Comic shops might not be getting new comics but that doesn’t mean there’s not comics being released. We’ve got two graphic novels being reviewed today that are out in bookstores! While you wait for that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web.
It’d normally be new comic book day at shops but there’s still digital comics to get. What comics are you excited for? What have you been reading during the “release break”? Sound off in the comments. While you think about that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web.
Staying in? Looking for a new read? DC has you covered with Gotham High, a new young adult (YA) graphic novel written by Melissa de la Cruz, one of the most popular voices in YA literature, with stunning illustrations from Riverdale comics artist Thomas Pitilli. The book hits stores and online retailers everywhere books are sold on April 7, and DC has debuted the official book trailer.
In Gotham High, del la Cruz and Pitilli bring their signature style to DC to put a contemporary twist on Gotham City, following Bruce Wayne, Selina Kyle, and Jack Napier, and more classic Batman characters, in high school, before they take on their iconic mantles. Complete with love triangles, epic parties, and betrayals at every turn, Gotham High is a thrilling teen drama.
The 2019 convention for the American Library Association (ALA) kicked off with huge news that DC was consolidating its line under three “brands.” That left many to wonder about the future of the DC Zoom and DC Ink graphic novel lines. Launched last year, the new graphic novel imprints were focused on the young adult and middle grade readers and have been hits so far. DC followed up those concerns with an announcement of a slate of graphic novel releases aimed at those young adult and middle grade readers.
These graphic novels continue the focus on stories not part of DC’s ongoing continuity making them accessible to new fans. The releases also focus on the original mandate of YA titles being about “everyday aspirations, struggles, and triumphs,” while the middle grade releases being focused on stories about “friends, family, and growing up.”
Spring 2020 Lineup
Young Adult Titles
Wonder Woman: Warbringer – Written by Leigh Bardugo and illustrated by Kit Seaton (January 2020)
Gotham High – Written by Melissa de la Cruz and illustrated by Thomas Pitilli (February 2020)
The Oracle Code – Written by Marieke Nijkamp and illustrated by Manuel Preitano (March 2020)
Shadow of the Batgirl – Written by Sarah Kuhn and illustrated by Nicole Goux (April 2020)
During the DC Ink panel at BookCon 2019 with authors Kami Garcia, Danielle Paige, Lauren Myracle, and Mariko Tamaki, DC made several exciting announcements for the publisher’s upcoming YA graphic novels, revealing a new trailer and title for the highly anticipated Teen Titans series, and the artists and covers for the Spring 2020 slate.
In anticipation of its July 2, 2019, release DC debuted an official trailer for Teen Titans: Raven during the panel. Written by New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia and illustrated by fan-favorite artist Gabriel Picolo, Teen Titans: Raven follows 17-year-old Rachel Roth as she moves to New Orleans to live with her foster mother’s family after a tragic accident. Raven’s past and present collide when strange things happen during her final year of high school. Garcia’s debut graphic novel is the first book in her multi-part Teen Titans series with popular artist Gabriel Picolo.
Panel attendees were also treated to the first look at Garcia and Picolo’s next Teen Titans installment, Teen Titans: Beast Boy. Ahead of its 2020 release, a sneak preview of the book will be available in Teen Titans: Raven when the book goes on sale.
To cap off an already exciting panel, DC ended the discussion announcing the artists for previously announced YA graphic novels debuting in Spring 2020 and gave fans a first look at the covers. Full creative teams for the Spring 2020 YA graphic novel lineup are below.
Ever wonder what high school was like for your favorite super heroes and villains in Gotham? Now you can enjoy all their early beginnings in this prequel to the Dark Knight Trilogy. Gotham High is directed by Christopher Nolan’s Son, Oliver.
