Time Under Tension is a graphic memoir that takes you deep into the emotional and tumultuous world of M.S. Harkness, a recent art school graduate from Minneapolis. In this engaging narrative, Harkness navigates the complexities of her life, which is filled with personal challenges, strained family relationships, and the quest for identity. Her story resonates with anyone who has faced crossroads in their life, especially during the transition from youth to adulthood.

The central theme of the memoir revolves around M.S.’s struggle to find her place in a world that often feels hostile and unwelcoming. With a sexually abusive father on parole and a complicated relationship with her mother, M.S. feels the weight of her past heavily upon her shoulders. She finds herself entangled with an aspiring MMA fighter who is more interested in getting high than in building a future. This relationship becomes yet another layer of complexity in her already challenging life.

As M.S. grapples with her aspirations of becoming an artist, she is confronted by the harsh realities of the art world. One of her professors bluntly tells her, “Don’t expect to get by on this fucked-up broke girl shit,” leaving her feeling disillusioned and questioning her path. In a bid for stability, she decides to pursue a personal trainer’s certificate, viewing it as a sensible career move. However, the allure of easy money through sex work and drug dealing proves difficult to resist.

With ample free time and no full-time commitments, M.S. is left to reflect on her life choices. She expresses a desire for change, stating, “I want to be better, I want to be stable and solid. I don’t want to keep aimlessly shifting between untenable situations.” This longing for improvement underscores the narrative, as readers witness M.S. attempting to balance her chaotic life with her aspirations for something better.

Harkness’s artistic style is both bold and precise, utilizing black-and-white cartooning that draws readers in with its vivid imagery. Her storytelling is equally compelling; she possesses a sharp wit and an authentic voice that resonates throughout the memoir. The narrative avoids didacticism and instead offers a real, relatable perspective on the challenges faced by young adults today.

In summary, Time Under Tension is a spirited and assured work that captures the essence of life’s struggles and the pursuit of dreams. It invites readers to reflect on their own lives while navigating M.S.’s journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. The memoir stands out not only for its artistic merit but also for its profound insights into the human experience.