What Is The Plot Summary Of How Loathsome?

I stumbled upon 'How Loathsome' years ago while digging through indie comics, and it left such a vivid impression. It's a surreal, gothic-tinged story set in San Francisco, following a trio of queer characters—Tristan, Catherine, and Edgar—who navigate love, identity, and existential dread. The art is dripping with moody, ink-heavy shadows, which perfectly matches the raw, poetic dialogue. Tristan, a trans man, grapples with dysphoria and desire, while Catherine, a dominatrix, exudes chaotic energy. Edgar, their mutual love interest, ties them together in this messy, beautiful tangle of relationships. The plot isn’t linear; it’s more like wandering through a dream where every page feels like A Confession. Themes of alienation and self-destruction weave through, but there’s also dark humor—like when Catherine casually debates philosophy mid-scene. It’s not for everyone, but if you crave something unflinchingly honest and visually striking, it’s a gem.

What really stuck with me was how unapologetically messy the characters are. They don’t fit neat boxes, and the comic doesn’t try to sanitize their flaws. Tristan’s internal monologues hit hard, especially when he talks about his body feeling like a 'haunted house.' The ending doesn’t wrap up neatly, either—it’s more of a lingering question mark, which feels fitting. I’ve loaned my copy to friends just to see their reactions; some recoil at the intensity, others dog-ear pages to revisit later. It’s that kind of book—either a punch to the gut or a lifeline, depending on who you are.

If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, 'How Loathsome' might feel like someone peeked into your soul and drew it. The comic’s plot orbits around Tristan, a trans man wrestling with his body and relationships, and Catherine, this force of nature who’s equal parts terrifying and magnetic. Their dynamic is electric—sometimes tender, sometimes explosive. Edgar, the third corner of their odd love triangle, adds this quiet tension, like he’s both anchor and storm. The setting, a grimy, romanticized San Francisco, almost feels like another character, with its fog and neon reflecting the characters’ moods.

The story jumps between reality and dream logic, with scenes bleeding into each other. One moment, they’re arguing in a diner; the next, Catherine’s dragging Tristan into a surreal BDSM ritual. It’s less about traditional plot points and more about emotional arcs—Tristan’s journey toward self-acceptance, Catherine’s self-destructive spiral, Edgar’s passive resistance. The art’s chaotic scratchiness mirrors their inner turmoil. I adore how it captures queer life without sanitizing the rough edges. It’s raw, ugly-beautiful, and stays with you like a stain.

'How Loathsome' is this haunting, lyrical comic that feels like a midnight conversation you can’t forget. Tristan, Catherine, and Edgar are tangled in a love-hate web, each battling their demons. Tristan’s dysphoria is depicted with painful clarity, while Catherine’s dominatrix persona masks her vulnerability. The plot drifts like smoke—bar fights, intimate moments, and hallucinations all blend together. The art’s stark black-and-white contrasts make every emotion scream. It’s not a 'fun' read, but it’s cathartic, like screaming into A Void that screams back.