Dykes to Watch Out For" Comic Collections by Iconic Lesbian Illustrator Alison Bechdel

[LGBTQ][Lesbian][Feminism] Archive of four LGBTQ comic collections by Alison Bechdel documenting lesbian life in the 80s and 90s. 1986–1995. All volumes printed in the U.S. by McNaughton & Gunn for Firebrand Books, Ithaca, NY. Four softcover volumes. First editions. This archive captures the first decade of Dykes to Watch Out For, Alison Bechdel’s groundbreaking syndicated comic strip chronicling the domestic, romantic, and political lives of a diverse cast of lesbian characters. One of the most influential queer cartoonists of the 20th century, Bechdel pioneered graphic storytelling rooted in intersectional feminist and queer politics, documenting (truncated) lesbian life with humor, honesty, and innovation. These early books are prized by collectors for their unfiltered representation of identity and subculture in a pre-digital era, and include the first published appearances of recurring characters who would later gain cult status in the queer literary canon.

[1] Bechdel, Alison. Dykes to Watch Out For. Ithaca: Firebrand Books, 1986. This inaugural volume established Bechdel’s frank, satirical tone while reflecting life under Reagan-era conservatism. Topics range from coming out and dating to critiques of heteronormativity and media representation. Bechdel's "Lesbian Etiquette Series"—as in the cartoon “The Unrequited Crush”—blends sociological commentary with irony and visual wit.

[2] Bechdel, Alison. More Dykes to Watch Out For. Ithaca: Firebrand Books, 1988. The follow-up expands Bechdel’s cartoon universe with sharper political content, addressing censorship, queer parenting, and trans-inclusive activism. In the strip “Modes of Resistance,” Bechdel weaves references to Reagan’s Contra aid and the CISPES movement, embedding radical critique in everyday lesbian dialogue.

[3] Bechdel, Alison. New, Improved! Dykes to Watch Out For. Ithaca: Firebrand Books, 1990. Continuing the strip’s serial format, Bechdel’s nuanced depictions of family-building, civil disobedience, and lesbian community dynamics deepened. The cartoon alphabet (“A is for Alice, who liked to cook soup”) showcases a tender, inclusive lens on queer identity.
[4] Bechdel, Alison. Unnatural Dykes to Watch Out For. Ithaca: Firebrand Books, 1995. This volume marks a maturing in both visual and narrative complexity, with storylines probing intra-community tensions and queer assimilation during the Clinton years. The title parodies pulp sensationalism while challenging moralistic stereotypes of queerness.

Minimal wear. All volumes in very good to near fine condition. A well-preserved set documenting the origins and early evolution of Alison Bechdel’s work candidly capturing lesbian culture in the 80s and early 90s. (Inventory #: 22028)