Categories
The Stack

What a Boo-tiful House You Have

A pun that bad can only mean one thing: Halloween is here! I promise there are only treats and no tricks in this newsletter (or do I???) (of course I do!), so scroll with confidence.

Autumn is here, which means it’s time to curl up with a great read and get cozy — whatever your version of cozy looks like. Whether it’s romance, creepy reads, modern classics, or escapist reads you crave, TBR can help you find the perfect books for your fall reading, with options curated to your specific reading tastes.

Bookish Goods

a magnetic Snoopy dressed as a pumpkin bookmark

Snoopy Pumpkin Bookmark by BookshopByKendra

Keep the spirit of Halloween alive all year long with this magnetic Snoopy pumpkin bookmark! $5

New Releases

Stories of the Islands cover

Stories of the Islands by Clar Angkasa

In this inventive collection, Angkasa shares three classic Indonesian fairy tales, but with a twist: all of the women in peril, from the princess turned into a snail to the sisters menaced by their own father, get to save themselves.

The Unlikely Story of Felix and Macabber cover

The Unlikely Story of Felix and Macabber by Juni Ba and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

In the world of monsters, if you’re no good at wrestling, you’re just plain no good. And Felix, a non-confrontational little fellow, is the absolute worst at wrestling! Determined to prove himself as a monster, he follows champion wrestler Macabber on an epic quest to learn what true strength is all about.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: haunted houses! Is there a better day of the year to go traipsing through a haunted house (comic) than Halloween?

The Nice House on the Lake cover

The Nice House on the Lake by James Tynion IV and Alvaro Martino Bueno

This newly-released deluxe edition includes the entire 12-issue series, in which a strange man named Walter invites a group of people to join him at his cabin for the ultimate vacation. But you know what they say: if something seems too good to be true…

The Night Eaters She Eats the Night cover

The Night Eaters: She Eats the Night by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda

Twins Milly and Billy have always had their parents to rely on. But when they are tasked with cleaning up a house with a grisly past, they find themselves alone for the first time. Can they survive a night in the company of terrifying spirits and dark revelations about their family history? The second book in the trilogy, Her Little Reapers, is available now!

Have an excellent, creepy, and safe Halloween, nerd friends. May your trick-or-treat baskets be devoid of candy corns (unless you like them, in which case, you can have mine)!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Video Killed the Comic Book Star

By this time next week, it’ll be November — can you believe it?! If you’ve signed up for any reading challenges, consider picking up one of these comics. Graphic novels are a fast way to rack up points in the “books completed” column of your challenge sheet!

Autumn is here, which means it’s time to curl up with a great read and get cozy — whatever your version of cozy looks like. Whether it’s romance, creepy reads, modern classics, or escapist reads you crave, TBR can help you find the perfect books for your fall reading, with options curated to your specific reading tastes.

Bookish Goods

A blue bookmark featuring a chibi Anya from Spy x Family. She is smiling with her hands up in the air as peanuts ran down in the background.

Peanuts – Fake Family Anime Bookmark by PuddlesPaperCo

Use this adorable bookmark to keep your place as you read the latest volume of Spy x Family or any other manga you like! $2

New Releases

Spy x Family Vol 10 cover

Spy x Family Volume Ten by Tatsuya Endo

What trouble will the spy Twilight and his fake family get up to this time? Actually, this volume will take us back into the past to see for ourselves how a fellow like Twilight could come to be and how his tumultuous childhood affects his current relationship with his “family.”

Diaries of War cover

Diaries of War by Nora Krug

In this devastating account, Krug examines the effects of the war in Ukraine by juxtaposing the stories of K., a Ukrainian journalist struggling to survive a conflict that has already killed loved ones, and D., a Russian artist grappling with his disgust for his government’s actions and his own inertia. In wartime, no one is spared.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: video games! Last week, I learned that a video game museum is being crowdfunded in France. So, let’s look at some comics that celebrate how great video games are!

Glitch cover

Glitch by Sarah Graley

Part of the fun of video games is getting to be the kind of big hero that most of us never will be in reality. But for Izzy, fantasy and reality start to blur when she enters her new video game to save the suddenly real realm of Dungeon City…while neglecting her real-life friendship and responsibilities. What’s a video game lover to do?

Power Up cover

Power Up by Sam Nisson and Darnell Johnson

Mecha Melee is the favorite video game of both Rhys and Miles, whose online partnership soon grows into a real friendship — even before they realize they go to the same school. But while they’re great at solving in-game problems, can they figure out how to deal with real-world troubles together as well? Don’t forget to check out the sequel, Squad Up!

A white Havanese lies on a couch covered in blankets and a pillow. The way her hair is parted around the mouth makes it look like she's skeptical.

We got a new couch last week, and Poppy loves it! I know she looks a little unconvinced here, but she jumps up on it whenever she gets the chance.

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Move Over, New Comics Are on the Way

Halloween is a week from today! Have you decided on a costume yet? I will be going as a comic book newsletter writer. If you haven’t found a costume yet, there’s still time, but don’t run out on me until you’ve finished this newsletter, okay, nerd friends?

Autumn is here, which means it’s time to curl up with a great read and get cozy — whatever your version of cozy looks like. Whether it’s romance, creepy reads, modern classics, or escapist reads you crave, TBR can help you find the perfect books for your fall reading, with options curated to your specific reading tastes.

Bookish Goods

A silhouette cake topper featuring a woman in a long dress kissing Spider-Man, who is hanging upside down from a lamppost beside the couple's name and wedding date

Spider-Man and Bride Cake Topper by SpecialDesignForYou

Hey, nerds can get married too. If you’re one of them, this cake topper might be just the thing to make your special day extra special! $16

New Releases

Haruki Murakami Manga Stories cover

Haruki Murakami Manga Stories 1 by Haruki Murakami and PMGL, Adapted by Jean-Christophe Deveney

Four of Murakami’s best-loved stories receive the manga treatment in this collection. If you’re a Murakami fan or if you just like offbeat stories in general, this is the book for you!

Signals Vol 1 cover

Signals Volume One: Old Neighborhoods by Nika

The first in a new series, this comic follows the adventures of Mel, a telepathic detective who uses her abilities to solve crimes in the ever-bleak underbelly of New York City. The fact that so many people underestimate this ramen-eating, soap opera-loving investigator may be an even bigger advantage than her telepathy.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: moving! Uprooting yourself for a new job, school, or neighborhood is rough, but survivable. Just look at these characters who were ultimately happy they made the move!

Ghosts cover

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

Cat’s little sister Maya has cystic fibrosis, so the whole family has to move to Northern California, where the climate is better for her. Cat is less than thrilled about the move, but when the sisters learn that their new town is haunted, they will both find out where they belong.

Curlfriends New in Town cover

Curlfriends: New in Town by Sharee Miller

Charlie has moved multiple times, but she’s never been very good at making new friends. This time, she tries something different: hiding her true self in order to seem cooler and more likable. Needless to say, this goes badly! Can the Curlfriends — a small group of Black girls who love and respect each other for who they are — show Charlie what friendship is really about?

Whether you’re planning a big move or have lived in the same place all your life, I hope you don’t go anywhere before the next edition of the Stack!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Happy Spirit Day!

It’s the third Thursday in October, and you know what that means: it’s Spirit Day — when we honor and acknowledge queer folks of all types! Also, we wear purple. So grab those purple pumps, lavender laces, or periwinkle pants as we look at some LGBT-friendly comics to celebrate!

Autumn is here, which means it’s time to curl up with a great read and get cozy — whatever your version of cozy looks like. Whether it’s romance, creepy reads, modern classics, or escapist reads you crave, TBR can help you find the perfect books for your fall reading, with options curated to your specific reading tastes.

Bookish Goods

A sticker with the Transformers characters Chromia and Windblade stacked atop each other with a lesbian pride heart in between

Windblade and Chromia Stickers by Rider6666

Who doesn’t want a couple of lesbian Transformers gracing their notebook? Look how cute they are! $3

New Releases

if you'll have me book cover

If You’ll Have Me by Eunnie

PG and Momo are the living embodiment of “opposites attract.” Momo is shy and trusting, while PG is a loner with a rough past. Can these two head-over-heels sweethearts make their romance work despite the challenges?

Gender is Really Strange cover

Gender is Really Strange by Teddy G. Goetz, MD, MS, and Sophia Standing

Can’t argue with that! This short comic endeavors to get to the bottom of what gender really is with the aid of SCIENCE. (Spoiler alert: it’s really complicated!) No matter how you identify, you’re sure to get something out of this helpful guide.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: Spirit Day! Here are two comics featuring queer characters for you to enjoy today!

Constellations cover

Constellations by Kate Glasheen

When their drinking spins out of control, Claire is forced to attend rehab, where a counselor and understanding new friends help them to understand themself better. But it’s easy to stay sober in a small, supportive environment. Can Claire find their place after returning to the “real” world?

the cover of Confessions of a Shy Baker Vol. 1

Confessions of a Shy Baker Volume One by Masaomi Ito

Toshi owns a real estate company, loves to bake for his boyfriend Gonta — and is still most definitely in the closet. When he agrees to start emphasizing how LGBT-friendly his company is to customers, Toshi will have to confront his fears of being outed and discover how much the world has changed for the better (and make lots of delicious goodies, of course).

Have a great and colorful day, nerd friends!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Comics About Refugees

No funny joke in today’s title, I’m afraid: just some comics that spotlight a vulnerable population that is all too often used as a pawn by politicians and ideologues. But don’t worry: there is still fun to be had in the world of comics.

Autumn is here, which means it’s time to curl up with a great read and get cozy — whatever your version of cozy looks like. Whether it’s romance, creepy reads, modern classics, or escapist reads you crave, TBR can help you find the perfect books for your fall reading, with options curated to your specific reading tastes.

Bookish Goods

A skater skirt featuring black-and-white panels from One Piece

One Piece Manga Skirt by MoonieCozy

Fans of both manga and fashion will appreciate this skirt, available in a variety sizes from XS to 2XL. $40

New Releases

City of Dragons Vol 2 cover

City of Dragons: Rise of the Shadowfire by Jaimal Yogis and Vivian Truong

With her new dragon friends under threat, Grace and her human friends must travel from Hong Kong to Paris to stop a ruthless villain from obtaining the artifact he needs to implement his plan. Be sure to check out the first volume, The Awakening Storm, before diving into this one!

Animalheads cover

Animalheads by Son M. and Sam Curtis

Like too many young adults, Oliver, Wyatt, and their friends can’t seem to find a job despite their degrees. When a supposedly easy moneymaker draws them down into the underworld, they decide that the only way to survive is by becoming criminals themselves.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: refugees. Given recent events (and less-recent events), I thought we would do well to remember that people forced to flee their homes are just that — people — not bargaining chips or boogeymen.

Prism Stalker Vol 1 cover

Prism Stalker Volume One by Sloane Leong

As a refugee and “indentured citizen,” Vep has never had full control over her own life. This is made even more apparent when she is forced to help colonize a strange planet that messes with the mind in ways that Vep will have to learn to understand and control if she wants to survive.

We Are on Our Own cover

We Are on Our Own by Miriam Katin

Katin was a very young child when the Nazis occupied her native Hungary, forcing her and her mother to flee. Katin’s fragmented memories tell a heartbreaking story of how war affects not just our physical safety, but our emotional and spiritual well-being.

If you have some money to spare and want to help someone who may have been forced from their home, Charity Navigator has plenty of options to choose from. And if you can’t afford to give right now, try to brighten the world where you are. A polite gesture or a spontaneous compliment might not seem like much, but it could just make someone’s day!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

It’s the End of the World in My Comics

Comics sure do love a good post-apocalyptic tale, don’t they? Sometimes, these stories are scary, but sometimes, they can be cathartic, reminding us that we can still find positive things to enjoy and to fight for, even in the darkest times.

Autumn is here, which means it’s time to curl up with a great read and get cozy — whatever your version of cozy looks like. Whether it’s romance, creepy reads, modern classics, or escapist reads you crave, TBR can help you find the perfect books for your fall reading, with options curated to your specific reading tastes.

Bookish Goods

Superman's logo made with stained glass

Super Man Stained Glass Suncatcher by CaptiveFancy

Look, up in the sky! It’s Superman(‘s logo rendered in stained glass)! Other characters’ insignias are available, too. $100

New Releases

Alpi the Soul Sender Vol 1 cover

Alpi — the Soul Sender Volume One by Rona

Soul Senders are professionals who help guide the malevolent ghosts of formerly kind spirits into the afterlife. Alpi and her familiar, Perenai, join this band of brave souls in their dangerous but necessary work.

My Brilliant Friend cover

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante and Mara Cerri, adapted by Chiara Lagani, translated by Ann Goldstein

Adapted from the first of Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels, this graphic novel follows Elena as she navigates a thorny friendship with Lila, a bright girl whose dreams are suppressed by her unsupportive family.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: post-apocalyptic stories! Just because the world has ended doesn’t mean we can’t have a good time.

Danger and Other Unknown Risks cover

Danger and Other Unknown Risks by Ryan North and Erica Henderson

On January 1, 2000, a magical catastrophe brought about the apocalypse. Years later, the world seems to have healed, but alas, it has not, and now it’s up to a girl named Marguerite and her dog Daisy to set things right again!

We Are Here Forever cover

We Are Here Forever by Michelle Gish

After humans go extinct, what will rise in our place? In this cute comic, it’s a race of lumpy purple creatures called Puramus who must learn to get along (and hopefully do a better job than we did!).

I’ll be back in your inbox on Tuesday! In the meantime, try to find something that makes you happy and go back to it whenever you need a break from the real world.

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Comics in Comics

I know the title seems a little Inception-y, but hang with me, nerd friends. All will be revealed shortly!

Autumn is here, which means it’s time to curl up with a great read and get cozy — whatever your version of cozy looks like. Whether it’s romance, creepy reads, modern classics, or escapist reads you crave, TBR can help you find the perfect books for your fall reading, with options curated to your specific reading tastes.

Bookish Goods

Two Batman cowls sitting side by side on a rock

Wearable “Vengeance” Inspired Cowl by PrintedtotheMax

Just in time for Halloween! You can order either the completed mask or the DIY kit so you can make it yourself! $80+

New Releases

Parasocial cover

Parasocial by Alex de Campi and Erica Henderson

Luke Indiana’s career is on a definite downturn, and the pandemic isn’t helping matters. When an obsessive fan gets him to come home with her, he quickly realizes he’s in danger — but is Luke really the innocent victim he thinks he is?

The Mysteries cover

The Mysteries by Bill Watterson and John Kascht

Once upon a time, there was a kingdom driven to the brink of ruin by successive disasters. A band of knights went out to find the source of the disasters. Only one returned. Written and co-illustrated by Calvin and Hobbes creator Bill Watterson, The Mysteries is a dark and eerie tale about humans trying to solve the unsolvable.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: comedy! Because we could all use a laugh, couldn’t we?

You're Funny For A cover

You’re Funny For A… by Sophia Zarders

Still think stand-up is a stuffy old boys’ club? Then you’ll be happy to meet the female, trans, and non-binary comedians spotlighted in this breezy guide. Featuring profiles and recommendations of what to watch first, you’re sure to find lots to laugh about here!

Show-Ha Shoten Vol 1 cover

Show-Ha Shoten! Volume One by Akinari Asakura and Takeshi Obata

Shijima and Higashikata both dream of being comedians, but Shijima is too shy to put his studies into practice, and Higashikata can’t be bothered to act on his ambitions. But when they team up, their weaknesses cancel each other out, and their strengths might just bring them the success they’ve always craved!

Thanks for joining me today, folks, and be sure to tip your waiter. Seriously, everything’s expensive and they get paid peanuts.

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Your Newsletter, if You Choose to Accept It

This newsletter will not self-destruct in 60 seconds, so feel free to take all the time you need to peruse at your leisure!

Autumn is here, which means it’s time to curl up with a great read and get cozy — whatever your version of cozy looks like. Whether it’s romance, creepy reads, modern classics, or escapist reads you crave, TBR can help you find the perfect books for your fall reading, with options curated to your specific reading tastes.

Bookish Goods

Two bookmarks featuring wanted posters for the characters from One Piece

One Piece Wanted Poster Bookmark by ThemisDen

These are sure to spice up your reading experience, whether you are currently reading manga or something else! $4

New Releases

Smash the Patriarchy cover

Smash the Patriarchy: A Graphic Novel by Marta Breen and Jenny Jordahl, Trans. by Siȃn Mackie

Ever wish your history books spent more time on history’s awesome women and less time on the creepy men who sexualized and demeaned them? Have I got a comic for you! This fun book is both educational AND cathartic!

The Night Eaters Her Little Reapers cover

The Night Eaters: Her Little Reapers by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda

In the first book, twins Milly and Billy learned of their family’s frightening connection to the supernatural. This sequel, the second in a trilogy, has them continuing to explore that connection, despite the reluctance of their parents and the dangers that lurk in that strange other world.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: spies! October 5 is James Bond Day, so let’s celebrate with these comics about espionage. Maybe you can even poke eye holes through the pages and use it as cover to spy on some suspicious characters!

Passport book cover

Passport by Sophia Glock

Lots of kids dream about their parents having an exciting job, like CIA spies. Glock lived that reality, and it was a lot less fun than other kids might think. When she stumbles upon their secret, Glock has to reassess everything she thought she knew about her life, her family, and the world.

Ghost in the Shell Fully Compiled cover

Ghost in the Shell by Masamune Shirow

In this classic manga, now all collected in one book, counterterrorist agent Motoko Kusanagi tracks down dangerous criminals who hack into the tech enhancements now commonly worn by regular people and take control of their minds and movements. (So, uh, remember that the next time the musky Twitter guy starts talking about implanting chips in people.)

Next Monday is Indigenous Peoples’ Day in many areas of the U.S. Whether you’re lucky enough to get the day off or not, why not check out these graphic novels by Indigenous creators when you get a chance?

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Once Again, We Need Banned Books Week

*sigh* Alas, Banned Books Week continues to be more relevant than ever before. In today’s newsletter, we’ll be looking at books that have been banned and a couple that might be in the near future. You — and everyone else — deserve to read whatever you like, just remember that!

Autumn is here, which means it’s time to curl up with a great read and get cozy — whatever your version of cozy looks like. Whether it’s romance, creepy reads, modern classics, or escapist reads you crave, TBR can help you find the perfect books for your fall reading, with options curated to your specific reading tastes.

Bookish Goods

Five sets of earrings made from small toys of Black Adam, the Flash, Shazam, Aquaman, and Cyborg

Superhero Toy Earrings by StramJamJewelry

These little guys are the perfect accessory for conventions, Halloween parties, or, if you’re brave, work meetings! $6

New Releases

Clementine Book Two cover

Clementine Book Two by Tillie Walden

The second part of a trilogy, this graphic novel follows Clementine as she tries to adjust to life on an island run by a mysterious person named Morro (not a good sign!). Needless to say, all is not what it appears to be. How will Clementine react when everything hits the fan?

Let Me Out cover

Let Me Out by Emmett Nahil and George Williams

As the town outcasts (not to mention the most visible queer kids), Mitch and his friends become convenient targets when the local pastor’s wife is murdered. Inspired by the Satanic Panic of the ’70s and ’80s, the scariest thing about Let Me Out is not the threat of demonic possession but the all-too-recognizable human villains whipping up fear and bigotry.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: banned books III! Yes, I’ve done this theme twice before (both last October, probably), but since book bans don’t seem to be slowing down any, I think it’s still important to spotlight them.

This One Summer cover

This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki

Often banned for its queer and “adult” content, the award-winning This One Summer is a coming-of-age story that follows best friends Rose and Windy during a pivotal summer vacation. When real life gets a little too real, the girls will have to rely on each other to see it through.

Anne Frank's Diary cover

Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation by Anne Frank and David Polonsky, Adapted by Ari Folman

This one recently made headlines when a middle-school teacher was fired for showing it to her class, but it’s hardly the only time it’s been banned. Reasons given for the bans include objections to its allegedly inappropriate sexual content and its allegedly inaccurate depiction of the Holocaust — both of which are an obvious smokescreen for homophobes and antisemites.

If you are anti-book ban, you are far from alone, and there are plenty of things you can do to help make your community safer and more inclusive for all readers!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Don’t Make Me Turn This Newsletter Around

Happy Thursday, nerd friends! You’ve almost made it through another week, so hang in there! Maybe reading this newsletter will give you a little extra boost…or so I can hope!

Book Riot’s editorial team is writing for casual and power readers alike over at The Deep Dive! During the month of September, all new free subscribers will be entered to win Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, plus five mystery books from The Deep Dive. To enter, simply start a free subscription to The Deep Dive. No payment method required!

Bookish Goods

A wireless phone charger with panels inspired by the style of old comic books

Wireless Comic Book Charger by McMurtryGirls

Super-charge your phone (metaphorically, anyway) with this thematically appropriate phone charger! $47

New Releases

The World's Fastest Level Up Vol 1 cover

The World’s Fastest Level Up Volume One by Nagato Yamata and Atsushi Suzumi

Exploring dungeons is a tough and time-consuming occupation — unless you are Amane Rin, who has just gained the ability to teleport between dungeons at lightning speed! With this new skill, what’s stopping him from becoming the greatest adventurer of all time?

Marvel-Verse Monica Rambeau Photon cover

Marvel-Verse: Monica Rambeau – Photon by Various Creators

Excited about The Marvels yet? Here’s something to whet your appetite! This book collects some of Monica’s most historically important appearances, from her debut in Amazing Spider-Man to her more recent appearances in Captain Marvel. She has undergone many changes over the years, and this collection is the perfect guide for newbies and veteran fans in need of a refresher!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: dysfunctional families! Fun to read about, not so much fun to be a part of!

Parachute Kids cover

Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang

Like a lot of kids, Feng-Li doesn’t always get along with her siblings. Unlike a lot of kids, she and her siblings have been left alone in America while their parents go back to Taiwan, so they have to learn to stop squabbling and work together real quick if they want to stay safe!

Hey Kiddo book cover

Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

In the quintessential “dysfunctional family” comic, Krosoczka relates his own unconventional childhood, which he spent being raised by assertive grandparents while his mother struggled with drug addiction and his father was nowhere to be found. Once he grew up, he was finally able to fully understand who his family is and why they are the way they are.

The next time you hear from me, it’ll be October! Halloween season, yay!

~Eileen