A Haunted Girl by Ethan and Naomi Sacks and illustrated by Marco Lorenzana

This was a such a moving and haunting graphic novel that just does a beautiful job of the exploration of mental health. It manages to provide that necessary and honest conversation about mental health. There are not a lot of stories out there that gives you a chance to have an emotional connection with the story, especially with graphic novels. And the supernatural elements were a nice added touch.

Sacks said this was a personal story and you can tell by the writing, the storytelling and vibrant illustrations bringing this tale to life. If you are looking for relatable and emotional mental health representation with an adventurous plot, then A Haunted Girl is the book for you. 

Scrapper by Cliff Bleszinski and Alex De Campi and illustrated by Sandy Jarrell

A heroic superhero story that takes the joy of reading a superhero story and combines it with Don Bluth’s artistic and sentimental side makes this comic an unforgettable and joyous story to read, a story that hopefully will have more “tales” (hahaha, get it?) coming our way!

Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic by Sangu Mandanna and illustrated by Pablo Ballesteros

Author of one of my favorite middle grade series, Kiki Kallira, Sangu Mandanna comes out with a graphic novel debut that brings the same heartfelt magic and action that Mandanna always brings in her stories. Perfect for readers who are looking for diverse stories and magic school settings, this is the delightful story that you have been waiting for!

Petrol Head Volume 1 by Rob Williams and Pye Parr

In a climate crisis-ravaged future metropolis, an old, grumpy, obsolete, smoke-belching, cigar-chomping, HOTROD-RACING ROBOT is one 12-year-old girl’s only hope. Together, can they outrace the chasing Robo-Cops with an invention that might just save humanity? (Credit: Image Comics)

Lavender Clouds: Comics about Neurodivergence and Mental Health by Bex Ollerton

If you suffer from mental health issues, then you should read this comic. Even if you don’t, it is still a necessity for you to read Lavender Clouds. With this beautifully illustrated and vibrant comic, Ollerton gives readers a candid and revealing discussion of her mental health journey in a humorous but empowering way. The struggle is real, and that’s ok. It is important to know how to deal with it and accept that it will always be a part of your life. A truly honest and accepting tale about an individual’s mental health. ⁠

This Land Is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story by Julio Anta and Jacoby Salcedo

The amazing duo Julio Anta and Jacoby Salcedo return to bring not only another great coming-of-age comic with a relatable teen character but also an origin story for a teenage superhero. Who wouldn’t want to read that? What I love about “This Is Our Land”, except for it’s amazing story and captivating illustrations, for someone tired of reading superhero stories, the superhero element is just a bonus. You are not bogged down by the superhero elements but as the reader, you can appreciate the important themes that it conveys, particularly the sentiment of staying true to your instincts, no matter what the world around you tells you. All I know is, the world could use Jamie as the voice of reason and a voice of bringing unity to our communities.

Karate Prom by Kyle Starks

This was so fun to read! I couldn’t stop laughing throughout this zany mashup that you can’t help but not root for the heroes (and villains) in this unique but expressive story.

No/One by Kyle Higgins & Brian Buccellato and illustrated by Geraldo Borges

Like I mentioned in the previous post, No/One by far is one of the most innovative and engaging comics I have read in a long time. Not only is this perfect for mystery fans, but it is also great for comic book fans, who will appreciate the way the creators include their readers in a story that goes beyond the pages.

Kill Your Darlings by Ethan S. Parker, Griffin Sheridan and Bob Quinn

Rose loves nothing more than to play pretend in a magical land of her own creation. To her, that world is as real as our own—from her fluffy friends to the terrible evil that lurks at the center of it all. In one night, the line between fantasy and reality will disappear, an ancient hunger will feed again, and Rose will be pulled into a gruesome saga that began centuries before her birth. (Credit: Image Comics)

Nights Volume 1 by Wyatt Kennedy and illustrated by Luigi Formisano

It’s 2003, supernatural creatures casually exist amongst humans, and America is made up of 31 states.

Vince Okonma was an ordinary teenager, living in an ordinary town, with an ordinary life. Until an encounter with a mysterious vampire girl changed everything. Now, the supernatural monsters, his hitman cousin, and a video game-making ghost are the least of his problems. And besides possibly preventing the apocalypse and the shadowy government hounding him, he’s still gotta work through the biggest challenge of them all. First love. (Credit: Image Comics)

The Cull by Kelly Thompson and illustrated by Mattia de Iulis 

The Cull is a dark tale about five friends setting off in the middle of the night to shoot a short film on a forbidden rock near their small coastal town the summer before they all go their separate ways. But they’re not really there to shoot a film. One of them has lied. And that lie will change EVERYTHING. (Credit: Image Comics)

The Deviant Volume 1 by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Johsua Hixson

Anything that Tynion creates is pure gold and this latest one is an instant winner. Both dark and engrossing, this festive horror story will leave you breathless even when you reach the very last page.

The Enfield Gang Massacre by Chris Condon and illustrated by Jacob Phillips

How did Ambrose County get its dark origins? Discover in this prequel of the That Texas Blood series that I found both haunting and thrilling to read. Also, the pages of the physical book are printed on newspaper-type paper, which gives the story authenticity and creativity.

Hack/Slash Back To School by Zoe Thorogood

Slasher hunter Cassie Hack is only just getting used to her man-monster partner, Vlad, when she’s drawn into a new case involving a murderous bunny mascot, dead kids, and an entire squad of maladjusted teenage serial killer-hunters!

Collects Hack/Slash: Back to School #1-#4 (Credit: Image Comics)

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return by Amy Jo Johnson & Matt Hotson and illustrated by Nico Leon

I am a little bias with one because not only Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was my favorite show when I was kid, the Pink Ranger was my favorite character and to have the original Pink Ranger to co-write a story that was a gift to the fans just brought back fond memories for me but also provide a moving but still an action packed story that the Power Ranger universe can bring.

Mismatched: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Emma by Anne Camlin and illustrated by Isadora Zeferino

An adorable and sweet LGBTQIA+ romance that is not only an homage to a beloved classic but also a modern spin on a movie cult classic that fans where fans will notice and love the subtle references! Perfect for readers who enjoy Heartstopper.

Transformers Volume 1 by Daniel Warren Johnson and illustrated by Mike Spicer

Optimus Prime was supposed to have led the Autobots to victory. Instead, the fate of Cybertron is unknown, and his allies have crash-landed far from home, alongside their enemies—the Decepticons. As these titanic forces renew their war on Earth, one thing is immediately clear: the planet will never be the same. New alliances are struck. Battle lines are redrawn. And humanity’s only hope of survival is Optimus Prime.

Collects TRANSFORMERS #1-6 (Credit: Skybound)

Something is Killing the Children Vol. 7 by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Werther Dell’edera

After narrowly surviving the Duplicitype, Erica Slaughter must still reckon with the murderous Cutter in order to save the people of Tribulation. Separated from Dolly and driven by desperate rage, Cutter won’t stop until she exacts her revenge on Erica. But the horror is far from over as the terrifying Duplicitype, the infamous monster wearing Erica’s likeness that changed Something is Killing the Children forever, also remains at large and in relentless, sinister pursuit! And with Cecilia showing up onsite, will Erica finally find the ally she needs, or is betrayal in the cards? Whose side are they on? Most importantly, what chance does Erica stand? Collects Something is Killing the Children #31-35. (Credit: BOOM! Studios)

The Strange House Vol. 1 by Uketsu and illustrated Kyo Ayano

Based on the hit novel, this series follows a chilling mystery about a house designed for murder—which is now a live-action movie!

I’ve always had a fascination with the occult; you might even call it my specialty. I’ve been brought in as a consultant on many supernatural and strange mysteries. But nothing could have prepared me for this house. It seemed so ordinary at first, except for that one room. It had no doors, no windows, and was tucked away, leaving anyone to think it was just a wall. I knew that there was something more to it. It shouldn’t be there, it shouldn’t exist, and yet…

Just what is this house, and what dark secrets does it hold? (Credit: Seven Seas)

Heretic by Robbie Morrison and Charlie Adlard

Not only is “Heretic” beautifully illustrated, but this tale is also gripping and atmospheric, which will be enjoyable for readers who enjoy slow burn and complex narratives. It’s the 16th century in Antwerp, and the Inquisition is at its peak. But this story goes way beyond religious hysteria. “Heretic” weaves the elements of horror, the occult and the supernatural into a puzzle that had me gripped me until the very end. If you are a fan of historical intrigue and complex puzzles, you will want to pick this one up. ⁠

Moon Man Volume 1 by Kyle Higgins and Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi and illustrated by Marco Locati

An engrossing sci-fi adventure where you will not only be immersed in the story it tells but colorful and vibrant illustrations that draws you in!

Ramon is ready for a quiet life. Whatever went wrong on that failed moon mission, whatever happened in the missing minutes the cameras didn’t capture, all he really wants is to settle down back home. But Ramon will soon discover that the accident left him changed—and, as the eyes of the world turn to him, he’ll have to discover his new powers, protect his family, and work out who to trust as he takes his first steps into becoming something more.

Collects MOON MAN #1-5. (Credit: Image Comics)

Deep Cuts created by Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark

Writers KYLE HIGGINS and JOE CLARK (RADIANT BLACK) are joined by an ALL-STAR CAST OF ARTISTS for an anthology of stories that weave tales of struggle, joy, and hope through the history of jazz.

New Orleans, 1917: a clarinet player meets his hero. Kansas City, 1940: a young girl investigates the mystery of her father’s lost love of music. Los Angeles, 1977: a band embark on a world tour that may be their last.

Collects DEEP CUTS #1-6 (Credit: Image Comics)

Suzume Volume 1 by Makoto Shinkai and illustrated by Denki Amashima 

The journey begins with this all-new adaptation of the Golden Globe-nominated worldwide hit directed by Makoto Shinkai, creator of Your Name and Weathering With You!

High school junior Suzume has no idea why the beautiful stranger she meets is looking for ruins, for a certain door. Soon after pointing the stranger, Souta, in the direction of an abandoned resort, she thinks better of it and goes to try and stop him. But before she can find Souta, Suzume unknowingly opens a decrepit door to a world beyond time and place—and stumbles into an adventure of seismic proportions.(Credit: Vertical Comics)

The Sad Ghost Club Volume 4: Find Your Kindred Spirits by Lize Meddings

When one sad ghost, alone at a crowded party, spies another sad ghost across the room, what happens next changes everything. Because that night, they leave the party and start the The Sad Ghost Club – a secret society for the anxious and alone, a club for people who think they don’t belong.

Follow the Sad Ghost Club as they navigate the joys and complexities of opening up their community – and their hearts – to new members.(Credit: Hachette Children’s Group)

Feral Volume 1 by Tony Fleecs and illustrated by Trish Forstner

The creative team behind Stray Dogs returns with another animal related new series where this time we have cats in a heart pounding thriller that will have zombie and comic fans on the edge of their seats!

Solver Volume 1 by John Allison

Since winning the prestigious Teen Detective of the Year award, nothing has gone right for Charlotte Grote. Like many child stars, she peaked too soon, failed to deliver on her promise, and quit the game with no roadmap for what to do next. Now, post-school, she is drifting like a pro.  

So it falls to best friend, Claire Little, and increasingly involved freelance careers adviser, Glenn Durgan, to steady the ship. Together, they must find a suitable use for Charlotte’s formidable mystery-solving brain, before her directionless meddling gets her in all sorts of trouble. (Credit: Badmachinery.com)

Pupposites Attract Volume 1 by Hono Natsuna 

Chiharu’s bold personality in a petite frame strikes a contrast in every way to her scaredy-cat Rottweiler Tsubu-chan–and the same could be said for the sturdy but shy Kiyotaka and his outgoing Pomeranian, Monjuro. Yet, for these inseparable pairs, their long walks together are the highlights of the day. One encounter leads to another, and before long, these two unusual duos find their feelings changing…

Pupposites Attract is a comforting manga for pet lovers about finding joy in the unexpected, and the importance of bonds with both four-legged companions and two-legged ones alike. Perfect for fans of A Man and His Cat and Lovely Muco. (Credit: Kodansha Comics)