Review by Ian Keogh

Time Under Tension is a third memoir volume from M.S. Harkness, supplying all necessary information needed to appreciate this step up, although by all means look out Desperate Pleasures and Tinderella.

M.S. is in her early twenties and about to graduate art school as Time Under Tension opens, earning money as a part time prostitute when contacted by her abusive father’s therapist about a formal apology. The title and the art portraying a frustrated and angry M.S. reflects her state of mind as she attempts to cope with that plus a boyfriend she knows doesn’t care enough about her and the coursework to become a personal trainer. What’s exceptionally well conveyed is that there’s barely an aspect of her life not featuring conflict, disappointment or frustration. That, though, is just the prologue.

Harkness’ art has always been distinctive with a strong storytelling instinct, but comparison with pages from earlier projects displays an artist now master of the trade rather than promising. This is a long, dense graphic novel, but the only time it seems extended is during a prolonged study of an MMA fight. Otherwise there’s not a panel wasted, and of particular note is repetition or holding in place for emotional impact. There’s also a very confident use of black shaded areas, and as mentioned by Frank Santoro, there’s energy and intensity, readily apparent in a spread detailing the blackspots of her family ancestry or a later trip sequence.

The prologue section moves back and forth over a period of weeks, yet never losing sight of the salient points, while the following primary narrative is rolled out almost chronologically. The exceptions are when the techniques of juxtaposing conversations and memories, or in-person and phone conversations are used. There’s a matter of fact quality about the presentation, lacking personal judgement or regret, except in the broadest sense, both about herself and others, yet some events are slanted to the knowledge that readers may judge. Therapists certainly do. Harkness also has a nice sideline in subtle touches. In the cab on the way to visit cartoonist Nate McDonough she tells the driver she’s a personal trainer, but finding McDonough’s enthusiasm contagious, on the way back she’s happy to tell a different driver she produces comics.

Time Under Tension is episodic, so can be read in short bursts and the longer it runs, the more dissatisfied Harkness becomes with her life. Like the remainder, this is presented as matter of fact, not self-pity, along with mulling over why she thinks she can transform others as a personal trainer when she can’t transform herself.

After being invested in a life for 250 pages readers will be pleased there’s a form of breakthrough by the end. Harkness has a gift for honing in on the essential, and Time Under Tension is sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes funny, but always compelling.