The Jellyfish is a graphic novel by Boum. Originally published in 2022 in French under the title La méduse, it was translated into English by Robin Lang and Helge Dascher in 2024.
Plot Odette, a young adult living on their own in Montreal who prides themself for their independence, has their vision blocked by black floaters they call "jellyfish", represented in the book as floating jellyfish that obscure the art. Unsure of what to tell their friends, family, and girlfriend Naina, they keep the jellyfish a secret, but when the jellyfish grow in size and number and Odette goes to the eye doctor, they must assess their relationship with independence and the people around them.
Development The book was inspired by Boum’s own experiences; she lost the use of her right eye in 2021 after having had vision issues since 2007.
Reception Kirkus Reviews gave the book a starred review, praising Boum's use of jellyfish obscuring the artwork to represent Odette's vision problems as a "near perfect symbiosis between narrative and art", and concluding that the book is a "deeply moving meditation on disability, diversity, and joy".
It was also positively reviewed by Publishers Weekly and Zack Quaintance of Comics Beat. YearAward/HonorResultRef.2025Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table’s Best Graphic Novels for AdultsTop TenSophie Castille AwardWonEisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International MaterialWon
References
Notes