Category: The Stack

See These Comics Live and in Person

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date March 13, 2024

Sponsored by

I love listening to music while I work, do you? But I can only concentrate if it’s instrumental music, like the Ghibli compilation I’m listening to right now. Lyrics distract me, and we wouldn’t want anything getting in the way of today’s newsletter, now would we?

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Bookish Goods

An open pocketknife with a black handle featuring a red, Spider-Man-inspired spider dangling from a web

Personalized Spider-Man Pocket Knife by PersonalizedNYC

The coolest way to make like a Boy Scout and be prepared. Needless to say, keep this out of the hands of the littlest Spider-Man fans! $67

New Releases

Monster Crush by Erin Ellie Franey

It’s immediately clear to Ruby that Ella is not like other girls. In fact, she might not be entirely a girl — or even human — at all. That’s fine with Ruby, but there are others who want to hunt down Ella for nefarious purposes of their own. Can these two teens fight back and find out where they belong?

“Tengen” Hero Wars Volume One by Yasu Hiromoto and Kubaru Sakanoichi

When Oda and his sister get transported to another realm, they end up living many a history lover’s dream: watching the greatest warriors of all time fight to see who is the greatest of them all! Who wouldn’t want a front-row seat in a tournament like that?

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: bands! Most people have probably dreamed of performing onstage at least once in their lives. Here are some characters who really went for it!

Bocchi the Rock! Volume One by Aki Hamazi

Hitori might be the most talented guitarist in her whole high school — but nobody knows it, because she practices in her closet and doesn’t like to talk to anybody! Will performing on stage give her the push she needs, or will it send her running back to her room for good?

A Gift for a Ghost by Borja Gonzalez

Teen friends Laura, Cristina, and Gloria want to start a punk band. There are just two problems. One, they have no talent whatsoever. Two, their attempts at musical stardom awaken something from the past and compel them to examine the life of an unconventional girl who tried to pursue her own dream over a century and a half ago.

As usual, I will be back on Tuesday. Until then, rock on, nerd friends!

~Eileen

The Stack

Comics About Religion

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date March 11, 2024

Sponsored by

First and foremost, let me extend my condolences to the Dragon Ball fans over the unexpected passing of Akira Toriyama. It’s always tough losing someone who brought so much joy into your life, even if you never met them. I hope you are able to find comfort in your fellow fans and in the wonderful works that Toriyama left behind for the world to enjoy.

Bookish Goods

A set of six orange dice with red stars, inspired by Dragon Ball

Dragonball Style Dice (Acrylic Version) by DixonDiceDesign

No matter what your game of choice is, it’s sure to be way more interesting when you play with these Dragon Ball-inspired dice! $25

New Releases

Rainbow! Volume One by Sunny and Gloomy

Boo has a very active imagination. In fact, she often prefers Fantasy Boo to Real-Life Boo — until she befriends Mimi, an extremely real girl whom Boo has an extremely real crush on. But in order to win the girl of her dreams, Boo will have to leave her dream self behind and embrace who she really is!

The Setting Sun by Osamu Dazai, Adapted by Cocco Kashiwaya

Kazuko’s family was once rich and respected. After World War II leaves them destitute, she does what she can to earn a living, support her troubled family, and move past a failed marriage. When the opportunity for happiness arrives, will she give up her morals to pursue it? And what does morality mean in such a changed world?

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: religion! With Ramadan, Purim, and Easter all happening this month, now is a good time to look at some comics with religious themes.

As the Crow Flies by Melanie Gillman

Charlie has always believed in God. But now, stuck at a Christian youth camp that views her Blackness and her queerness as undesirable, Charlie has doubts. She befriends Sydney, a trans girl and the only other person who can help her through the summer…and who Charlie must help in return.

49 Days by Agnes Lee

It is a Buddhist belief that a dead person has to travel 49 days after their passing before they are allowed into the afterlife. When Kit dies, she finds herself undergoing that all-important trek, while the loved ones she left behind embark on their own journey towards acceptance and healing.

Whatever you do or don’t believe, good for you! As long as we can agree to respect each other and that comics are awesome, it’s all cool.

~Eileen

The Stack

Happy (Early) International Women’s Day!

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date March 6, 2024

Sponsored by

It’s coming up this Friday, nerd friends! And you can bet that we’ll be looking at some neat comics by and about women in today’s newsletter!

Bookish Goods

An irregularly shaped "rock" of epoxy resin, lit from the bottom, featuring characters from My Neighbor Totoro sitting on a branch inside of it

Totoro Resin Lamp by ResinLampMadebyRV

Look how pretty this is! What a cute and nostalgic way to fill your room with gentle light. $99

New Releases

Army of One Volume One by Tony Lee and Yishan Li

Carrie Taylor is more than what she seems: she is a fragment of Sister Fortune, a sorcerer who was destroyed in battle by Brother Havoc centuries ago. But as Carrie travels the multiverse looking for her other selves to put Sister Fortune back together, she begins to wonder if the story about her origins is true after all.

Third Shift Society Volume One by Meredith Moriarty

The acclaimed webtoon is now available in book format! Ellie’s life has gone from bad to just plain weird: formerly jobless and penniless, she now works for a detective with a pumpkin for a head who has her chasing down monsters and developing her heretofore unknown psychic powers! What does this career change have in store for Ellie?

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: feminism! Since it’s Women’s History Month, this seemed like the most appropriate topic.

I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly and Ken Niimura

If a fifth-grade girl came up to you and said that she used a giant hammer to slay giants, would you believe her? Barbara believes that the world is full of monsters that only she can see, but all her peers and teachers see is a rebellious loner. What is the truth — and what will Barbara do about it?

Bitch Planet Volume One by Kelly Sue Deconnick and Valentine De Landro

Are you a woman with thoughts and ambitions of your own? Then you’re about to be exiled to Bitch Planet, where all such unruly females are contained for the good of the patriarchy. The only question is, will the prisoners work together to improve their lot in life, or will they let personal grudges and squabbles make things even worse?

And now that I’ve got your attention, I will remind my fellow U.S. residents to set your clocks ahead by one hour this weekend. Yes, it stinks, but you don’t want to be behind everyone else come Monday!

~Eileen

The Stack

The Power of Positive Comics

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date March 4, 2024

Sponsored by

Hey, nerd friends! I’m going to start March by making his newsletter as upbeat as possible, so get ready for some inspiring titles!

Bookish Goods

A poster featuring a head shot of Chris Reeve's Superman rendered like stained glass. At the bottom, it reads "HOPE: Someone or something that may be able to provide help; someone or something that gives you a reason for hoping"

Hope 12″x18″ Motivational Art Print in Stained Glass Style Featuring Superman. by BeistelArtStore

This is one in a series of motivational (or, in the one featuring Deadpool, slightly less motivational) posters based on comic book characters! $16

New Releases

The Baker and the Bard by Fern Haught

Hadley is a musician always on the lookout for inspirational adventures to fuel their craft. Their friend (or more?) Juniper is a baker’s apprentice always willing to go the extra mile, even if it means foraging for rare mushrooms. When their ambitions lead them to a mystery in need of solving, will they be up to the challenge?

Ranger Academy Volume One by Maria Ingrande Mora and Jo Mi-Gyeong

When Sage gets the unexpected chance to join the Power Rangers, she, of course, can’t get on board fast enough! But with an existential threat to Ranger Academy looming, Sage must quickly learn to overcome her instinctive distrust of everyone (herself included) to 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: optimism! It seems like there’s less and less reason to stay positive some days, but here are two comics that argue in favor of a sunnier outlook.

Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder

Losing your mother at any age is terrible, but Tyler lost hers while barely an adult. Though understandably devastated, she manages to keep on living by making room to acknowledge her grief while still allowing herself to feel the joy of new experiences.

Those Who Helped Us by Ken Mochizuki and Kiku Hughes

Multiple comics have been written about the horrific treatment of Japanese Americans during World War II. This one, with a blend of fact and fiction and a minimalist art style, highlights the non-Japanese who remained kind, helpful, and supportive in the face of widespread, normalized prejudice.

A white Havanese with her ears pulled so far back you can't see them looks up at the camera with an expression resembling an open-mouthed smile. Her front paws are on a chair and one of them looks like it's reaching for you.

Look how happy Poppy is in this picture! It’s hard to stay pessimistic for long when such unbridled joy still exists in the world.

~Eileen

The Stack

Farewell to Black History Month

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date February 28, 2024

Sponsored by

Are you ready for March, nerd friends?! It’s coming up fast! Why not slow down with one of these comics for a while?

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 collection of colorful stickers, each with a different onomatopoeia, such as "pow," "wham" and "smack."

50 Comic Superhero Emote Stickers by LeftoverBagels

Make everything you own more exciting with this colorful sticker collection! $5

New Releases

Cat + Gamer Volume Four by Wataru Nadatani

Riko Kozakura only ever had one obsession: video games. Then, after she adopted a cat, Musubi, she learned to open her world to others (or at least, one other). How will she — and Musubi — react when she brings a second precious kitty into their happy household?

The Cold Ever After by Jeremy Whitley and Megan Huang

When Noelani was young, she rescued a princess and remained faithful to her in body and spirit, even as that princess married for duty, became a queen, and bore a daughter. Now, years after their disastrous falling out, the queen returns with desperate news: her daughter is missing, and she needs Noelani’s help to get her back. In this dark fantasy, true love prevails…but not in the way you think.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: civil rights II. I did this theme last February, and I think it’s a good way to close out Black History Month this February also.

Mamie Phipps Clark Champion for Children cover

Mamie Phipps Clark, Champion for Children by Lynnette Mawhinney and Neil Evans

You might have heard about the famous “doll study,” where Black children expressed a preference for white dolls over Black ones because they thought the white ones were nicer or prettier. That study was done by Mamie Phipps Clark and her husband — and it’s just one accomplishment among many in her long, trailblazing career.

The Life of Frederick Douglass by David F. Walker and Damon Smyth

Douglass’s autobiography helped bring national attention to the horrors of slavery and the necessity of abolition. This graphic novel reviews the life of this iconic and influential writer, speaker, and activist who risked his life to escape enslavement, help others find freedom, and fight to end race-based discrimination.

Black History Month may be over, but that doesn’t mean you should stop learning or caring about the history of civil rights. Every month is a good month to read up on your country’s history so you can figure out ways to improve it.

~Eileen

The Stack

¿Cómo se dice ‘comics’ en Español?

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date February 26, 2024

Sponsored by

Turns out the answer is “los cómics.” Boy, this language-learning stuff sure is easy!

Bookish Goods

A black tote bag with the word WHAM printed across the side in red letters outlined in yellow

Wham Comic Book Sound Tote Bag by BrightFutureHeirloom

“WHAM” might also be the sound this bag will make when you belt anyone foolish enough to try to steal it from you — but let’s hope you don’t have to find out. $27+

New Releases

Bëorn: The Littlest Viking Saga by Ben Bender

Bëorn wants what any Viking would want: adventure on the high seas and the chance to hoard lots of treasure! The only difference is that he’s a lot smaller than most Vikings. Still, when he learns about a magical island, he won’t let anything stop him on his quest for fame and fortune!

Jean Grey: Flames of Fear by Louise Simonson and Bernard Chang

Jean Grey is one of the most powerful heroes in the universe — and one of the most troubled. As both a founding member of the X-Men and a harbinger of destruction, she knows it is her duty to save others, but first, she will have to reexamine pivotal events from her own past…and challenge her own memories of them as well.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: translations! Thanks to the mystical art of translating, you can enjoy these comics from other countries in English.

Us by Sara Soler, Translated by Silvia Perea Labayen

In this graphic memoir, Sara tells the story of her romance with her partner, Diana, a trans woman. When Diana came out, it made both women realize that they were not who they’d always thought they were — but that they still loved each other very much. It’s a fun, lovable look at one queer couple’s journey to self-acceptance.

Okinawa by Susumu Higa, Translated by Jocelyne Allen

This manga covers the long, tragic history of Okinawa’s occupation, which continues to this day as the U.S. military maintains bases there against the islanders’ wishes. It was written and illustrated by a native Okinawan whose love and respect for the island’s traditions shine through in even the most painful panels.

There are a lot of downsides to the internet, but isn’t it great that the internet makes it so easy to find and access stories like these from all over the world? I think that’s pretty neat!

~Eileen

The Stack

It’s Two-Face’s Favorite Day

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date February 21, 2024

Sponsored by

It’s 2/22: If you live anywhere near Gotham City, I recommend you hunker down at home for the day and let Two-Face get the inevitable crime spree out of his system. You can pass the time by reading this newsletter until it’s safe!

Bookish Goods

Both sides -- one pristine, the other scratched -- of a replica of the silver dollar Two-Face used in The Dark Knight

Two Face Metal Coin Prop Replica by DarkMatterProps

Get into the spirit of the day with this replica of the coin used by Two-Face in The Dark Knight! $20

New Releases

The Happy Shop by Brittany Long Olsen

When Darcy breaks something valuable in the titular store, she has to go to work there to make up the cost. But the Happy Shop is no ordinary store: it sells happy feelings…and it’s struggling to stay in business. Can Darcy find a way to save the Happy Shop and to fit into this new environment?

The Way of the Househusband Volume Eleven by Kousuke Oono

Time for more adventures starring Tatsu, the ruthless gangster turned model househusband! In this volume, he has to help his former flunky Masa find a new apartment and transform that raggedy room into a home worthy of a yakuza.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: doppelgängers! A perfect theme for a day with too many twos.

The Summer Hikaru Died Volume One by Mokumokuren

Yoshiki lost his best friend, Hikaru, months ago. As hard as that was to deal with, the aftermath has been worse: someone — or something — that looks a whole lot like Hikaru has shown up to take his place. Can Yoshiki figure out what the fake Hikaru wants…and stop him, if it comes down to that?

Power Girl: Power Trip by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner

For a less creepy adventure, try this collection! Power Girl bears a striking resemblance to Supergirl, but she hails from another universe (at least, she thinks she does) and now has to figure out a fresh identity for herself in this one. Can she do that while also facing down supervillains and palling around with the greatest heroes on the planet?

Next week, you can look forward to two more editions of the Stack, just like always!

~Eileen

The Stack

Give These Comics a Sporting Chance

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date February 19, 2024

Sponsored by

Hi, nerd friends! Did you get Presidents’ Day off? I didn’t, alas. If you did, I hope you enjoyed the time off…and if you didn’t, the Stack will provide you with some fine entertainment to make up for it.

Bookish Goods

A mannequin wearing a soft hat with ear flaps and covered in comics-style onomatopoeias

Comic Book Fleece Ear Flap Hat by SnugglyComforts

Doesn’t this look nice and warm! Sure wish I’d bought it before a bunch of snow fell in my area… $33

New Releases

Status Royale Volume One by Ru Xu

Vell and her friend Jun used to have a great time playing Status Royale, a VR sport. But when Jun ghosts her, Vell is determined to get even by forming a new Status Royale team with which to beat him…but Jun is an expert at the game, and it will take more than Vell’s anger to bring him down!

Conan the Barbarian Bound in Black Stone Vol 1 cover

Conan the Barbarian: Bound in Black Stone Volume One by Jim Zub and Roberto de la Torre

If you were ever curious about what Conan the Barbarian was like before he became, well, Conan the Barbarian, here is your answer! This comic joins a young Conan as he is about to embark on his legendary career, revealing all of the hopes and doubts he harbored before battle.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: sports! I’ve highlighted some of the popular sports (football, soccer, etc.) before. Now let’s give a little love to the more obscure ones, like…

Sumo by Thien Pham

After failing at his dream of playing pro football, Scott decides to try his hand at sumo wrestling, the national sport of Japan. In this new environment, Scott is able to reinvent himself and find the success he has always wanted!

Love and War by Andrew Wheeler, Guillermo Saavedra, and Killian Ng

Domo is doing his best to become captain of Aster Academy’s tug-of-war team, but he’s got two (well, three) problems. One, his rival Jocasta is just as determined to make captain. And two, he can’t decide which of his fellow teammates he wants to go out with: he likes both Emil and Gabriel! What’s an award-winning athlete to do?

Hang tough, dear readers! The week will be over before you know it!

~Eileen

The Stack

Comics as Refuge

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date February 14, 2024

Sponsored by

For those of us who love comics, the medium is often a much-needed escape from the real world. Sometimes, however, they serve the opposite purpose: to teach us about people with lives far different from our own. We’ll be looking at comics that fall into this second category later, but first…

Bookish Goods

Superhero-themed wedding invitations, featuring silhouettes of a male and female superhero standing side by side

Comic Book Wedding Livret Wedding Invitation Booklet by NestingProjectPaper

Are you and your equally nerdy partner about to tie the knot? Let your friends and family know with these personalized invites! $4+

New Releases

Bunt! by Ngozi Ukazu and Mad Rupert

Like all too many college students, Molly depends on financial aid to pay her tuition. But when that aid suddenly disappears, the only way she can stay in school is by convincing a bunch of other art majors to form a softball team and compete for an athletic scholarship!

Marvel: February 1964 Omnibus by Various Creators

Did you know that this month marks the 60th anniversary of Daredevil’s debut? Marvel pays homage to this beloved character by reprinting all — yes, ALL — of the comics they published that month in this single volume. It’s a unique and fascinating snapshot of an especially productive time in Marvel’s history.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: refugees. I’ve covered immigrants before, but given the state of, well, everywhere these days, it’s important to remember the plight of refugees specifically as well.

Still Alive: Notes from Australia’s Immigration Detention System by Safdar Ahmed

Australia’s immigration system has come under fire more than once for its extreme cruelty. This account of the author’s 2011 visit to one refugee camp tells the stories of multiple detainees, including the hardships they face and the little things that help them retain hope.

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed, illustrated by Iman Geddy

This memoir tells the story of Omar and Hassan, young brothers from Somalia, growing up in a Kenyan refugee camp. As the older sibling, Omar knows it is his responsibility to take care of Hassan as best he can, even if that means leaving Hassan alone to go to school and get the education that will better their lives.

If you’ve got the funds to spare, consider heading to Charity Navigator and finding a trustworthy charity that operates in Palestine, Ukraine, or any other place where someone might need help.

~Eileen

The Stack

A Very Vampiric Valentine

Post author By Eileen Gonzalez
Post date February 12, 2024

Sponsored by

Look, the heart pumps blood, which means that vampires are a perfectly acceptable topic of discussion right before Valentine’s Day, right? Right.

Bookish Goods

A hand holds up an orange journal with the words "TVA Official Handbook" written in gold in the center. At the bottom, also in gold, are volume numbers and the words "by Ouroboros."

TVA official Handbook Hardcover Matte Journal l TVA notebook l TVA journal by ThePicnicSupplies

Whether you are a god of mischief or not, this is a handy place to keep all of your important notes! $15

New Releases

The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha

In this historical fantasy, Kai wants more than anything to be a great warrior, but two things stand in her way: her gender, and the fact that she might really be the daughter of a demon. Can Kai accept the truth about herself and still achieve the future she wants?

Freshman Year by Sarah Mai

Like many a high school graduate, Sarah was looking forward to the opportunities offered by going to college — and was completely unprepared for the reality of living alone for the first time and being so far away from friends and family. This fun but all-too-relatable comic follows Sarah as she figures out how to be a real, responsible adult.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: vampires II! Vampires was one of my very first Riot Rec themes after taking over The Stack. Let’s revisit it and see what other neat comics about vampires there are!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Chosen Ones cover

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chosen Ones by Various Creators

In these prequel tales, you’ll get to learn about the vampire slayers who came before Buffy and how they affected and altered the world that Buffy inherited. If you’ve ever wanted to dive deeper into vampire slayer lore, this is the right comic for you!

These Savage Shores by Ram V and Sumit Kumar

This intriguing comic takes the idea of colonialism as a life-draining, vampiric system to new and literal heights. An English vampire arrives in India in 1766, only to end up facing far greater dangers than he bargained for. This newly released edition includes great “making-of” content, such as excerpts from the script and character sketches.

A white and brown Havanese stands on a bamboo floor, looking up slightly into the camera

My dog Poppy is not a vampire, but sometimes she does bite a little harder than she means to. It’s worth it to get to look at this face every day, though!

~Eileen