May was a fun month of reading. I finally caught up on a TON of graphic novels that I’ve been recommending to people because of what I’d read/heard about them but hadn’t actually gotten the chance to read myself. So many incredible books on this list, I’m seriously beyond impressed. Let’s get into it (yuh).
Jalisco is the first volume in a story about a girl who fights crime through folklorico dance. (Per google). This story tackles real issues that women in Mexico face and puts a Latina superhero on the case. It’s very much an action-adventure with a little bit of a dark side, though the art style would make you think it’s more for kids. I picked this up from Leef at Mission Comics because I was curious, and it’s an independent artist/author. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to check out something much more indie.
Well, you know I love the Mags Visaggs & Claudia Aguirre combo – it’s a one-two punch that hits every time for me. This story is very Stranger Things-esque to me, but with a group of girls (and bonus gay storyline) – there’s some gov’t conspiracy, monsters, and action. Less D&D though.
Ok listen.. This comic is weird but I kind of love it? I finished the second issue and am patiently awaiting the third. It’s the “Guild of International Lady Temporalists” and about women who travel through time, basically. The two main characters and their witty banter, as well as the art, is what really hooked me though. I love a good time-travel story though (see also: Paper Girls) and so far this is a fun one.
As you may know by now, I love the Nib and they never miss. This is a great one, with Pandemic stories from different artists as well as their usual facts + figures. It’s a great collection and I highly recommend it if you like their political commentary and are still struggling with the ongoing plague.
This was super cute lesbian fluff and I loved it, obviously. It’s about an idol group that adds a third member who doesn’t know that was the job she signed up for (hehe) – hijinks ensue. Mira Ong Chua’s art is gorgeous and her other works and accessories can also be found in-store.
This one was pretty much awesome except that apparently there are other Kaiju Score storylines that I have to look into now… I got this because I thought the cover art was awesome and the very hyper-stylization of the art is really cool to me. I like the idea of it as well (love a good heist story), and I’d be curious to see where this goes.
Another Mira Ong Chua zine. Her art is gorgeous as usual – this story is about confidence and loving yourself (kind of?) – very short, very sweet and a bit gay as well which is typical for her work.
Whew this one is spicy. Beautiful art and comics by Trinidad Escobar which explore the eroticism of queerness from a sapphic/lesbian perspective.
Another Nib anthology, this one was a birthday gift (thanks, Scott!) and I really enjoyed it. The comics covered a wide range of topics from history to personal anecdotes. Highly recommend for anyone in your life who would benefit from a wider range of perspectives in the queer community.
This is one of my new favorites, for sure. I love the art style so much. I think this one will be the July book club pick! This is a realistic fiction story of two girls who drift apart and then back together by being on the same basketball team… It’s really beautiful and the whole cast of characters are explored in such phenomenal depth that I’m really glad I finally got around to reading it.
Remember that episode of Buffy where Xander tries to join the swim team but they’re all taking like, supernatural steroids or something? And they turn into monsters? Yeah I think that’s where this one is going. Love the art style though. And I will say I don’t dislike the concept. Also significantly more interesting characters (no shade to Buffy but..)
Easily one of the best debut graphic novels I have ever read. This is such a cute + fun story with magic, queerness and coming-of-age elements that I recommend to literally anyone and everyone. Naturally it’s sold out in-store – but there are more coming on the way!
This was a great little collection of comics/stories that I found really interesting. The art style is gorgeous and the stories all held great depth and weight to them that really sit with you for a minute.
This is a story I recommend for anyone looking for a cute wholesome gay romance – maybe you just finished Heartstopper, or you were drawn into my store by my “Gay Comics Here” sign- either way, this is the sweet wholesome gay romance you might be looking for. It’s very cute.
Body horror, monster horror, queer romance, creepy towns… Hello!!! This is just my type of book. Really loved this one a lot, and have sold out of the trade paperbacks so I just have the hardcover left for now. It is a gorgeous hardcover though, just so you know.
This is my #1 pick if you enjoyed Heartstopper and have an urge to read something similar. Wholesome + cute gay romance, plus a little sports romance (also if you like the homoerotic tension in the sports anime like Haikyuu, Free! and Yowamushi Pedal, you might like this one with it’s overt queer storyline) – I thought it was also a very unique way to structure a graphic novel where the main character is a vlogger and the story is basically told through his POV / online presence vlogging.
This is another one I might recommend if you enjoyed Heartstopper and are looking for another gay romance. It’s a cute yuri story about a very insecure girl who happens to be a trombone/musical genius but doesn’t have any confidence / is very awkward, and is pulled out of her shell by a boisterous drummer.
This is a very interesting sapphic AI / sci-fi romance. I think the actual themes are somewhat dark (AI robots which are basically humans, tragic backstory for the main character) however, it’s quite a sweet tale of somewhat-enemies (frenemies?) to friends to lovers.
This one was a highly rated, Stonewall Honor Book so it has been on my to-read list for a while. I am so glad I finally read it – the story was fun and cute, and the art is gorgeous. It’s got action, romance, and magic, what more could you want?
Finally read one of Junji Ito’s most famous works and I have to say, as a Junji Ito fan it certainly did not disappoint. I can understand why everyone speaks highly of it and it is widely sought after. I am always looking forward to my next Junji Ito read. This part was equal parts disturbing and distressing. My favorite.
An excellent read if you’ve ever been curious how the elites got the power and influence that they have on the world, in politics etc. This book will make you mad, lol. At society for not doing more to prevent the rampant oligarchical mess, at these rich assholes for being… assholes…
Another Nib anthology! This one is pretty good but seems to be out of print. If you can get your hands on it, it’s an interesting look into the various secrets kept by individuals but also some interesting government secrets & how they were let out of the bag as well.
This was the book club pick for the month and I have to say my main takeaway was that it actually inspired me to want to go back into the DC Gotham canon which in my mind means it was an effective origins story. I really liked the way they told her backstory, and were able to convey that she truly values plant and nature life over human life. I think in a lot of ways, she is told as a very relatable and sympathetic character which is what you want to accomplish in a villain origin story. And honestly? She is not wrong for wanting to protect the earth!
That’s it for May reads! Happy Pride Month yall and just a reminder that June’s book club pick is Like it Or Not, by Amy Dalia.