Turns out the answer is “los cómics.” Boy, this language-learning stuff sure is easy!
2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!
Bookish Goods
Wham Comic Book Sound Tote Bag by BrightFutureHeirloom
“WHAM” might also be the sound this bag will make when you belt anyone foolish enough to try to steal it from you — but let’s hope you don’t have to find out. $27+
New Releases
Bëorn: The Littlest Viking Saga by Ben Bender
Bëorn wants what any Viking would want: adventure on the high seas and the chance to hoard lots of treasure! The only difference is that he’s a lot smaller than most Vikings. Still, when he learns about a magical island, he won’t let anything stop him on his quest for fame and fortune!
Jean Grey: Flames of Fear by Louise Simonson and Bernard Chang
Jean Grey is one of the most powerful heroes in the universe — and one of the most troubled. As both a founding member of the X-Men and a harbinger of destruction, she knows it is her duty to save others, but first, she will have to reexamine pivotal events from her own past…and challenge her own memories of them as well.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!
Riot Recommendations
Today’s Riot Rec theme is: translations! Thanks to the mystical art of translating, you can enjoy these comics from other countries in English.
Us by Sara Soler, Translated by Silvia Perea Labayen
In this graphic memoir, Sara tells the story of her romance with her partner, Diana, a trans woman. When Diana came out, it made both women realize that they were not who they’d always thought they were — but that they still loved each other very much. It’s a fun, lovable look at one queer couple’s journey to self-acceptance.
Okinawa by Susumu Higa, Translated by Jocelyne Allen
This manga covers the long, tragic history of Okinawa’s occupation, which continues to this day as the U.S. military maintains bases there against the islanders’ wishes. It was written and illustrated by a native Okinawan whose love and respect for the island’s traditions shine through in even the most painful panels.
There are a lot of downsides to the internet, but isn’t it great that the internet makes it so easy to find and access stories like these from all over the world? I think that’s pretty neat!
~Eileen