Happy June, my fellow comics fans! You’ve got a lot to look forward to this month. In addition to the expected slate of special anthologies “coming out” (lol) for Pride Month — including those published annually by DC and Marvel, not to mention this year’s Adventure Time Pride Special and Star Trek: Celebrations — you can enjoy these graphic novels about lost or directionless characters finding their way, dark secrets being forced into the light, and, of course, queer characters overcoming both ordinary and extreme challenges on their way to a well-deserved happy ending.
Billy Bat Volume One by Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki (Jun 2)
Kevin is a successful cartoonist in post-war America, but his confidence is shaken by the revelation that he might have unintentionally plagiarized his most famous character, Billy Bat. He travels to Japan to get to the bottom of things, only to realize that the mystery goes far deeper than he ever could have imagined.
Encore! by Miles Toriko Burks (Jun 2)
High school seniors Clay and Aron have been assigned to work together for theater class. The problem? They used to be best friends, until Aron stopped talking to Clay with no explanation. Can Clay keep his bitterness — not to mention his unrequited romantic feelings — in check? And what does Aron have to say for himself after all this time?
Mister Magic by Kiersten White and Veronica and Andy Fish, Adapted by Scott Peterson (Jun 9)
In this graphic adaptation of the prose novel, the surviving cast members of a beloved, now-lost children’s show reunite to uncover the truth behind the accident that led to the show’s cancellation—and the true identity of its shadowy host.
Charity and Sylvia by Tillie Walden (Jun 16)
In early 19th-century Vermont, “old maid” Sylvia is swept off her feet by newcomer Charity. Over the next four-plus decades, the two women beat the odds to build a successful life together as an out lesbian couple. This true story shows that love can blossom in even the most unlikely and inhospitable circumstances.
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Finish Lines by Sarah Broyles and Hanna Schroy (Jun 16)
Desperate to get into an Ivy League school, Miranda ends up pushing herself to the point where her parents ban her from the very extracurricular activities that she needs to make a good impression. What’s a college applicant to do? How about join her grandfather on a canoe race out in the wilderness?
Gigs by Mark Mosedale and Si Smith (Jun 16)
When AI takes over the economy, what’s left for humanity? This all-too-pertinent graphic novel explores the lives of several people who are trying to make their way — and figure out what it means to be human — in a world that no longer seeks to fulfill their wants and needs.
Fish and Water by Gengoroh Tagame (Jun 23)
Koji and Akira have been friends for years when the COVID pandemic necessitates a change in the dynamics of their relationship. While navigating the challenges of lockdowns, both start asking themselves a crucial question: Is it possible that their feelings for each other are romantic rather than platonic?
Mirka Andolfo’s Sweet Paprika: Open for Business by Steve Orlando and Emilio Pilliu (Jun 30)
Fans of Sweet Paprika will enjoy this spin-off, which focuses on the ambitious Aubrey Jean as he tries to keep both his work life and his romantic life from going straight to hell. Like the original books, this steamy romance should only be enjoyed by mature readers.
The New Release Index is just a click away, so come check out the rest of this month’s new books!
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