2021 Great Graphic Novels for Teens
Members of the 2021 Great Graphic Novels for Teens Blogging Team are: Crystal Chen, coordinator, The New York Public Library, Bronx, NY; Erin Durrett, Clinton-Macomb Public Library, Clinton Township, MI; Denise Farley, Dekalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA; Traci Glass, Lincoln City Libraries, Lincoln, NE; Thea Hashagen, Mill Valley Public Library, Mill Valley, CA; Kacy Helwick, New Orleans Public Library, New Orleans, LA; Tina H. Lerno, Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles, CA; Matisse Mozer, Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles, CA; Mike Pawuk, Cuyahoga County Public Library, South Euclid, OH; Christine Pyles, Euclid Public Library, Euclid, OH; Celeste Rhoads, The American Library in Paris, Paris, France; Shaira Rock, Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst, IL; Becky Standal, Longview Public Library, Longview, WA; Isaiah West, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Largo, MD
The list consists of 126 titles selected from 145 official nominations, which were posted and discussed in blog posts on The Hub.
* denotes top ten title
NONFICTION
*Almost American Girl by Robin Ha. Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9780062685094. Ha discusses the challenges of moving to America from her childhood home in South Korea, providing an honest and thoughtful perspective on being an outsider, finding your community, and how it feels to return to a home you've left behind.
Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists: A Graphic History of Women's Fight for Their Rights by Mikki Kendall, art by A. D'Amico. Ten Speed Press / Penguin Random House. 2019. $19.99. ISBN: 9780399581793. Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists examines the long history of women and activism through an intersectional lens, highlighting the women integral to progressive movements like abolition, labor, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier by Jim Ottaviani, art by Maris Wicks. First Second / Macmillan. 2020. $19.99. ISBN: 9781626728776. Astronaut Mary Cleave narrates this graphic nonfiction, which celebrates the lives and achievements of history’s female astronauts from the first woman in space (Valentina Tereshkova) to NASA Astronaut Groups 8 and 9.
Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook and Ryan Estrada, art by Ko Hyung-Ju. Iron Circus Comics. 2020. $15. ISBN: 9781945820427. Kim Hyun Sook is just starting college in 1983 during civil protests in South Korea. Though she just wants to go to college to learn, she quickly realizes there's a difference between what she wants to learn and what the government wants her to learn.
Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Journey to Justice by Debbie Levy, art by Whitney Gardner. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers / Simon & Schuster. 2019. $19.99. ISBN: 9781534424562. Becoming RBG is a straightforward (yet never boring) biography of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, showing what life was like for little Ruth and what inspired her to become RBG.
Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith. Toon Books. 2020. $9.99. ISBN: 9786976535210. The incredible lives of Stagecoach Mary, Bass Reeves, and Bob Lemmons are introduced in a series of short stories in this engaging and informative book.
Cub by Cynthia L. Copeland. Algonquin Young Readers / Workman Publishing. 2020. $24.95. ISBN: 9781616208486. When Cindy becomes a cub reporter for the local town newspaper, her views on the politics of the day expand and she sees herself, her school, and the grown-up world around her in a new way.
Dancing at the Pity Party: A Dead Mom Graphic Memoir by Tyler Feder. Dial Books for Young Readers / Penguin Random House. 2020. $18.99. ISBN: 9780525553021. When Tyler Feder was only 19 years old, her mother passed away due to cancer. Feder recounts the loss with candidness, humor, and grief in this remarkable debut memoir.
Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang. First Second / Macmillan. 2020. $24.99. ISBN: 9781626720794. Life can be more riveting than fiction, and Gene Luen Yang proves that in Dragon Hoops—a stellar biographical look at the true story of the phenomenal men’s varsity basketball team at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, CA, as they attempt to win it all in the California State Championship.
Drawing the Vote: An Illustrated Guide to Voting in America by Tommy Jenkins, art by Kati Lacker. Abrams ComicsArts / Abrams Books. 2020. $24.99. ISBN: 978-1419739989. This graphic nonfiction explores the history of voting from the inception of our country. From the first days of landowners to the ratification of the 13th and 19th Amendments, Drawing the Vote does not shy away from the dark side of voting history.
*Fights: One Boy's Triumph Over Violence by Joel Christian Gill. Oni Press. 2020. $19.99. ISBN: 9781549303357. Joel Christian Gill narrates what it was like for him to grow up in a single-parent household in the 1980s, from childhood to young adulthood—Black, broke, and surrounded by uncertainty.
*Guantánamo Voices: True Accounts from the World’s Most Infamous Prison by Sarah Mirk, art by Gerardo Alba, Kasia Babis, Alex Beguez, Tracy Chahwan, Nomi Kane, et al. Abrams ComicsArts / Abrams Books. 2020. $24.99. ISBN: 9781419746901. Narratives about the infamous Guantánamo prison are illuminated in this anthology by multimedia journalist Sarah Mirk and a team of talented artists.
I Left the House Today by Cassandra Calin. Andrews McMeel Publishing. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781524855574. Calin's short, relatable comics muse on everyday life and provide humorous meditations on beauty, stress, and relationships.
Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio by Derf Backderf. Abrams ComicsArts / Abrams Books. 2020. $24.99. ISBN: 9781419734847. On May 4, 1970, Kent State students were murdered and wounded by the same National Guard troop that had been sent in by the governor to squash a trucker strike, and that shocking event is masterfully recounted in this graphic nonfiction.
Making Comics by Lynda Barry. Drawn & Quarterly. 2019. $22.95. ISBN: 9781770463691. In gorgeous full-page spreads, cartoonist and professor Lynda Barry welcomes readers into her comics classroom, teaching the creative joy and freedom that can be found through drawing.
Phoolan Devi, Rebel Queen by Claire Fauvel. NBM Publishing. 2020. $34.99. ISBN: 9781681122519. Fauvel depicts Phoolan Devi's difficult life, including being sold as a child bride, rape, and her ascension through the ranks of a gang of bandits, in this book based on the autobiography I, Phoolan Devi.
A Quick & Easy Guide to Sex & Disability by A. Andrews. Limerence Press / Oni Press. 2020. $9.99. ISBN: 9781620106945. Andrews helps counter the lack of sexual education resources for disabled individuals in this inclusive and all-body positive guide, dispelling myths about disabled bodies and stressing the importance of self-love and communication.
Sapiens: A Graphic History, vol. 1: The Birth of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, art by David Vandermeulen and Daniel Casanave. Harper Perennial / HarperCollins. 2020. $25.99. ISBN: 9780063051331. This adaptation of Harari's Sapiens outlines the evolution of humankind, exploring the role of evolving humans in the global ecosystem and re-contextualizing our understanding of humanity.
Tiananmen 1989: Our Shattered Hopes by Lun Zhang and Adrien Gombeaud, art by Améziane. IDW Publishing. 2020. $19.99. ISBN: 9781684056996. On June 4th, 1989, police opened fire on protesters in Tiananmen Square. This graphic nonfiction is the author's first-hand account of the events leading up to the massacre.
The Times I Knew I Was Gay by Eleanor Crewes. Scribner / Simon & Schuster. 2020. $25. ISBN: 9781982147105. In this autobiographical tale of growing up and becoming your true self, Ellie shares all the times she came out to the people in her life before she truly realized who she was.
Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up by Heather Corrina, art by Isabella Rotman. Limerence Press / Oni Press. 2019. $11.99. ISBN: 9781620106594. Wait, What? is the perfect title for tweens and younger teens to explore and learn about changing bodies, relationships, and what it means to grow up.
We'll Soon Be Home Again by Jessica Bab Bonde, art by Peter Bergting and Kathryn Renta. Dark Horse Books. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781506715490. We'll Soon Be Home Again follows six survivors of the Holocaust—most of whom were children or teenagers at the time—and features vivid first-person testimonies.
When Stars are Scattered by Omar Mohamed, art by Victoria Jamieson. Dial Books for Young Readers / Penguin Random House. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9780525553908. Fleeing their war-torn home of Somalia, brothers Omar and Hassan live in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya. Omar has almost no memories of life before the camp or of his mother, who he still desperately searches for in the faces of new refugees.
FICTION
All Together Now by Hope Larson. Farrar, Straus & Giroux Books for Young Readers / Macmillan. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9780374313654. Following All Summer Long, Brina's journey continues as she tries to figure out who she is and where she fits in the world. With music as her guide, she navigates changing friendships and relationship dynamics, as well as the ups and downs of middle school.
The Avant-Guards, vol. 2 by Carly Usdin, art by Noah Hayes. BOOM! Box / BOOM! Studios. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781684155682. In this engaging second volume, the Avant-Guards adventures continue: the team's winning streak ends, Liv struggles in her role as team captain, Liv and Charlie get close, and Jay’s partner Tyler is introduced.
Batman: Nightwalker by Stuart Moore and Marie Lu, art by Chris Wildgoose. DC Ink / DC Comics. 2019. $16.99. ISBN: 9781401280048. When a young Bruce Wayne gets caught up in a high-speed chase after a band of criminals known as the Nightwalkers, he lands in Arkham Asylum for community service and meets a girl that makes him question who is the real villain.
*Blue Flag by Kaito.
- Vol. 1. VIZ Media. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9781974713011.
- Vol. 2. VIZ Media. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9781974713028.
- Vol. 3. VIZ Media. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9781974713035.
- Vol. 4. VIZ Media. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9781974713042.
- Vol. 5. VIZ Media. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9781974713059.
An unexpected love quadrangle forms when Taichi agrees to help Futaba pursue her crush, Toma, while friend Mami looks on. But Toma has feelings for someone else, and as friendships and romantic relationships develop, nothing is as clear cut as it seems.
Blue Period, vol. 1 by Tsubasa Yamaguchi. Kodansha Comics / Kodansha USA. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9781646511129. Yatora Yaguchi is a popular high school student who is seemingly floating through life. But when he comes across a mesmerizing painting one day, Yatora is shaken out of his complacent existence and finds a love for art awakening inside him.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Jordie Bellaire, art by David Lopez.
- Vol. 2. BOOM! Studios. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781684154821.
- Vol. 3. BOOM! Studios. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781684155347.
Buffy's adventures continue in volumes 2 and 3. Buffy must save Xander from becoming a vampire and stop Druscilla and Spike from opening the Hellmouth. When Buffy runs straight into the Hellmouth and disappears, the other Sunnydale residents must cope in their own ways.
Camp Spirit by Axelle Lenoir. Top Shelf Productions / IDW Publishing. 2020. $19.99. ISBN: 9781603094658. It's the summer of 1994, and Elodie's mother is making her work as a camp counselor. Almost against her will, Elodie finds that she's great with her group of wild redheaded kids, gets close with fellow counselor Catherine, and uncovers something strange going on in the woods.
A Cat Story by Ursula Murray Husted. Quill Tree Books / HarperCollins. 2020. $22.99. ISBN: 9780062932051. Follow two cats in search of a mystical, warm, kind, and safe place in this wonderful story of friendship and loyalty.
Catherine's War by Julia Billet, art by Claire Fauvel. HarperAlley / HarperCollins. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9780062915597. Based on a true World War II survival story, Catherine’s War follows Rachel Cohen, an amateur photographer determined to capture her memories through the lens of her camera.
Class Act by Jerry Craft. Quill Tree Books / HarperCollins. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9780062885500. This companion volume to Craft's award-winning New Kid spotlights Jordan's friend Drew as he navigates the challenges of 8th grade as one of the few students of color at Riverdale Academy Day School.
The Dark Matter of Mona Starr by Laura Lee Gulledge. Amulet Books / Abrams Books. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781419742002. When Mona’s best friend Nash moves away, Mona is overcome with depression and anxiety which she calls her Matter. But with the help of therapy, art, writing, and new friendships, Mona is able to turn her Matter into genius.
The Daughters of Ys by M.T. Anderson, art by Jo Rioux. First Second / Macmillan. 2020. $24.99. ISBN: 9781626728783. After the death of their mother, princesses Rozenn and Dahut grow into very different women. Rozenn, the heir, lives in the moors and turns away from the extravagant life of the city, while Dahut uses the magic she inherited from their mother to do the terrible work necessary to keep the city of Ys above water.
The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers / Little, Brown and Company. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9780316486019. After a horrifying political coup, royal twins Hawke and Grayson flee and hide among the all-female Communion of Blue as Hanna and Grayce. As they attempt to save their kingdom, Grayce decides that she feels truly herself for the first time. But will Hawke and everyone else understand her?
Displacement by Kiku Hughes. First Second / Macmillan. 2020. $17.99. ISBN: 9781250193537. A young American teen finds herself "displaced" in time and transported into the 1940s where she's forced into an incarceration camp with other Japanese Americans. Uprooted and alone, she tries to survive and find her way home.
Drifting Dragons by Taku Kuwabara.
- Vol. 1. Kodansha Comics / Kodansha USA. 2019. $12.99. ISBN: 9781632368904.
- Vol. 2. Kodansha Comics / Kodansha USA. 2019. $12.99. ISBN: 9781632369444.
- Vol. 3. Kodansha Comics / Kodansha USA. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9781632369451.
- Vol. 4. Kodansha Comics / Kodansha USA. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9781632369512.
- Vol. 5. Kodansha Comics / Kodansha USA. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9781632369529.
This historical fantasy and cooking manga follows the crew of the Quin Zaza, one of the last draking ships in operation, as they soar through the sky hunting dragons.
Fangs by Sarah Andersen. Andrews McMeel Publishing. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781524860677. They say opposites attract! Truer words were never written, especially when it comes to a love story between a vampire and a werewolf.
Fence, vol. 4: Rivals by C.S. Pacat, art by Johanna the Mad. BOOM! Box / BOOM! Studios. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781684155385. In this fourth installment, the King’s Row fencing team has been finalized and must work together to defeat a seemingly unstoppable rival. Can the squabbling Nicholas and Seiji get it together to pull out a win?
Flamer by Mike Curato. Henry Holt & Co. / Macmillan. 2020. $17.99. ISBN: 9781250756145. Aiden spends a last summer at scout camp before high school, which he dreads. Confused and crushing on his tent-mate, Aiden is desperate to figure himself out while also enjoying the only place he has friends and can occasionally be himself.
Ghosted in L.A., vol. 1 by Sina Grace, art by Siobhan Keenan. BOOM! Box / BOOM! Studios. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781684155057. Against everyone's advice, Daphne follows her boyfriend from Montana to Los Angeles for college, but as soon as she gets there, he breaks up with her. Upset, she wanders into a mansion occupied by ghosts who soon become like a new family.
Giant Days by John Allison, art by Max Sarin.
- Vol. 12. BOOM! Box / BOOM! Studios. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781684154845.
- Vol. 13. BOOM! Box / BOOM! Studios. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781684155422.
- Vol. 14. BOOM! Box / BOOM! Studios. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781684156054.
Esther, Susan, and Daisy are up to more adventures in this funny and heartwarming series, from trying to solve a comic book shop mystery to Daisy learning to drive. Side characters McGraw and Ed Gemmel are also faced with their own challenges. Volume 14 brings these adventures to a satisfying conclusion with the group graduating.
*Go With the Flow by Karen Schneemann, art by Lily Williams. First Second / Macmillan. 2020. $21.99. ISBN: 9781250305725. Fed up with the empty tampon and pad dispensers at Hazelton High School, sophomores Abby, Brit, Christine, and Sasha decide to start a "menstruation revolution." Through blog posts, letter-writing campaigns, and online fundraisers, the girls work together to make change.
The Golden Age, book 1 by Roxanne Moreil, art by Cyril Pedrosa. First Second / Macmillan. 2020. $29.99. ISBN: 9781250237941. Princess Tilda plans to bring relief to the people after her coronation, but instead, her younger brother takes over in a coup and exiles her. She is rescued by a loyal knight and his ward, and the three of them travel to a holding where they hope to find support in reclaiming the throne.
The Golden Sheep by Kaori Ozaki.
- Vol. 1. Vertical Comics / Kodansha USA. 2019. $12.95. ISBN: 9781947194809.
- Vol. 2. Vertical Comics / Kodansha USA. 2019. $12.95. ISBN: 9781947194885.
- Vol. 3. Vertical Comics / Kodansha USA. 2020. $12.95. ISBN: 9781949980127.
Teenage guitarist Tsugi Miikura returns to her hometown, and she's excited to rekindle her childhood friendships, but as she slowly finds, Tsugi might be the only one who hasn't changed in the years since.
Green Lantern: Legacy by Minh Lê, art by Andie Tong. DC Zoom / DC Comics. 2020. $9.99. ISBN: 9781401283551. Tai Pham inherits the mantle as a member of the Green Lanterns from his grandmother. Unsure of his power, Tai puts a lot of faith in a local activist and learns, with the help of his friends, that some people aren't who they seem to be.
Gwenpool Strikes Back by Leah Williams, art by David Baldeon. Marvel Comics. 2020. $15.99. ISBN: 9781302919238. Gwenpool is desperate to be in a comic again so she sets out to unmask Spider-man and see if she can get some real superpowers.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman.
- Vol. 1. Graphix / Scholastic. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781338617436.
- Vol. 2. Graphix / Scholastic. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781338617474.
Shy, openly gay Charlie and affable rugby player Nick form an unlikely friendship and then fall in love in this charming British romance.
Heavy Vinyl, vol. 2: Y2K-O! by Carly Usdin, art by Nina Vakueva. BOOM! Box / BOOM! Studios. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 978168415495. The Heavy Vinyl crew returns in volume 2! Not only must the girls of Vinyl Destination win Battle of the Bands, they must also save the (digital) world from Y2K in this fun, '90s nostalgia series.
Invisible Kingdom by G. Willow Wilson, art by Christian Ward.
- Vol. 1. Berger Books / Dark Horse Comics. 2019. $19.99. ISBN: 9781506712277.
- Vol. 2. Berger Books / Dark Horse Comics. 2020. $19.99. ISBN: 9781506714943.
In a far away galaxy, a freighter pilot and a religious disciple find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy between the largest religious group and largest employer in the universe. Will they give in and hide or fight to make sure the conspiracy is known?
Ironheart, vol. 2: Ten Rings by Eve L. Ewing, art by Luciano Vecchio. Marvel Comics. 2020. $17.99. ISBN: 9781302915094. Ironheart, aka Riri Williams, teams up with Wasp to stop an unexpected zombie invasion. Later, Riri takes a trip to Wakanda with Doctor Strange where she has to team up with Princess Shuri despite their personality differences.
Iyanu: Child of Wonder, vol. 1 by Roye Okupe, art by Godwin Akpan. YouNeek Studios. 2020. $19.99. ISBN: 9780999830161. Iyanu, a young teenage orphan, dwells in the forest with no memories of her past. When she discovers powerful hidden abilities, the people of Yorubaland are suddenly intent on capturing her.
Kaiju Girl Caramelise, vol. 2 by Spica Aoki. Yen Press. 2019. $13. ISBN: 9781975359461. Kuroe Akaishi's adventures as a kaiju girl in love continue as she tries to suppress her feelings in order to stay human-sized. Can Kuroe keep her giant kaiju secret under wraps?
The Last Halloween: Children by Abby Howard. Iron Circus Comics. 2020. $25. ISBN: 9781945820663. On Halloween night, ten-year-old Mona is chased out of her home by a monster and enters a world of chaos as monsters roam free, attempting to destroy all humans.
Life Is Strange by Emma Vieceli, art by Claudia Leonardi.
- Vol. 2: Waves. Titan Comics / Titan Books. 2019. $16.99. ISBN: 9781787730885.
- Vol. 3: Strings. Titan Comics / Titan Books. 2020. $16.99. ISBN: 9781787732070.
Max navigates her potential new future despite how little it benefits her. Max struggles to exist while Rachel and Chloe are a couple. Max tells Chloe and Rachel the truth and is faced with a moral dilemma in her new timeline.
Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds, art by Danica Novgorodoff. Atheneum Books / Simon & Schuster. 2020. $19.99. ISBN: 9781534444959. As fifteen-year-old Will sets out to avenge his brother Shawn's fatal shooting, seven ghosts who knew Shawn board the downward elevator with him and reveal truths Will needs to know in this gorgeous graphic adaptation of the award-winning novel.
The Lost Carnival: A Dick Grayson Graphic Novel by Michael Moreci, art by Sas Milledge. DC Comics. 2020. $16.99. ISBN: 9781401291020. Dick Grayson works as an acrobat in the circus with his family. When he meets Luciana, he is smitten, so much so that he doesn't see danger coming. Ultimately, Dick must choose between his family and the allure of new friends and romance.
Love Me, Love Me Not by Io Sakisaka.
- Vol. 1. VIZ Media. 2020. $9.99. ISBN: 9781974713097.
- Vol. 2. VIZ Media. 2020. $9.99. ISBN: 9781974713103.
- Vol. 3. VIZ Media. 2020. $9.99. ISBN: 9781974713110.
- Vol. 4. VIZ Media. 2020. $9.99. ISBN: 9781974713127.
- Vol. 5. VIZ Media. 2020. $9.99. ISBN: 9781974713134.
When Akari moves into Yuna's apartment building just as they begin high school, they become fast friends, but their friendship is tested when they discover how differently they navigate crushes and relationships.
*The Low, Low Woods by Carmen Maria Machado, art by DaNi. Hill House Comics / DC Comics. 2020. $22.99. ISBN: 9781779504524. El and Vee black out and lose time in a movie theater. While trying to figure out what happened, the girls uncover horrifying secrets about their community that span generations.
*The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen. Random House Graphic / Penguin Random House. 2020. $16.99. ISBN: 9780593125298. Tiến is a first-generation Vietnamese American who struggles with coming out of the closet to his parents. Will Tiến find a way to connect in the fairytales he shares with his mother?
A Map to the Sun by Sloane Leong. First Second / Macmillan. 2020. $17.99. ISBN: 9781250146687. While shooting hoops beachside, Ren meets Luna, and a friendship quickly blossoms until Luna returns to Oahu. When Luna returns years later, Ren must decide whether their friendship is worth rebuilding.
Mary: The Adventures of Mary Shelley's Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter by Brea Grant, art by Yishan Li. Six Foot Press. 2020. $18.99. ISBN: 9781644420294. Mary Shelley is not your typical Goth teen. She's the descendant of the famous writer but, despite familial pressures, has no interest in following in her ancestor's footsteps. Instead, she decides to make her own way using her newly discovered power of monster healing.
Miles Morales, vol. 2: Bring on the Bad Guys by Saladin Ahmed, art by Alitha E. Martinez, Vanesa R. Del Ray, and Javier Garrón. Marvel Comics. 2020. $17.99. ISBN: 9781302914790. Miles takes a break from superheroing after the events of volume 1 leave him with PTSD. When he finds that his city needs him, Miles puts on the mask again leading to terrible consequences.
The Montague Twins: The Witch's Hand by Nathan Page, art by Drew Shannon. Knopf Books for Young Readers / Penguin Random House. 2020. $25.99. ISBN: 9780525646761. Twin detectives Pete and Al Montague find their next case when a freak storm knocks them out inside a lighthouse. To solve it, they're going to have to come clean with their adopted family about their methods and learn how to properly practice magic.
Ms. Marvel, vol. 2: Stormranger by Saladin Ahmed, art by Minkyu Jung, Joey Vazquez. Marvel Comics. 2020. $17.99. ISBN: 9781302918309. Kamala Khan takes a break from being Ms. Marvel after her space adventure in volume one, trying to sort out her feelings about Bruno, and her father’s illness. Kamala’s friends Zoe and Nakia whisk her away on a road trip, but even Ms. Marvel can’t catch a break when the three run into a bad guy.
My Riot by Rick Spears, art by Helen Emmett. Oni Press. 2020. $17.99. ISBN: 9781620107768. The year is 1991. Val is a bored angsty teen trying to figure out what it all means. She's definitely over ballet but can't seem to leave. Then one day, Val meets Kat, and everything changes when they form a punk band together.
Naomi: Season One by Brian Michael Bendis and David F. Walker, art by Jamal Campbell. Wonder Comics / DC Comics. 2019. $19.99. ISBN: 9781401294953. Naomi, like many adoptees, feels a kinship to Superman. After he flies through her small town during a battle, Naomi begins to investigate the last time superpowered individuals visited her town and discovers the truth about her own origins.
Nicnevin and the Bloody Queen by Hellen Mullane, art by Dom Reardon and Matthew Dow Smith. H1 / Humanoids. 2020. $17.99. ISBN: 9781643377131. After a series of disturbing murders in the north of England, Nicnevin "Nissy" Oswald finds herself in the sights of a dangerous druid. Can Nissy unravel the mystery of what's happening while still escaping with her life intact?
The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp, art by Manuel Preitano. DC Comics. 2020. $16.99. ISBN: 9781401290665. After Barbara Gordon survives a gunshot wound that leaves her paralyzed from the waist down, she reluctantly agrees to undergo physical and mental therapy at the Arkham Center for Independence. But when patients start disappearing, Barbara suspects that more is going on behind the mysterious walls of Arkham Center.
Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare, vol. 4 by Yuhki Kamatani. Seven Seas Entertainment. 2019. $12.99. ISBN: 9781642750638. Enigmatic Tchaiko's story comes to light and Saki's secret is revealed in this satisfying conclusion to the beautiful and powerful Our Dreams at Dusk series.
Outpost Zero, vol. 3 by Sean McKeever, art by Alexandre Tengfenki and Jean-Francois Beaulieu. Image Comics. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781534313651. In this final volume of Outpost Zero, Alea and Sam venture into the underbelly of the city hoping to finally find out what was really behind their friend Stephen’s death.
The Phantom Twin by Lisa Brown. First Second / Macmillan. 2020. $17.99. ISBN: 9781626729247. Conjoined twins Isabel and Jane, aka the Extraordinary Peabody Sisters, decide to undergo surgery to separate. However, the surgery doesn't go as planned, and Isabel finds herself unexpectedly alone and haunted by her sister's phantom. Can Isabel build a new life on her own?
The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci, art by Jim Rugg. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers / Little, Brown and Company. 2020. $18.99. ISBN: 9780316522724. When Jane Beckles transfers to a suburban school, she never expected to find three new friends—all named Jane. The Janes band together to create activist art and discover that the art, and the message behind it, is the key that keeps them together.
Primer by Thomas Krajewski and Jennifer Muro, art by Gretel Lusky. DC Comics. 2020. $9.99. ISBN: 9781401296575. With her father in prison, Ashley is finally with a foster family that might work out...until she breaks into a safe and discovers an experiment her foster mom is working on. What she finds turns her into an unexpected superhero with unique powers.
Relics of Youth, vol. 1 by Matt Nicholas and Chad Rebmann, art by Skylar Patridge. Vault Comics. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781939424587. A group of teens awaken from dreams about a mysterious island and discover matching tattoos on their bodies. Traveling to the island to seek answers, they discover that they may be the island's true guardians and must defend it from menacing forces.
Ronin Island, vol. 2 by Greg Pak, art by Giannis Milonogiannis. BOOM! Studios. 2020. $14.99. ISBN: 9781684155576. Hana and Kenichi are on different journeys, but both are headed back to the Island. When a pack of bandits takes Kenichi hostage and attacks the Shogun’s touring company, Hana must make a choice between the Shogun and Kenichi.
Runaways, vol. 5: Canon Fodder by Rainbow Rowell, art by Andres Genolet. Marvel Comics. 2020. $19.99. ISBN: 9781302920289. Doc Justice recruits The Runaways to join his new team. While Gert doesn't have a physical role on the team, she works behind the scenes to uncover Doc Justice's true intentions in order to save her friends.
The Sacrifice of Darkness by Roxane Gay and Tracy Lynne Oliver, art by Rebecca Kirby. Archaia / BOOM! Studios. 2020. $24.99. ISBN: 9781684156245. Hiram Hightower flies an aircraft into the sun, extinguishing the light for everyone in his community. His young son, Joshua, must deal with the fallout, and with the help of his mother and Claire, find a way to break the cycle.
Satoko and Nada, vol. 3 by Yupechika. Seven Seas Entertainment. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9781642751000. Nada's future husband, Abdullah, visits America, but Nada doesn't get to meet him! Satoko and friends panic and try to facilitate a meeting between Nada and Abdullah but fail. However, Satoko manages to meet Abdullah and convey that Nada's happiness is important to her.
Sentient by Jeff Lemire, art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta. TKO Studios. 2019. $19.99. ISBN: 9781732748545. This gothic space horror pits children against adults and Artificial Intelligence against Artificial Intelligence. The children think A.I. VALARIE is on their side, but can they truly trust her?
Seven Little Sons of the Dragon: A Collection of Seven Stories by Ryoko Kui. Yen Press. 2019. $15. ISBN: 9781975359614. Ryoko Kui collects seven fantastical tales in this beautiful manga collection.
*Snapdragon by Kat Leyh. First Second / Macmillan. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9781250171115. Snap knows witches aren’t real, but when her dog goes missing, she checks at the local witch’s house just in case. From there, an unlikely friendship begins, and Snap discovers that witches may be real after all.
Stephen McCranie's Space Boy by Stephen McCranie.
- Vol. 5. Dark Horse Books. 2019. $10.99. ISBN: 9781506713991.
- Vol. 6. Dark Horse Books. 2020. $10.99. ISBN: 9781506714004.
- Vol. 7. Dark Horse Books. 2020. $10.99. ISBN: 9781506714011.
- Vol. 8. Dark Horse Books. 2020. $10.99. ISBN: 9781506714028.
Amy's adventures continue as she searches for answers to the mysteries surrounding classmate Oliver. Secrets are revealed and the action-packed plot advances quickly in these later volumes.
The Strange Ones by Jeremy Jusay. Gallery 13 / Simon & Schuster. 2020. $19.99. ISBN: 9781982101121. A serendipitous meeting at a Belly concert in Manhattan between Anjeline and Franck, two loner teens in NYC in the early 1990s, leads to an epic friendship and much more.
Suncatcher by Jose Pimienta. Random House Graphic / Penguin Random House. 2020. $16.99. ISBN: 9780593124819. Beatriz is already dealing with a lot: being a teenager, starting a band, and going to school. Then one day, she discovers that her dead grandfather’s soul is trapped in his old guitar, and he can only be freed if she plays the perfect song. Will she be able to free him without sacrificing herself in the process?
*Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang, art by Gurihiru. DC Comics. 2020. $16.99. ISBN: 9781779504210. In 1946, Lan-Shin (Roberta) Lee and her family move from Chinatown to central Metropolis and attempt to fit in with their neighbors. But when the Klan begins harassing the Lees, Roberta must team up with new friends to help Superman take down the Klan in this smart, action-packed adventure.
Teen Titans: Beast Boy by Kami Garcia, art by Gabriel Picolo. DC Comics. 2020. $16.99. ISBN: 9781401287191. Garfield Logan just wants to be noticed, but after Gar throws away the “supplements” his parents are giving him to suppress his growth, he turns into Beast Boy and everyone starts noticing him—including his crush.
Topside by J.N. Monk, art by Harry Bogosian. Graphic Universe / Lerner Publishing Group. 2019. $24.99. ISBN: 9781512445893. Maintenance technician Jo team ups with con artists and bounty hunters and travels topside to save the planet!
The Way of the Househusband by Kousuke Oono.
- Vol. 1. VIZ Media. 2019. $12.99. ISBN: 9781974709403.
- Vol. 2. VIZ Media. 2019. $12.99. ISBN: 9781974710447.
- Vol. 3. VIZ Media. 2019. $12.99. ISBN: 9781974713462.
- Vol. 4. VIZ Media. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9781974717675.
This slice-of-life, slapstick-comedy manga follows Tatsu, a former yakuza enforcer known as "the Immortal Dragon," as he lives a normal life as a househusband.
What the Font?! – A Manga Guide to Western Typeface by Kuniichi Ashiya. Seven Seas Entertainment. 2020. $13.99. ISBN: 9781645056393. Marusu is a sales rep suddenly tasked with taking over the job of logo creation when the company designer disappears. But Marusu finds help in anthropomorphic fonts that guide Marusu through the basics of typography in this fun manga story.
What We Don't Talk About by Charlot Kristensen. Avery Hill Publishing. 2020. $14.95. ISBN: 9781910395554. After dating for two years, Farai and Adam travel to Adam's childhood home so Farai can meet his parents. However, Farai starts experiencing blatant bigotry and racism from Adam's parents (and a lack of support from Adam). Will she be able to take her life into her own hands and define her own happiness?
Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama.
- Vol. 4. Kodansha Comics / Kodansha USA. 2019. $12.99. ISBN: 9781632368607.
- Vol. 5. Kodansha Comics / Kodansha USA. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9781632369291.
- Vol. 6. Kodansha Comics / Kodansha USA. 2020. $12.99. ISBN: 9781646510108.
In volumes 4 to 6, Coco and the other apprentices of Qifrey find their level two witch exam interrupted by the dangerous and mysterious brimmed caps. Coco and company must battle powerful enemies and use their growing abilities to navigate to safety in a continuation of this delightful and magical series.
*Wonder Twins by Mark Russell, art by Stephen Byrne.
- Vol. 1: Activate! Wonder Comics / DC Comics. 2019. $16.99. ISBN: 9781401294649.
- Vol. 2: The Rise and Fall of the Wonder Twins. Wonder Comics / DC Comics. 2020. $16.99. ISBN: 9781779501790.
In this humorous and satirical reboot, alien twins Zan and Jayna have to balance their lives as high schoolers in Metropolis while trying to figure out if their actions as heroes are actually helping to solve any of the world’s real issues.
You Brought Me the Ocean by Alex Sanchez, art by Julie Maroh. DC Comics. 2020. $16.99. ISBN: 9781401290818. Jake Hyde has many secrets that he keeps from his mother and his best friend, Maria. But when Jake finds himself attracted to Kenny's Liu, the swim team captain, his world quickly turns upside down.
Young Justice by Brian Michael Bendis.
- Vol. 1: Gemworld. Art by Patrick Gleason and John Timms. Wonder Comics / DC Comics. 2019. $24.99. ISBN: 9781401292539.
- Vol. 2: Lost in the Multiverse. Art by John Timms, Andrea Lima Araujo, and Nick Derington. Wonder Comics / DC Comics. 2020. $24.99. ISBN: 9781779500380.
A fan-favorite team is reunited—with some new faces added in—and goes hopping through multiple dimensions in this action-packed and funny superhero series.