Categories
The Stack

M is for…

…midway through December! We’re almost to the new year, nerd friends — good for us! Obviously, the best way to spend the few remaining days of 2022 is by reading comics like these.

Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge is in its ninth year, with a set of 24 tasks that invite readers to expand their worldview through books. Read one book per task, or do some multi-tasking by counting one book for multiple tasks. It’s all fine! The point of the challenge is to push yourself to expand your horizons. Thank you to Thriftbooks for sponsoring Read Harder 2023.

To find the tasks and subscribe to our newsletter for tips and recommendations, visit Read Harder 2023.

Bookish Goods

A wooden music box with an image of Sailor Moon burned into it

Sailor Moon Music Box by NatureTreeDesign

You can get these lovely handmade music boxes in a variety of styles. This one features the ever-popular Sailor Moon! $72

New Releases

Blackwood Library Edition cover

Blackwood Library Edition by Evan Dorkin, Veronica Fish, and Andy Fish

Ready to go back to Blackwood, the magical college plagued by everything from ghostly roommates to mummified chimpanzees to murder? Do it with this beautiful hardcover edition that collects the first two volumes in the series!

Hunters Guild Red Hood Vol 1 cover

The Hunters Guild: Red Hood, Volume One by Yuki Kawaguchi

You ever read a fairy tale and wish the innocent victims would just start wailing on the obvious villain? Check out this new manga series, where a group of assassins, the Hunters Guild, protect ordinary citizens from the monsters that lurk in the shadows — for a price. And don’t be fooled by their appearances: the guild members are scarier than they look…

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: monsters! Heck yeah, enough sappy holiday stuff! Here are two comics featuring frightening creatures that you definitely don’t want to mess with.

the cover of Monstress Volume 1

Monstress Volume One: Awakening by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda

In this acclaimed steampunk series, teenage Maika must learn to understand and navigate her connection with a terrifying monster, even as various forces seek to destroy them both. The stunningly gorgeous artwork makes this a graphic novel to be treasured.

M is for Monster cover

M is for Monster by Talia Dutton

In this heartbreaking adaptation of Frankenstein, Dr. Frances Ai reanimates her dead sister, Maura, and tries to force her to live the life that Maura would have. But the monster, calling herself M, has different ideas of what she wants to do with her new life — ideas that Frances will have to accept, one way or another.

I look forward to seeing you again next week!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Black and White and Red All Over

Red is such a versatile color, and while you may not want it decorating the floor of your children’s hospital, it’s just fine for a mid-December edition of the Stack!

Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge is in its ninth year, with a set of 24 tasks that invite readers to expand their worldview through books. Read one book per task, or do some multi-tasking by counting one book for multiple tasks. It’s all fine! The point of the challenge is to push yourself to expand your horizons. Thank you to Thriftbooks for sponsoring Read Harder 2023.

To find the tasks and subscribe to our newsletter for tips and recommendations, visit Read Harder 2023.

Bookish Goods

Three pendants with images of superheroes taken from comic book panels

Comic Book Necklaces by DucksFlyTogether

These pendants feature images of your favorite characters — not just superheroes — taken directly from old comics. Just pick the one you want! $15

New Releases

Afro Samurai Vol 1 cover

Afro Samurai Volume One by Takashi Okazaki

The beloved but out-of-print series is back, now with a new cover and a new foreword from the creator. In this classic tale, the world’s greatest samurai falls in battle. His son, the Afro Samurai, vows to avenge the death, no matter the risk — or the price.

Arana Night of the Hunter cover

Araña: Night of the Hunter by Various Creators

Before she was the superhero Araña, Anya Corazon was a little girl who lost her mother too soon. But what really happened to Anya’s mother? The answer to that and many other questions await in this graphic novel, which collects some of Araña’s most recent — and most exciting — adventures! Whether you’re already a fan or have not yet been introduced, this volume is a great way to get to know Anya better.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: red! It’s a Christmas color and also the color my cheeks turn when it’s cold and windy out. That means it’s the perfect season to check out these comics with red covers!

Fangs cover

Fangs by Sarah Andersen

Here’s a sweet romance in which Elsie the vampire falls in love with Jimmy the werewolf. Together, they learn to love and appreciate not just the things they have in common, but especially the things that make them unique. That’s what love is all about, whether you’re human or superhuman.

The Keeper cover

The Keeper by Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes, and Marco Finnegan

In this haunting horror tale, Aisha must deal with the death of her parents and her grandmother in quick succession. But she’s not entirely alone: before dying, her grandmother summoned a guardian spirit to look after Aisha. When that spirit begins to threaten others, however, Aisha must risk everything to stop it.

A white and brown Havanese wearing a blue sweater with an image of a Spider-Man-themed gingerbread cookie

In keeping with the Christmas spirit, please enjoy this photo of Poppy wearing her Spider-Man Christmas sweater. I had to make sure my dog was as nerdy as I am, after all!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Hockey Comics! Stick Not Included

Normally, I keep the Riot Rec theme semi-secret until later in the newsletter, but I couldn’t think of a better title, so you find out early today. I still suggest you read through the whole newsletter: there’s some good stuff up front, too!

Bookish Goods

A pair of red earrings that say "bam" on one and "pow" on the other

Bam Pow Comic Book Earrings by ObsessoriesHandmade

Know a superhero lover with pierced ears? These cuties make a great present! $13

New Releases

Rainbow Days Vol 1 cover

Rainbow Days Volume One by Minami Mizuno

Looking to try a new manga that’s just right for the holidays? Rainbow Days has you covered. Natsuki, a high school student, is eager to fall in love over Christmas so he’s not the only one in his friend group without a significant other. But when things don’t go as planned, he’ll have to rely on his friends for support and holiday cheer!

Organisms from an Ancient Cosmos cover

Organisms from an Ancient Cosmos by S. Craig Zahler

Humanity has long dreamed of meeting aliens, but would we really be able to communicate with them and figure out what they want? Or would we simply attack without understanding them, causing massive destruction to both sides? This graphic novel follows three individuals dealing with the aftermath of a brutal, indecipherable first contact.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: hockey! Cold weather means it’s time for ice hockey — and comics that show the ups and downs of the game.

Goalie on Vacation cover

Goalie on Vacation by James DeMarco

This book collects strips from the Small Saves series, which follows the gentle, charming misadventures of a young hockey goalie. This little goalie is proud to be himself, and you’ll be proud of him too, even when things don’t go his way!

Check Please Webcomic Cover

Check, Please! Book 1: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu

This is one of my personal favorites! Bitty is a figure skater who joins his college’s ice hockey team despite his debilitating fear of being checked (oh yeah, and he loves to bake!). Jack is the brooding team captain with a big family legacy to live up to. When they meet, watch out for those sparks — they just might melt the ice!

Now go out there and hit a few goals this week! But don’t knock anyone’s teeth out, that’s bad.

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

How Is a Cat Like a Comic Book?

Answer: You can never have too many of either! Enjoy today’s semi-cat-themed edition of the Stack — it’s perfect for folks like me whose throat gets all scratchy at the mere mention of a kitten.

Bookish Goods

A bright blue pet collar covered in colorful comics onomatopoeias

Comic Book Collar by GreatDogDesigns

Here’s a bright and colorful collar for your furry friend! You can also order a matching leash, if your cat is the type to enjoy a good walk (or if you have a dog, of course!). $19

New Releases

Unfamiliar cover

Unfamiliar by Haley Newsome

Planchette is thrilled to be able to afford the house of her dreams, but there’s a problem with this particular house: it’s inhabited by a lot of ghosts with a lot of problems! Can Planchette use her talents as a kitchen witch to help these haunted souls move on with their afterlives?

Ghost Reaper Girl Vol 3 cover

Ghost Reaper Girl ,Volume Three by Akissa Saiké

Or maybe you prefer to read about spirits of a decidedly less friendly disposition? In that case, check out the latest volume of Ghost Reaper Girl, in which struggling-actor-turned-ghost-hunter Chloé sets her sights on a more powerful spirit than she’s ever confronted before. Even more frightening, she might have to face her worst nightmare: working with other people!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: kitties! Who doesn’t like kitties? Here are two comics that celebrate our feline friends.

Katie the Catsitter cover

Katie the Catsitter by Colleen A.F. Venable and Stephanie Yue

The first in a series, Katie the Catsitter follows a middle schooler who tries to earn enough money for summer camp by looking after her neighbor’s cats. But when Katie starts to suspect said neighbor is really a supervillain, it’s up to her and her 217 furry charges to get to the bottom of things!

Junji Ito's Cat Diary cover

Junji Ito’s Cat Diary: Yon & Mu by Junji Ito

Ito is best known for his unforgettably unnerving horror comics. But in 2015, he took time off from scaring people (…sort of) and chronicled his attempts to win over his financée’s most unusual felines. The result is this endearing manga that will make cat owners everywhere laugh ruefully in recognition.

And if you’re more of a dog person, don’t worry: puppies will be a Riot Rec theme one of these days!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Greetings from the Sunset of 2022

We made it: the last month of the year! Twelve out of twelve! I don’t know about you, but this year has kind of stunk and I’m ready to be done with it — but not before we explore some new developments in the world of comics…

Bookish Goods

Nine pencil cases, each featuring a different superhero (or Mario)

Custom Superhero Pencil Case Bag by CrystalTags

Got a student in your life? These superhero-themed, personalized pencil cases are just the thing to keep them organized and motivated! $11

New Releases

Star Wars Han Solo & Chewbacca Crystal Run Part One cover

Star Wars: Han Solo & Chewbacca Volume One: The Crystal Run Part One by Various Authors

Everyone’s favorite galactic smugglers return in this exciting graphic novel! See them team up with Greedo of all people as they try to complete a job for no one’s favorite anything, Jabba the Hutt. Plus, enjoy some bonus Life Day stories — perfect for the upcoming holidays!

Aquamen cover

Aquamen by Brandon Thomas, Chuck Brown, and Sam Basri

When there’s trouble in Atlantis, who you gonna call? It has to be the Aquamen, Arthur Curry and Jackson Hyde! But with Atlantean sleeper agents being activated as part of a destructive worldwide plot, is Arthur’s past in danger of catching up with him and jeopardizing the mission? And how will his loved ones — including Jackson — react to the secrets he’s been keeping?

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: middle school! In the midst of holiday preparations, let’s not forget that school is still in session. It’s not always easy being a middle schooler, as these comics show!

the cover of Rabbit Chase

Rabbit Chase by Elizabeth Lapensée and KC Oster, Translated by Aarin Dokum

Loosely inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this delightful comic follows Aimée, an Anishinaabe student who just came out as nonbinary, as they discover a world of water spirits and other fantastical beings. With their help, Aimée might just be able to save their community from greedy land developers!

Awkward cover

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova

The first in the “Berrybrook Middle School” series, Awkward introduces us to Peppi and Jaime, two kids who just want to survive the cutthroat social hierarchy at Berrybrook. While the two are complete opposites in many ways, Peppi begins to think they have the potential to be good friends — but is she brave enough to risk the teasing and ostracism that might go with befriending the school nerd?

A Havanese puppy lying in front of some ceramic Christmas houses

We started putting up the Christmas decorations last week, and Poppy supervised! Here she is in front of our half-finished Christmas village 🙂

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

It’s the Most Colorful Time of the Year

Have people started putting up Christmas decorations in your neighborhood? Where I live, some people have had them up since Halloween. Well, if nothing else, all those extra colors and lights make things a lot more interesting!

Bookish Goods

A cluster of colorful stamps featuring superhero-style onomatopoeias

Superhero Text Self-Inking Stampers by PaulAndLucyShop

Want to add some extra color to letters, pictures, or (hopefully non-official!) documents? These cute stamps are just right for the job. $12

New Releases

Welcome to Feral cover

Welcome to Feral: Little town. Big Scares! by Mark Fearing

Part of a new series, Welcome to Feral introduces young readers to a small town with big (and scary!) secrets. Where are all the children disappearing to? What’s going on in Messner Mansion, and are you brave enough to venture in and find out? The five stories in this book will keep kids guessing — and on the edge of their seats!

Spider-Gwen Gwenverse cover

Spider-Gwen: Gwenverse by Tim Seeley and Jodi Nishijima

Ever wonder what your life would have been like if you’d made different choices? When you’re Spider-Woman — also known as Spider-Gwen — you are the denizen of a sprawling multiverse of possibilities, so you can see the answers to that question firsthand! Prepare to meet Wolver-Gwen, Captain Gwen, Gwen the Goddess of Thunder, and a whole lot more in this epic graphic novel!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: painting! Whether you fancy yourself an “artiste” or just like looking at pretty pictures, these comics will brighten your world.

Primer cover

Primer by Jennifer Muro, Thomas Krajewski, and Gretel Lusky

Ashley, a trouble-prone foster child, finally has everything she ever wanted, including a family and a hobby — painting — she loves. But when she discovers a set of paints that give her superpowers and put her squarely in the government’s crosshairs, this young teen will have to make some very grown-up decisions — and fast!

Blue Period Vol 1 cover

Blue Period Volume One by Tsubasa Yamaguchi

Whoever said art was easy? When Yatora first discovered his love of painting, he thought it would be a great way to find the happiness and satisfaction that had eluded him in his ordinary life. But to chase your dreams, you sometimes have to take actions and make sacrifices that others will never understand…

Have a creative day, nerd friends!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

A Happy Thanksgiving to Those Who Celebrate!

For some Americans, Thanksgiving is a time of festive family celebrations and expressing gratitude. For many others, it’s more complicated than that for numerous reasons. But if you’re reading this newsletter, we can all agree that comics are a great way to share stories, express emotions, and teach others about different events and cultures. Now that’s something to be thankful for!

Bookish Goods

A black mug with white text that says "Yes! I really do need all these comic books"

Comic Book Mug by JustfingersCreations

This is just the thing to show off to your judgey relatives this holiday season. You can personalize it, too! $19

New Releases

Tower of God Volume One cover

Tower of God Volume One by S.I.U.

The popular webtoon is now available in graphic novel format! Whether you’re new to Bam’s quest to help his friend Rachel escape the challenging Tower (assuming she wants to be rescued…) or are eager to relive his adventures all over again, you’ll definitely want to check this one out.

It's Lonely at the Center of the Earth cover

It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth by Zoe Thorogood

Ever feel like your life is falling apart? Thorogood did, and as a cartoonist, she decided there was only one thing to do: make a graphic novel about it. The result is this all-too-relatable tale, told over a period of six months, about trying to dig yourself out of the holes that life seems determined to throw you in. Maybe things won’t be perfect in the end, but you’ll at least have learned something about yourself along the way.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: Indigenous creators! November is Indigenous Heritage Month, and narratives around Thanksgiving often suppress or distort Indigenous perspectives. While it is always a good time to read comics by Indigenous creators, it is especially appropriate today.

THE 500 YEARS OF INDIGENOUS RESISTANCE comic book cover

The 500 Hundred Years of Indigenous Resistance Comic Book by Gord Hill

From the day the first Europeans arrived in the Americas, Indigenous peoples fought back to protect their land and autonomy. This comic relates how their courageous struggles changed world history, even if they did not always win their battles.

The Woman in the Woods cover

The Woman in the Woods and Other North American Stories by Various Authors

Do your kids — or you — like folk tales? The “Cautionary Fables and Fairy Tales” series is for you! This anthology features updated versions of Indigenous stories from across the country. Written and illustrated by a diverse set of creators, this comic is both fun and educational.

A Havanese puppy cocking her head and generally being perfect

Whatever your plans are for today, I hope you go into them with gusto. To make your day a little more special, here is my dog Poppy looking just adorable.

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Make it a Gol to Read Some Comics Today

I know that the stereotypical comic book reader isn’t all that interested in sports (I’m sure not!), but today I thought we’d stretch ourselves by looking at some sporty comics and bookish goods. Let’s kick off now!

Bookish Goods

A blue soccer jersey featuring images of various manga and anime characters

Japon National Team World Cup Football Jersey by XmassHei

Here’s the perfect attire for anyone who loves both soccer and manga! Available in various sizes. $76+

New Releases

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 5 Vol 6 cover

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5: Golden Wind, Vol. 6 by Hirohiko Araki

The various assorted JoJos have been adventuring since 1987. In this latest volume, we continue to follow Giomo Giovanna as he protects Trish, a mobster’s daughter. But what would happen if Trish had the power to protect herself?

Tales from Harrow County cover

Tales from Harrow County: Library Edition by Cullen Bunn, Tyler Crook, Naomi Franquiz, and Emily Schnall

This hardcover edition collects Volumes One and Two of Tales from Harrow County. These historical horror tales follow Bernice, the county’s protector. She contends with both the dead and the fair folk, even as World War II poses a more grounded threat to the young men of Harrow County.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: soccer! While there are many well-founded concerns about this year’s World Cup in Qatar, soccer itself, as one of the world’s most popular sports, is always worth celebrating!

cover of Booked (Graphic Novel Version) by Kwame Alexander and Dawud Anyabwile

Booked by Kwame Alexander and Dawud Anyabwile

This graphic novel adaptation of Alexander’s novel Booked stars Nick, an aspiring soccer star. But he’s got more than just soccer on his mind: when school bullies and a new crush threaten his happiness, Nick learns to rely on his friends for support as he shoots for his goals — both on and off the field.

The Breakaways cover

The Breakaways by Cathy G. Johnson

Faith has never played soccer before, but that’s okay: the rest of the kids on her school’s C team aren’t all that great at it, either! For these eager middle schoolers, the season becomes less about playing soccer and more about improving as people and supporting each other through life’s ups and downs when no one else can.

If you’re watching the World Cup this year, I hope you have a blast! And if not, just have a great week!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Let Us Gather Together for Another Newsletter

Well, the holidays are almost upon us. As you eagerly anticipate (or nervously dread, or completely ignore) the impending celebrations, at least one thing remains constant: great comics, and this newsletter that spotlights them!

Bookish Goods

A table lamp with a shade covered in comic-style onomatopoeias

Comic Book Lamp by LampInABoxLamps

Need a little extra light to read your comic books by? Try this theme-appropriate lamp! $50

New Releases

Captain Carter Woman Out of Time cover

Captain Carter: Woman Out of Time by Jamie McKelvie and Marika Cresta

If you, like me, enjoyed Peggy Carter’s turn as Captain Carter in Marvel’s What If…? streaming series, you’ll be psyched for this comic! After being defrosted in the modern world, Peggy has to learn how to navigate her new reality and figure out who she can trust as Hydra reemerges from the shadows.

Rooster Fighter Vol 2 cover

Rooster Fighter Vol. 2 by Shu Sakuratani

After a demon killed his sister, Keiji has vowed to get revenge and to protect others from being similarly harmed by demons and monsters. Oh, and Keiji is a rooster. With superpowers. Well, why not? In this volume, Keiji finds himself weighing the pros and cons of allowing others to help him in his noble quest. After losing so much, is he willing to risk making friends once again?

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: anthologies! These books don’t contain just one comic: they collect a whole lot of great stories that share a particular theme.

Sensory Life on the Spectrum cover

Sensory: Life on the Spectrum edited by Bex Ollerton

The media tend to present a very specific, limiting idea of who is autistic and what autism is. This collection allows autistic creators to speak for themselves. Here, they discuss what they love (and don’t love!) about being autistic, and how being on the spectrum affects other parts of their lives and identities.

Voices That Count cover

Voices That Count by Various Authors

Translated from the Spanish, this collection consists of stories by female creators and focuses on issues of particular importance to women, such as workplace discrimination and overcoming gender stereotypes. No matter your gender, you will enjoy and benefit from the stories told here, which highlight “voices that count” but have long been suppressed.

That’s another week come and gone (well, almost). Enjoy yourselves, nerd friends!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Tuesday Knights are Right for Fighting

Pardon the silly title — it will all make sense when you see today’s Riot Rec theme (and if you’re an Elton John fan, of course)! In the meantime, let’s start off with some Comic Bookish Goods…

Bookish Goods

A pin shaped like the old CCA stamp that says "Banned by the Comics Code Authority"

Banned by the CCA 1.75″ soft enamel pin by ClayGrahamArt

Perfect for queer folks, werewolves, unrepentant jaywalkers, and anyone else who would not have passed muster in the days of the Comics Code Authority! $10

New Releases

Futari Escape Vol 1 cover

Futari Escape Vol. 1 by Shouichi Taguchi

“Senpai” and “Kouhai” know all about the concept of opposites attract. When this adorable lesbian couple, consisting of one layabout and one overachieving manga artist, decides to go on vacation, who knows where their clashing personalities and desperate desire to relax will take them?!

Catwoman Vol 1 Dangerous Liaisons cover

Catwoman Vol. 1: Dangerous Liaisons by Tini Howard and Nico Leon

Catwoman has long been Gotham City’s most infamous (and sexy) cat burglar. Her latest caper: posing as a pole dancer to gain blackmail material on some of the city’s most powerful and dangerous mob bosses. If anyone can pull off such a risky job and still come out smelling like roses, it’s this clever kitty!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: knights! There’s something about stories of knighthood that bring out the romance in people — or make them want to turn the whole concept on its ear!

cover of Cosmoknights

Cosmoknights Book One by Hannah Templer

For years, Pan’s whole world was her dad’s garage and her girlfriend Tara — and then Tara left, and all she had was her work as a mechanic. That all changes when she is dragged out to space and into the adventure of a lifetime!

Squire cover

Squire by Sara Alfageeh and Nadia Shammas

With the Bayt-Sajji Empire on the brink of ruin, the military is looking for new recruits to join the Squires, elite soldiers who will protect the realm. Enter Aiza, who joins up both for honor and the chance to become a full citizen. But when she realizes that the Empire is misleading and endangering the Squires, Aiza will have to decide what really matters — and what she is willing to sacrifice to protect it.

Have a chivalrous week, nerd friends!

~Eileen