Pride Month will probably look different for a lot of us this year, given the worsening political climate in America, Russia, Uganda, and other countries. But that’s why we need Pride Month more than ever: to give us a chance to celebrate who we are, remember where we have come from, and look forward to the day when things are even better.
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Bookish Goods
Fire Demon Apron by BrightMoonCove
What would make a better cooking companion than actual fire? (Well, a lot of things, probably, but still.) You can personalize it, too! $40
New Releases
Star Trek: The Mirror War by Scott Tipton, David Tipton, and Gavin Smith
In a dark and twisted version of the familiar, optimistic Star Trek universe, the Empire — the mirror version of the Federation — is in trouble. They have been all but conquered by the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance, but they still have an ace up their sleeve: Captain Picard, who leads a fleet of starships to protect what remains of the once-proud Empire.
Gatsby by Jeremy Holt and Felipe Cunha
Who wants a retelling of The Great Gatsby about a Singaporean student whose wealthy cousin drags him into all of the worst things America has to offer, from illegal drugs to murder? The real question is, who wouldn’t want all that? And this comic, the latest in the adaptation flood unleashed when Fitzgerald’s novel hit the public domain, will give it to you in spades.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!
Riot Recommendations
Today’s Riot Rec theme is: identity! We all struggle with our identity in different ways. These comics show that it is perfectly normal to spend a long time, even years, asking the tough questions to figure out who you are — and who you want to be.
Come Home, Indio by Jim Terry
Terry has always felt caught between two worlds: that of his Indigenous family, and that of his non-native classmates. Eventually, unable to deal with it any longer, he starts drinking. It would take a long time — and the discovery of a new life purpose at the Standing Rock protests — for Terry to find his way in the world.
Fine: A Comic About Gender by Rhea Ewing
While wrestling with their own gender identity, Ewing started to wonder: is anyone really happy with their gender? Does anyone even know what “gender” means? This comic documents the thoughtful, fascinating, sometimes surprising responses Ewing received from the many people they posed these questions to.
Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, remember that you’re pretty great just as you are. Maybe it doesn’t always feel like it, but it’s still true. And don’t you forget it!
~Eileen