Epileptic is the English title of L'ascension du haut mal, an autobiographical graphic novel by David B., originally published in French by L'Association in six volumes from 1996 to 2003. The first half of the series was published in English by L'association in one volume in 2002 (ISBN 2844140858); a complete edition was released by Pantheon in 2005. Image File history File links David B., lAscension du Haut Mal (Epileptic), Tome 1 This image is a book cover. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Autobiographical comics (often referred to in the comics field as simply autobio) are autobiography in the form of comic books or comic strips. ... A graphic novel (GN) is a long-form comic book, usually with lengthy and complex storylines, and often aimed at more mature audiences. ... David Beauchard (born February 9, 1959), who uses the pen name David B., is a French comic book artist and writer, and one of the founders of LAssociation. ... LAssociation is a French publishing house which publishes comics. ... 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Cusco album, see 2002 (album). ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The book tells the story of the artist's early childhood and adolescence, focusing on his relationship with his brother and sister. His brother develops severe and intractable epilepsy, causing the family to seek a variety of solutions from alternative medicine, most dramatically by moving to a commune based on macrobiotic principles. As the epileptic brother loses control of his own life, the artist develops solitary obsessions with cartoons, mythology, and war. The book's graphic style becomes increasingly elaborate as the children's fantasy life takes over, with their dreams and fears (including epilepsy itself) appearing as living creatures. In brief interludes, the children appear as adults when the artist begins the process of writing the story. It has been suggested that Complementary and alternative medicine be merged into this article or section. ... A Commune is a kind of intentional community where most resources are shared and there is little or no personal property. ... Macrobiotics (from the Greek macro (large, long) + bio (life)) is a lifetyle that incorporates a dietary regime. ...

The French title proved difficult to translate, as it contains several meanings: haut mal is an archaic term for epilepsy meaning literally "high evil" or "great sickness" (formerly used as a medical term in English, now replaced by grand mal), and ascension can mean either rise or climbing, as seen in a recurring image of the family climbing a steep slope into unknown terrain.

Publishers Weekly has called it "one of the greatest graphic novels ever published." Publishers Weekly is a weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers, and literary agents. ...