Another graphic novel series for young folks, with a welcome message of self-acceptance. That’s the Shark Princess series, written and illustrated by Nidhi Chanani. “
image c. 2026 Penguin Random House
Comic Book News
Elementary, My Dear Truffles
Meet two pets with very different views on life in The Great Puptective, the first in a graphic novel series written and illustrated by Alina Tysoe. “Truffles the cat is the only pet in the house and reigns in peace and quiet, only exerting himself to find the best place to take a nice, long nap — preferably in a spot of warm sunshine. Then Poppy the puppy bursts onto the scene. Poppy is loud, enthusiastic, excitable, and — worst of all — a puptective! She’s got an eye for crime and a nose to solve all mysteries that come her way… even though she’s not completely sure what a mystery is. Truffles cannot let this intrusion stand. Poppy won’t be able to continue disrupting his precious me-time if she’s shipped to the North Pole! But could this irrepressible new companion be just what this grumpy cat needs?” This and more adventures are available from Simon & Schuster.
image c. 2026 Simon & Schuster
… and Defenders of the Neighborhood
Another one lost in the shuffle, but definitely worth a look. Kiva is a one-shot full-color comic from Scout, written by Motoki Tomatsu and Yumiko Fujiwara, with art by Bashar Ahmed. “A pet dog is left behind on his own when a nuclear disaster forces the residents of a small town to evacuate. As he navigates the wilderness that takes over the town, he comes face to face with a savage pack of wild dogs, determined to claim back their territory.” In an interview over at Comic Book Club, the creators talk about their inspiration for the work.
image c. 2026 Scout Comics
Defenders of the Bedroom
So how did we miss this one? Let’s catch up! Cissy is a full-color creepy comic book series written by Charles Chester and illustrated by Alonso Gonzales. Eleven year-old Gabriel is awakened in the middle of the night — by his sister Maddy’s teddy bear Cissy, who can talk! Despite Cissy’s best efforts, a sinister and powerful being known as The Crying Man has stolen away Maddy and taken her to a frightening realm known as The Dark Lands. Now Cissy needs Gabriel’s help to mount a rescue mission! Issues are still available at Scout Comics.
image c. 2026 Scout Comics
All White Now
This has been around a while — time we got to it. Between Snow and Wolf is a full-color graphic novel written by Agnes Domergue and illustrated by Helen Canac. “What secret is hidden in the heart of the forest? Lila lives with her father on a snowy island. From a young age, he has protected her from a curse and a demon. One day when he is away for a longer period of time, Lila imagines him already a prisoner and decides to go looking for him. She then discovers a forest asleep under the snow, populated by enigmatic spirits and a white wolf.” The inspiration of Hayao Miyazaki is quite obvious here — and the comparison is welcome. This is still available in hardcover from Magnetic Press.
image c. 2026 Magnetic Press
Wolves and Art
We came across this book while Christmas shopping! And it’s really unique… “Part epic picture book, part graphic novel, The Five Wolves defies genres. With intricate ink work and meticulous hand-lettering, Peter McCarty has crafted a dazzling reading experience. The Five Wolves is an entrancing journey and a testament to the power of art and artists. Across oceans, through fields, and down tunnels, five daring wolves traverse the planet in search of wonders to draw and paint. All the while, a disembodied narrator spins the tale of their absurdist adventure and asks big questions. What is art? And who does it belong to?” Find out more (and see a preview) over at MacMillan Publishers. [Have a happy and safe New Year, everyone, and all the best in 2026 — Ye Ed-Otter.]
image c. 2025 MacMillan Publishers
Gumshoes and Gowns
At Lightbox Expo this year we met Kyky Yang, an animation artist and designer from Taiwan who’s living in Los Angeles now. She’s become well-known for her black & white “lesbian furry” web comic Detective Alice — and now, she’s self-published her first collection of it as a paperback graphic novel. Follow the adventures of British cat detective Alice and her maid Amaryllis. Visit the official web site — or check out the intro video on YouTube.
image c. 2025 by Kyky Yang
Sonova Spider
At the Lightbox Expo this year we met Greg Anderson-Elysee and learned about his graphic novel series, Is’Nana the Were-Spider. “Accidentally breaking a barrier between our world and theirs (called “The Mother Kingdom”), Is’nana, the son of Anansi (The West African God of Spiders) accepts the responsibility for releasing creatures of horror into our world, villains who want nothing more but to cause chaos and mayhem to achieve their own diabolical or selfish goals. With guidance from his father, Is’nana not only strives to live up to his father’s name but to also reach his own potential while he seeks to discover his individuality and place in the world.” Lots of animal-based gods and demons to be found here, all rendered in a dynamic painting style by artists Walter Ostlie and Lee Milewski. Find out more (and see all the issues) at the Webway Comics site.
image c. 2025 Webway Comics
Ant-y Free’s
As we have noted before, Jay Hosler is a biology professor with a special interest in bugs — or more precisely, insects. And they like to channel that interest into writing and illustrating full-color graphic novels for young readers — like their most recent creation, Ant Story. “Meet Rubi, a tiny ant with a big personality and an even bigger love for stories. Who knew the small world of her colony could be full of unexpected friendships, epic adventures, and death-defying escapes? Follow Rubi on the journey of a lifetime as she uncovers the mystery and wonder of one of the world’s tiniest, mightiest insects.” Look for it now from Harper Collins.
image c. 2025 Harper Collins Publishers
