Coop, a story about a superhero experiencing clinical depression by Ben Boruff…
Coop is about Logan “Coop” Cooper, a superhero who experiences depressive episodes that impact her ability to use her powers. The local townspeople seem to have little empathy for Coop’s inner struggles, but she fights on regardless. Despite having the support of her friend Dakota, Coop feels weighed down by the lofty expectations of those around her—even more so when she realizes that some powerful people actively root against her.
As a story, Coop explores the multifaceted impacts depression can have on day-to-day life. The comic also questions some of the less-examined responses to mental illness: vilifying those who experience depression is dangerous—but equally dangerous is pretending that depression does not exist.
In the first issue’s opening pages, Coop battles a mid-tier robotic villain as a strong depressive episode begins to cloud her mind. Coop loses the ability to fly and struggles to stand. However, despite all odds, she manages to defeat her enemy and protect her city.
But the citizens of her city don’t see her victory. Not really. They see her almost-failure. And that tension drives much of Coop’s early moments.
Who helps the hero when the hero is struggling?
