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You’ll Howl for These Comics

In a good way, I hope! The joke in the title will totally make sense once you get to the Riot Recs, but in the meantime, why not enjoy these other fantastic comic bookish things?

Bookish Goods

A gray t-shirt listing several superheroes and then the ordinary name "Coleman"

Custom Superhero T-shirt by ShopBlakeRuby

Got a superhero in your life? Give them this shirt to remind them of the excellent company they are in! $26+

New Releases

Skull Cat and the Curious Castle cover

Skull Cat and the Curious Castle by Norman Shurtliff

Scully is the new gardener at Le Dark Chateau, a creepy old castle supposedly haunted by all manner of supernatural creatures — creatures that have now absconded with all of Scully’s coworkers! Can he pluck up the courage to rescue them?

SCRAMBLUES cover

SCRAMBLUES by mame march

Eddie is a rock star with a stereotypically difficult reputation. Haru is the graphic artist assigned to design Eddie’s next CD jacket. As the unlikely duo spends more time together, Haru begins to realize just how the real Eddie differs from his public persona…and how much he likes what he sees behind the mask.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: wolves! They’re like really big puppies! Reading these comics is probably safer than trying to hug a wolf. Except if you get a bad papercut, those are nasty.

Snowlands A Blood Moon cover

Snowlands: A Blood Moon by Morr Meroz and Collin Fogel

As an unlucky white wolf, Feba gets the blame for everything that goes wrong with her pack, which abandons her to the elements after all of the other cubs disappear. She is reluctantly rescued by Usha, a snow leopard on the hunt for her missing son. What’s happened to the baby animals? Feba, Usha, and their friend Batu will have to find out!

squad book cover

Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Lisa Sterle

Technically, this one is about werewolves, but it still counts, right? In this YA tale, Becca is delighted to be accepted by the most popular girls at her new high school. Even after she finds out they are werewolves, she remains loyal, allowing them to turn her so she, too, can hunt down the school’s predatory male students. But how far is Becca really willing to go in the name of friendship and justice?

A Havanese in a black-and-white sweater and a small black beret

I will close with a picture of my own little wolf, who looks very stylish in my American Girl doll’s beret!

~Eileen

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The Stack

Step Right Up to the Stack, Folks

If you’re celebrating Mardi Gras today, I hope you have a great time! As for me, I think I’ll just kick back with a comic book…

Bookish Goods

A rectangular pink keychain with an image of Anya from Spy X Family

Embroidered key tag by EnergyHealDesign

What a cute way for Spy X Family fans to keep their keys safe. And it’s handmade, too! $30+

New Releases

Stick and Stone on the Go cover

Stick and Stone on the Go by Beth Ferry and Kristen Cella

In this delightful sequel to Stick and Stone Explore and More, best pals Stick and Stone go on a variety of adventures, secure in the knowledge that they can tackle any challenge so long as they are together! Designed for very young readers, this comic also includes an activity for them to join in on the fun Stick and Stone have.

Princess of Convenient Plot Devices Vol 1 cover

The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices Volume One by Mamecyoro, Kazusa Yaneda, and Mitsuya Fuji

Based on the light novel of the same name, this new manga stars Princess Octavia, who agrees to get married and bear a child who will ascend to the throne — all this to help her brother and his male lover, who cannot sire an heir on their own. Despite her initial agreement, Octavia soon begins to have seconds thoughts and a desire to focus on her own happiness instead!

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: the circus! They may no longer exist as they once did — and they certainly never existed like The Greatest Showman would have you believe — but circuses still offer an intriguing backdrop for comic book stories.

Girl Over Paris cover

Girl Over Paris by Gwenda Bond, Kate Leth, and Ming Doyle

This is a fun graphic-novel addition to the “Cirque American” universe, Bond’s series of prose novels, but it can also stand alone. Jules Maroni, the show’s acrobat, has been invited to strut her stuff at an exhibition in Paris. While there, Jules meets a mysterious man with unnerving plans for her…

Lost Carnival cover image

The Lost Carnival: A Dick Grayson Graphic Novel by Michael Moreci and Sas Milledge

Comicdom’s most famous kid sidekick was born to a family of trapeze artists working for Haly’s Circus. In this graphic novel, both Dick Grayson and the audience grow bored with Haly’s brand of entertainment and find themselves enchanted by a new show, the Lost Carnival. But is there more to the carnival — and to the pretty girl Dick meets there — than anyone realizes?

Alas, we must part once again, nerd friends. I’ll have plenty more graphic novel goodness for you come Thursday!

~Eileen

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Comics are the Perfect Size to Hide Behind

Reading is often a solitary activity, making it just right for people who enjoy their own company or who just need to decompress. If you’re looking for some new material to relax with, you’re sure to find it here!

Bookish Goods

A yellow newspaper box with the Daily Planet logo

Daily Planet Newspaper Box Replica – Comic Book Stand by ImpactRack

If you’ve got some money to burn, you can own your very own Daily Planet newspaper box! What a fun and creative gift — or a way to show off your nerd status! $399

New Releases

Super Pancake cover

Super Pancake by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Abhi Alwar

Peggy Pancake is an ordinary citizen of Breakfast Town — until the day she suddenly gains the ability to fly! Now she is the only one who can save the town from the evil Dr. Breakfast Sandwich in this delightful comic for children.

The Girl That Can't Get a Girlfriend cover

The Girl That Can’t Get a Girlfriend by Mieri Hiranishi

Despite never having dated before, Mieri longs to find a butch girlfriend of her very own — preferably one who will love her back! This funny, touching memoir follows the author’s attempts to navigate romantic relationships and find the woman of her dreams.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: introverts! For those of us who prefer to stay inside with a book, here are a couple of comics about characters we can really relate to.

Komi Can't Communicate Vol 1 cover

Komi Can’t Communicate Volume One by Tomohito Oda

Komi and Tadano are the school loners. Tadano is fine with that, but Komi longs for friendship and human interaction: she just can’t talk to others. When Tadano realizes this, he decides to help her out in a most unusual way: by finding her one hundred friends!

Noise cover

Noise by Kathleen Raymundo

Short but sweet, this comic follows Cathryn, a shy girl trying to get through her first day of seventh grade. While she would really rather be left alone, another boy at school has different plans. Can he coax Cathryn out of her shell?

A white Havanese in a gray sweater, surrounding by toys and blankets

Well, that about wraps it up — time for a nap, I think. Poppy has the right idea: she is in her nighttime sweater, all snuggly warm!

~Eileen

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A Very Comic Valentine’s Day

The day you have been waiting for/dreading is finally here! However you’re spending Valentine’s Day this year, feel free to do so with these comic-related goodies.

Bookish Goods

Six pens with images of Silver Age Marvel superheroes on them

Vintage Comic Book Characters Epoxy InkJoy Pens by ScribblesAndScript

This is a cute gift to give to your superhero-loving sweetheart. (Or just write them a love note and keep the pens for yourself — they won’t know!) $9.50+

New Releases

Clock Striker Vol 1 Cover

Clock Striker Volume One by Issaka Galadima and Frederick L. Jones

The SMITHS are a group of legendary (and now missing) warriors who use their engineering skills to fight various threats. Cast is a disabled small-town girl, but she’s pretty handy with a wrench. When she meets the SMITHS’ sole surviving member, Cast finally gets the chance to be the hero she always dreamed she could be!

House of El Book 3 cover

House of El: Book Three: The Treacherous Hope by Claudia Gray and Eric Zawadzki

The House of El trilogy — and Krypton — ends with this volume. Zahn and Sera were never meant to meet, let alone become friends and allies as their planet teeters on the brink of destruction. It’s up to them to stop the conniving General Zod, who is trying to manipulate events to his own ends. But what’s the point of being a hero when you were doomed to lose before you start the fight?

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: romance! What else could it be today?

Halina Filipina cover

Halina Filipina by Arnold Arre

In this charming romance, Halina visits the Philippines for the first time to try to connect with her family and ancestral roots. While there, she meets Cris, a jaded movie reviewer who introduces her to the best (and worst) of his country. Can their burgeoning romance survive the whirlwind excitement of new discoveries?

In Love & Pajamas cover

In Love & Pajamas by Catana Chatwynd

Romance isn’t just about grand gestures and Instagrammable moments. Even more important are the everyday things, like watching movies together or just having someone to goof off with. This adorable comic captures what the best romances all have: the ability to be comfortable with someone you care about.

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, I hope you have a very nice Tuesday and enjoy some sweet treats — from a loved one or yourself!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Kick Back and Relax with a Comic

Thursdays sure are swell, huh? Only one more workday until the weekend! If you have trouble striking the right balance between fun-time and work-time, you’re not alone. Maybe you can glean some insights from today’s Riot Recs!

Are you looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift for your bookish boo? Gift Tailored Book Recommendations. Your boo will tell our professional book nerds about what they love and what they don’t, what they’re reading goals are, and what they need more of in their bookish life. Then, they sit back while our Bibliologists go to work selecting books just for them. TBR has plans for every budget. Surprise your bookish boo with Tailored Book Recommendations this Valentine’s and visit mytbr.co/gift.

Bookish Goods

A blanket covered in images of DC Comics covers

DC Comic Book Covers Fleece Blanket by HappyLittleGiftShops

Get snuggly with this super-cozy blanket covered in covers featuring your favorite DC superheroes! $50+

New Releases

My Special One Vol 1 cover

My Special One Volume One by Momoko Koda

Kouta and Sahoko are an unlikely pair: Kouta is a J-pop star, and Sahoko is the cynical girl who shoots him down in public! But Kouta remains determined to win Sahoko’s battered heart, while Sahoko is just as determined to have nothing to do with love. Who will win out?

Ada Lovelace and the Start of Computers cover

Ada Lovelace and the Start of Computers by Jordi Bayarri Dolz

Ada Lovelace is now rightfully credited as the world’s first computer programmers. Learn more about her incredible life story in this engaging comic!

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: the work-life balance! We all struggle with it. So do the people in these comics.

The Joy of Quitting cover

The Joy of Quitting by Keiler Roberts

Being a parent can be amazing, stressful, joyous, and occasionally hilarious. Roberts has a knack for highlighting the funny parts of parenthood and showing how her family manages to keep everything together. Their lives aren’t perfect, but you don’t need to be perfect to be happy.

Freestyle cover

Freestyle by Gale Galligan

When Cory starts spending too much time with his dance crew and neglecting his grades, his parents force him to see a tutor, Sunna. But Sunna has a secret passion, too: yo-yo tricks! Now Cory has a new obsession, and neither his parents nor his dance crew are happy about it. Can Cory find a way to balance his obligations and his interests?

A white Havanese with a blanket over her head looking like the Virgin Mary

Finally, here is my dog Poppy doing an imitation of one of those religious images you see in stained glass. Do not let her fool you: she is The Embodiment Of Evil (And Cuteness).

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

I Have the Power…

…to introduce you to some great comics! Okay, so that’s not much of a power, but I think it’s pretty cool anyway. Allow me to demonstrate.

Are you looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift for your bookish boo? Gift Tailored Book Recommendations. Your boo will tell our professional booknerds about what they love and what they don’t, what they’re reading goals are, and what they need more of in their bookish life. Then, they sit back while our Bibliologists go to work selecting books just for them. TBR has plans for every budget. Surprise your bookish boo with Tailored Book Recommendations this Valentine’s and visit mytbr.co/gift.

Bookish Goods

A blank template of the Daily Bugle front page

Custom Spider-Man Daily Bugle Newspaper Template by BradleyTFraming

Download this digital template and create your very own edition of The Daily Bugle! J. Jonah Jameson and dorky photographer not included. $5

New Releases

The DC Universe by Dwayne McDuffie cover

The DC Universe by Dwayne McDuffie by Dwayne McDuffie and Various Artists

The late Dwayne McDuffie is best known for creating Static Shock and sending an absolutely brutal series pitch ripping Marvel’s many skateboard-centric Black heroes. But, needless to say, he did a lot more than that. This TPB collects some of his best work featuring DC’s most iconic characters.

How Do We Relationship Vol 8 cover

How Do We Relationship? Volume Eight by Tamifull

The adorable adventures of Miwa and Saeko — two female college students who start dating for the heck of it before genuinely falling in love — continue in this eighth volume. Miwa has been seeing someone else lately, though she and Saeko remain good friends. But what happens when Miwa’s new romance starts to flounder?

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: power! Lots of people want it, but not everyone knows how to wield it properly. These comics explore the nuances and difficulties of power — and what can happen when others try to take it by force.

Dark Blood cover

Dark Blood Volume One by LaToya Morgan and Walt Barna

After enduring the horrors of World War II, all Avery wants to do is lead a quiet life with his family. But when he suddenly develops strange powers, he finds himself with a target on both his back and his family’s. Where did these powers come from, and what can Avery do about them — or with them?

Malika Warrior Queen cover

Malika: Warrior Queen Volume One by Roye Okupe, Chima Kalu, and Raphael Kazeem

It takes years for young Malika to unite the kingdom of Azzaz, a West African empire which fractured after she inherited the throne from her father. But even now, threats from within and without threaten her kingdom. Can Malika keep her grip on power, or will she fall prey to the machinations of the rising Ming Dynasty and her own treacherous council members?

In the week ahead, use whatever power you wield wisely, nerd friends. I’ll see you all again on Thursday!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

February Is Black History Month

I’m sure most people in the U.S. know that already, but given certain governors’ attempts to undermine the teaching of Black history, it bears repeating. Today’s Riot Rec theme will further emphasize the point, so keep reading!

Are you looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift? Gift Tailored Book Recommendations. Your giftee will tell our professional book nerds about what they love and what they don’t, what they’re reading goals are, and what they need more of in their bookish life. Then, they sit back while our Bibliologists go to work selecting books just for them. TBR has plans for every budget. Surprise your bookish boo with Tailored Book Recommendations this Valentine’s and visit mytbr.co/gift.

Bookish Goods

A fake campaign button featuring a smiling Luke Cage and the slogan "power to the people"

Luke Cage for President, 2.25″ inch Button, Pin, Pinback, Badge by DarrylYoungDesign

Let everyone know where your real political loyalties lie with this fun pin! Other Marvel heroes (and villains) also available. $3

New Releases

My Dress-Up Darling Vol 7 cover

My Dress-Up Darling by Shinichi Fukuda

In this romantic manga, vivacious Marin befriends shy Wakana by convincing him to join her in her favorite hobby: cosplaying. Volume Seven has the secret couple suddenly realizing that their romance is not as secret as they thought!

DC Power A Celebration #1 cover

DC Power: A Celebration #1 by Various Creators

This anthology features some of DC’s greatest Black heroes, drawn and written by some of the industry’s most talented Black creators. It’s an exciting reminder of the fact that, even if DC (and other publishers) still have a ways to go, there are now a whole lot of superheroes of color who are here to stay — and kick some butt!

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: civil rights icons. You’ll be hearing a lot about the people below this month. Why not add a comics twist to your February reading list?

Malcolm X A Graphic Biography cover

Malcolm X: A Graphic Biography by Andrew Helfer and Randy DuBurke

Up until his assassination in 1965, Malcolm X attracted followers — and FBI surveillance — by vocally promoting Black rights. While his beliefs changed over the years, his core goal remained the same: to do whatever was necessary to improve the lives of Black Americans.

History Comics Rosa Parks & Claudette Colvin cover

History Comics: Rosa Parks & Claudette Colvin: Civil Rights Heroes by Tracey Baptiste and Shauna J. Grant

Rosa Parks is practically a household name, and for good reason: her calculated refusal to give up her bus seat for a white man sparked a bus boycott that desegregated all American buses. But this comic also makes sure to give Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her seat before Parks did and only had her criminal record expunged in December 2021, her due.

For more on civil rights history, check out some comics I’ve recommended in past Riot Recs: March and The Black Panther Party!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

A Pic of My Dog (and Also Some Comics)

Howdy, nerd friends! I hope you’re taking care of yourselves this week — and that includes scheduling enough relaxation time to kick back with one of these great comics.

Are you looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift for your bookish boo? Gift Tailored Book Recommendations. Your boo will tell our professional book nerds about what they love and what they don’t, what they’re reading goals are, and what they need more of in their bookish life. Then, they sit back while our Bibliologists go to work selecting books just for them. TBR has plans for every budget. Surprise your bookish boo with Tailored Book Recommendations this Valentine’s and visit mytbr.co/gift.

Bookish Goods

a photo of a long wood frame that accommodates four comic books, one on top of the other

Comic Book Frame with Mat by CustomPictureFrames1

Looking for a fancy way to show off your favorite comics? This beautiful frame allows you to display up to four of them! $104

New Releases

Queenie Godmother of Harlem cover

Queenie: Godmother of Harlem by Elizabeth Colomba and Aurelie Levy

If you like a good mob story, here’s a fascinating one: the biography of Stephanie Saint-Clair, whose rags-to-riches story saw her become a successful bootlegger and forced her to confront racism, poverty, and the Italian mafia.

Strange Academy Year One cover

Strange Academy: Year One by Skottie Young and Humberto Ramos

Collecting the first twelve issues of Strange Academy, this series takes you into the exciting world of Marvel’s most promising young sorcerers.These eager pupils will learn from the best of the best, hone their skills, cope with tragedy, and even take field trips to outer space! What could be better?

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: purple! Because I like purple. Let’s look at some comics with purple covers!

Wash Day Diaries cover

Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith

Best friends Tanisha, Cookie, Kim, and Davene regularly meet to wash their hair and talk about whatever is on their minds: work, relationships, personal troubles. No matter what they’re dealing with, they know they can depend on each other for advice and unconditional support.

Teen Titans Raven cover

Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo

Raven is most famous as the half-demon member of the superhero group, the Teen Titans. But in this YA comic, she’s an amnesiac teen trying to figure out if she even wants to know who she was before or if she should just move on with her life as it is now. But just because she can’t remember her past doesn’t mean the past has forgotten her…

A Havenese lying on her back, twisted around in a funny position

Poor Poppy was diagnosed with a stomach flu and a luxating patella in the same week!! She is doing much better now, though — check out her yoga moves!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Fun for Kids of All Ages

Welcome back to the Stack! Always a pleasure to see you. I’m super excited about today’s Riot Recs, so let’s dive right in!

Are you looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift for your bookish boo? Gift Tailored Book Recommendations. Your boo will tell our professional book nerds about what they love and what they don’t, what they’re reading goals are, and what they need more of in their bookish life. Then, they sit back while our Bibliologists go to work selecting books just for them. TBR has plans for every budget. Surprise your bookish boo with Tailored Book Recommendations this Valentine’s and visit mytbr.co/gift.

Bookish Goods

A large, soft, white bag with a print of Totoro on it

Totoro Tote Bag by StarCreationFinds

You can keep all sorts of things in this cozy bag, including comic books, I’ll bet! $27

New Releases

Ms. Marvel Fists of Justice cover

Ms. Marvel: Fists of Justice by Jody Houser, Ze Carlos, Ibrahim Roberson, and Dave Wachter

Kamala Khan is back, and she’s brought friends! In order to save the day from yet another dangerous threat, she’ll need to team up with Wolverine, Moon Knight, and even Venom. Sure, she can hold her own with these all-stars, but can THEY hold their own with HER?

Oldman Part Three cover

OLDMAN Part Three by Chang Sheng

In this dark series, an immortal queen will do literally anything to keep others from discovering the secret of her eternal youth. The only person who can threaten her is Oldman, a magician who escaped her dungeon and now helps others find their freedom while trying to evade the queen’s increasingly desperate attempts to eliminate him.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: Multicultural Children’s Book Day! Yep, that’s today, so let’s look at some kids’ comics by diverse creators about diverse characters.

Miss Quinces cover

Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo

Latin American families often hold a quinceañera celebration when a girl turns 15. Sue has no interest in such a party, but her Honduran relatives have other plans! Can Sue get out of it and find a way to celebrate that’s more her style? Available in both English and Spanish editions!

Pippa Park Raises Her Game cover

Pippa Park Raises Her Game by Erin Yun

Pippa is about to start at a new middle school, and she is eager to fit in — so eager, in fact, that she goes to great lengths to hide her true self, including the fact that her Korean American family owns a laundry. But she can’t keep up the lies forever, and she soon begins to wonder if fitting in is worth the lies at all.

I think this is my favorite part of reading: learning things about people and places I haven’t experienced — or can never experience — first-hand. I’ll be back next week with more comics that might just expand your horizons!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Comics from Oz

No, not that one. It’s Australia Day on January 26! Much like America’s Independence Day, this occasion is mired in tragedy and controversy. However, this edition of the Stack does not commemorate Australian history, but rather contemporary creators that help make the comics scene more exciting. Check out Riot Recs for more!

Are you looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift for your bookish boo? Gift Tailored Book Recommendations. Your boo will tell our professional book nerds about what they love and what they don’t, what they’re reading goals are, and what they need more of in their bookish life. Then, they sit back while our Bibliologists go to work selecting books just for them. TBR has plans for every budget. Surprise your bookish boo with Tailored Book Recommendations this Valentine’s and visit mytbr.co/gift.

Bookish Goods

A Batman-themed pillow with a built-in pocket to hold books

Kids’ Batman Reading Pillow by RhiannonsCraftsNook

This Bat-themed pillow is perfect for nerdy book lovers: it’ll hold your book while you’re not reading, and you can rest on it while you do read! $35

New Releases

Polar Bear Cafe Collector's Ed Vol 1 cover

Polar Bear Cafe: Collector’s Edition Volume One by Aloha Higa

Just what it says on the tin, folks: this popular manga is about a polar bear who runs a café that serves both coffee and free advice to zoo animals and zookeepers alike. Whether you’ve already read it or have never even heard of it before, this new collector’s edition is sure to charm.

Why Don't You Love Me cover

Why Don’t You Love Me? by Paul Rainey

Mark and Claire are trapped in an unhappy marriage. Each feels like they should be leading different, and better, lives. Will an impending nuclear war — of all things — grant them the escape they have been craving?

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: Australia! As promised, here are two comics by popular Australian creators, and that are set in Australia, too.

Ginger Meggs cover

Ginger Meggs by Tristan Bancks and Jason Chatfield

This is a popular Australian comic strip that has been around for over a century. Not a whole lot of characters on any continent can say that! This collection features all-new stories starring the titular scrappy redhead.

The Dreaming Volume One cover

The Dreaming Volume One by Queenie Chan

Going away to boarding school can be a scary experience for any youngster. Twin sisters Jeanie and Amber have more reason than most to be nervous: students keep disappearing near their school. Can the girls solve this case, or will they end up vanishing without a trace, just like their fellow students?

Hang on: if Australia Day is on Thursday, why didn’t I save the Australia theme for Thursday? Because we’ve got another occasion to celebrate the day. Tune in two days from now to see what it is!

~Eileen