# Kelly Sue DeConnick and David López Release FML: Fire Volume 1 A graphic novel exploring modern family life amidst social media and climate anxiety. - **Source:** [Publishers Weekly](https://www.publishersweekly.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f814f1f8-37b2-462e-8540-fb8049070600 ## New Graphic Novel Debut Kelly Sue DeConnick and David López are launching their latest graphic novel, FML: Fire Volume 1, this December. Published by Dark Horse, the work serves as a roman clef, blending fictional elements with real-world observations. It explores the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges of raising teenagers in modern society. ## Setting and Atmosphere The narrative is set in Portland, Oregon, against a backdrop of environmental stress caused by nearby wildfires. This atmospheric choice mirrors the internal tensions faced by the characters. The pervasive fumes serve as a constant reminder of the climate calamities that define the current era and influence the family's daily life. ## Character Dynamics The story centers on Patty, a former punk rock singer turned author, and her two children, Riley and Lil. Riley is a troubled rock guitarist, while his sister Lil adopts a goth lolita aesthetic. Their interactions are further complicated by the presence of Riley's hard-core metal band, known as STFU. ## Thematic Exploration DeConnick and López delve into the corrosive impact of social media and the anxiety induced by school shooter drills. These external pressures act as catalysts for the characters' personal struggles. The book offers a thoughtful rumination on the contemporary teen experience, highlighting the fragility of youth in a rapidly changing world. ## Hidden Personal Traumas Beyond the external societal pressures, the characters grapple with deep-seated personal issues. Patty is revealed to be suffering from a significant emotional trauma from her past. Meanwhile, Riley undergoes a transformation into a literal teen monster, adding a surreal layer to the family's already strained and complex interpersonal relationships. ## Excerpt Narrative Focus A seven-page excerpt introduces the family during a routine morning commute. Patty, Riley, Lil, and their dog, Grim, are depicted traveling to school. Their primary mission involves picking up Savvy, a member of Riley's band, STFU. This sequence establishes the mundane yet chaotic nature of their daily family interactions. ## Artistic Collaboration The collaboration between writer Kelly Sue DeConnick and artist David López brings a distinct visual and narrative style to the project. By utilizing the graphic novel medium, they effectively capture the intensity of the punk rock subculture and the emotional weight of the characters' lives within the Portland setting. ## Cultural Significance FML: Fire Volume 1 stands as a commentary on the intersection of parenting and modern existential threats. By grounding the story in the specific experiences of a punk-influenced family, the authors provide a unique lens through which to view the broader societal anxieties currently affecting families across the United States. ## Sources covering this story - http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/101734-panel-mania-fml-fire-volume-1-by-kelly-sue-deconnick-and-david-l-pez.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._