The Most Amazing Saturday Morning Rubbish Club. w. Bill Tuckey. a. Francisco de la Mora. SelfMadeHero. 2025. 192pp. $22.99.
This graphic novel focuses on three children with special needs who start picking up trash in their local park and turn the activity into a club. The reader dives right into the action in a sort of journal entry format, each new day is marked off starting with a little calendar icon, beginning on Saturday, May the 14th. At a steady pace, we meet Arthur, age 11, with autism, which makes new environments a challenge; Finn, age 11, with cerebral palsy, which affects his ability to control his body; and Uma, age 8, with periventricular leukomalacia, which affects her speech, language and cognitive development. We also meet Connor, the kids’ adult guardian for these Saturday morning adventures; the kids’ parents; Connor’s pals, who wander the park; and Richard, a mysterious character who just happens to live under the park. All brought to you with delightfully droll British humor.
Francisco de la Mora‘s quirky artwork is right in step with Bill Tuckey‘s gentle and offbeat narrative. You couldn’t ask for a better pairing for a story equal parts enchanting and subversive. The overall theme is overcoming the obstacles to a better understanding of each and everyone of us. The conflict to overcome is peppered throughout the book with the White People, mere outlines of various passersby, people who don’t get it, who would rather not engage. The action that propels this story is hilarious and really pits the Other against the uncaring system-at-large. You think you can label someone a misfit and just push them aside? Well, think again!
Now, I don’t stand to attention at the mere mention of a new superhero title or a new toy or game tie-in. For me, the best comics sneak up on you, coming from a place of great thought and dedication–and that can come from anywhere, most often from indie and small press publishers. It’s just the nature of the entertainment industry and writing about it: always remain open to whatever content is out there but just know that the good stuff tends to follow a certain pattern and methodology. That is what I’ve always seen coming from art comic stalwart, SelfMadeHero, publisher of some of the most fun, insightful and engaging comics you will find. That kind of dedication isn’t just a brand but goes to the heart and soul of this remarkable publisher. A whole lot of other publishers, from small to big, could take a breather from their routines and learn something from SelfMadeHero. Alright, that’s enough for now. Sincerity doesn’t grow on trees. This graphic novel is the real deal.
