Category: The Stack

Comics About the Korean War

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date June 24, 2024

Sponsored by

A hearty hello once again, nerd friends! I hope you’re ready to learn about history and some other fascinating topics in today’s newsletter. It’s never a bad time to expand your knowledge, after all!

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Bookish Goods

A black tumbler featuring a city skyline with a Bat-signal, plus the words "Gotham City University"

Gotham City University Tumbler by DogRockPopShop

It’s probably a lot safer to drink from this tumbler than it would be to actually go to Gotham City U! $27

New Releases

The Science of Ghosts by Lilah Sturges and El Garing

Joy’s job is to help ghosts solve their problems, but she’s got plenty of problems of her own: her ex-wife hates her, Joy’s first relationship since transitioning is not going smoothly, and also she keeps finding clues to an unsolved murder that she should probably do something about…

Villain Actor Volume One by Mikumo Seto and Kentaro Harada

Ayumu always wanted to be a hero, but since it’s hard to find jobs in that area, he settled for becoming a police officer instead. Even that job is jeopardized when Ayumu inexplicably turns into a city-destroying monster! Can Ayumu change back and become the hero he knows he was meant to be?

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: the Korean War. Today is the 74th anniversary of the day the war started, so let’s look at some comics that use it as a backdrop for some very intimate stories.

The Waiting by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim

Gwija was a young mother when her family tried to flee northern Korea to the south. Only Gwija and her daughter Jina made it; her husband and son were left behind. Seventy years later, Jina knows she only has so much time left to reunite her family.

Red Scare by Liam Francis Walsh

Peggy and her dad are both learning to cope with disabilities: she had polio, and he was traumatized by his service in Korea. Peggy’s attempts to fix things only make her situation worse, requiring both her and her dad to rediscover their inner strength. I admit I’m not entirely fond of the book’s ending, but it’s still a fun blend of all the things that made the real 1950s not so fun.

And with that, I leave you once again until Thursday! Stay cool in the meantime (unless you’re in Australia, in which case, snuggle under those blankets!).

~Eileen

The Stack

A Fresh Wave of Comics Content

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date June 19, 2024

Sponsored by

There are so many great graphic novels out there worth mentioning that it feels like we’re just swimming in amazing new stories. I can never fit in as many as I’d like to, so consider the Stack as a way to dip your toe into the wonderful world of comics!

Bookish Goods

A gold ring with four gemstones that match the shape and color of the Infinity Stones. On the inside is inscribed the names of the stones.

Gold Infinity Stones Ring by DailyGiftFinds

Collect the Infinity Stones the easy way! The movies would have been a lot more stylish if Thanos had worn one of these. $25

New Releases

Petar & Liza by Miroslav Sekulic-Struja

Ever since his army service, Petar has struggled to fit back into the regular world. As his mental health deteriorates, he meets a dancer named Liza who brings some happiness to his troubled existence. But is it enough?

Fool Night Volume One by Kasumi Yasuda

With the sun functionally gone and the bills piling up, Kamiya faces a devastating decision: keep struggling along as he is now, or agree to give up his body to be turned into an oxygen-giving plant. Fans of dark, dystopian stories that show humanity at its most selfish are sure to appreciate Fool Night.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: the ocean! World Oceans Day is behind us, but summer — and beach time — is just getting started!

The Aquanaut by Dan Santat

All Sophia has left of her dad is his theme park, Aqualand. But is there more going on at Aqualand than meets the eye? The Aquanaut, a quartet of sea creatures who break into the park in a protective suit, seems to think so. Now it’s up to Sophia to find out how to help her new friends.

Atana and the Firebird by Vivian Zhou

Atana is a mermaid who stays far away from mankind so they will not hunt her. The only thing that can make her leave the safety of her island is Ren, a firebird in need of protection. Will they find it with the Witch Queen, or will the cost of sanctuary prove too high for both of them?

A very small white-and-brown Havanese puppy asleep on a towel and a blanket

It’s been a while since I’ve shared a Poppy pic. This is one of the first ones I ever took, about two years ago when we first got her!

~Eileen

The Stack

Thematically Appropriate Comics for You Book Lovers

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date June 17, 2024

Sponsored by

Tuesday again! I hope you’re having a great week so far, but there’s no week so fantastic that it can’t be made even better with new comics!

Bookish Goods

A pale box for holding comic books, with the initials JKL printed on the side

Comic Book Box Storage by GrenadinStore

Looking for someplace special to keep all those comics? You can select a color and design to make this storage box your own! $64

New Releases

One Piece: Ace’s Story Volume Two by Sho Hinata, Tatsuya Hamazaki, Boichi, and Ryo Ishiyama

Just in case there wasn’t enough One Piece material out there to sate your appetite, here is the manga version of the piratical adventures of Ace, Luffy’s ambitious older brother!

Of Her Own Design by Birdie Willis, Nicole Andelfinger, Jess Taylor, and Fiona Marchbank

Brie wants nothing more than to write away her problems if only she could cure this writer’s block. When she finds such a cure, though, it has unexpected and possibly dangerous effects on her entire community. She might actually have to face her troubles head-on for a change!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: bookstores! My favorite place! And one of yours, too, I bet.

The Haunted Bookstore: Gateway to a Parallel Universe Volume One by Shinobumaru and Medamayaki

Kaori loves spirits: she was raised by one, and the bookstore they run together serves as a portal to the spirit world, where they sell their wares to supernatural beings. But what will happen when a spirit-hating exorcist threatens Kaori’s family and livelihood?

Always Never by Jordi Lebre and Clémence Sapin

For four decades, Zeno, a bookstore owner, and Ana, the city mayor, have danced around each other, exploring their changing relationship without ever taking the step of settling down. As the years roll on, they remain determined to be together however they can until the fateful day when they will finally be united for good.

I hope that there is a trip to the bookstore in your near future!

~Eileen

The Stack

When Life Gives You Comics…

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date June 12, 2024

Sponsored by

…you read them, of course! Sure, the outdoors might seem pretty inviting right now, but there’s no reason you can’t take one of the titles below with you to the beach or a barbecue.

Bookish Goods

A blue, book-shaped shelf with a Superman comic on it. Below the shelf, a superhero figurine seems to float in midair, holding up the shelf.

Comic Book Storage Shelf – Handcrafted Father’s Day Gift for Superhero Fanatics and Graduates by Infinitelayer3dprint

There is no cooler way to store your comics than this shelf. You can customize it with your favorite color, too! $15+

New Releases

Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity cover

The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity by Saka Mikami

Rintaro attends a low-class school for underachieving boys. Kaoruko is a student at an elite girls’ academy right next door. Naturally, they hit it off immediately, but can their newfound attraction overcome the class and social boundaries that stand in their way?

Brownstone by Samuel Teer and Mar Julia

Almudena is finally getting to meet her father. In fact, she will be spending the whole summer with him while her absent-minded mother goes traveling without her. Adjusting herself to a new language, a strange environment, and opinionated neighbors, Almudena learns about a part of her identity she never knew.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: best-laid plans! You might have a specific idea of what you want to do with your life, but what happens when life says no way?

Upstaged by Robin Easter

Ash has their summer all worked out: spend time with their best friend Ivy (who they also have a crush on) while working as stage manager on a musical production of Cinderella. But when Ivy starts spending more time with her handsome costar, Ash’s friendship with her and their work on the play start to suffer.

Call Me Iggy by Jorge Aguirre and Rafael Rosado

High school isn’t going well for Iggy. He wanted to take French but got stuck with Spanish. He has a crush on one girl but ends up having to work with another. And now his abuelito’s ghost is following him around, judging his life and giving terrible advice. Can Iggy get things back on track while also learning to appreciate his heritage?

Life may be unpredictable, but this newsletter is one thing you can always count on. See you next Tuesday!

~Eileen

The Stack

FilipiNO Way Should You Miss These Comics

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date June 10, 2024

Sponsored by

Okay, that was a worse pun than usual, but hopefully, the great titles below will make up for it at least a little!

Bookish Goods

Four bouquets of crocheted flowers, each with a different superhero and color-themed to match that hero

Superhero Flower Bouquet Gift for Boyfriend, Anniversary, Graduation, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day Gift, Gift for Teacher by CrochetCrowned

Celebrate any occasion — even if that occasion is just a day that ends in Y — with one of these super-bouquets! $28

New Releases

The Mighty Bite: Walrus Brawl at the Mall! by Nathan Hale

In this sequel to last year’s The Mighty Bite, Trilobite and Amber, two displaced prehistoric creatures, are still determined to become internet stars. Along with their human friend Tiffany, they go on a series of wild adventures in search of that elusive viral video!

Second Hand Love by Yamada Murasaki

Murasaki is considered a pioneer for the feminist themes she included in her work. The two stories in this collection were originally published in the 1980s and feature two women dealing with infidelity (their own and other people’s) and the consequences it has for their daily lives.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: the Philippines! June 12 is Philippine Independence Day, so let’s look at a couple of comics that take place there.

After Lambana by Eliza Victoria and Mervin Malonzo

Conrad has a heart condition that only magic can cure. Unfortunately for him, magic is illegal. He must rely on his friend Ignacio to help him navigate the underground world of spirits, mythical beings, and powerful magic in the winding streets of Manila.

The Mythology Class by Arnold Arre

This now-classic comic follows a large group of young people who have been called upon by immortal beings to rid the world of malevolent creatures that they always assumed to be mythical — and that prove to be all too real. Can they fulfill their destiny without killing each other first?

There are two sequels, too: The Children of Bathala and The Journey to Lupan-On.

Thanks for joining me once again on our biweekly romp through the world of comics. I look forward to perusing even more fun titles with you in two days’ time!

~Eileen

The Stack

A Parade of Comics Headed Your Way

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date June 5, 2024

Sponsored by

Welcome back to the Stack! I assume you are here because you want to get caught up on the latest comic book releases and goodies, in which case, you’ve come to the right spot!

Bookish Goods

Small crocheted figures of Spider-Gwen, Miles Morales, and Peter Parker hanging upside-down from crocheted ropes

The Avengers Crochet Car Pendant by CreativeLifeNewYork

These spider-buddies will look adorable no matter where you decide to put them! On sale right now for $17+

New Releases

Tristan and Lancelot: A Tale of Two Knights by James Persichetti and L.S. Biehler

Tristan and Lancelot are sent by King Arthur himself to find out what happened to the missing Merlin. As their quest proceeds, they find their relationship changing, but with Morgan le Fay also along for the ride, can things ever be that simple?

Barda by Ngozi Ukazu

One of my personal most-anticipated comics of this year, Barda is an incredible new take on the romance between Big Barda, the toughest warrior on the hell planet Apokolips, and Scott Free, an optimistic rebel who proves to Barda that there is more to life than violence.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: Puerto Rican characters! June 9 is the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, so let’s celebrate with comics by and about Puerto Ricans!

Big Apple Diaries by Alyssa Bermudez

Based on Bermudez’s actual diaries from the time, this comic follows her journey through middle school as she deals with a crush on a cute boy, her parents’ separation, and deciding what school she wants to go to next — and processing the effect 9/11 has on her country and her family.

Ricanstruction: Reminiscing & Rebuilding Puerto Rico by Various Creators

This anthology was released to fund the rebuilding of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria hit in 2017. All of the stories feature La Borinqueña, an Afro-Puerto Rican superhero who can control the weather, and DC’s greatest heroes as they work together at what they do best: helping others.

I’ll be back next week to celebrate other cultures, provide more themed recommendations, and continue honoring Pride Month with plenty of LGBTQ+ titles!

~Eileen

The Stack

Happy Pride Month 2024!

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date June 3, 2024

Sponsored by

If you follow this newsletter regularly, you know that I try to highlight comics by and about LGBT+ people all throughout the year. And yet there’s still something special about doing it during Pride Month, so expect plenty of queer content in the weeks ahead!

Bookish Goods

A person wearing a rainbow-striped hoodie with comic book-style onomatopoeias on it

Pride Week Comic Book Themed Pullover Hoodie by MimmiesWorld

Now here’s a comic book-themed hoodie that you can be proud of! $90+

New Releases

The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Osterberg

Mags is on the cusp of adulthood, but she’s already dealing with a boatload of very grown-up responsibilities. She is handling it all well enough (or so she tells herself) when the return of an old friend with dark secrets of her own threatens to send both their worlds spinning out of control.

Deadpool vs. Wolverine by Various Creators

Excited for Deadpool & Wolverine yet? You will be after looking back on some of their best fights, collected right here in one place. Whether punching each other or trying to put up with each other long enough to take down a common foe, one thing is certain: no battle involving these two will ever be boring!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: trans anthologies! These uplifting collections depict a much more nuanced, optimistic view of the lives of trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people than you get to see in most media.

Book cover of The Out Side: Trans & Nonbinary Comics compiled by The Kao, Min Christensen, and David Daneman

The Out Side by Various Creators

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to be trans. The creators in this collection share their different life experiences and the many unique paths they took towards accepting and loving who they are as human beings. It also explores how their identities influence their work as writers and artists.

Becoming Who We Are by Various Creators

Some people know they are trans from an early age. For others, the journey of self-discovery takes a little while longer as they test out different words and try out different things. In this anthology, you’ll read the stories of trans people learning who they are and how to be themselves — and becoming all the happier for it!

And there’s another trans anthology in development: Transphoria has already been fully funded on Kickstarter, but there’s still plenty of time to jump in and support them!

~Eileen

The Stack

Comics That Will Leave You Speechless

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date May 29, 2024

Sponsored by

I don’t know about you, but this May has seemed like at least three Mays in one, in ways both good and bad. What does June have in store for us? I have no idea, except that these comics could very well be a part of it!

Make this your most bookish summer yet with personalized reading recommendations from Tailored Book Recommendations! Our bibliologists (aka professional book nerds) are standing by to help you find your next favorite read. Get your recommendations via email, or opt to receive hardcovers or paperbacks delivered right to your door. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Get started today from just $18!

Bookish Goods

An illustration of a woman reacting with surprise below the words "Vintage Horror mystery box"

1980s Horror Comics Mystery Gift Box by RadarsComics

Want to go on a scary mystery date, but in a good way? Surprise yourself with this gift box which includes individually selected horror comics, a shirt, candy, and more! $55

New Releases

The Man from Maybe by Jordan Thomas and Shaky Kane

The apocalypse was going well for the unscrupulous billionaire profiting off everyone else’s suffering — until an alien ship, surely loaded with valuable cargo, crashes. Who will get there first: the billionaire’s lackeys, or the outlaw known only as the Man from Maybe? And what does victory mean on a dying planet like this one?

Star Trek: Celebrations by Various Creators

Let the Pride Month specials commence! This anthology features stories by queer creators about the various queer characters from across Star Trek’s many iterations. Fans of every series from the original to Lower Decks are sure to be pleased with this offering!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: no words! You can’t have a comic book without pictures, but you can have one without words. These graphic novels show how powerful a wordless story can be!

The Arrival by Shaun Tan

Seeking a better life for one’s family all too often means leaving that family behind and venturing to places unknown. That is the case of this graphic novel’s main character, who must experience the good, the bad, the frightening, and the incredible of immigration all on his own.

Viewfinder by Christine D.U. Chung and Salwa Majoka

This comic for young readers follows an astronaut who lands on an abandoned Earth and views its many — perhaps former? — wonders through a special device. As she goes in search of these wonders, she begins to realize that Earth may not be as abandoned as she thought.

A white Havanese shot from the back, wearing a pink shirt with a red heart. Black letters across the heart read "I Love Mommy"

This week, I will leave you with a photo of my dog Poppy showing off the T-shirt we bought her. It is very accurate, I assure you!

~Eileen

The Stack

Remind Me What This Newsletter Is About?

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date May 28, 2024

Sponsored by

Oh, that’s right, comics! Always has been, always will be.

So how does it feel to be officially, unofficially in summer? My dog is not fond of the heat, but fortunately, she is inside with air conditioning most of the time anyway. Be sure to take care of your fur friends this summer!

Bookish Goods

A black frame containing eight mini Lego figures of superheroes. Text addressed to "Daddy" reads "You are our favorite superhero."

Personalized Superhero Dad Mini Figure Frame by iuLigen

Father’s Day is coming up quick! If you haven’t found a gift yet, maybe give this cute display a try? $36

New Releases

Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders cover

Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders Volume One by Jordie Bellaire and Koi Carreon

Inspired by the ’90s cartoon of the same name, this comic finds Princess Gwenevere taking a break from protecting the kingdom as a Jewel Rider. But when danger threatens once again, she and her old pals are the only ones who can stop it!

My Favorite Thing is Monsters Vol 2 cover

My Favorite Thing is Monsters Book Two by Emil Ferris

The adventures of Karen Reyes continue — and conclude — with this volume. Still on the hunt for the person who killed her neighbor, Karen makes surprising discoveries about her neighbor’s past, navigates the politically turbulent year of 1968, and learns a lot about herself, too.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: amnesia! Naturally, it doesn’t work in real life the same way it does in countless soap operas, sitcoms, or comic books, but it’s still an intriguing storytelling device.

Canopus Volume One by Dave Chisholm

When she wakes up on a seemingly abandoned world, Helen remembers only two things: her ship needs repairs, and she needs to get back to Earth, now. As she works to fix her ship, her memories slowly start to return, and the story they tell may be more complicated and dangerous than she is prepared to handle.

A Witch’s Guide to Burning by Aminder Dhaliwal

Yew-Veda, a witch doctor, saves a young witch named Singe from being burned at the stake, but she is not quick enough to stop all of the fire’s effects — namely, its destruction of Singe’s powers and memories. Now, it’s up to Singe, Yew-Veda, and the toad Bufo Wonder to get those powers back before it’s too late!

Now don’t forget that my next newsletter will be coming direct to your inbox in just two days’ time!

~Eileen

The Stack

Summer Is Here, Let’s Read Comics

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date May 22, 2024

Sponsored by

Hello again! Hopefully, this week wasn’t too hard on you, and you are now prepared to enjoy a nice weekend — and, if you’re in the U.S., you have an extra weekend to look forward to.

Bookish Goods

A brown blanket modeled after one from Yuru Camp, with the words "secret society blanket" written across the middle

Yuru Camp Hooded Blanket by DeskNeko

If you’re spending time outdoors this summer, take this blanket from the manga Laid-Back Camp with you to keep cozy! $104

New Releases

Hirayasumi Volume One by Keigo Shinzo

Unlike most people he knows, Hiroto is perfectly happy living a slow-paced, solitary life. The only companion he needed was an elderly neighbor, who ended up leaving him her house. But when Hiroto’s ambitious and stressed-out young cousin comes to stay, his peaceful life gets turned on its ear.

The Worst Ronin by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Faith Schaffer

Chihiro’s father is a revered samurai, but she has little interest in following in his footsteps…until she gets the chance to work with a legendary samurai-turned-ronin, Tatsuo. Can this mismatched pair learn to get along so they can complete their demon-killing mission?

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: summertime! The unofficial start of summer is coming up fast, so it’s the perfect time to break out comics like…

Flamer by Mike Curato

On the cusp of starting high school, Aiden spends the summer at camp. While there, he starts to realize things about himself that he’d rather not — specifically, that he might be gay, and that his feelings for one particular boy might be romantic. Flamer is a modern classic about discovering and accepting yourself.

Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer cover

Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian Goerz

Jamila, feeling lonely after moving to a new house, quickly latches onto the first friend she can find: Shirley, the local kid detective. When another neighborhood kid asks them to find his missing — perhaps stolen — pet gecko, Shirley and Jamila are on the case! And, as they track down the missing lizard, they might discover true friendship as well.

Whatever your plans are for this weekend — going to the beach, having a barbecue, fighting supervillains, or just hanging out — I hope you enjoy them!

~Eileen