Created, written, and illustrated by Derf Backderf, this original 2002 self-published comic is the first printed version of the story that would later become the acclaimed graphic novel My Friend Dahmer. In this early one-shot, Backderf recounts his real-life high-school experiences with Jeffrey Dahmer, long before the world knew him as a serial killer. The comic follows Dahmer’s teenage years—his isolation, alcoholism, disturbing hobbies, and awkward attempts to fit in—told through the eyes of someone who actually knew him. Its tone is unsettling, empathetic, and brutally honest, offering a rare window into Dahmer’s final years before his first crime.

This issue is especially significant because it predates the widely known graphic novel and film adaptation. As the original self-published first printing, it represents the earliest form of Backderf’s most famous work, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors. Its raw, documentary-style storytelling and personal perspective give it a unique place in true-crime comics history.