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

Categories
The Stack

Happy Kwanzaa, Nerd Friends!

Today marks the first day of Kwanzaa, so if you celebrate, I hope you have a good time! And if you’re spending your Tuesday at work or cleaning up after Christmas, well, these comics make a nice consolation prize.

Need a belated gift? TBR to the rescue. We’ve got three levels of personalized reading recommendations — recs-only, paperback, and hardcover — and you can gift a full year or one time, so there are options for every budget! Get all the details at mybtro.com/gift.

Bookish Goods

A rectangular rug on a wooden floor. The rug is black and red and features an image of Miles Morales as Spider-Man, squatting amid a red web pattern

Spiderman Rug by CustomTowelandMats

This is the perfect rug to jazz up your room! But maybe don’t practice your spider-moves on it… $94

New Releases

Vampire Slayer Vol 4 cover

Vampire Slayer Volume Four by Sarah Gailey and Various Artists

Calling all Buffy fans! The Vampire Slayer series concludes with this fourth volume, which sees Buffy and Giles trying to repair their relationship as Willow tries to regain control over her magic so she can use it to help people once again.

Protect me Shugomaru Vol 1 cover

Protect Me, Shugomaru! Volume One by Daiki Ihara

As a wealthy heiress, Sanagi has little hope of ever living a normal life. Not only is she constantly threatened by assassins, the bodyguard assigned to keep her safe is an overenthusiastic ten-year-old! Both Sanagi and Shugomaru will have to learn how to navigate the people and challenges at her school if they want to be happy.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: fat characters! I know that losing weight is a popular New Year’s resolution, but let’s try to end the year on a body-positive note, hey?

Faith Deluxe Edition cover

Faith by Jody Houser and Various Artists

This deluxe edition is the perfect introduction to Faith Herbert: orphan, reporter, and aspiring superhero! It includes all of her earliest adventures, in which she establishes her own identities and takes on a variety of threats, plus a whole lot of bonus material.

Chunky cover

Chunky by Yehudi Mercado

When his well-meaning parents push him to lose weight by playing a sport — any sport, just pick one! — Hudi is miserable, until his imaginary friend Chunky shows up to offer support. Together, Hudi and Chunky will navigate all of the obstacles life throws at them and even help Hudi pursue his true passion.

There’s only one 2023 newsletter left! I’ve got something special planned for Thursday, so be sure to check back in!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Comics for a Winter’s Night

Solstice is upon us, which means it gets dark really early these days, but don’t worry: just switch on the light and keep on reading those comics!

Related: we have a new paperback level at TBR! If you (or a reader you know) are just over-carrying around bulky hardcovers or are looking for a more budget-friendly option, we’ve got you. Check out all the offerings at mybtro.com/gift, and give personalized reading recommendations customized for any and every reader.

Bookish Goods

Three different angles of a tumbler featuring a full-color image of Ryan Reynold's Deadpool against a backdrop of black-and-white comic book panels

Deadpool 20 oz Skinny Tumbler by TranquilTreasures101

Getting your mouth that close to the real Merc with a Mouth is probably unsanitary, but this tumbler should be safe, and it looks great besides! $30

New Releases

Great Yokai War Guardians Vol 1 cover

The Great Yokai War: Guardians Volume One by Yusuke Watanabe and Sanami Suzuki

The Yokai are Japan’s guardian spirits, but even they can do nothing against the invading kaiju. Instead, they turn to Kei, a descendant of a successful monster hunter, to save the day. If you enjoyed the movie of the same name, you’ll probably get a kick out of this manga, too!

Dark Knights of Steel Vol 2 cover

Dark Knights of Steel Volume Two by Tom Taylor and Yasmine Putri

It’s the DC universe, but not the one you know! On an alternate Earth, set in medieval times, the arrival of a mysterious spaceship (betcha can’t guess whose) spells trouble for three kingdoms. Our heroes will have to fight (with swords!) for their lives and their beliefs in this continuation of an exciting Elseworlds story.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: ice skating! Winter will officially be upon us starting tomorrow. In other words, it’s the perfect time to do, or at least read about, a little skating.

Knight of the Ice Vol 1 cover

Knight of the Ice Volume One by Yayoi Ogawa

Kokoro is one of the most successful figure skaters in the world…but only because his best friend Chitose always recites a spell from his favorite anime to help him focus before each competition! Everything is going fine until Chitose’s career takes her out of town right before a big event. Can Kokoro perform without her presence and support?

book cover spinning by tillie walden

Spinning by Tillie Walden

What do you do when you realize that the one driving passion of your life isn’t really what you want to be doing? That is the question Walden had to grapple with when, after a decade of competitive figure skating, she discovered that there were other places where she might fit in better. Making the switch was difficult but, in the long run, right for her.

A white Havanese curled up in a dog bed with a Lamb Chop toy under her head. The bed is covered in a Christmas-themed blanket, and her eyes are half-closed.

I leave you with this picture of my dog Poppy all cuddled up and waiting for Santa Paws. Have a great Christmas, a great Festivus, a great solstice, and/or a great week!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Mom Said It’s My Turn to Read the Comics Now

Less than a week to go before Christmas, nerd friends! If you celebrate, you’re probably looking forward to it, and if you don’t, you’re probably just as excited about everyone finally shutting up about it! Either way, please enjoy this humble offering from your friendly neighborhood comics fan.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for that bookish special someone in your life this holiday season? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help! Here at TBR, we pair our customers with a professional book nerd (aka bibliologist) who just gets them. They fill out a survey and then sit back and relax as we pick books just for them. We’ve got three levels — recs-only, paperback, and hardcover — and you can gift a full year or one time, so there are options for every budget! Get all the details at mybtro.com/gift

Bookish Goods

A grouping of small round pots, each a different color and containing different colored plants and kittens that reflect a different One Piece character

One Piece Cat Potted Terrariums by PreciousTouchByMia

The cutest possible way for a manga fan to add a little color to their bedroom, work desk, or anywhere else! $35

New Releases

Black Solstice cover

Black Solstice by Martin Desmond Roe, Travon Free, and Aremo Massa

For just one day, during the winter solstice, every Black person, including the Wallace siblings, gained their own superpower. Back then, no one expected such a strange occurrence. Now, with the solstice approaching again, the Wallaces have plans for when — or if — their powers return.

Heartstopper Vol 5 cover

Heartstopper Volume Five by Alice Oseman

The beloved series continues — what a nice Christmas present for fans! Charlie and Nick have finally admitted their love and are happy together, but with Nick about to head off to university, how will their relationship change? And what other challenges will they face in the meantime?

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: sibling rivalry! No matter how much you love ’em, sometimes you just want to punt their favorite toy down the stairs. Let’s see how these comic book siblings deal with that urge.

Twin Cities cover

Twin Cities by Jose Pimienta

Fernando and Teresa have always gotten along fine, but when Teresa decides to go to school in America rather than stay with Fernando in Mexico, cracks appear in their “perfect” relationship. With Teresa overwhelmed by schoolwork and Fernando falling in with bad company, they will have to relearn how to rely on each other.

Sweet Valley Twins Teacher's Pet cover

Sweet Valley Twins: Teacher’s Pet by Francine Pascal and Claudia Aguirre, Adapted by Nicole Andelfinger

Elizabeth and Jessica both love ballet, but Jessica is far better at it — a fact their teacher refuses to acknowledge by giving preference to Elizabeth for no apparent reason! Can the twins work together to make ballet class fairer for both of them or will their newfound rivalry tear them apart? This comic is part of a series.

‘Tis the season to put up with relatives you don’t normally see or necessarily like. Fun it is not, but just remember that it won’t last long, and soon you can go back to hanging out with the people you like best!

~Eileen