A deliciously spooky graphic novel for middle-grade readers who, like author Brian Gonsar, “want to read scary books, but not actually be scared.” Gonsar and illustrator Keenan Gaybba create a delightfully creepy world full of vampires and humans who are obsessed with … jelly donuts!
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Image Comics recently announced that Paper Girls, by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Cliff Chiang, will be getting a new look with the compact release of “Backpack Editions.” Volume 1, collecting issues #1-10 of the five-time Eisner Award-winning series, will hit stores on Tuesday, November 11. Volume 2 will be released in 2026. These compact editions will feature new cover artwork by Chiang and will measure just 6×9 inches – the ideal size for sliding into your backpack! So hit up your local comic book shop or bookstore to place your preorder!
Bandcamp Friday returns on August 1, from midnight to midnight (Pacific Time). That means Bandcamp waives their revenue share and more of your money goes directly to musicians! So Friday is the day to support artists by buying music and merch on Bandcamp! Here are some of my picks.
Goddess – Goddess This impactful collaboration between Savages’ drummer Fay Milton and ten feminine/non-binary artists is quickly becoming one of my favorites of this year. It’s got a haunting song from Elena Tonra (Ex:Re/Daughter), a dreamy one from Izzy Bee Philips (Black Honey), and commanding tracks from Salvia and Harriet Rock.
Anika – Abyss Driving rock with a hints of grunge mix well with Anika’s English/German accented vocals. Recommended for fans of Flood-produced PJ Harvey.
Deep Sea Diver – Billboard Heart This indie rock opus swirls. I’m obsessed with the tracks “Let Me Go,” which features Grammy award winner Madison Cunningham, and “What Do I Know.”
Pulp – More Pulp is back with their first album in 24 years and they’re still frisky! Jarvis Cocker and co. have created another brilliant album with a Britpop heart. Make sure you get your tickets to see them on tour this fall. In Boston, they are hitting The Stage at Suffolk Downs on Saturday, September 13.
Lambrini Girls – Who Let the Dogs Out Thrumming punk rock from Brighton, England. How can I not love a band with a song called “Cuntology 101”?
Julian Baker & TORRES – Send a Prayer My Way Tunes that tug at the heartstrings with a dash of twang.
An inspiring, thought-provoking autobiography from the talented pioneer George Takei. Recommended for fans of his first graphic novel memoir, They Called Us Enemy, this new graphic novel utilizes the same creative team. Published by Top Shelf Productions, It Rhymes with Takei has a broad appeal for those interested in American civil and LGBTQ rights.
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I found myself thoroughly in love with Fahrenheit-182 and listened to the eAudiobook very quickly. I was surprised by how much I liked this book, given that I’m resoundingly not a blink-182 fan*! I did work in the music industry in the late nineties/early aughts and had met Mark Hoppus’s bandmates a few times (Box Car Racer opened for my friends’ band), but never met Hoppus himself. His tales of being a child of divorce, MTV’s TRL, raucous and depressing tours, and more were utterly compelling. Hoppus was transparent about his depression, OCD, and cancer. As a narrator, it took a few minutes to get used to Hoppus’s staccato, monotone delivery, but overall I think it lent a greater sense of authenticity to his nearly unbelievable life. I’m feeling this!
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*For some reason, I do love the self-titled blink album. Maybe that has something to do with a certain Mr. Robert Smith or the gothy “I Miss You.”
Pop Culture Omnivore 