Partum Me

Vignettes of pregnancy and motherhood in a world where women are expected to do it all

Natalie has a few chronic illnesses during pregnancy and early motherhood, yes. But she also chronically wonders where the external factors that trigger her illnesses end and her genetic predisposition to them begins. She asks herself, am I crazy, or does motherhood in these conditions just plain suck?

Begun as a Julie Doucet tribute comic, PARTUM ME soon took off in its own direction. In it, award-winning writer Natalie Pendergast reveals with candour some of her most memorable moments as a mom(-to-be)—and that having dignity is not always about presenting as pristine, clean and pure. It is sometimes messy, gritty and pure.

About the Artist

Natalie Pendergast is a self-taught cartoonist. She has a webcomic on Instagram. She tries to be as honest as possible in her serialized vignettes of motherhood, chronic illness and life experiences. Having started as a Julie Doucet fan artist, she noticed after some years that her diary comics and that fan art seemed to coalesce. She also has a PhD in comics and bande dessinée and works for the government. She is a full-time single mom of two aged five and seven.

About Conundrum 25

CONUNDRUM 25, a landmark series of gem-like volumes, presents masters of the graphic short story form at work in a range of styles. From precious rediscoveries to gender-playful fictions, fabular futurism to uncanny imaginings, there are stories by a new generation of Conundrum artists alongside classics of the form. Bringing together past, present, and future in our 25th year and beyond, CONUNDRUM 25 is a celebratory compendium of collectable work.

Publication Details

120 pages, 4.25 x 6.25 inches
b&w, trade paper
May 2023