Derf Backferf Writer of “My Friend Dahmer” Coming to Campus
On Thursday, Apr. 19 at 7 p.m. the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts is presenting Derf Backderf, writer of the acclaimed bestselling graphic novel, “My Friend Dahmer.” Backderf will be in McCormick 1303 to discuss his graphic novel and his high school experiences with the infamous serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer. Earlier in the day, there will be a Craft Talk at 2 p.m. in Centennial 224.
Backderf’s novel has recently been turned into a film. The novel recounts the “before” to Jeffrey Dahmer’s life when he was just a kid in high school. He details Dahmer’s loneliness, troubled nature, and internal battle with his own disturbing thoughts. Backderf shows readers how Dahmer went from a problematic teen to a serial killer. His tale is not one of empathy; he wants people to pity Dahmer and his disturbed mind and life, but not empathize with him.
The event is expected to have a large audience as several courses on campus have included the graphic novel in their syllabi. If you’re interested in true crime, graphic novels, or learning more about a talented writer, you won’t want to miss this presentation.
