It’s a new week and we have a lot coming at you! There’ll be reviews, previews, interviews, and more coming throughout the week. Kicking it off is a lot of reviews you might have missed over the weekend from around the web.
DC Comics has released a first look at some of their middle-grade titles being released in 2021. The graphic novels are geared towards readers ages 9-12.
The standalone stories introduce DC’s iconic characters to a whole new generation of readers. They’re accessible for new readers who are coming to comics, or DC, for the first time.
Metropolis Grove
Written, Illustrated and lettered by Drew Brockington Colored by Wendy Broom On sale everywhere books are sold on May 4, 2021 MSRP: $9.99“ Pre-order: Amazon
The big city is full of Superman sightings, but here in Metropolis Grove? Every kid in this suburb knows that he’s not real…except newcomer Sonia Patel, who convinces her friends Duncan and Alex to believe! When the trio discover a mysterious cave full of Super-memorabilia, they can’t keep it to themselves, and that sets off a school year full of drama and adventure and more than a few opportunities for a newfound friendship to test its limits.
And when they finally figure out the resident of the cave is Bizarro, things get even more out of control!
The Mystery Of The Meanest Teacher: A Johnny Constantine Graphic Novel
Written by Ryan North Illustrated and colored by Derek Charm Lettered by Wes Abbot On sale everywhere books are sold on June 1, 2021 MSRP: $9.99 Pre-Order:Amazon
After angering a number of hostile spirits in England, 13-year-old magician Johnny Constantine has to find a way out of the country. Persuading his parents to send him to America, John arrives at the Junior Success Boarding School in Salem, Massachusetts. But once there,he finds himself to be something of an outcast. And he is also convinced that his homeroom teacher really has it in for him. Worse, he’s convinced that’s she’s really a witch. Fortunately, John is able to find one kindred spirit at school with whom he’s able to form an alliance–another misfit named Anna, who also happens to have her own developing magical powers. John recruits Anna in his efforts to uncover the truth about Ms. Kayla and expose the Meanest Teacher’s real identity to the world. Joined by a friendly demon named Etrigan, these two amateur sleuths will uncover clues and stumble upon forces beyond their control in a humorous series of misadventures.
Green Arrow: Stranded
Written by Brendan Deneen Illustrated and colored by Bell Hosalla Lettered by AndWorld Design On sale everywhere books are sold on July 6, 2021 MSRP: $9.99 Pre-Order: Amazon
Following a plane crash on a deserted island, 13-year-old Oliver Queen must learn the skills he needs to survive and to protect his injured father. Ollie has always hated the idea of hunting, but his dad insisted they go on this trip with his business partner, Sebastian, and his son, Tyler. When Ollie fails to take a perfect shot, the teasing starts, and he wonders if his dad will ever be proud of him again. But just when he thought their trip couldn’t get any worse, their private jet is struck by lightning and crash lands on a deserted island. Ollie awakens to find his dad seriously injured and the other passengers nowhere in sight. If they hope to survive, he’s going to have to learn skills he’s been avoiding developing so far. He has never felt less sure of who he is…or if he will be able to hang on until help arrives.
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)