Cartoonist Studio Prize Shortlist

Foreword Indies Awards Finalist

In M.S. Harkness' ((Tinderella)) second graphic novel, she weaves in and out of non-relationships, drug dealing, and sex work-all with the subtlety of a blunt ax! She constantly searches for security and fulfillment, but it is always just beyond her reach. Desperate Pleasures is a young woman's fearless autobiographical account of difficult relationships set against a backdrop of trauma and abuse. Uncomfortably close-up, filled with dark humor, Desperate Pleasures is an unrelenting read and M.S. Harkness' best work to date.

M.S. Harkness is a cartoonist based out of Columbus, OH. She's the author of the acclaimed memoir Tinderella. She enjoys competitive weightlifting.

"In M.S. Harkness' ( Tinderella) second graphic novel, she weaves in and out of non-relationships, drug dealing, and sex work with the subtlety of a blunt axe. She's constantly searching for care and fulfillment, but never quite gets it right. Desperate Pleasures is a fearless autobiographical account that contextualizes the inter-relational difficulties of a young woman with years of trauma and abuse"--