John Backderf is an American cartoonist and graphic novelist, best known for his work in the comic book industry. He gained significant recognition for his graphic novel, My Friend Dahmer, which explores his high school friendship with the infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. Backderf's unique storytelling and artistic style have earned him a dedicated following. In addition to My Friend Dahmer, Backderf has created various comic strips and graphic novels, contributing to publications like The Village Voice and The Cleveland Plain Dealer. His work often reflects themes of adolescence, social issues, and the complexities of human behavior.