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This season, Ruth Chan, Jules Feiffer, and other kid-lit stars from across generations enter the bustling middle grade category--where realistic coming-of-age dramas and fantastical escapes fill up the same tween [...]

Big names like Ryan Estrada, Derek Kirk Kim, and Jen Wang headline a fall lineup that's full of fresh takes on familiar coming-of-age and romance themes--plus super-futuristic mermaids. TOP 10 [...]

Spring's slate features big-name female artists, including Leela Corman, Emil Ferris, and Marjane Satrapi; diverse graphic memoir debuts from promising newcomers such as Tessa Hulls and Eddie Ahn; and weirdo [...]

This fall the bursting-at-the-seams middle grade comics category is fueled by a diverse cast of debut authors--plus plenty of returning favorites, including Ben Hatke and Nidhi Chanani. TOP 10 Alterations [...]

Spring is often when publishers take risks, and this season offers plenty to discover, including ambitious debut memoirs from gag cartoonists, weighty topics addressed with frank humor, and edgy sex [...]

The Art of Friendship (Evelyn and Avery #1) Elle Pierre. Clarion, Sept. 3 ($7.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-358-68156-4) Evelyn gathers two friends, one of them a young skunk, to team [...]

The Case of the Missing Spot (Nancy Spector, Monster Detective #1) Stephen W. Martin and Linh Pham. Algonquin, Sept. 10 ($12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64375-065-1) Trash Truck writer Martin's series [...]

After Lambana Eliza Victoria and Mervin Malonzo (Tuttle) $16.99 * Manila is home to two linked realities in this melancholy but ultimately hopeful urban fantasy inspired by Philippine folklore. Ever [...]

From the earliest ages, kids gravitate toward comics' dynamic yet accessible layouts and often goofy humor. Here are some choice spring picks from a blossoming category. Attack of the Krill [...]

Comics about the body, mind, illness, transitions (such as pregnancy and gender confirmation), and all manner of healthcare matters flourish in the growing category of 'graphic medicine.' The Anxiety Club: [...]

As the flood of superhero movies from Hollywood shows signs of slowing, it's worth remembering that adaptations go both ways: just as film and streaming studios scout comics of all [...]

The article focuses on the rising popularity of online comics, particularly webcomics, with an emphasis on the success of Webtoon as a global comics platform. Topics discussed include the launch of Webtoon Unscrolled, a U.S.-based imprint, the diversity of genres on Webtoon, and the impact of webcomics on traditional publishing.

The article discusses the increasing trend of comics publishers investing in more sophisticated multiplatform storytelling. It focuses on the overlap between gamers and graphic novel readers, and how comics adaptations of video games are aiming to convert players into new readers. It also discusses the growth of both the video game and comic book markets and how publishers are creating adaptations that go beyond traditional tie-ins and strategy guides.

The article offers information on the challenges faced by librarians in defending comics and graphic novels against book bans and censorship. Despite legal victories and growing public support against censorship, librarians who advocate for the right to read comics face harassment and fatigue, with some leaving the profession due to safety concerns.

The article focuses on the state of manga sales, which remain high but appear to be leveling off after a period of unprecedented growth. Topics include the decline in mega-hit series, publishers looking toward digital innovations and global models for future growth, and the question of whether sales will stay at an elevated point or decrease in a contractive cycle.

TOP 10 And Now I Spill the Family Secrets: An Illustrated Memoir Margaret Kimball. HarperOne, Apr. 20 ($18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-300744-4) Kimball maps unspoken territory, circling around her mother's [...]

The article focuses on the recovery of comics retailers from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic with record sales and growth in its revenues. Topics include the booksellers experienced rise in comics sales, the challenges faced in managing the store after the pandemic; and downfall in graphic novel sales.

Comics Plus and Hoopla are digital lending platforms that are becoming increasingly popular for the discovery and circulation of graphic novels in libraries. Comics Plus primarily serves school libraries, while Hoopla focuses on public libraries. Comics Plus allows multiple patrons to check out the same book simultaneously, making it ideal for book clubs and community reads. Hoopla offers a wide range of comics, manga, and graphic novels, including popular titles from Marvel and DC. These digital platforms not only provide access to a diverse collection of graphic novels but also offer valuable data on readers' preferences and trends. [Extracted from the article]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including comics and graphic novels, along with mentions about submissions and selections of books.

The article offers information on the global webcomics market which is expected to grow from 7.36 billion dollars in 2021 to 11.12 billion dollars in 2028, at a compound annual growth rate of 6.1 percent. It discusses that Webcomics are gaining steam in the U.S., but they've long been incredibly popular in South Korea, where Webtoon and some other mobile webcomics publishers are based; and mentions comment from Emmett Hobbes, creator of the queer/heist Webtoon comic Royale.

The article discusses Alan Moore's short story collection, Illuminations, and the process of its creation. The author, Leah Moore, asked a representative to have a conversation with Alan Moore about the collection, which was later published. Alan Moore describes the book as an "outrageous fantasy" that draws inspiration from London's spectral low-life figures and the idea of a hidden world. The article also mentions the collaboration between the U.K. and U.S. teams in selecting the illustrator, art direction, and cover design for the book. [Extracted from the article]

"Spilled Ink (Drawing Blood #1)" is a rollicking action-comedy comic book written by Kevin Eastman, cocreator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, with David Avallone and art by Ben Bishop. The story follows Shane "Books" Bookman, a once-rising comics superstar who falls from grace due to reckless spending and bad business decisions. As Bookman battles his internal demons, personified as the Ragdolls, he finds himself in debt and targeted by the Russian mob. The comic explores themes of depravity and redemption, with dynamic art by Bishop that emphasizes both pathos and humor. Diehard Ninja Turtle fans will appreciate the Easter eggs from Eastman's biography, while casual readers will be drawn in by the aspirational and cautionary saga. [Extracted from the article]

Sarah Leavitt's book, Something, Not Nothing, explores her grief over her partner's medically assisted suicide through diary comics. Leavitt explains that journaling was important for her grieving process because it helped her remember and process her emotions. In the early stages of grief, Leavitt used fragmented questions and abstract forms in her comics to convey the strangeness and rawness of her emotions. She emphasizes the importance of discussing the book and grief, as well as exploring the creative possibilities of comics in expressing grief. [Extracted from the article]

"Thorn: The Complete Proto-Bone College Strips 1982-1986, and Other Early Drawings" by Jeff Smith is a collection of Smith's college comic strip, originally published in the Ohio State University paper The Lantern. The strip shares similarities with Smith's later fantasy series Bone, but also includes topical characters that did not make the transition. The strip features anachronistic references, fourth-wall-breaking humor, and nods to classic cartoons. The book includes extras such as childhood artwork, story sketches, an interview with Smith, and an essay by Derf Backderf. While the collection serves as a blueprint for Bone, it also stands on its own with its charm. [Extracted from the article]

Penguin Random House (PRH) has announced its acquisition of comic book and graphic novel publisher Boom! Studios. The deal is set to be finalized in the summer, with Boom! becoming part of Random House Worlds. Boom! founder and chairman Ross Richie will be leaving the company, and the Los Angeles office will be overseen by director of strategy Jen Harned. Boom! has had success with its licensing program, securing deals with popular franchises such as Dark Crystal, Dune, and Power Rangers, as well as creating its own successful series like BRZRKR and Lumberjanes. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents information related to writer Charlie Stickney. It describes how he envisioned and created his place in the comic books industry in the U.S. through Kickstarter campaign or crowd funding and created White Ash, a fantasy-romance comic book series. Comment of Stickney regarding his partnership with Scout Comics is also given. It refers to Stickney's new project, a spinoff of the White Ash series.

40 Men and 12 Rifles: Indochina 1954 Marcelino Truong, trans, by David Homel. Arsenal Pulp, Oct. 3 ($28.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-55152-923-3) Truong (Saigon Calling) follows up his family memoirs [...]

Carthago: Kane Christophe Bee and Ennio Buffi, trans, by Montana Kane. Humanoids, Oct. 24 ($19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64337-9104) A merman and other monsters emerge from the depths of the [...]

The article offers information on the role of several publishers. It mentions that Beaming Books publishes children's titles that help kids thrive emotionally, socially, and spiritually. It also mentions that Book Industry Charitable Foundation's core program helps employees and owners of bookstores and comics shops with unforeseen emergency financial needs pertaining to housing.

In this article, booksellers discuss comics' resurgence in 2021 and how strong sales were hindered by supply chain issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It mentions that packaging elements for single issues of serialized comics, such as bags and boards designed for floppy comics to protect each in a slipcase supported by a cardboard insert were in short supply.

This article explores the growth and acceptance of graphic novels in the North American book industry over the past 25 years. It discusses how the transition from monthly comic books to book formats has influenced storytelling and sales, with middle grade and young adult graphic novels dominating bestseller lists. The article also highlights the increasing popularity of diverse genres and the role of factors such as librarians, the internet, and the influence of manga in driving the growth of graphic novels. It mentions the significant sales figures of $1.28 billion in North America and the role of Publishers Weekly in promoting and reviewing graphic novels. [Extracted from the article]

Jeff Trexler, lawyer and interim director of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, discusses the challenges that libraries face in keeping comics on their shelves. He highlights the tactic used by challengers, who claim they are not banning books because they can still be found in retail stores or public libraries. Trexler explains that this argument can be persuasive to some judges, leading to a dismissal of the case. He also emphasizes the broader impact of these challenges, which can create a stigma around certain books and themes. Trexler specifically mentions the issue of graphic novels and manga being targeted by some school districts, leading to a potential ban on all graphic novels. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the trend of graphic novels being inspired by movies and vice versa. It highlights upcoming graphic novels that tie in with new movie releases, such as Dune and Godzilla. The article also mentions the boost in sales that manga publishers hope to receive from U.S. theatrical releases of tie-in anime films. Overall, this article provides library patrons with information about the intersection of comics and movies, catering to diverse interests and perspectives. [Extracted from the article]

"How It All Ends" by Emma Hunsinger is a children's/YA book that follows thirteen-year-old Tara Gimmel as she navigates high school after being enrolled in a special academic program. Tara quickly realizes that high school is not like the teen dramas she's watched and is faced with new challenges. The book uses rich red hues to depict Tara's internal monologue and incorporates cartoon illustrations to alternate between her real life and thoughts. Hunsinger explores the experience of feeling inexperienced and out of place in a vibrant and comedic way. [Extracted from the article]

Aidan Koch's book "Spiral and Other Stories" is a collection of four meditative and visually striking stories that explore themes of human instability and the natural rhythms of the world. The title story follows a nameless female protagonist as she contemplates the unknown future while observing the convergence of two rivers. In "A New Year," a village decorates the forest to honor a sacred tree. Water imagery is also present in "The Forest" and "Man Made Lake," where a patient describes their past life as a sea creature. Koch's minimalist and softly colored illustrations focus on small details, creating a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on the 2022 New York Comic Con (NYCC), which was held at Javits Center in Manhattan, New York City, from 6 October to 9 October, 2022. It highlighting the dominance of manga and anime at the event; the strong presence of graphic novels and manga in the comics industry; the impact of this trend on bookstores and comic shops; and publishers showcasing a variety of genres and licensed properties, while also addressing issues such as censorship in comics.

The Netflix adaption of Neil Gaiman's Sandman comics, centered on Morpheus, the personification of dreams, dropped August 5. The 10-episode arc, which covers issues #1--#16 of the 75-issue series, shot [...]

Dwellings is a horror anthology drawn in the style of 1960s kids comic books. The author, Stephens, explains that the project came about during the pandemic when they were unable to work on their usual kid-friendly projects due to the closure of schools and libraries. They decided to combine their love for horror with their cute drawing style, inspired by classic American kid comics like Casper and Wendy. The author also mentions their influences from cute-scary manga and films like "The Innocents." The book has gained popularity due to its unique combination of cuteness and horror, which disarms readers before shocking them. [Extracted from the article]

A new publishing partnership between Oni Press and the family of William M. Gaines has brought back EC Comics, a renowned and boundary-pushing comics publisher. EC Comics, known for its Tales from the Crypt series and for launching Mad magazine, focused on various genres such as crime fiction, horror, satire, and science fiction. After a conflict with the Comics Code Authority, EC Comics had to close its business between 1954 and 1956. Oni Press, along with Gaines's daughter and grandson, will relaunch EC Comics with two new series this summer and plans to release at least two new series monthly. Notable comic writers like Jason Aaron, Brian Azzarello, and Matt Kindt have been enlisted for future projects. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the impact of strikes by Writers Guild of America, WGA and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, SAG-AFTRA at San Diego Comic-Con disrupted big media panels but allowed comic publishers and cartoonists to shine, leading to higher comic book sales and record attendance at comic-related panels. With the focus back on comics, publishers benefited from increased customer traffic and engagement at the event.

This fall's graphic novels dig deep into memoir, exploring lives as diverse as those of a child in Libya, a garbageman in Ohio, and a woman with breast cancer. Throw [...]

Updated takes on traditional adventure genres are big this season, displaying the kind of worldbuilding that comics do best. Image, home to a superstar lineup of comics talents, fields some [...]

The article discusses public libraries in the U.S. are looking for new ways to support graphic novels amid the Covid-19 pandemic after facing closures and budget shortfalls. It mentions that Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table (GNCRT) has established a resource page for finding comics online and a webinar program under the hash tag #LibComixOnline; and public librarians are already bracing for budget cuts according to Alea Perez of GNCRT.

A debut novel by the screenwriter of Jurassic Park narrates a wild and terrifying adventure about three strangers who must work together to contain a highly contagious, deadly organism. This novel of glamour, sex, and adventure portrays a young woman discovering that she doesn't have to be a good girl to be a good person. A debut coming-of-age novel about dysfunctional families, good and bad choices, and finding the courage to question everything one ever wanted. The Magic Tree House transports Jack and Annie to an opulent palace in 18thcentury Europe to attend a party. The novel tells the adventure of the Spanish warrior, El Cid, who was forced into exile. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on the initiatives of the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table (GNCRT) in rebuilding programming and networking at live events, establishing a Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant to support librarian attendance at conferences, and addressing challenges in organizing comics data at the Library of Congress.