Categories
The Stack

Stories So Nice They Told Them Twice

Halfway through August already, huh? Next thing you know, we’ll be raking leaves and putting up the Halloween decorations! Who needs the passage of time, anyway? Let’s take a break for a minute to enjoy this newsletter…

Delighting velocireaders since 2017, Book Riot’s New Release Index will keep you in the know about all the latest books. New books for days. Subscribe today — you won’t be able to read them all, but it’s fun to try! 

Bookish Goods

Two ships in a bottle, stacked one atop the other, each featuring a pirate ship

One Piece Sunny Ship in a Bottle by TheKeebStore

Okay, I’ve never read or seen One Piece, but also this looks amazing? $34

New Releases

Mr. Villain's Day Off cover

Mr. Villain’s Day Off Volume One by Yuu Morikawa

Most days, you can find the General plotting to take over the world, like a respectable supervillain. But what happens when one of his sworn enemies discovers that he spends his days off at the zoo, enjoying all the cute pandas?

Us cover

Us by Sara Soler

Translated from the Spanish, this touching memoir recounts Soler’s life with Diana, a trans woman, both during and after Diana’s transition. They may face more challenges than your average couple, but as long as they have each other, it’ll all be worth it in the end.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: comics adapted from books! Sometimes, a book is so extraordinary that just one medium cannot capture all its nuances. That’s what these graphic adaptations are for.

Kindred graphic novel cover

Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Octavia E. Butler, Damian Duffy, and John Jennings

Dana’s ordinary existence in the 1970s abruptly ends when she finds herself living out the life her ancestors lived as enslaved people in the antebellum South. Can she find a way home, or has she become too entangled in the past to ever return from it for good?

On Tyranny cover

On Tyranny: Graphic Edition by Timothy Snyder and Nora Krug

We all know that old chestnut about learning from history or being doomed to repeat it. This graphic edition of Snyder’s book gives practical advice on how to learn from some of the worst events in recent history — and how you can do your part to prevent them from recurring.

‘Til Thursday, nerd friends! I hope you enjoy whatever stories you choose to read in the meantime.

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

National Dog Month Continues…

…with more great comics about puppies! But first, we’ll look at some new releases that, while sadly devoid of any four-legged friends, are still great reads to enjoy as the summer winds down (or the winter, for those of you below the equator).

Delighting velocireaders since 2017, Book Riot’s New Release Index will keep you in the know about all the latest books. New books for days. Subscribe today — you won’t be able to read them all, but it’s fun to try! 

Bookish Goods

A white dog wearing a chibi Avengers-patterned bow tie

Superheros Pet Bow Tie by TheDragonsCauldron

For special occasions or an ordinary walk in the park, this snazzy tie will make your best friend the envy of all other nerdy pet parents! $9+

New Releases

Mother Nature cover

Mother Nature by Jamie Lee Curtis, Karl Stevens, and Russell Goldman

The town of Catch Creek, New Mexico, relies on the Cobalt Corporation for jobs and clean water. But when her father dies while working for the Corporation, Nova Terrell devotes herself to destroying it — and to uncovering the terrifying secrets behind its latest project.

Akane-banashi Vol 1 cover

Akane-banashi Volume One by Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue

Akane’s main goal in life is to become a master at rakugo, a traditional form of Japanese storytelling. She does this to try to avenge her father, who was denied the chance to become a top rakugo master himself. In the process, Akane creates more trouble and controversies than she ever expected.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: puppies II! Because one can never spend too much time talking about doggos in comics.

Lovely Muco! Vol 1 cover

Lovely Muco! Volume One by Takayuki Mizushina

Based on a true story, this manga follows an extremely happy dog named Muco who loves everything about the world. Also, he likes to rip up towels in the same way my own dog does!

Whistle cover

Whistle: A New Gotham City Hero by E. Lockhart and Manuel Preitano

Willow Zimmerman cares deeply about helping her community. When she unexpectedly gains dog-like superpowers and the ability to talk to a stray dog she loves, she of course wants to put her powers to good use. But at the same time, her mother has cancer, and she desperately needs money. Is she desperate enough to take a shady job offered by a former family friend?

A Havanese looks at the camera while lying on a human bed, covered by the blanket

This is my dog Poppy, the towel destroyer. She loves to sit on my bed while I’m trying to make it, lol.

Now go hug your fur friend for me!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

It’s National Dog Month!

Yup! August may be devoid of fancy holidays like Halloween and whatnot, but we do get to celebrate our best fur friends! We’ll be doing that in the Riot Recs theme today, so let’s hurry up and get to it!

Delighting velocireaders since 2017, Book Riot’s New Release Index will keep you in the know about all the latest books. New books for days. Subscribe today — you won’t be able to read them all, but it’s fun to try! 

Bookish Goods

A drawstring backpack covered in prints of comic book panels

Eastsport Drawstring Backpack, Comic Print by BijouxIntl

Alas, the school year is right around the corner. But at least your kid can go in style with this backpack! $18

New Releases

Summer Ghost Complete cover

Summer Ghost: The Complete Manga Collection by Otsuichi and Yoshi Inomi

If you’ve been waiting to get into this series, now is the best time, as the complete collection comes out today! It follows three teenagers who meet for the express purpose of summoning the ghost that supposedly exists just outside of town. Little do they realize how their interest in death will change their lives.

The Pirate and the Porcelain Girl cover

The Pirate and the Porcelain Girl by Emily Riesbeck and NJ Barna

Who wants lesbian pirates? You do, of course! After a prayer gone wrong, Ferra finds herself transformed into living porcelain. Her only hope is to hire the orc pirate captain Brigantine to take her to Ferra’s ex-girlfriend — for a price, of course. Along the way, these two go from squabbling over everything to maybe finding the love they have been longing for.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: puppies! Both today and Thursday, I will be spotlighting comics that feature adorable dog companions!

Both Can Be True cover

Both Can Be True by Jules Machias

Daniel has long been berated and mocked because he is “oversensitive.” When he rescues a dog from being put down, the only person he can rely on to help him is Ash, a genderfluid teen whom Daniel has always assumed is a girl. As the two care for their new animal friend, they learn how to trust each other with the truth about themselves.

Doomsday with My Dog Vol 1 cover

Doomsday with My Dog Volume One by Yu Ishihara

Well, it’s official: the world has ended, civilization is in tatters, and the only person left alive is a teenage girl. Fortunately, she’s not really alone: her loyal Shiba Inu, Haru, is there to keep the loneliness at bay and protect her from all the dangers they face while navigating a barren world.

An extreme close-up of a Maltese's face, looking up at the camera while sitting in the photographer's lap

In honor of all puppies everywhere, here is my late dog AJ, sitting in my lap while I try to get some work done. That was her favorite thing to do!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Comics Get the Job Done

Hello and welcome to yet another Thursday, nerd friends! Let’s jump right into the good stuff, shall we?

Delighting velocireaders since 2017, Book Riot’s New Release Index will keep you in the know about all the latest books. New books for days. Subscribe today — you won’t be able to read them all, but it’s fun to try! 

Bookish Goods

An open book where the pages have been cut into a 3D image of Superman's insignia

Superman Folded Book Art by Pagefolding2

I won’t say that this is a “super” way to recycle an old book, but you know I’m thinking it. $45

New Releases

Malcolm Kid and the Perfect Song cover

Malcolm Kid and the Perfect Song by Austin Paramore and Sarah Bollinger

Malcolm has been exceedingly average at everything he ever tried. But if he is to free the jazz musician trapped in the keyboard he has just found, Malcolm will have to play the “perfect song.” But what does that mean, exactly? And does Malcolm have it in him?

Kariba cover

Kariba by Daniel & James Clarke and Daniel Snaddon

After her father disappears, Siku, whose ability to control the water of the Zambezi River is spiraling out of her control, sets off to find him. But she ends up learning a lot more than she bargained for — including the price she must pay to save herself and the people she loves.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: immigrants! Alas, it seems there are always jerks out there who need reminding that immigrants are people, too. If you know someone like that, maybe recommend them one of these comics.

poppies of iraq cover

Poppies of Iraq by Brigitte Findakly and Lewis Trondheim

In this memoir, Findakly (and her artist husband, Trondheim) relate her childhood as an Orthodox Christian in Iraq. Despite their most fervent hopes, conditions in their home nation grow worse until they are forced to move to France, where Findakly must find a new way to fit in and belong.

Intertwined cover

Intertwined by Fabrice Sapolsky and Fred Pham Chuong

This action-packed superhero comic follows Juan Jin, a Kung Fu student who moves from Hong Kong to New York City in the 1970s. While trying to adjust to life in America, he finds out that he must take his deceased uncle’s place as an elemental protector, or else the resulting imbalance will have catastrophic consequences.

See you all again next week! I won’t spoil it, but I’m really looking forward to next week’s Riot Rec themes — they’re adorable!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Bodacious Days Are Here Again

Despite the big studios’ continued refusal to provide their workers a fair wage and decent working conditions, it has been quite the summer for entertainment. Across the Spider-Verse blew everyone away, Barbenheimer took over the world, and on a personal note, I may never recover from the second season of Good Omens. There’s one more franchise we have to talk about, but we’ll get to that shortly…

Delighting velocireaders since 2017, Book Riot’s New Release Index will keep you in the know about all the latest books. New books for days. Subscribe today — you won’t be able to read them all, but it’s fun to try! 

Bookish Goods

A white t-shirt with images of Renaissance painters Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo wearing ninja turtles masks

Teenage Mutant Ninja Artists Shirt by LiteralPrint

I’m pretty sure I’ve been waiting for this shirt my whole life. Comes in lots of different sizes! $20

New Releases

Castle Full of Blackbirds cover

Castle Full of Blackbirds by Mike Mignola, Angela Slatter, Valeria Burzo, and Michelle Madsen

Sara May had hoped that, by attending the Linton School for Girls, she could learn more about the terrible powers that she struggles to wield and control. But not everything at the school is as it seems, and Sara May soon realizes that something else is looking to control her powers, too…

Journey to Lupan-On cover

The Journey to Lupan-On by Arnold Arre

Part of Arre’s acclaimed “Mythology Class” series, the old classmates find themselves in a familiar position: having to put aside their many differences to face off against a supernatural threat drawn straight from the pages of Philippine mythology. Can even they, with all their experience, defeat the all-powerful Budniaan?

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: the 1980s! Today I will pay oblique tribute to the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film by spotlighting comics set in the same decade in which our pizza-loving reptiles debuted.

paper girls cover

Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughn and Cliff Chiang

Newsies fans should check out this series about four paper girls who stumble upon an explosive secret and have to decide how to deal with it — while also learning how to grow up into the kind of person they can be proud of.

Banned Book Club cover

Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook, Ko Hyung-Ju, and Ryan Estrada

When Hyun Sook started college, South Korea was under a strict military dictatorship that censored books and ruthlessly beat and killed protestors. So it’s no exaggeration to say that she and her fellow book lovers were risking their lives to join the college’s banned book club.

Have a totally radical Tuesday, nerd friends!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Spin Me Right Round, Baby

The Women’s World Cup is well underway now! Have you been watching? I confess that I really haven’t been. And since I’ve already exhausted both soccer and Australia as Riot Rec themes, we’re spinning off in a different direction today (hint, hint).

What do S.A. Cosby, Khaled Hosseini, Sarah Bakewell, and Yahdon Israel have in common? They’ve been guests on Book Riot’s newest podcast, First Edition, where BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Subscribe to hear them and stay to hear Book Riot’s editors pick the “it” book of the month.

Bookish Goods

A keychain shaped like a broad sword

Berserk Inspired Keychain by GangstaGamer

Fans of Berserk or cool swords in general should take a look at this keychain! $27

New Releases

Love and Gravity cover

Love and Gravity: An Always Human Story by Ari North

Fans of the webcomic will love this final addition to the series. Sunati and Austen have already faced many challenges, both individually and as a couple. Now, one more obstacle looms: Sunati must decide whether to stay close to Austen or to pursue an unbeatable job opportunity among the stars.

How Do We Relationship Vol 9 cover

How Do We Relationship? Volume Nine by Tamifull

Miwa and Saeko’s series of awkward events continues as their romantic partnership ends and they both pursue other women. Despite that, whenever they need help or support, it’s each other they turn to. What does this mean for the future of their various relationships?

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: spin-offs! Because sometimes, just one series isn’t enough, and you need to attack the source material from multiple angles.

Wires and Nerve Vol 1 cover

Wires and Nerve Volume One by Marissa Meyer and Douglas Holgate

The first in a duology, Wires and Nerve is part of the Lunar Chronicles universe and gives Iko the android a chance to shine. While tracking down the leader of a wolf-hybrid army, Iko gets help — and possibly more — from a royal guard.

Fafnir the Recluse Vol 1 cover

Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: Fafnir the Recluse Volume One by Coolkyousinnjya and Nobuyoshizamurai

One of many Miss Kobayashi spin-offs, this one follows Fafnir, a dragon with many varied interests — but venturing outside the apartment he shares with Takiya is not one of them. Ever wanted to see a dragon obsessively play video games? Here’s the series for you!

It’s August next week! Still summer, but gradually wending our way to autumn. Is it too early to start thinking about nice sweaters and bundling up in blankets to read my comics?

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Déjà Vu All Over Again

Ever get the feeling you’ve done or seen something before? Well, with the Stack, you kind of have: you see it every Tuesday and Thursday — though hopefully, with enough new content to keep you interested! Today’s Riot Rec theme revolves around characters who wish their sense of déjà vu was as innocuous as a biweekly newsletter!

What do S.A. Cosby, Khaled Hosseini, Sarah Bakewell, and Yahdon Israel have in common? They’ve been guests on Book Riot’s newest podcast, First Edition, where BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Subscribe to hear them and stay to hear Book Riot’s editors pick the “it” book of the month.

Bookish Goods

A wooden etching of the cover of Star Wars #1

Star Wars 1 | Marvel Comics 1977 | 3d Wooden Comic Book | Bronze Age Comic Book Cover by FourColorCreations

This creator has lots of wood etchings of iconic comic book covers. This one depicts Star Wars #1, the groundbreaking Marvel series! $65

New Releases

Boy's Abyss Vol 2 cover

Boy’s Abyss Volume Two by Ryo Minenami

This dark series continues as Reiji, a miserable teenager who fantasizes about killing himself, comes closer to making his final decision. Though he has people in his life who profess to care about him, they are really working towards their own selfish ends, leaving Reiji essentially alone as he ponders which fate to embrace.

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur Menace on Wheels cover

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Menace on Wheels by Jordan Ifueko and Alba Glez

In an attempt to sneak in some superheroing under her parents’ noses, Moon Girl forms a roller derby team as an excuse to get out of the house. But when someone else on the team turns out to be an actual threat to kids everywhere, Moon Girl and her trusty pet/sidekick, Devil Dinosaur, will have to do what they do best: save the day!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: reincarnation! The ultimate form of reinvention, let’s meet two characters for whom an extra shot at life is more burden than blessing…

Sea Serpent's Heir Book 1 cover

Sea Serpent’s Heir Book One by Mairghread Scott and Pablo Tunica

The first in a trilogy, Sea Serpent’s Heir follows Aella, a bored girl who learns she is the reincarnation of Xir, a serpent destined to destroy the world. With a band of pirates and a religious cult on her tail, Aella now has all the excitement she can handle!

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr cover

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V and Filipe Andrade

When humanity discovers the secret of immortality, what will happen to the avatar of Death? To find out, she reincarnates herself on Earth as a mortal woman, Laila, to see how and where the creator of immortality will be born. That’s the easy part. Much harder is deciding whether to let the creator make this discovery or to protect Death’s interests by putting a stop to it.

Look for the next incarnation of the Stack on Thursday, nerd friends!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Happy Revolution Day, Egypt!

Most people only know two things about Egyptian history: mummies and pyramids. But there’s a lot more to it than that, including Revolution Day on July 23, the day when the nation became a republic and won independence from the UK. So today’s Riot Rec comics are just the thing to read this weekend!

What do S.A. Cosby, Khaled Hosseini, Sarah Bakewell, and Yahdon Israel have in common? They’ve been guests on Book Riot’s newest podcast, First Edition, where BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Subscribe to hear them and stay to hear Book Riot’s editors pick the “it” book of the month.

Bookish Goods

Silver fox pendants sit in and around a small, dark box

925 Silver Fox Mask Pendant Necklace | Japanese Manga-inspired Jewelry by Vinkace Jewelry

Confession time: I really don’t wear jewelry. But I sure could go for one of these stylish pendants! Aren’t the little fox heads cute? $50

New Releases

The Summer Hikaru Died Vol 1 cover

The Summer Hikaru Died Volume One by Mokumokuren

Yoshiki’s best friend Hikaru is dead. He knows that for a fact. And yet, someone — or something — that looks, sounds, and acts very much like Hikaru has taken his place with terrifying ease. Just what is this thing’s plans, and why must it imitate Hikaru to implement them?

Mika and the Howler cover

Mika and the Howler by Agata Loth-Ignaciuk and Berenika Kolomycka

Your budding comics aficionado will enjoy this book about Mika, a young girl who treats every object in her house like a grand adventure. In her inaugural expedition, she investigates what is making such loud noises and eating up the dust in the living room!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: Egypt! We can’t possibly cover Egypt’s long and storied history in just two comics, but you’re sure to enjoy these anyway!

Lissa cover

Lissa by Sherine Hamdy, Coleman Nye, Sarula Bao, and Caroline Brewer

Layla is an Egyptian Muslim. Anna’s family is American. Both grew up in Cairo and have been friends since childhood. But with adulthood comes difficult health issues, not to mention a violent revolution that will change both their lives — and their country — forever.

Mummies in the Morning graphic novel cover

Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osborne, Jenny Laird, and Kelly and Nichole Matthews

Adapted from the popular Magic Tree House book of the same name, this comic follows junior time-travelers Jack and Annie, who find themselves working their way through an Egyptian pyramid to help a queen solve an ancient riddle.

It’s fun learning about different cultures, isn’t it? Especially when we can do it through comics! Go forth and educate yourselves, nerd friends!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

I Call Shotgun!

It’s Tuesday! Well, it’s better than Monday, anyway. Especially since Tuesday is Stack day! Whether you’re going to work or taking the day off, these comics are a perfect complement to your schedule.

What do S.A. Cosby, Khaled Hosseini, Sarah Bakewell, and Yahdon Israel have in common? They’ve been guests on Book Riot’s newest podcast, First Edition, where BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Subscribe to hear them and stay to hear Book Riot’s editors pick the “it” book of the month.

Bookish Goods

Two car seats with covers featuring classic horror comics covers

1950s Horror Comic Art – Car Seat Covers by TheBlueJester

Pay homage to those weird and trouble-making 1950s horror comics with these car seat covers. They’re sure to spice up any road trip! $84

New Releases

firebird book cover

Firebird by Sunmi

All Caroline was supposed to do was tutor Kim, an older student who ends up sweeping Caroline off her feet. As their relationship goes from neutral to friendly to romantic, their less-than-ideal “real” lives start to intrude, and they both start to wonder if their relationship can survive their personal problems.

Frontera cover

Frontera by Julio Anta and Jacoby Salcedo

When Mateo has to escape the Border Patrol on his way from Mexico back to the U.S., he finds himself hopelessly lost in the desert. Fortunately, he has Guillermo, a friendly ghost, to guide him. But that hardly means the journey will be an easy one, or that Mateo will not lose anything — or anyone — on the way home.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: road trips! These characters are going places, whether they like it or not.

Winnebago Graveyard cover

Winnebago Graveyard by Steve Niles and Alison Sampson

In this grisly graphic novel, Bobby and his parents think they’re on an ordinary road trip — until their car gets stolen, stranding them in a strange town where the locals have dark, insidious plans for the hapless newcomers…

Borders cover

Borders by Thomas King and Natasha Donovan

What should have been a simple road trip from Canada into the United States becomes fraught with issues of identity and belonging as a mother and son identify themselves as Blackfoot — not Canadian, and not American. With neither nation willing to take them on that basis, they find themselves trapped in a legal limbo.

A white and brown Havanese puppy lying on the back seat of a car

Here’s a picture of my dog Poppy on her first car ride to the vet! She’s fine with cars but she doesn’t like vets. I hope your road trips end up in happier destinations!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

And They Were Roommates

Some weather we’re having lately, huh? It’s been hot, muggy, and miserable in my area. I’m just about over summer, but I’ll never be over comics!

What do S.A. Cosby, Khaled Hosseini, Sarah Bakewell, and Yahdon Israel have in common? They’ve been guests on Book Riot’s newest podcast, First Edition, where BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Subscribe to hear them and stay to hear Book Riot’s editors pick the “it” book of the month.

Bookish Goods

A selection of seven pens, each with Wonder Woman's colors and a different name in white cursive

Wonder Woman Personalized Refillable Pen by CraftedKnack

Okay, so you still won’t have much fun writing checks, but at least you’ll look WONDERful doing it with this personalizable pen! $15

New Releases

Wasp Small Worlds cover

Wasp: Small Worlds by Various Creators

Despite her tiny size, there are plenty of Wasps to go around! This collection features two of them — Janet van Dyne and Nadia van Dyne — on the path of a villain who, for some reason, wants to erase them from existence. As a bonus, it also includes a story from Tales to Astonish #44, featuring Janet’s debut.

Disney Twisted-Wonderland Vol 1 cover

Disney Twisted-Wonderland, Volume One: Book of Heartslabyul by Yana Toboso, Wakana Hazuki, and Sumire Kowono

Night Raven College is an elite school for magic users, so what the heck is Yu, an ordinary boy with no magical powers, doing there? More to the point, how can he get back home? The students there seem determined to make things as difficult for him as possible!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: roommates! Love ’em or hate ’em, they sure make life more interesting (and affordable).

Saint Young Men Omnibus 1 cover

Saint Young Men Omnibus One by Hikaru Nakamura

Say you’re a revered religious figure who just needs a little time off after unbroken centuries of good deeds. Where do you go? If you’re Jesus and Buddha in Saint Young Men, you get an apartment together in Tokyo and learn what modern life is all about!

Strangers in Paradise Vol 1 cover

Strangers in Paradise Volume One by Terry Moore

Moore’s lauded series is now being re-released in a brand-new, four-volume edition. You’ll meet David, who loves Katchoo, who loves Francine, who can’t seem to find love no matter how hard she tries. This unlikely trio will have to navigate not just their feelings but also events much more dangerous in this funny, touching, and thrilling series.

Stay cool until Thursday, nerd friends! Interpret that however you like!

~Eileen