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Parisian cartoonist La Police’s English-language debut pokes fun at tropes drawn from the pulpier genres, with a thrillingly unique blend of deadpan humor and surreal silliness that is both uproarious and evocative of a fascinating, singular vision.
An uncommonly entertaining biography and reconsideration of Kafka’s complex character, released to coincide with the centennial of his death.
PREMIUM
1949
Weaver (Paklis) merges elements of cyberpunk and film noir in this admirably ambitious, totally engaging sci-fi thriller.
PREMIUM
Crave
An exquisitely illustrated, propulsive-plotted erotic thriller from Llovet (Porcelain).
An essential collection of intricately plotted, emotionally complex, wonderfully entertaining tales written and drawn by one of the greatest storytellers of our time.
Fans are likely to find this gorgeously illustrated, uniquely immersive conclusion to Karen’s story well worth the wait.
Kaneko retains Tezuka’s relentless pacing, flair for melodrama, and thematic focus on justice, corruption, and individuality within an oppressive society, while integrating elements of body horror and an increased focus on the unsustainability of societies where vital resources are controlled by a thriving minority, to the detriment of the masses.
A debut graphic memoir that was originally published in Spain and won the Popular Prize award at the Salón del Cómic in Barcelona, this moving and devastating portrait of a little-understood condition will fascinate and educate readers.
Dorrance’s (It’s All About Mimi) gorgeous, plaintive story speaks to those caring for aging parents and realizing they must eventually prepare for their own exits. A lyrical read-alike for Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast.
Cook (My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic) offers a fine idyll through a fabulistic world that’s an appealing read for cozy fantasy fans.
PREMIUM
Dwellings
Readers who enjoyed Afterlife with Archie by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa or Octopus Girl by Toru Yamazaki will enjoy untangling the plots of these six cutesy yet highly disturbing stories.
PREMIUM
Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons
Author Tieri (Multiversity: Harley Quinn Screws Up the DCU) and illustrator Miranda (We Live: Coming of Age) spin a thrilling adventure featuring the world-renowned King of the Monsters.
Author Sebela (Crowded Vol. 1) and illustrator Laming (Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Omnibus) present a riveting science fiction thriller examining how hope can inspire heroism, or become an excuse for monstrousness, in the face of desperation.
A tender, probing exploration of queer identity in a world seemingly on the verge of collapse, brought to life with warmth and grace by Bulling’s (Cutes: Collected Queer and Trans Comics) exceptionally fluid, emotionally evocative linework.
Marra employs a loose, somewhat sketchy cartooning style that’s perfectly matched to his fast-paced, seemingly intuitive plotting. An occasionally shocking, sometimes nightmarish, completely unpredictable satire of modern masculinity.
PREMIUM
Army of One, Vol. 1
Despite an overabundance of exposition and worldbuilding, this is an intriguing initial offering from Lee (Hope Falls) in an ongoing sci-fi adventure, starring a charismatic queer teenager.
PREMIUM
Void Rivals, Vol. 1
Kirkman (Firepower) and illustrators De Felici (Oblivion Song Compendium) and Lopes craft a fantastic space opera centered on a fascinatingly complex pair of protagonists.
Tjong-Khing draws on psychedelic and pop art influences, using exaggerated figures, flamboyant gestures, and vivid color to evoke an uncanny sense of movement and unbridled emotion in this fascinatingly surreal dystopian science fiction pop fantasia.
Not a particularly great starting point for new readers, but so packed with magnificent action and trippy notions about human nature that even the uninitiated are likely to find something to enjoy in this operatic science fiction epic.
PREMIUM
Portrait of a Body
Moody, elegant, slow, and serious, Delporte’s self-portrait feels defined in great part by its beautiful, formidable frame.
PREMIUM
I Feel Awful, Thanks
Written from the heart and personal experience, Pickle’s debut is a compelling effort to help young adults feel seen through an imaginative delve into familiar psychological challenges.
Excellent for readers seeking to understand challenges facing devout LGBTQIA+ people and for religious queer individuals themselves.
A demanding historical narrative with a profound, ever-relevant vision of the human capacity for both cruelty and cultural persistence.
PREMIUM
Won’t Back Down
A visually and thematically varied pro-choice anthology with many thoughtful entries.
Czerwiec’s wrenching, inspiring story addresses how people should be treated by the medical system and challenges them to treat all patients as in Unit 371. Highly recommended.
These dozen dramatized interviews speak for the uncountable war veterans throughout history who died with their PTSD, guilt, and pain undiagnosed and misunderstood. Highly recommended for readers willing to brave the wars inside veterans and thus better understand the wars outside them.
An inventive introduction to what to expect for someone seriously ill with leukemia and for medical professionals needing insight into their patients’ points of view. Also, a sobering readalike for Marisa Acocella Marchetto’s Cancer Vixen, in which the author survives.
The raw accounts of these five tormented women reveal a disturbingly ineffective health system. Vital for health collections in public and university libraries.
PREMIUM
Everything Is OK
Those stuck in a destructive feedback loop of self-punishment will recognize themselves in Tung’s account and pick up ideas for exiting the downward spiral, perhaps deciding to trust a therapist to help them. Helpful for young adults as well as their elders.
For lovers of storytelling and lovers writ large, this is a masterful, unforgettable introduction to an essential romantic text.
PREMIUM
Nervosa
Challenging in its detail and honesty, this will draw sympathy from readers who recognize similarities to their own struggles, and it may spur readers to really see other people, not just encounter them superficially.
PREMIUM
Going Remote: A Teacher’s Story
A sobering and educational meditation on how medical and educational worlds both benefit and suffer from technological interventions.
PREMIUM
Memento Mori
Takalo’s wrenching account lays bare the difficulties of surviving an imperfect life even when things go well. A bittersweet guide to happiness for readers captivated by personal journeys.
Hilnama’s realistic details and encouragement would help any cancer patient prepare for the worst but work towards the best as well. A must-buy for most libraries.
PREMIUM
A Chance: Complete Edition
Inspiring and informative for would-be parents and for those who enjoy stories about real-life, complicated families.
PREMIUM
Ephemera: A Memoir
Mournful but somehow deeply soothing, Loewinsohn’s graphic memories conjure a human’s strength to perpetuate and reshape a bond, drawing creatively from only recollections and imaginings. This debut is a potent inspiration for readers yearning to reach toward important people of their own, now forever absent.
Capturing the zeitgeist of 2020, this anthology documents the suffering people behind the statistics: so many voices, so much death. Important for historical and medical collections, for education about crisis management, and also peerlessly entertaining.
Knisley’s painful yet often funny chronicle, spotlights difficult realities of childbearing that most women aren’t told about. Excellent background for prospective parents, their friends and relatives, and clinical professionals.
PREMIUM
Work-Life Balance
An inventive take on workplace barriers to mental health, the failure of safety nets, and the resilience of those relying on them.
Gruesome yet puckish, this summary conveys fascinating details of amputation, tourniquets, the phantom limb phenomenon, and prosthetics design. It makes a fine choice for adult and teen collections and for science curricula.
PREMIUM
Hummingbird Heart
A moving and entertaining reality check that will resonate with readers considering their own turning points.
Ronan’s lyrical, tragic story tells how death ends a life, not a relationship, and how forlorn lovers can savor their joy about those they love even while mourning their loss. Highly recommended.
Ollerton’s engaging collection makes a wide-ranging and emotionally rich introduction to the circumstances of people with autism. Useful for high schoolers as well as adults.
PREMIUM
Ripple Effects
An insightful presentation of the daily challenges and tradeoffs of living with an invisible, dangerous, and incurable illness. Educational and compelling for those with these illnesses and others who undoubtedly know but don’t recognize these individuals.
Millar’s skill for conveying characterization and exposition through action and Larraz’s (X-Men: Hellfire Gala 2023) fluidly dynamic illustration make this an action-packed, breathtakingly paced, and surprisingly accessible superhero epic.
While some entries emphasize action sequences so heavily that the characters seem connected to the source material in name only, the majority are refreshingly contemporary updates of the intricate plotting and character dynamics present in Doyle’s original stories.
Botton’s deeply insightful script and knack for composing dialogue attuned to Tarantino’s distinctive rhythm and intensity make this an essential volume for fans of the filmmaker, as well as anyone interested in modern American cinema.
A razor-sharp satire of conservative values, bohemian ideals, outlaw culture, capitalism, and more, from a creator evincing a powerful, if idiosyncratic, vision of modern American life.
Matsumoto (Cats of the Louvre) offers a provocative meditation on the struggle to maintain artistic integrity while creating art for mass-market consumption.
PREMIUM
Four Gathered on Christmas Eve
An essential horror anthology from an all-star lineup of creators.
A well-crafted saga exploring the nature of evil, drawn from elements of the crime, horror, and science fiction genres. A perfect starting point for newcomers, while longtime Grendel readers should be thrilled at how Wagner has reinvigorated what was already considered a classic story.
Wertz’s immersive and sometimes very funny tale hardly fits the “completely average” subtitle, yet nearly everyone can see themselves somewhere in her story, cheer her on, and enjoy the surprise ending.
PREMIUM
Us
This charming, even humorous chronicle of a journey fraught with immense complications will be welcomed by romance lovers as well as those looking for information about trans matters. An empathic adventure for teens and adults.
This poignant meditation on a body that seems difficult to understand or love, but all too easily exploited, challenges readers to contemplate the complexity of human selves, including their own.
Anne’s family and acquaintances model a range of responses to a trans relative’s coming out, illustrating common difficulties while showing that acceptance and joy become possible with care and diligence. An excellent graphic novel and resource for families and others who experience the unexpected transition of a loved one.
PREMIUM
Dog’s Breakfast
A must-have for Invincible Summer fans looking to fill in missing installments. A supplementary purchase for libraries where zines and memoir-style graphic novels circulate well.
With humor and humility, Jancewicz and Stevenson (creators of the webcomic The Touring Test) share their tale of pursuing a world record via music venues across the 50 states. It’s also sprinkled with tips on packing light for road tripping and how to be a better audience member; young adults and veterans of the indie music scene will find something to love.
PREMIUM
Light It, Shoot It!
Illustrated in gorgeous black-and-white brushstrokes and moodily evocative painted washes, this twisty thrill ride through old Hollywood features a large cast of complex and often surprisingly nuanced characters.
A fast-paced mystery, propelled by a fascinating cast of characters, that builds to a profoundly moving and deeply romantic climax. Absolutely not to be missed.
PREMIUM
All Eight Eyes
Foxe’s (Dark X-Men) scripting emphasizes thrills and chills over exposition without shortchanging character development in this exhilaratingly pulpy horror thriller.
Subitzky’s uninhibited imagination and penchant for absurd humor create a thrillingly revelatory collection, with contributions by cartoonist Mark Newgarden.
PREMIUM
Worm: A Cuban American Odyssey
A passionate firsthand account of historical events and a compelling coming-of-age tale in one.
Small’s fluid linework and exceptional visual storytelling result in a compelling, deeply affecting collection.
Harkness delivers one of the best releases of 2023 in this exhilarating, heartbreaking, and often humorous memoir. Add it to the collection right away.
This totally unique depiction of Sherlock Holmes and Watson is likely to be embraced by fans of Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories and also by those who enjoy abstract or experimental comic art.
Hulk’s appearance in the Avengers movies and his stand-alone popularity make this an appealing choice.
Bell’s powerful story of his life and commentary on racism are made even more impactful by his poignant illustrations.
PREMIUM
Prince in Comics!
Prince fans won’t learn anything new, but they’ll treasure the reminders of how the genius operated. Others will appreciate the art and lessons about the legend.
Kurzweil’s highly recommended memoir is unlike any other. It will leave readers with much to contemplate.
Rowe’s biography portrays a triumph of queer and Jewish resistance in the face of fascism and stands as a tribute to the love that surrounded the lives of Cahun and Moore, not just for each other but for humanity.
The beauty revealed in the conclusion changes the game, forcing characters and readers to rethink woman power. Jama-Everett’s evocative, open-ended finale suits the saga far better than a neat wrap-up. Highly recommended.
Those looking to better understand codependent behavior will benefit from Ash’s story and enjoy wry chuckles along the way.
PREMIUM
Don’t Spit in the Wind
Delightfully sinister and gleefully borrowing from its apocalyptic forbears, this is a fatalistic fever dream.
PREMIUM
Blue Book, Vol. 1: 1961
Tynion’s (The Nice House on the Lake) debut volume of a promised ongoing series of nonfiction “True Weird” stories provides a thrilling account of the Hills’ experience and a heartbreaking evocation of the price they paid for sharing their story over the rest of their lives. This edition collects material previously released online.
Clowes’s formal ingenuity, meticulous attention to psychological and visual detail, and masterful sense of narrative and tone combine to create an emotionally resonant and unforgettable opus, reaffirming his place among the greatest storytellers of our time.
PREMIUM
Moonray: Mother’s Skin
While some science-fiction and fantasy fans might be frustrated by Graham’s (Rain Like Hammers) seemingly improvisational plotting and emphasis on worldbuilding over propulsive forward progress, fans of the more experimental fringes of either genre are likely to embrace this fascinatingly surreal, richly imagined cosmic odyssey.
PREMIUM
Immortal Sergeant
Kelly’s fast-paced script balances racy humor and a profound exploration of a father and son coming to terms with one another, while Niimura’s deceptively loose illustration interweaves a variety of influences to create a terrifically kinetic sense of movement through a world steeped in a distinctively noir atmosphere.
Montellier emerges as a true visionary of the graphic-novel medium and the science-fiction genre in these captivating tales of human beings struggling to retain their dignity under repressive regimes.
PREMIUM
Mother Nature
An awkwardly overstuffed plotline is enlivened, if not quite redeemed, by the author’s obvious passion for the subject matter and Stevens’s gorgeous photorealistic watercolor illustration.
PREMIUM
Mingus
For Mingus fans especially, and those who know the legend and the stories. People who are less familiar with the complicated jazz master will want to delve into the works mentioned in the discography, bibliography, and videography provided by Massarutto.
PREMIUM
Mariko Between Worlds
Recommended for mature teens and adults, this title captures the rush of youth, where nights out have no repercussions and hangovers are tomorrow’s problem.
A murmured wartime memory that speaks volumes about the difficult depths of the solitary human condition.
With the book’s sheer breadth of unflinching life experiences lovingly depicted within, appealing illustrations and candy-colored cover, and ample servings of humor, hope, and wit, it’s hard to imagine a public library collection that wouldn’t benefit from its inclusion.
PREMIUM
But You Have Friends
Staid but kind, this first graphic memoir from McKenzie, who also writes comics as Emix Regulus, celebrates and mourns a meaningful friendship with quiet narrative confidence.
A smart purchase where New Yorker cartoons are popular, as these put a new spin on the bourgeois genre.
PREMIUM
Okinawa
Exhaustive and emotional, this is an intense labor of love by its creator and will likely prove fascinating and enlightening to the committed reader as well.
PREMIUM
The Man in the McIntosh Suit
Ayuyang (Blame This on the Boogie) presents a gripping and romantic Depression-era noir about a fledgling community struggling to achieve the American dream without sacrificing who they are.
Scioli has created the most compelling and layered portrait of Lee to date. A brilliant achievement.
An elegantly illustrated, immersive tale that isn’t so much about discovering yourself as it is about embracing who you have been and may one day be.
A provocative and harrowing thriller with a distinct and passionately expressed perspective on the modern world.
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