. Additionally, the author interviews critical friends and family members about their memories of difficult moments and revelations, which are thoughtfully juxtaposed through the visual text. Described as the handbook he wished he would have had, Hancox’s memoir is compelling, funny, and full of hope. (Ages 11 and older)

A groundbreaking memoir about being a trans teen, in the vein of FUN HOME and FLAMER... and at the same time entirely its own.

Lewis has a few things to say to his younger teen self. He knows she hates her body. He knows she's confused about who to snog. He knows she's really a he and will ultimately realize this... but she's going to go through a whole lot of mess (some of it funny, some of it not funny at all) to get to that point. Lewis is trying to tell her this... but she's refusing to listen.

In WELCOME TO ST. HELL, author-illustrator Lewis Hancox takes readers on the hilarious, heartbreaking, and healing path he took to make it past trauma, confusion, hurt, and dubious fashion choices in order to become the man he was meant to be. It's a remarkable, groundbreaking graphic memoir from an unmistakably bold new voice in comics.