Check out this month’s staff picks from the Betty’s Books crew!
Alain’s Pick
Fangs by Sarah Andersen
Elsie the vampire is three hundred years old, but in all that time, she has never met her match. This all changes one night in a bar when she meets Jimmy, a charming werewolf with a wry sense of humor and a fondness for running wild during the full moon. Together they enjoy horror films and scary novels, shady strolls, fine dining (though never with garlic), and a genuine fondness for each other’s unusual habits, macabre lifestyles, and monstrous appetites.
This collection of short comics / illustrations is such a lovely look at the relationship between our two characters. We very quickly ascertain their personalities and dynamics, thanks to Andersen’s skill of simplifying and drawing out the best of her characters, sucking us into their shockingly sweet and mundane life. This book is so lovely and full of the best vibes, and it’s an annual reread for me. If other people can celebrate holidays months before, I am allowed to start pushing the Halloween agenda in July!
Alex’s Pick
Hirayasumi by Keigo Shinzo
Don’t be fooled by the cover of this manga–our two protagonists ARE adults! This delightful slice-of-life follows Hiroto, almost thirty, and his 18-year–old cousin Natsumi, who moves in with him as she begins her first year of university. Their house is a charming, semi-dilapidated bungalow that Hiroto inherited from a lonesome granny he’d befriended before her passing.
The bungalow is, for all intents and purposes, our third protagonist. The name of the manga, Hirayasumi, roughly translates to “slow life in bungalow,” and that’s exactly what we get. This story’s pace is as leisurely as Hiroto, while all the while engaging and funny. It’s an exceptionally readable manga, despite not much happening, and upon finishing it, I was dying to read the next volume. Enjoy this refreshing read with a cold glass of iced tea on a relaxed summer afternoon, and you’ll be on your way to the Hirayasumi lifestyle.
Betty’s Pick
Cats of the Louvre by Taiyo Matsumoto
This surreal tale of the secret world of cats who live at the Louvre is EVERYTHING you need from your next read. There’s an adorable cat named Snowbébé, an eccentric elderly groundskeeper, and profound questions posed about the nature of loss. OF COURSE, Matsumoto’s art is perfection and it’s a delight to see him play in a French setting as well as pay homage (and critique) French art. This book is perfect for any and all art lovers and cat lovers. (16+)
Emma’s Pick
Diana has left her mark on the hearts of people all over the world. Her vulnerability in the media, support for AIDS patients, volunteer work, and willingness to speak up for what’s right is what earned her the title of “The People’s Princess”. Even after her tragic death, her life story remains of interest to the world, especially the queer community. Who was she and what is her legacy? This book is more than a biography, it’s a dive into white privilege, gender, femininity, and sexuality alike. Sivan adds a neurodivergent and queer take that I haven’t seen in any other royal-centered media. Even if you aren’t interested in the British royal family, I think this is worth a read!
Katie’s Pick
This friendship story is sweet, the art is sweeter, and they are both a delightful contrast to the unavoidable violence in a bug world depicted with humor by the super talented Allison Conway. Bugs gotta eat!If you like a slice-of-life story then this is right up your alley. The story is set in the New York City of the bug world filled with creatures of all kinds trying to coexist. Follow along with Millie, a pillbug, as she bonds with friends, manages family expectations, and spies on her suspicious neighbor. The charming vignettes of her life are full of unexpectedly specific insect facts. Did you know pillbugs are actually a crustacean?!When you’ve aged out of Bug Boys by Laura Knetzger move onto this fantastic graphic novel!
Lottie’s Pick
The Mighty Nein Origins: Jester Lavorre
by Sam Maggs, Laura Bailey, Matthew Mercer, Hunter Severn Bonyun, Cathy Lee, and Ariana Maher
I’ve always been a Critical Role lover, and Jester has always been my favorite. It’s been a long time since I watched the show, and I was a bit hesitant about picking up this book– What if I don’t remember an important piece of information, what if I miss something, maybe I should rewatch ALL of critical role first?! After braving these nipping fears, I bought the book and read it. To my delight, the Mighty Nein Origins series requires NO previous knowledge of Critical Roll to get into, and serves as charming standalones for anyone to pick up. I highly recommend perusing them, seeing which blurb and character design sound the most appealing to you, and reading it especially for people who haven’t watched Critical Role. I genuinely think reading the entire Mighty Nein Origins series BEFORE getting into Critical Role is an amazing idea. They are beautifully written in partnership with the actor who plays each character, and Hunter Severn Bonyun knocks it out of the park with the art and its attention to detail. After picking up Jester, who will always be my favorite, I’m making a definite plight into the rest of them. I strongly recommend it, and all of its book brethren!