Riot Roundup: The Best Comics We Read April-June 2023

This is the queer, magical, broom-racing version of A League of Their Own that I didn’t know I was missing. In 1930s Mississippi, only certain people are allowed to practice magic without consequence, but illicit nighttime boom races offer people like Billie Mae, captain of the Night Storms, a chance to do what they love. It’s also a way out — if you can make enough money and manage not to get caught. The representation in this graphic novel is so diverse and among the best I think I’ve ever seen. It’s clear that Walls and Duvall put equal parts passion and research into this beautiful story. If you don’t read it, you’re missing out.

—Rachel Brittain

Graphic novels, comics, and manga have been at the top of my reading list for the last few years. There is just a wealth of stories to discover. And this one is absolutely hilarious and fun, a perfect escape from the world. It is a princess story, sure but one that sends a hair-gnawing possum to upend all the tropes you grew up with in the best possible way. The second volume releases in July, and you can follow along with the webtoon if you prefer that format.

—Jamie Canavés

This gorgeously illustrated YA graphic memoir chronicles the author’s experiences as a Korean American teenager experiencing microaggressions at home and school. Because of the constant bullying and gaslighting, Lee develops anxiety that turns into depression and despair and a suicide attempt. Lee finds solace in turning to art, and a trip to South Korea also has them reevaluating their life. It’s a powerful memoir with some of the best illustrations I’ve seen in comic form. I would love to read more graphic memoirs and/or comics by Lee.

—Margaret Kingsbury

The first in the Saldin Ahmed Morales run, this is a comic that is just plain fun from beginning to end. We get to see Miles a few months after he became Spider-Man and has started to fully accept the role of superhero. What I love about this comic, and the rest in this run, is that we get to see Miles go toe-to-toe with some classic Spider-Man villains, as well as some that are brand new. Reading these made me feel like a kid again, and I just had fun! It was also wonderful to read leading up to the release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. I can’t recommend this comic enough!

—Mara Franzen

I’ve been in a bit of a comic rut, but the first arc of this post-apocalyptic sci-fi story was surprisingly sweet. In this initial arc, we follow two young people who stumble upon each other and — despite themselves — fall in love as the world falls apart around them. These two knuckleheads are so different from each other but, together, they may just be unstoppable. I loved watching them inspire growth and change in each other, and I’m eager to see where they travel next across the barren landscape ahead of them.

—Steph Auteri

Don’t let the heft of this 500-page chonker fool you: I flew through it in one sitting. It’s set in a world very much like ours, except that genie-made wishes, which come in three classes (from least powerful to most powerful), are real: they’re mined, refined, and sold. The wish market, like most markets, is rife with corruption and exploitation. The story follows three very different Egyptians, each of whom comes into possession of a first-class wish and must decide how to use it. It’s a creative, beautiful, and impactful story about choice, autonomy, power, happiness, history, and more.

—Laura Sackton

This is a charming, sincere graphic novel about twin sisters finding their voices together and individually through music in junior high. If you’re a fan of Tegan and Sara’s music, you’ll appreciate how the story is inspired by their relationship with each other and their family during their junior high years. But it’s got a lot for middle grade readers to explore as well, like navigating complicated friendships, balancing family and school responsibilities, and speaking up for yourself. The illustration style is sweet and colorful, and I love that it’s done by Tillie Walden, who is also a twin!

—Susie Dumond