Shing Yin Khor’s Eisner-nominated The Legend of Auntie Po is a fantastical re-imagining of the place that American gods like Paul Bunyan have in our imagination. The story takes place in a logging camp nestled within the Sierra Nevadas between 1885 and 1886 and is told through the eyes of 13 year-old Mei, a Chinese-American…
INTERVIEW: Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s Crime-Fighting Lunch Lady Kicks Butt Once Again
In his TED Talk, Jarrett J. Krosoczka talks about setting up for a presentation focused on his first children’s book in 2001. He’s gone on to publish many books since then, but that moment was pivotal for him because, as he set up the protection equipment in the cafeteria, he spotted his old lunch lady,…
INTERVIEW: Lee Durfey-Lavoie and Veronica Agarwal Explore Mental Health and Middle School in Just Roll With It
Having a middle schooler myself and watching her navigate all the fun and exciting and overwhelming and frustrating things that come with busting into teenhood and preparing for high school makes Just Roll With It really hit home. The debut graphic novel from Lee Durfey-Lavoie and the second graphic novel for illustrator Veronica Agarwal, Just…
INTERVIEW: Stephanie Cooke Unleashes Cute Chaos in ParaNorthern: And the Chaos Bunny A-hop-calypse
When Abby saves her sister from bullies, her magic accidentally opens a portal into another realm that unleashes troublesome bunnies into the quaint supernatural torn of North Haven. Written by Stephanie Cooke and illustrated by Mari Costa, ParaNorthern: And the Chaos Bunny A-hop-calypse is a warm-hearted middle-grade adventure about friendship, facing the challenges of growing…
REVIEW: The Wizerd! and the Potion of Dreams is Pure Comic Book Magic
*Disclaimer: I came into this thinking that Michael Sweater and Rachel Dukes are really cool and this utterly lovely book definitely did not change that opinion at all!*
Svetlana Chmakova Goes Back to Nightschool With The Weirn Books: Be Wary of The Silent Woods
Award-winning creator Svetlana Chmakova goes back to nightschool with a new series, The Weirn Books: Be Wary of The Silent Woods. The first story, available now from Yen Press’ middle grade graphic novel imprint, JY, introduces us to Ailis Thornton and her cousin, Na’ya Leiburne-Thornton. Ailis is a 12-year-old weirn — a witch bound to…
Kate Karyus Quinn, Demitria Lunetta, and Maca Gil Bring Two New Heroes to Gotham in DC Kids’ Anti/Hero
Piper is a super hero-in-training who has a lot to learn about taking the law into her own hands. When she stumbles on Sloane mid-crime, their paths continue to collide and intertwine in unexpected ways. Through a Freaky Friday-esque switch up, Anti/Hero explores the gray areas of heroics and villainy, class struggles, family life, family…
Diana: Princess of the Amazons Teaches Parents How to Raise Their Own Amazons
I’ve come to understand that Shannon Hale writes books that let children feel seen, while also reminding parents of what it was like to be that age. Ironically, in Diana: Princess of the Amazons, a young Diana doesn’t feel seen at all because all of the adults are too busy for her. Being seen is a constant…
Making Noise With Kazoo’s Noisemakers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World
When we were approached with the opportunity to talk about Noisemakers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World here at WWAC, my response was a resounding YES after seeing the incredible lineup of creators and subjects involved:
Previously on Comics: Marvel to Release the Claremont Cut and DC Comics Goes to the Zoo
Oh hey it’s Monday! And comics industry news from last week was actually pretty good! Marvel will release an extended version of Chris Claremont’s God Loves Man Kills next month. For the first time, the Scotiabank Giller Prize will open its doors to graphic novels. The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) announced its 2020 list…
Hex Vet: The Flying Surgery Soars with More Adorable Witchy and Animal Antics
In the sequel to Witches in Training, Hex Vet: The Flying Surgery takes Clarion and Annette on a new adventure in their efforts to earn their witch hats. You don’t need to have read the first series by Sam Davies in order to appreciate this one, but after reading The Flying Surgery, young readers will…
Kitten Construction Company is a Sure Hit for Reluctant Readers
Kitten Construction Company: A Bridge Too Fur John Patrick Green First Second October 1, 2019 Welcome back to another edition of Melissa and Alenka Review a Comic about Cats! In past installations we talked about cats and identity in Finding Molly from Emet Comics and the delightful strangeness of Benji Nate’s Catboy. This time we leaned…