The Best American Comics #2016
"Killing and Dying" is a poignant, deeply personal story from Cece Bell, who both writes and illustrates this heartfelt entry in The Best American Comics 2016. Centered on a young Cece navigating life after becoming deaf at age four, the tale explores her quiet longing for connection—especially through the unexpected gift of a Phonic Ear that lets her hear her teachers from afar, yet still leaves her searching for a true friend. The story’s emotional core is brought to life with Bell’s expressive artwork and thoughtful lettering, while Marc Bell’s cover captures the mood with its stark, evocative lines.
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Cece becomes deaf at age 4 and learns to cope with her deafness by using a device called the Phonic Ear which gives her the superpower that she can hear her teachers no matter where they are in the building. What she really wants, though, is a true friend.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).