Categories
The Stack

No Planes or Supermen Here

Hey, all, happy Tuesday! It may still be winter here, but we are inching ever closer to spring and all of the bugs and allergies it brings. I prefer winter, is what I’m saying. But in any case, at least we can enjoy our comics all year round!

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

A gray hoodie with two superimposed silhouettes of the Falcon. The word "Falcon" is printed underneath

Falcon/Sam Wilson Hoodie by SimplisticGeek

Just the thing to keep you snuggly warm for the rest of the winter! Pick from nine different colors (red seems appropriate!) and multiple sizes. $33+

New Releases

Xino cover

XINO by Various Creators

This anthology collection allows a wide range of creators to explore dystopian worlds of all kinds from many different angles. Whether it’s giving prehistoric man access to advanced technology or journeying to the far reaches of our understanding in search of new universes and dimensions, this book explores the uncomfortable and the surreal in all its forms.

Brobots cover

Brobots: The Complete Collection by J. Torres and Sean Dove

When Brotown is in trouble, who do they call? Brothers Panchi, Kouro, and Joukei, who are committed to helping each other and their community — and who also happen to be robots! Now, you can own all of the brothers’ fun and exciting adventures in a single volume that comes with extra bonus material.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: birds! Maybe don’t watch any Hitchcock movies before picking up these comics…

The Gullfather Birdsy Seagull cover

The Gullfather: Birdsy Seagull by Jeff Sikaitis and Jake Wheeler

Birdsy Seagull and his gang are determined to rule Shoretown with an iron wing (or have a nice lunch and take a nap, whatever is easier). But when the local humans start stepping out of line, can this band of misfits and layabouts get it together in time to protect what is theirs?

The Flamingo cover

The Flamingo by Guojing

Through stunningly beautiful illustrations and almost no words, this comic depicts a young girl’s magical visit with her grandmother. Shortly after arriving, she finds a flamingo feather with an amazing story attached to it — a story that will bring grandmother and granddaughter closer together.

I have to fly off now, but I’ll be back on Thursday with more comics for you to feather your nest with!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Time to Get Your Squee On

There are lots of ways to be a comics fan. Some people are devoted to learning all the ins and outs of superhero comics, while others pick up only the occasional TPB at the bookstore. Any way is just fine! I hope you find something to squeal over in the comics featured below.

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

A long white frame in which six sample comics are displayed, side by side

Comic Book Frame White Mat by CustomPictureFrames1

If you’ve got exactly six issues that you think would look great together, this is the frame for you. You can even customize it by color and by the size of the comics you want to hang! $102

New Releases

Racc Pack cover

The Racc Pack by Stephanie Cooke and Whitney Gardner

Dusty, Scraps, and ReRe Bins are a family of raccoons (one of whom is definitely NOT an opossum) who make their living scavenging through dumpsters. But when a new, anti-raccoon dumpster hits the market, can they band together to pull off a big score?

Zodiac cover

Zodiac by Ai Weiwei, Elettra Stamboulis, and Gianluca Costantini

In this unique memoir, renowned artist and activist Ai Weiwei uses the graphic form to explore what comics meant to him growing up in the restrictive atmosphere imposed by China’s Cultural Revolution. It is a beautifully rendered and sadly timely reminder of the importance of artistic freedom.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: fangirls! Fangirls tend to get a bad rap from Certain People, but I think we’re pretty great, and so do these comics!

If My Favorite Pop Idol Made it to the Budokan I Would Die Vol 1 cover

If My Favorite Pop Idol Made it to the Budokan, I Would Die Volume One by Auri Hirao

Cham Jam is a pop group with plenty of fans — except for poor Maina, the group’s least popular member. His only fan is Eripiyo, whose extreme devotion to Maina puts her in debt and sets her apart from the other Cham Jam fangirls. But does Eripiyo care? Nope!

Fangirl Vol 1 cover

Fangirl Volume One: The Manga by Rainbow Rowell and Gabi Nam, Adapted by Sam Maggs

Based on Rowell’s novel, this series follows Cath and Wren, twin sisters who were both big fans of the TV series Simon Snow. But while Wren grew out of it, Cath still obsessively writes fanfiction and eschews social interaction, even after starting college. Increasingly isolated, Cath will have to figure out how — and if — fandom fits into her new life.

Ah, another week of Stacks stacked. See you again next Tuesday, nerd friends!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Say “Comics!”

Hey, nerd friends, did you know this is National News Literacy Week? It’s a great time for everyone to think about how they consume and share media and how important it is to verify what you read online — especially if it’s something you agree with!

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

A spiral of enamel pins, each featuring a different Ghibli character

Miyazaki Enamel Pin Set by BellonaJewelryStore

Look at how cute these pins are! You can also get the same designs as laptop stickers. $4

New Releases

In Utero cover

In Utero by Chris Gooch

Feeling out of place at camp is bad enough, but when that camp is located in an abandoned mall haunted by unspeakable horrors? Things really couldn’t get much worse. Join Hailey and her only friend, Jen, as they try to figure out — and stop — what is going on.

Witch Life in a Micro Room Vol 1 cover

Witch Life in a Micro Room, Volume One by Akitaka

Lilika and Madge get along pretty well — which is good because the only place these aspiring witches can afford to live is a single, itty-bitty “micro room!” But even that isn’t enough to get them down: they are determined to work their way up in the world by working together.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: photography! It’s only tangentially related to News Literacy Week, but in the age of AI, deep fakes, and photo manipulation, it doesn’t hurt to remember to double-check whatever it is you’re looking at.

Unretouchable cover

Unretouchable by Sofia Szamosi

Olive, a high school student, is thrilled to get an internship in the fashion industry, where her job is to digitally alter and retouch photos. But after a while, her constant quest for “perfection” in her work drives her to feel dissatisfied with her own body — and, ultimately, to reevaluate her relationship with herself, her career, and the technology that is used to make people feel bad about themselves.

Speed Grapher Vol 1 cover

Speed Grapher ,Volume One by Tomozo

Set for release in April of this year, this manga follows Saiga, a war photographer who is now working undercover in a shady club. There, he meets and tries to rescue a teen girl named Kagura, but at a price: at a touch from her, Saiga can no longer photograph anyone unless he is willing to accept that they are condemned to die as soon as he takes the shot!

A white Havanese looks into the camera, her front paws balanced on the frame of an unmade bed

Safe internet travels, everybody! I leave you with this photo of Poppy, who I happen to think is very photogenic.

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Do Not Eat the Science or the Comics

Welcome back to my humble newsletter, nerd friends! The world of comics has continued to move forward since our last meeting, so let’s get caught up right now.

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

A person holds up a throw blanket featuring images of vintage horror and mystery comic book covers

Retro Comic Book Blanket by TheMadMetalhead

If you’re looking for a horror-ble way to stay warm this winter, try this blanket! $75

New Releases

Rogue and Gambit Power Play cover

Rogue & Gambit: Power Play by Stephanie Phillips and Carlos Gómez

Rogue and Gambit’s marriage is on the rocks (and so are the many drinks that Gambit keeps imbibing). The last thing they need right now is to deal with a new super-threat, yet here they are, trying to figure out if they should go it alone or relearn what made their partnership so great in the first place!

Send Them a Farewell Gift for the Lost Time cover

Send Them a Farewell Gift for the Lost Time by Cocomi

The paperwork edition of this adults-only tale is out now! Naurse knows his relationship with Toui, a handsome but unreliable novelist, isn’t working for either of them anymore. But walking away isn’t working either. Whether they find a way to move on for good or to make their romance work, they will have to work together to find a solution.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: science! Okay, so there’s the stereotypical “mad scientist” supervillain, but there are plenty of other ways for comics to explore the amazing world of science!

cover image of The Curie Society by Heather Einhorn, Adam Staffaroni and Janet Harvey

The Curie Society by Heather Einhorn, Adam Staffaroni, Janet Harvey, and Sonia Liao

The eponymous group consists of young women dedicated to making the world safe for female scientists — and from dastardly villains who would use their scientific knowledge for evil! The sequel, Eris Eternal, is due out this March, so keep an eye out!

Clockwork Curandera Vol 1 cover

Clockwork Curandera Volume One: The Witch Owl Parliament by David Bowles and Raúl the Third

Combining magic with science, Enrique brings his murdered sister Cristina back to life despite the “magic” part being very much banned in their country. Can they find Cristina’s killers and save their country from a vicious, totalitarian plot?

See you again next Tuesday! In the meantime, have a good weekend, okay?

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

These Comics Are Experts in Beach

Yes, this is me making a Barbie reference a good six months after the movie came out. I only got to see it a couple of weeks ago, so you are going to cut me some slack and just enjoy the Stack!

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

A blue sign shaped like the flash that accompanies a comic book-style onomatopoeia hangs from a wall. The name "Logan" is printed across it in bold yellow letters.

Personalized Comic Book Door Sign by Dream3DPrint

Make your room more exciting with one of these personalized signs! You can pick from a wide range of colors, too. $30

New Releases

Komi Can't Communicate Vol 28 cover

Komi Can’t Communicate Volume Twenty-Eight by Tomohito Oda

In the latest installment of this long-running series, shy Komi has finally started dating Tadano, the boy who is helping her come out of her shell enough to make 100 friends. But can their relationship survive a super-awkward day out with Komi’s dad?

Steel of the Celestial Shadows Vol 1 cover

Steel of the Celestial Shadows Volume One by Daruma Matsuura

Ryudo’s mother’s last wish was for him to be an honorable warrior, but a curse stands in the way, preventing Ryudo from getting near any form of metal, including swords. He decides suicide is the only option — until a mysterious woman saves his life and offers him a new path to greatness and satisfaction.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: the beach! I could have sworn I did this one when I first took over the Stack, but I found no record of it while going through those early newsletters. So here, enjoy some beach time in this sort of cold January weather!

cover image for Goldie Vance vol 1

Goldie Vance by Hope Larson, Brittney Williams, and Sarah Stern

Teenage Goldie wants nothing more than to be the hotel detective at the beach resort her father owns in St. Pascal, Florida. But when a case more complicated than a missing toddler comes her way, are Goldie and her friends up to the challenge?

You Brought Me the Ocean cover

You Brought Me the Ocean by Alex Sanchez and Julie Maroh

Jake Hyde loves the beach, which is a problem when your father drowned and you live in the middle of the desert. As if that wasn’t enough, Jake is pining after the school’s swim captain, but he hasn’t come out to anyone yet, not even his best friend, Maria. Follow the future Aqualad as he learns the truth about his family and himself — and helps others to see the truth, too.

Personally, I prefer reading about the beach to actually going there. But if you do actually enjoy beach time, just hang in there! Winter will be over before you know it.

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Comics That Are Perfectly in Tune

Thursday is one of my favorite days of the week. It’s when I do most of my work on these newsletters, and it’s just a short hop away from the weekend! What are your plans for today (besides reading the Stack, of course)?

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

Two red-and-white car decals with the Stark Industries logo and the words "Research & Development Laboratory, Security Level E." One is for 2022, the other for 2023.

Stark Industries parking decal by GeekWorksCo

I am nowhere near science-minded enough to qualify for a position at Stark Industries R&D, but this decal is a fun way to pretend! $5

New Releases

Black Panther by Eve L. Ewing cover

Black Panther: Reign at Dusk Volume One by Eve L. Ewing and Chris Allen

T’Challa has been deposed as the king of Wakanda, but he has other duties to perform: as Black Panther, he is still his country’s only line of defense against threats of all kinds. And no matter what his people think of him now, T’Challa and his remaining allies will fight to the bitter end for Wakanda!

Order & Outrage cover

Order & Outrage by Jim Starlin and Rags Morales

This chilling sci-fi tale depicts a world where gene manipulation is not just the norm; it is all but required for success in life. And if you can’t afford the treatment? You’re either dead or soon will be. But there’s a rebellion in the works, with a woman known as (or formerly known as) Alexis at the heart of it.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: singing! Singing is a great way to chase away those winter blues. Who cares if you couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket? Little obstacles like that never stopped these characters!

The Hundredth Voice cover

The Hundredth Voice by Caitlin Like

Everyone in Uriel’s family had an amazing singing voice — and every one of them lost that talent at the worst possible time. Meanwhile, Uriel might not even be able to sing in the first place, which poses a problem if he wants to stay at his posh school long enough to help his friends figure out what — or who — is haunting the place!

Garvey's Choice cover

Garvey’s Choice by Nikki Grimes and Theodore Taylor III

In this graphic adaptation of Grimes’s book, you’ll get to know a sweet boy named Garvey, whose father keeps pushing him towards stereotypically masculine pursuits like football. But when Garvey joins the school chorus, he thinks he might have finally found his place in the world — and a way to connect with his dad.

And on that note (lol), I leave you until next Tuesday, nerd friends!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

To Me, My Readers!

Hello again! We’re almost halfway through another week, which means it’s high time we check in with what’s going on in the world of comics.

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

A sharp silver Bat-symbol with the silhouette of Gotham City carved into the bottom. It hangs on a black wall above a desk with a monitor on it.

Gotham Silhouette by AlCanDesignProject

Wouldn’t this stylized Bat-symbol look great on your wall? Pick any color you like! $98

New Releases

lunar new year love story book cover

Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham

Val was not looking for love this Lunar New Year. She — and everyone else in her family — has already tried and failed in pursuit of the seemingly mythical happily-ever-after. But after meeting a pair of lion dancers, Val dares to hope that this year might be different after all…

Break cover

Break by Kayla Miller

The “Click” series continues with Olive grudgingly spending spring break with the father she feels abandoned by. She would much rather be spending that time with her friends, but since that isn’t possible, can Olive find a way to make peace with her situation — and her dad — or is she doomed to a miserable vacation?

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: mutants! In real life, mutations tend to be small and not that exciting. In comics, the sky’s the limit — and sometimes not even that!

SuperMutant Magic Academy cover

SuperMutant Magic Academy by Jillian Tamaki

Growing up is hard enough without having to deal with paranormal abilities and magic at the same time. In this award-winning book, you’ll follow along with the troubled yet intelligent students at a prep school for mutants and other misfits as they tackle problems both mundane and extraordinary.

X-Campus #1 cover

X-Campus by Francesco Artibani and Various Artists

Can’t discuss this topic without bringing in some of the most famous mutants in comics: the X-Men! Since X-Men continuity is a disaster on the best of days, I went with this standalone high school AU, which may be more accessible to newcomers than the mainstream books. Alas, it has never been collected, but all four issues are available on Amazon!

That’s all for today, but don’t worry: in two more days, you and I get to do this all over again. Is that a threat or a promise? You decide!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Super Comics About the Supernatural

Welcome back to the Stack! You’ve almost made it through your first week of 2024 — congratulations! Let’s celebrate with some new comics and comic-related goodies…

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

Two blond children with their backs to the camera, showing off their multi-colored superhero capes with their initial in the middle. They also wear matching masks and cuffs.

Personalised Superhero Cape and Mask Set by WildThingsDresses

Got a little superhero in your life? Make it official with one of these colorful capes! $47+

New Releases

Choosing Sides cover

Sweet Valley Twins: Choosing Sides by Francine Pascal and Claudia Aguirre, Adapted by Nicole Andelfinger

In the third entry in this ongoing series, twins Elizabeth and Jessica face a new dilemma: Elizabeth’s friend Amy wants to join the school cheerleading squad, but the squad — including Jessica — wants nothing to do with her! What will Elizabeth do?

Marriage Toxin Vol 1 cover

Marriage Toxin Volume One by Joumyaku and Mizuki Yoda

Gero is a ruthless assassin — and he needs a wife, stat. If he doesn’t get married fast, his sister will have to give up her happy life with her girlfriend in order to bear the new heir to their clan. Desperate to learn about romance, Gero turns to a “marriage swindler” for advice, and that’s when things get really exciting…

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: the supernatural! No, not the franchise that refuses to die. So what if Halloween is ten months away? It’s always the right time of year to enjoy some ghostly, ghoulish comics!

Ghoster Heights cover

Ghoster Heights by Corey Lansdell, Kelly Mellings, Lisa LaRose, and Becca Carey

After a terrible tragedy, Ona is forced to stay with her grandmother in the Goesher Heights apartment complex. She isn’t there long before she makes a new friend: a ghost hiding in the boiler room. With the ghost’s assistance, Ona helps the building’s other residents deal with past trauma — and confronts her own.

Muros Within Magical Walls cover

Muros: Within Magical Walls: The Case of the Cemetery Girl by Paolo Chikiamco and Borg Sinaban

Set in an alternate universe where Manila has spent decades cut off from the world on the orders of a dictator, a detective named Caloy accepts a missing person’s case. But with all manner of not-so-mythical creatures roaming around, his job isn’t going to be easy…

If you’re celebrating Three Kings Day/Epiphany this weekend, have a nice time. I know I will!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Start Spreading the News(letter)…

Welcome to 2024! How are you liking it so far? It’s still a bit early to figure out how this year is going to go, but it’s never too early to start things off right by reading some fun comics!

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

Small air fresheners, shaped like stylized images of popular Marvel heroes, clipped to a car's air conditioner

Superheroes Car Air Freshener, Freshener Fragrance, Novelty Car Diffusers, Super Hero Car Air Freshener by MisterMonkeyCo

Start the new year off with a clean-smelling car thanks to one of these cute little air fresheners! Just pick your favorite character and a nice scent, and you’re all set. $6

New Releases

Poetry of Ran Vol 1 cover

The Poetry of Ran Volume One by Yusuke Osawa

Torue wants more than anything to be a successful bard, but she can’t seem to come up with any fresh material. That changes when she meets Ran, who hunts down people-eating monsters. What better source of inspiration could there possibly be?

Monomyth cover

Monomyth by David Hazan and Cecilia Lo Valvo

Usually, comics about magic schools depict a magical, glorious place where students can grow their abilities in relative safety. But not here! Monomyth tells the story of young people from around the world summoned to a rundown school where they will face dangers, both external and internal.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: New York! That’s where the ball drops every New Year’s, and that’s where we’re going to explore in these comics.

The Bridge cover

The Bridge: How the Roeblings Connected Brooklyn to New York by Peter J. Tomasi and Teo DuVall

You’ve probably heard of the Brooklyn Bridge, but have you heard how it got built? Designed by a father and built by his son and daughter-in-law, the bridge’s construction turned into a real family affair and led to one of New York’s most iconic architectural achievements.

Carmilla The First Vampire cover

Carmilla: The First Vampire by Amy Chu and Soo Lee

In 1990s New York, unhoused queer women are going missing, and only a social worker named Athena cares enough to try to find out what’s happening to them. Her investigation takes her to a Chinatown nightclub called Carmilla’s, where she will find several truths she is not ready to hear. This comic takes the classic novel Carmilla and adds a distinctly Chinese American twist.

If you’ve set any reading goals for this year, these comics are a great way to get you started! As for me, I’m going to get to work on Thursday’s newsletter before settling down with a book myself. See you in two days!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Happy Impending New Year, Comics Fans!

You made it through another year, and given the kind of years we’ve been having, that’s not nothing. Let’s celebrate the good parts of 2023 — namely, the comics we got to read!

It’s happening, readers — we’re bringing paperbacks! Whether you (or a reader you know and love) hate carrying around bulky hardcovers, you’re on a budget, you want a wider range of recommendations, or all of the above, you can now get a paperback subscription from TBR, curated just for you by one of our Bibliologists. The holidays are here, and we’ve got three different levels for gifting (to yourself or others) to suit every budget. Get all the details at mytbr.co.

Bookish Goods

An image of several blurry manga covers overlaid with the words "mystery manga boxes!!!"

Used English Manga Mystery Box by TheMagesEmporium

Why not end the year by giving some gently used books a home and going on a date with some manga? $20

Eileen’s Favorite Reads of 2023

That’s right, instead of spotlighting new releases or themed Riot Recommendations, I’m going to share with you four of my favorite comics that I read this year. To be clear, these weren’t published in 2023; I just happened to read or reread them this year and wanted to share (or re-share) them with you!

the cover of Check, Please! volume one

Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu

I read the entire webcomic online years ago, but this was the year I finally bought the second volume after leaving Volume One languishing alone on my shelf for too long. I am delighted to report that this comic, about a figure skater joining his college hockey team and falling in love with its troubled captain, remains disgustingly adorable.

Measuring Up cover

Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte and Ann Xu

How is this so cute! How! Cici is a little girl who has just moved from Taiwan to America and is having trouble fitting in. She wants more than anything to celebrate her grandma’s birthday together, but how can she earn the money for her grandma’s plane ticket? Enter a cooking contest, of course! I thought the ending was a bit abrupt, but other than that, flawless.

Cover of Far Sector by N.K. Jemisin

Far Sector by N.K. Jemisin and Jamal Campbell

I originally read this on DC Universe Infinite and was so blown away by the characters, the art, the world-building, and the complex murder plot that I was compelled to buy a physical copy. Introducing Jo Mullein as a badass new Green Lantern, Far Sector is how all superhero comics should be.

Miss Quinces cover

Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo

Finally, this is another adorable comic that highlights another culture. The last thing Sue wants is to have a quinceañera celebration, where she has to wear a poofy dress, dance, and give speeches. But when her mother says she will finally let Sue go to camp with her friends if she goes through with it, Sue reluctantly does so and ends up learning a lot about tradition, family, and herself.

A white Havenese lies in a blanket-covered dog bed chewing on a toy shaped like an ear of corn

Most of my faves this year were pretty bright and happy, and I hope they cheer you up a little too as we close out the year. If the comics aren’t your bag, I hope this picture of my dog Poppy nomming on one of her favorite toys will do the trick. Catch you next year, nerd friends!

~Eileen