Graphic Novel

Rose Wolves: Out of the Blue (Rose Wolves #2) / Natalie Warner

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Rose Wolves: Out of the Blue (Rose Wolves #2)
By: Natalie Warner
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Number of Pages: 152
Published: December 2, 2025
Publisher: Shelf Productions
Dates Read: December 21, 2025
Format: Library Book / ebook

A young girl has a special bond with the magical rose wolves in the forest. She shares the magic with her mom and they enjoy picnics and days with the wolves. But when winter creeps in, the young girl is distraught when she finds the rose bush has withered and died in the cold. Her mother takes a remaining sprout from the rose bush and keeps it in their home, nurturing it.

The young girl is too upset about her wolves and stays in bed. Her mom tries to console her with funny hairstyles, cupcakes, and knitting. During the first snow of the season, a surprise comes from the mom’s sapling that may just bring the girl out of her funk.

I adored the first book, so I was pretty giddy when I saw the second book was out on Hoopla through my library.

Even with no words, the emotions of the young girl processing her grief of her missing friend is evident. The first book in the series had hues of rose while this book is hues of blue, which match very well with the theme of “Out of the Blue” where blues and greys can represent depression. Even when the young girl’s depression is lifted, the graphic novel still continues in blue hues to show it can still be beautiful.

There were quite a few years between the two books, and I would love to see it continue, curious if other hue colors would be the themes.

Overall, this is a wonderful, wordless graphic novel about grief that all ages could appreciate.

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees (Issues #1-#6) / Patrick Horvath, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Letterer)

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees (Issues #1-#6)
By: Patrick Horvath, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Letterer)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror
Number of Pages: 152
Published: September 17, 2024
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Dates Read: December 9, 2025
Format: Library Book / eBook

Samantha Strong’s cardinal rule: Don’t murder the locals; the city is just beyond the forest and has plenty of potential victims. Sam has worked too hard to build a cozy life and have her thriving business in the small town of Woodbrook – the last thing she wants to do is disturb the peace. So, imagine the exasperation when Woodbrook’s own meets a grisly death. Now Sam will do everything it takes to find her rival before the town self-destructs.

The best way to describe this graphic novel: think Winnie the Pooh meets Dexter. It’s such a crazy concept to have beautifully drawn scenery and characters and then the next page is a brutal murder, it most definitely elevated the story for me.

You’re also kind of in this weird, “Who do I root for?” spot while reading this because Sam is her own serial killer, but then there’s another Woodbrook resident who is killing and now those murders may get framed to her (or someone else). Like, yea, she should probably get caught so she’s not killing anymore, but also, you don’t want her framed for something she didn’t do!

Overall, it was a fun read that I think any horror fan would enjoy (yes, even with the artwork!).

Neopets: The Omelette Faerie / Rebecca Mix, Luiz Fernando Da Silva (Artist), Heather Burns (Illustrator)

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Neopets: The Omelette Faerie
By: Rebecca Mix, Luiz Fernando Da Silva (Artist), Heather Burns (Illustrator)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 112
Published: October 22, 2024
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Dates Read: November 23, 2025
Format: Library Book / eBook

Based on the popular online game, Neopets, comes the first in a graphic novel series.

The Giant Omelette’s legend states that hundreds of years ago, a gigantic dinosaur laid a massive egg. That massive egg split open and started to bake in the sun. Ever since, a giant omelette has been cooking on the Tyrannian Plateau and each day, hungry Neopets approach the massive omelette and get a slice. 

Sabre-X and his Petpet Fang guard the omelette every day but one day the omelette isn’t there. The two partner up with a disgraced Fire Faerie named Seraphina and their Petpet. Together, the group travels across Neopia to restore one of the most popular items.

I grew up not only with Neopets.com but also had my own handheld Kougra Neopet that I took with me everywhere. This was a very fun, nostalgic read that brought back a lot of memories. I’m glad Neopets is coming back (I know it never really left, but still). This graphic novel definitely explained things to new readers (and players!).

Overall, this is super cute, super nostalgic. I’m excited to read more.

Low Orbit / Kazimir Lee

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Low Orbit
By: Kazimir Lee
Genre: Graphic Novel, YA
Number of Pages: 336
Published: April 29, 2025
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions
Dates Read: November 23, 2025
Format: Library Book / Paperback

Azar feels stuck. Her mom’s job moved them to Vermont, where she doesn’t know anyone and her only friends are the next-door neighbors: an aging sci-fi writer and his nonbinary teen, Tristan. For a while, Azar can escape her troubles by disappearing into the pages of her neighbor’s novel, The Exiles of Overworld. When her queerness throws her life out of wack, Azar realizes some secrets can’t hide forever.

This is much more slice of life than fantasy like I originally thought from the cover, but that slice of life aspect of it is still a good read, which is about hiding a part of you from those you care about. The fantasy part of it was from the high fantasy novel Azar is reading, but to be honest, that kind of took me away from the storyline of Azar and at times were even confusing as to what is happening in that world. I know it was her escape and that’s what the panels were showing, but I think it could have been done differently to show that.

Other than that, I did enjoy the story and the overall themes of honesty, being true to yourself, friendships, and even convention culture.

The artwork was fantastic and detailed and I always found myself lingering a little bit on pages to see what was in the background.

Overall, a great coming of age, queer young adult novel to add to a collection.

Ditching Saskia / John Moore, Neetols (Illustrator)

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Ditching Saskia
By: John Moore, Neetols (Illustrator)
Genre: Graphic Novel, YA
Number of Pages: 192
Published: October 1, 2024
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Dates Read: November 23, 2025
Format: Library Book / Paperback

Damian has been struggling in his new high school, so he decides to summon his mother’s ghost so he can talk things out. Through a mixup, he accidentally summons Saskia, a scruffy, annoying kid. Damian is trying to figure out his new life, he doesn’t need some kid following him around trying to “help”. But, Saskia is suffering too, and everything they’re both hiding deep down may be what they need to heal.

This is a touching story, but I wish it kind of dove more into some of the storylines. We only briefly touched on Damian and his relationship with his mom as well as Saskia’s story and how she became a ghost. I feel like it’s only the beginning of the story (and partially the middle really), but I do wonder if there’s a followup to this graphic novel.

The cover is a little misleading as the panels themselves are mostly grey and white with the only color being that of the orange magical flower. But, just because it’s in black and white, doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the artwork! It was still captivating and beautiful to look at while reading.

Overall, a fast, magical realism young adult read about grief, friendship, and self-confidence. Anyone who appreciates a good little magic/haunting mixed in with the troubles of growing up would enjoy this graphic novel.

Pizza Witch / Sarah Graley, Stef Purenins

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Pizza Witch
By: Sarah Braley, Stef Purenins
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, YA
Number of Pages: 296
Published: September 16, 2025
Publisher: Image Comics
Dates Read: October 21, 2025
Format: Library Book / eBook

All Roxy wants to do is be the best Pizza Witch ever, but that’s hard to do with semi-unsupported parents and her uninspired boss at the Pizza joint. But, her boss finally gives her a quest to retrieve a powerful pizza artifact – the Remarkable Oregano!

With her cat George by her side, Roxy sets off into the unknown for the adventure that finally awaits! Will it be filled with pizza magic, wild challenges, and maybe even some romance?? Or, will her dreams be squashed like a tomato? 

This is a silly graphic novel, but in the best way. Who knew there were witches who specialized in food – and who knew one of those food specialties could be pizza?? And, who could forget a sassy talking cat companion?? Mix all of that together alongside brilliantly bright and colorful artwork and you’ve got yourself a Pizza Witch!

The artwork and style do give the feel of young adult readers, the book states 14+, but I like preteens could also enjoy it <spoiler> there’s one instance with a middle finger being given, the word ass being used a lot, and romance </spoiler>. Adults would love this title for the escapism of it – again, a sassy talking cat best friend and a Pizza Witch!

Overall, this was a fun read that will clearly become a series, and a series in which I will be keeping my eye out for.

My Perfectly Imperfect Body / Debbie Tung

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
My Perfectly Imperfect Body
By: Debbie Tung
Genre: Graphic Novel, Memoir
Number of Pages: 208
Published: September 16, 2025
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Dates Read: October 22, 2025
Format: Library Book / eBook

Trigger Warnings: eating disorders, body shaming, body dysmorphia

A graphic memoir from author Debbie Tung about her journey overcoming body-image struggles throughout her teen and young adult years.

I was a preteen/teenager in the 2000s, the reason I don’t like having a scale in my place is because I would constantly be weighing myself and comparing the weight to the day before, or last week, etc. I was a super skinny kid and people used to comment on how skinny I was and how wonderful it was – so of course, once my metabolism slowed down and I gained weight, I instantly felt horrible about myself and always felt fat. I know that’s not the same thing Tung went through, but it still messes up people’s thoughts about themselves when you comment on anybody’s weight.  Being a teenager sucks already, but then growing up in a world with photoshop (or any basic photo editing app to be real), you compare yourself to something that’s not even really real

Tung’s art is simple but still powerful as she captures the painful thought process of comparing yourself to others and body dysmorphia. Her story is raw and emotional and leaves it open for others to connect with her story and feel seen. I also feel like this is a good book for adults to read to kind of see the warning signs in younger teens. Tung’s parents didn’t really intervene much and when they did, I felt like it wasn’t much.

Overall, I think this is an important read, especially for young girls as it’s filled with an important reminder: your worth is not defined by someone else’s journey.

Froggy: A Pond Full of Pals / Paige Walshe

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Froggy: A Pond Full of Pals
By: Paige Walshe
Genre: Graphic Novel, Children’s
Number of Pages: 132
Published: August 5, 2025
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Dates Read: October 21, 2025
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Froggy is out on his own and carving his own path through sticky situations in this hilarious children’s graphic novel.

This is aimed for children (upper elementary school just due to some context within the pages), but there is a little bit of older humor that upper lever readers/even adults would enjoy as well. One example being “my back is too young to be this angry”. But also, the illustrations are laugh out loud funny in some panels; Froggy’s “I’ve had enough” facial expressions made me snort aloud more than once.

Froggy ends up in some hilarious situations and the way he gets out of them and or plows through them made me turn the pages faster and faster. It’s a read I can see myself going back to again for the simple enjoyment of the stories.

Overall, this graphic novel is a hilarious, loud out loud read for all ages.

Folk Remedy: Book 1 / Jem Yoshioka

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Folk Remedy: Book 1
By: Jem Yoshioka
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 240
Published: September 23, 2025
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Dates Read: October 19, 2025 - October 21, 2025
Format: Library Book / eBook

Twelve-year-old Maple Akimura will become the apprentice at the family apothecary business according to her mother. But, Maple is more interested in spending time with her new friend, Kunio, a visitor from Taisho City. Her mother believes Maple’s old enough to read the family’s book detailing the Akimuras’ relationship to yokai (spirits and supernatural beings) over generations. To Maple, the stories in the book are just that – stories about traditional village life. Right now, amid 1920s Japan, technology is rapidly advancing and there’s so much glamour in modern urban life! But then Maple meets a mischievous yokai named Ember and the pair get swept into the spirit world with only Maple’s family stories as their guide.

Inspired by Japanese Folklore, this graphic novel is a fun read with beautiful, soft (but also dark) color schemed panels. We as readers do get a little insight with the art to stuff that Maple doesn’t seem to notice (at least not right away). A few of the funnier panels were always showing great emotions.

I did find Maple’s character a bit funny in the sense that she was so against believing in the yokai until she met Ember and then was like – nope, they’re real – and then goes on an adventure with them. Kind of makes you think she didn’t really not believe. 

Overall, a beautiful graphic novel dipped in Japanese Folklore that though aimed at Middle Grade readers, I think those of an older age range will also enjoy it – including adults! I’m quite excited for the next volume, this will definitely be a series I’ll keep track of going forward.

The Space Cat / Nnedi Okorafor, Tana Ford (Illustrator)

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
The Space Cat
By: Nnedi Okorafor, Tana Ford (Illustrator)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 176
Published: August 12, 2025
Publisher: First Second
Dates Read: October 20, 2025
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

By day, Periwinkle is adored by his two humans. By night, he’s a space cat who races through the cosmos on his custom-built spaceship. Between battles with his squeaky toys and working on ways to make his ship faster, Periwinkle is never bored. So, when his humans decide to move to the small Nigerian town of Kaleria, Periwinkle is excited to explore, even if many Nigerians hate cats… nothing will steer this adventurous cat away from adventure! But, not everything in Kaleria is as it seems and soon enough, Periwinkle finds himself on his craziest adventure yet!

This is such an amazingly cute graphic novel that any cat lover will enjoy. This story is inspired by Nnedi Okorafor’s real life cat, Periwinkle and crazy adventures he may get into when she and her daughter aren’t looking (who knew cats destroy the house when you’re gone because they’re defeating alien foes?!). Okorafor’s portrayal of Periwinkle comes from a loving heart as both his mannerisms and dialog are goofy, but in a fun way.

Tana Ford’s coloring is eye-catching and immersive. Cats are way more expressive than most people realize and some illustrators are better at capturing than others and Ford does a fantastic job! She totally has a cat, or has been around them enough to be able to capture Periwinkle’s expressions perfectly.

Overall, super cute, super funny, a great read for cat lovers and scifi readers.

*Thank you First Second and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.