Man-Eaters, Vol. 1, written by Chelsea Cain and illustrated by Kate Niemczyk and Lia Miternique
Image Comics
March 5, 2019
ISBN: 978-1534311435
In the future, girls exposed to toxoplasmosis from their pet cats turn into flesh-eating wildcats when they get their period. Maude is twelve. As her detective dad investigates a series of strange mauling attacks, Maude worries she may be the killer.
This book is clever, entertaining, suspenseful, and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny with its literal interpretation of the dangers of puberty for women. It is also beautifully illustrated, creatively using collage to integrate a variety of drawn and photographed images. The extra content provided at the end, particularly the fake survival guide “Cat Fight! A Boy’s Guide to Dangerous Cats” is an excellent tongue-in-cheek accompaniment to the story.
While this unique title will likely appeal to fans of Mockingbird and Women World, it’s also recommended to teens who like their story orders of smart female empowerment to come with a side of satire.
—Thea Hashagen
Giant Days Volume 9 by John Allison, illustrated by Max Sarin
BOOM! Box
Publication Date: Feb 19, 2019
ISBN: 978-1684153107
Esther, Daisy, and Susan are at the end of their second year of university and are figuring out what next year is going to look like now that they’ve decided they won’t all be living together. Ester hasn’t found a place yet and commiserates with Ed Gemmell on an ill-advised pub crawl. Esther’s friend comes to visit, bringing along her ten-year-old sister, and Esther look-alike, Charlotte, and she puts everyone’s lives into perspective as they take turns babysitting. Daisy thinks maybe it’s time to break it off with Ingrid.
This is a great continuation of the series. It’s so satisfying—and hilarious—to follow these characters as they become adults; in particular, the Ed and Esther storyline and how it called back to the beginning of the series. Fans of previous volumes will find a lot to love in this one.
—Becky Standal
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki
First Second
Publication Date: May 7, 2019
ISBN: 978-1626722590
Laura Dean has broken up with Freddy three times. Laura Dean keeps coming back and Freddy keeps taking her back. After visiting a medium, Freddy finds herself questioning whether or not Laura Dean can be monogamous and how she can get on with her life without Laura Dean. Freddy keeps chasing Laura Dean and in the process neglects her best friend Doodle (Deidre) in a time of need. Freddy also meets Vi, an eighteen year old college student. They strike up a friendship and Vi helps Freddy continue to question her relationship with Laura Dean.
This book zeroes in on real relationship issues teens face including cheating, on again/off again status, and moving on. This title’s simple color palette compliments the complex and engaging story. Readers will find themselves needing to read on to find how this story ends!
Fans of other First Second titles and 2020 Great Graphic Novels for Teens nominees Kiss Number 8 by Colleen AF Venable and Bloom by Kevin Panetta will enjoy this book.
—Christine Pyles
