Guess who made it through another month? That’s right, you did! And it’s the perfect excuse to reward yourself with one of the new comic books and graphic novels listed below.
The power of music and art comes through strongly in several of these titles. So do the struggles of being a young adult and trying to figure out your own identity away from home and family. Whether you’re feeling a little lost at the moment or can look not-so-fondly back on the times when you did feel that way, May’s selection of new releases is sure to speak to you. Hole up and read them alone or share them with loved ones — there’s no wrong way to enjoy a comic book, after all!
As I Dream of You by Jennifer Lee and LeUyen Pham (May 5)
Sam and Franny fall in love so easily that they almost can’t believe it’s really happening. They become convinced that not even death can end their story — but when death does threaten to come between them, they will each need to learn a bittersweet lesson about the strengths and weaknesses of true love.
Aya and Her Magic Cat by Sam Ita (May 5)
After a trip to Japan, Aya accidentally brings a magical hitchhiker back home to America: Neko, a spirit who can bring all of Aya’s origami creations to life. This book also includes instructions for folding your own, somewhat less sentient, origami creatures!
Lindsey Cheng Dates a White Boy!!! by Asia Miller (May 5)
This bilingual comic follows a college freshman as she navigates her mother’s well-meaning advice, terrible self-inflicted haircuts, and her feelings for a boy named Jason. Along the way, she will have to learn to care less about what other people think and more about what she knows to be right.
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Ready, Cassette, Go! by Jarett Sitter (May 5)
I regret to inform the elder millennials in the audience that stories set in the 1990s now count as historical fiction. On the upside, this fantastical comic about a girl named Melody learning the power of music and friendship is a fun ride. No skateboarding experience required.
Queer and How We Got Here: A (Personal) History by Hazel Newlevant (May 12)
Part memoir and part history, Newlevant’s latest graphic novel takes you inside their personal journey toward self-acceptance while also placing that journey into the larger context of queer history. Just in time for Pride Month, too!
The Book of Murmurs by Candice Purwin (May 19)
After the death of her parents, Little Moon must navigate an unfamiliar world and discover her own inner strength to defeat a savage monster. This engrossing fantasy is perfect for Studio Ghibli fans!
Olive: Lost in Inner Space by Vero Cazot and Lucy Mazel (May 19)
Everyone has an inner life, but for Olive, her private world has a strange connection to the real one. Now, that connection is telling her how to save a missing astronaut, driving her and her loyal roommate to extreme lengths to bring the astronaut home on their own.
Pink Monsters by Claus Daniel Herrmann (May 26)
Frank loves drawing monsters, both because he enjoys art and because it allows him to bond with the cool kids in his class, who can’t get enough of his pictures. But when Frank’s art and his sexuality start to come between him and his parents, he will have to decide if obeying their wishes is worth keeping the peace.
May I also recommend you take a look at the New Release Index for even more books worth reading?
English (US) · 