We are bringing back reviews… Huzzah! Here’s what I love right now:
The Night Eaters book 1 & 2
This is my TOP pick of the month. I love this series. I read the first book and it explored the family dynamic of the Ting twins and their parents, with a tiny bit of the supernatural lore sprinkled in. Enough that you know the story is about demons and different realms, but not quite enough for it to be the plot–yet. In book 2, they really get into the supernatural action of it all. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes supernatural or urban fantasy, and families who deal with… demonic… spirits?? Possession???
House of Hunger
This really is just a pulp lesbian vampire book. But it is concise and well written, and if you were a weird vampire kid like me, you might know something about Lady Bathory and this book basically takes that story but even more murder lesbianism.
Transitions
This is my holiday pick for anyone who has a family member who is struggling with someone’s trans / gender identity. This book is from the POV of a mom who is struggling coming to terms with her transgender son coming out. She takes us through her learning process, her fears and anxieties, and accepting her son’s identities.
Dungeon People, vol. 1
This was our manga book club pick for October and I have to say, I really enjoyed it! I had been hearing about how good it was from customers and friends, but it didn’t seem like my cup of tea. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it! It’s a dungeon story so there are action/adventure elements, dragons, goblins, etc., and admittedly that is why I hadn’t picked it up. The twist however, really got me – it actually takes us on a journey behind the scenes in the dungeon and ultimately, is more about an office hierarchy / corporate structure than an action/adventure manga. It is very funny, and I definitely recommend it if you want something fun and lighthearted to read.
Supergirl #1
The new Supergirl Special by Mariko Tamaki (famously known for: I am Not Starfire, Crush & Lobo, Roaming, This One Summer) is NOT to be missed! Kara is struggling with what is her purpose in the Superfam, and the text explores themes and feelings of depression, anxiety and self-worth in a world that puts her on a pedestal. There are so many great and relatable panels.. especially when she pulled apart her cupcake and made a cupcake sandwich! It is the most efficient way to eat a cupcake, just so you know.
Wonder Woman #1, #2 & Amazons Attack #1
I was not so sure about the new Wonder Woman at first, because Tom King is the writer and he is pretty 50/50 IMO (for ex., the new Penguin series he’s penning is not doing it for me) — however, he nails it with the explosive first issue and I am really excited about where this goes. Issue #2 is the lead up for the new AMAZONS ATTACK series which is the new series starring Nubia, Queen of Themyscira. I cannot recommend both of these new Amazon stories enough. They are powerful and represent the strength and resilience through resistence of oppression and discrimination — America is waging a war on Amazons and the Amazons are fighting back!
Captain Marvel: Assault on Eden
Written by Anthony Oliveira (@meakoopa on twitter, of CEREBRO fame) – this is a great one-shot with Captain Marvel and Hulkling & Wiccan. I definitely recommend if you are hoping for more Hulkling & Wiccan action after Young Avengers..!!
Britney Spears: The Woman in Me
I know a lot of people have book looking forward to Britney’s tell all about her family / upbringing and the conservatorship. Yes – she goes into all of it. It is very plainly and explicitly written and her experience with her abusive family under the conservatorship is harrowing and this book is a must-read!
She Loves to Cook, She Loves to Eat (vol 1-3)
We just restocked volume 1 and volume 3 recently came out so of course I had to include this series! This is simply THE best yuri series on the market right now and I so recommend it for any gay manga fan as it deals with so many issues in such a real and poignant way. It is an apartment romance, where the main protagonist is a cook who enjoys cooking large proportions but never manages to eat all of it. Noticing her neighbors many empty takeout containers, she decides to strike up a friendship in hopes to share the plentiful results of her hobby… Over the course of their friendship, she develops feelings for her and we learn about the two women and watch their relationship develop…
