I’ve got a few things in the Previously queue for you today, including Big Name Publishers publishing trans stories (yay!), but unfortunately Even Bigger Names…not (srsly?!). Also, a little holiday gift suggestion for you.
Random House Global is launching Ink Pop. Ink Pop is a new middle-grade and YA graphic novel line that will include translated manga and manhwa, as well as print editions of webtoons. One of the first titles launched is a YA series for 12 and up titled: I Wanna Be Your Girl by Umi Takase. I Wanna Be Your Girl
…about a girl who is in love with her childhood friend, a love that gets complicated when, just before they start high school, her friend begins to transition to living as a girl. Like Heartstopper and Blue Flag, the manga explores first love and friendship, coping with change, and learning to be an ally.
The first volume will be released on July 1, 2025. The line will be led by Whitney Leopard, Executive Editor, Random House Graphic. In the USA with the looming threat of Project 2025, books like these are more important than ever, and I am thrilled to see any for-profit company taking these kinds of “risks.” Compare this with reports from Polygon that Disney pulled an episode of Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur over a trans athlete storyline. One has to wonder why Disney, one of the most profitable companies in the world, thinks they can’t afford to tell these kinds of inclusive stories.
In other news, Green Lantern John Stewart got a bronze statue in Burbank, California. The statue is based on the work of DC artist Jamal Campbell, and Visit Burbank also commissioned an exclusive comic titled: Green Lantern John Stewart, Global Guardian. Written by John Ridley and Charlotte Fullerton McDuffiem, the exclusive features art by Amancay Nahuelpan, CHRISCROSS, and Jordi Tarragona and cover art by Jamal Campbell. Check out The Beat’s coverage for photos because it looks awe-inspiring!
Finally, the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC) launched an end-of-year campaign, I Stand with Book and Comic Stores. Here’s some info from their website:
The campaign will also kick off with a generous $15,000 matching gift from Penguin Random House. All gifts will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the power and impact of donations received, up to a total of $15,000.
In addition, Binc supporters will get an audiobook of their choice from Libro.fm. Give $100 and get one audiobook credit; give $500+ and get three audiobook credits. This offer is available until Dec. 31, 2024.
If you are looking for holiday gift ideas for the readers and bookstore/comic bookstore lovers in your life, perhaps you could make a donation in their name as a holiday gift?
That’s it for this week, over and out!
