Foothold (Rigsby, WI #1)

High schoolers in the early aughts contend with issues of race, weight, and sexuality in Case’s sympathetic debut, which collects her ongoing webcomic. The upcoming homecoming dance provides the catalyst for an overflow of often ambiguous feelings about the future. Home-schooled Beth hangs out with her best male friend, Jeordie, while dealing with an abusive mother who only visits her on weekends. Meanwhile, Jeordie accommodates his high-maintenance girlfriend with plans to go shopping—and possibly have sex for the first time after the dance. Beth’s decision to attend homecoming with her friend Anna leads to heightened drama—and a crisis when Beth can’t find a dress that fits her. Period details—mix CDs, 9/11 memorial assemblies—paint a nostalgic picture of life before cellphones. Weaving scenes of natural beauty with expressive character drawings keeps things moving despite the narrative consisting mostly of lengthy, though realistic, dialogue. As the first episode of an open-ended series, the volume lacks narrative punch but offers an expansive introduction to the town and the ensemble’s families. Readers will look forward to the plot going deeper in future installments. (Mar.)