Categories
The Stack

A Happy Tuesday to You, Too

Well, it’s another week, nerd friends! I know we’re all very busy, but I hope you can take at least a moment to soak in all these new comics.

Bookish Goods

A box of stackable crayons with onomatopoeias on top

24 pcs Superhero Text Stackable Crayon with Stamp Topper by paulandlucyshop

Each of these stackable crayons contains ten colors AND a stamp on top! Comes in 12- and 24-packs. $13+

New Releases

Pusheen the Cat's Guide to Everything cover

Pusheen the Cat’s Guide to Everything by Claire Belton

You’d be hard-pressed to find a cuter cat in comics than Pusheen! In this latest collection, Pusheen will teach you how to be lazy, how to fit in(to boxes and bowls), how to do arts and crafts, and so much more!

Helck Vol 1 cover

Helck Volume One by Nanaki Nanao

In the mood to try a new manga this new year? Join Helck on his quest to win a competition to become the new Demon Lord — despite being a human, and despite the fact that certain demons are not pleased at the prospect of being ruled by him! One thing is for sure: human-demon relations will never be the same…and they weren’t all that great to begin with.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: climate change. It’s real, it’s happening now, and these two comics use it as a backdrop for some thoughtful, exciting stories.

Rewild cover

Rewild by Devin Grayson and Yana Adamovic

If fairies existed, what would they think of the way humankind has brought the world to the brink of disaster? The answer, according to Rewild, is “not well.” Demond, an ordinary human, finds himself tasked with building a new park to shelter the angry fae. Will his efforts be enough to appease the fae and save his city?

Eve cover

Eve by Victor LaValle and Jo Mi-Gyeong

With the world all but destroyed by climate change, young Eve was raised in a virtual reality that shielded her from the much less pleasant real world. But then she snaps out of it and must embark on a journey to rescue her father — and, in the process, learn about the world she has never had a chance to be a part of.

A white and brown Havanese lying on the floor and looking up at the camera

So we don’t end on a complete downer, here’s a picture of my dog Poppy looking adorable as she refuses to get out of her pen for a walk!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

The Stack Is Afoot

Greetings, nerd friends! It’s time to investigate some great new comics, so I hope you’re ready!

Bookish Goods

A colorful birthday invitation featuring superhero logos and doodles of the heroes themselves

Superhero Birthday Invite by DoguPartyEvents

These digital downloads allow you to create customized, superhero-themed invitations for your — I mean, your child’s — next birthday party! $15

New Releases

My Love Mix-Up! Vol 6 cover

My Love Mix-Up! Volume Six by Wataru Hinekure and Aruko

This adorable series of romantic shenanigans continues as Aoki gets a job so he can afford a nice birthday present for his boyfriend, Ida. His plans hit a wall when Ida says he doesn’t want Aoki spending all of his hard-earned money on him!

Monkey Prince Vol 1 cover

Monkey Prince Volume One: Enter the Monkey by Gene Luen Yang and Bernard Chang

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get into Monkey Prince, DC’s (self-proclaimed) greatest hero, now’s your chance! In this introductory volume, you’ll find out how Marcus Sun, the ordinary son of petty criminals, becomes the most daring, dashing hero of them all!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: Sherlock Holmes! It is allegedly the great detective’s birthday on January 6, so here are two comics that draw inspiration from his adventures.

Enola Holmes The Graphic Novels Book One cover

Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novels, Book One by Serena Blasco (Translated by Tanya Gold)

The Enola Holmes novels by Nancy Springer have been getting a lot of attention lately, thanks to the Netflix series of the same name. But you can enjoy those same adventures in graphic novel format too! This volume contains three complete mysteries.

Watson and Holmes A Study in Black cover

Watson and Holmes: A Study in Black by Karl Bollers, Rick Leonardi, and Larry Stroman

This creative graphic novel reimagines the titular characters as Black men in modern-day Harlem. But the old formula is instantly recognizable: a bizarre crime, a client that few others care about, and two dissimilar men willing to risk a great deal to bring justice to those who need it most — and who find an unexpectedly fulfilling friendship along the way.

Enjoy the rest of your week! I hope this first week of 2023 has treated you gently.

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Hello, 2023!

Ah, a fresh new year, here at last! Did you make any wishes or resolutions? All I want is more comics and more time to read them. I mean, just look at the great new comics coming out this week!

Bookish Goods

A man modeling a flesh-colored gaiter with a drawing of an anime-style nose and mouth on it

GUY #2 Anime Mouth neck gaiter by ClayGrahamArt

Stay warm this winter with this anime-inspired gaiter. You’re sure to get a lot of double-takes when you wear this one! $20

New Releases

Blue Box Vol 2 cover

Blue Box Volume Two by Kouji Miura

Taiki loves badminton, Chinatsu loves basketball, and they both love each other. Can they strike the right balance between their romance and their athletic ambitions, especially now that Taiki is closer than ever to his dream of reaching the nationals?

Predator The Original Years Omnibus cover

Predator: The Original Years Omnibus Volume One by Various Creators

Predator fans rejoice! Now you can read all of the early comics adventures featuring these terrifying assassins in one place. You’ll learn all about the Predators’ history here on Earth, the brave humans who have tried to fight them, and a whole lot more in this ultimate collection. Collecting comics from a wide range of writers and artists, this is a great book for horror fans.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: robots! Has any “gadget” captured our imagination like robots? Here are some comics that explore humanity’s relationship with, to paraphrase Douglas Adams, our plastic pals who are fun to be with.

The Amazing Screw-On Head cover

The Amazing Screw-On Head and Other Curious Objects by Mike Mignola and Dave Stewart

This hardcover anniversary edition reprints the story of The Amazing Screw-On Head, the only entity that can stop the evil Emperor Zombie’s world domination plans. Can our hero successfully complete this most important of missions?

the cover of Mech Cadet Yu, showingan illustration of a gigantic robot standing in the desert, holding a young boy in the palm of his hand

Mech Cadet Yu by Greg Pak, Takeshi Miyazawa, and Triona Farrell

A boy and his robot — is there any more wholesome basis for a story? Stanford is a young janitor who in no way should have been able to bond with a space robot and join the elite Sky Corps Academy. And yet that’s exactly what happened. Now Stanford and his mech must gain the skills and trust they need to defend Earth from a terrible, intergalactic threat…

What a fun start to the new year, huh? I won’t jinx it by saying what a great year 2023 is sure to be, but if nothing else, we’ll have plenty of great stuff to read!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Goodbye, 2022!

“And good riddance,” I imagine a lot of you just added to that title. Still, it is sometimes nice to look back on things we’ve enjoyed in the past, and that’s what we’ll do with today’s new releases…

Bookish Goods

An enamel pin of the Flash eating an oversized bowel of ramen noodles

Superhero Ramen Enamel Pin by ElliJewelryStore

What’s better than a superhero? A superhero eating ramen! This is the perfect accessory for Flash and/or noodle fans. $6

New Releases

Berserk Deluxe Vol 12 cover

Berserk Deluxe Volume Twelve by Kentaro Miura, translated by Duane Johnson

If you’re a fan of Berserk, the dark fantasy manga that follows the adventures of two mercenaries, you should know about these hardcover deluxe editions. Collecting Volumes 34-36, this beloved series has never looked better!

My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic #1 10th Anniversary Edition cover

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic #1: 10th Anniversary Edition by Katie Cook and Andy Price

Aaaand on the opposite end of the spectrum, did you know this is the tenth anniversary of the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic comic? Celebrate with this special tenth anniversary edition, now available in digital format for the first time. It features all available covers, a creator interview, and a brand-new story!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: goodbyes! We’re bidding farewell to a year, and these characters must prepare to part with someone close to them.

Good-Bye Stacey, Good-Bye cover

Good-bye Stacey, Good-bye by Ann M. Martin and Gabriela Epstein

You’d be hard-pressed to find a closer group of friends than the Baby-Sitters Club. But when Stacey announces she is moving away, all of the girls must learn how to cope with losing a friend — and figure out how to show their appreciation for each other before Stacey leaves.

Umma's Table cover

Umma’s Table by Yeon-sik Hong, translated by Janet Hong

Madang was looking forward to starting a new life as an artist, husband, and father. But his parents, including his dying mother, keep pulling him back into the past, especially the wonderful meals they once shared. And so he plans a family dinner at which they can all enjoy each other’s company, one last time.

Hard to believe this is the last 2022 edition of the Stack! I’ve enjoyed being able to write this newsletter for you all, and I look forward to bringing you more comics news and goodies next year. Catch you on the flip side, nerd friends!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Comics for You and Your Fluffy Friends

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Festivus, all of the above, or nothing at all, I hope you had a great week! Now we can look forward to the new year — and these new comics, of course.

Bookish Goods

Four crocheted dolls of Spider-Man, Hulk, Black Panther, Captain America

Handmade Super Hero Dolls Crochet by AmiworkshopbyTN

Who’s your favorite Marvel character? Now you can get them in adorable, cuddly, crocheted form! $18+

New Releases

Mary Anne's Bad Luck Mystery cover

Mary Anne’s Bad Luck Mystery by Ann M. Martin and Cynthia Yuan Cheng

The latest addition to The Baby-Sitters Club graphic novel series, this book follows Mary Anne as she contends with a spate of bad fortune. Is it linked to the chain letter she threw away, or is it all just an unfortunate coincidence? Is she courageous enough to find out?

Catwoman Lonely City cover

Catwoman: Lonely City by Cliff Chiang

If Batman died, what would happen to Gotham City — and to Catwoman? This enthralling comic follows Selina Kyle, just out of prison, as she explores a city oppressed by its mayor and fresh out of heroes. Along the way, she will pursue the answer to questions that have long plagued her: where is the Batcave, and what’s in it?

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: animal friends! I’ll be honest: I was hoping the Gävle Goat would have burned down by now. But since it hasn’t as of this writing, let’s honor that plucky fellow with some comics about loyal animal companions.

Bounce Back cover

Bounce Back by Misako Rocks!

Starting over in a new country is never easy. Fortunately, young Lilico, who has just moved from Japan to America, has help from not only her human friends but also Nico, a “guardian spirit” who takes the form of an adorable cat. Lilico might just find her place in the world yet!

Rainbow Bridge cover

Rainbow Bridge by Steve Orlando, Steve Foxe, and Valentina Brancati

After his beloved dog Rocket passes away, fourteen-year-old Andy is devastated. Then an ordinary graveside visit turns into an epic adventure through a pets-only afterlife, and Andy will get one last chance to be with Rocket — and help him take care of unfinished business. This is an exciting, healing read for dog lovers of all ages.

If you’ve got a pet, give them a cuddle for me!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Have You Aired Your Grievances Yet?

Well, get ready, because tomorrow is Festivus! My grievances mostly involve math — why is it so hard?! And yet we will be honoring math later in this newsletter, so stay tuned…

Bookish Goods

A closed coloring book featuring a cute pink-haired girl sitting on a large, three-eyed cat surrounded by round bat-like creatures

Pop Manga Cute and Creepy Coloring Book by TheCamillaStore

If you’re looking for a way to beat the holiday stress, this manga-inspired coloring book might be right for you. Just look at those evil bunnies! $16

New Releases

No Guns Life Vol 13 cover

No Guns Life Volume Thirteen by Tasuku Karasuma

In this final volume of the series, Juzo Inui, a soldier whose head was replaced with a gun by people he has yet to identify, must confront a villain intent on erasing his memories — and those of every soldier like him. Can an old cyborg-soldier like him ever hope for a happy ending?

Star Wars War of the Bounty Hunters cover

Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters by Various Creators

In the mood for another epic, sprawling Star Wars adventure? This massive book collects 850+ pages of comics about lots of your favorite characters, all with one goal in mind: to claim a frozen-in-carbonite Han Solo for themselves, either for profit or to save his life. Who will end up winning the “prize,” and will Han ever be freed?

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: math! It’s National Mathematics Day in India, which honors the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, a brilliant mathematician who did a bunch of math stuff that goes over my (and almost everyone else’s) head. Let’s get into the spirit of things with these math-y comics!

The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage cover

The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage by Sydney Padua

In real life, Ada Lovelace built on Charles Babbage’s work to create what is now recognized as the first-ever computer program. But in this fun comic, the two team up to build computers and fight crime in Victorian London!

The Lost Key cover

The Lost Key: A Mystery with Whole Numbers by Melinda Thielbar and Tintin Pantoja

Part of the “Manga Math Mysteries” series, this adventure follows Amy, Adam, Sam, and Joy, all students at Sifu Faiza’s Kung Fu Academy. When their gear and the key to the school go missing, the quartet must use all of their math skills to catch the thief! While the series is aimed at kids, anyone looking to brush up on basic math skills can enjoy it.

That’s it for me until next Tuesday. Don’t hurt yourself on those Feats of Strength, now!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Let This Newsletter Cool Before Reading

Hanukkah started on Sunday night, so chag sameach to you!

In the meantime, there are still lots of new comics-related topics to cover, so let’s get cracking, shall we?

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 white t-shirt with an image of the Thing's head and his catchphrase: "It's clobberin' time!"

It’s Clobberin’ Time: The Thing, Fantastic Four T-shirt by JennyArtDesignShop

The Thing is one of Marvel’s most famous Jewish characters. Now you can have him on a t-shirt, sweatshirt, or hoodie! $16

New Releases

Monstress Book Two cover

Monstress Book Two by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda

In the first book, you met Maika, a teenage girl with a secret past, and Zinn, the monster hidden away inside of her. Now, they must continue to explore their connection as they navigate a war-scarred world on the brink of yet another conflict.

Justice League vs the Legion of Super-Heroes cover

Justice League vs. the Legion of Super-Heroes by Brian Michael Bendis and Scott Godlewski

The Justice League are the 21st century’s greatest heroes. The Legion, following in their footsteps, have become the greatest protectors of the 31st century. When they join forces, surely not even a threat as terrible as the Great Darkness stands a chance…or so we hope. The only way to find out for sure is to read this comic!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: baking! Whether you’re whipping up sufganiyot for Hanukkah or cookies for Santa, baking is a big part of many people’s holiday season — and of these comics.

Batter Royale cover

Batter Royale by Leisl Adams

Rose is “just” a teenage waitress, but she bakes well enough to score herself and her friend Fred a spot on a competitive baking show. When they get there, they realize that winning may be more dangerous than they thought. Can these best pals survive and triumph in the unforgiving world of reality television?

cover of Crumbs by Danie Stirling; illustrations of a young Black woman leaning in to kiss a person with short dark hair

Crumbs by Danie Stirling

Marigold’s Bakery doesn’t just serve up baked goodies: their treats can also make your dreams come true! When Ray meets Laurie, a musically inclined barista, it seems like her wish for a sweet romance has finally been fulfilled. Can they navigate their new love while also pursuing their professional goals?

Well, now I want cake. As I am not as talented or as patient as the bakers in these comics, I’ll have to settle for whatever I bought from the supermarket last weekend…

~Eileen

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