June Roundup

As we reach the midpoint of 2026, we reflect on the lives and work of the late graphic novelist and filmmaker Marjane Satrapi, best known for Persepolis, and American cartoonist Nicole Hollander, creator of the long-running feminist comic strip Sylvia.

Pride Month paints the world in vibrant bold rainbow, and we’ve gathered a curated selection of reading lists spotlighting LGBTQIA+ comics across a wide range of genres. At the same time, important conversations continue across the industry, with movements such as the #DCBlackout boycott refocusing attention on advocacy for greater support and visibility for Black creators and characters.

As the World Cup begins in the Americas, we’ve collected a vibrant selection of soccer-themed books for children. Covering both fiction and nonfiction, these titles aim to encouraging reading through sports.

Elsewhere in comics news, industry shifts continue to shape the landscape. Workers at publisher Dark Horse have formed a union, DC is expanding its mobile-first DC GO! webcomics line, and Lee Lai’s graphic novel Cannon has once again taken top honours at the 2026 Doug Wright Awards.

Closer to home, we here at ALIA Graphics are proud to present our annual Notable Australian Graphic Novels list, championing outstanding Australian graphic novels across junior, young adult, and adult categories. Celebrating local creators while supporting libraries in building dynamic and relevant collections.

NEWS

• French-Iranian graphic novelist and filmmaker Marjane Satrapi, best known for Persepolis, has died aged 56, leaving a lasting cultural legacy bridging personal storytelling and political history
• American cartoonist Nicole Hollander, creator of the long-running feminist comic strip Sylvia, has died aged 86, remembered for sharp satire and influential commentary on gender and society
• Larry Stark, influential early comics critic and EC fandom pioneer who later became a respected Boston theatre reviewer, has died aged 93, leaving a legacy in fan criticism.
• Workers at comic publisher Dark Horse have formed a union, seeking fair pay, job security and a stronger voice amid industry changes and workplace concerns.
• The Black Comic Alliance has ended its short-lived #DCBlackout boycott, shifting focus back to advocacy efforts promoting greater support and visibility for Black creators and characters.
• DC is expanding its mobile-first DC GO! webcomics line with new series, returning favorites, a crossover event, and planned print editions for 2026.
• Oni Press and Archie Comics have unveiled a major 2026 publishing relaunch, introducing new series and collections that reimagine classic Riverdale characters for modern audiences.
• Long-running sci-fi and fantasy comics magazine Heavy Metal is navigating a turbulent period, marked by leadership changes, publication gaps, and efforts to relaunch and redefine its future direction.
• The 2026 Minicomic Awards have recognised standout short-form comics across multiple genres, highlighting emerging creators and innovative storytelling within an increasingly diverse and growing field.
• Acclaimed South Korean graphic novelist Keum Suk Gendry-Kim has been awarded France’s Order of Arts and Letters, recognising her powerful works exploring Korea’s modern history.
• A debut manga about a second-hand bookshop owner has won the top prize at Japan’s prestigious Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prizes, highlighting new talent and stories centred on book culture.
• A new biography of cartoonist Garry Trudeau explores how Doonesbury chronicled over five decades of American politics and culture through evolving characters and real-world events.
• A new music video inspired by Naoki Urasawa’s Monster features original artwork and direction from the manga creator, marking a rare collaboration between comics and contemporary music.
• A Japanese report highlights ongoing manga and anime developments, including major publication milestones and fan reactions, reflecting the continued global popularity of the industry.
• DC’s “Absolute” comics line is expanding with a major crossover led by writer Jason Aaron, bringing together its reimagined heroes through a collaborative effort among the line’s creators.
• Lee Lai’s graphic novel Cannon continues to win.Taking the the top prize at the 2026 Doug Wright Awards, highlighting excellence in Canadian comics and celebrating emerging and established creators.
• FX is developing a television adaptation of Image Comics’ That Texas Blood, bringing its acclaimed neo‑noir Western crime story to the screen with key creators involved in production.
• Hoopla and new distributor Aggregate Ink are opening library doors to indie comics — over 100 titles available now, with more on the way.
• Mary Shelley’s School for Monsters: The Killing Stone takes the first ever Nebula Award for Best Comic. It’s this delightfully monstrous milestone worth celebrating.
• Long-running comics series are thriving say Publishers Weekly. As they explore how publishers sustain momentum across multiple volumes, drawing in new readers along the way.

REVIEWS

• A graphic adaptation of Mister Magic blends eerie nostalgia with psychological horror, exploring memory, trauma, and childhood media through a mysterious lost TV show and its unsettling legacy
• A reflection on manga artist Kiriko Nananan highlights her quiet, emotionally resonant storytelling, exploring women’s inner lives and relationships through minimal, introspective artwork.
• Ben Sears’ Young Shadow & The Watchdogs blends superhero adventure with spooky humour, as kids face ghosts in a surreal baseball game, delivering inventive visuals and playful storytelling.
• Jacob’s Transition Goals is an uplifting, inclusive story following a transgender boy pursuing football dreams, addressing acceptance, identity, and the importance of support in youth sport.
• This coming-of-age graphic novel follows a college student navigating identity, relationships, and cultural expectations, as a new romance challenges her sense of self and independence.
• Mohammad Sabaaneh’s Welcome to Hell uses stark, surreal imagery and minimalist storytelling to depict the psychological trauma of imprisonment, conveying political realities through haunting, symbolic horror.
• Daniel McCloskey’s Cloud Town combines sci-fi adventure with coming‑of‑age drama, as two friends confront monsters, shifting roles, and a strained relationship in a chaotic, imaginative world.

INTERVIEWS

• Writers Tilly and Susan Bridges discuss their collaborative approach and upcoming graphic novel, emphasising stories that centre trans and queer teens while exploring identity, empathy, and hopeful, character-driven storytelling.
• In this creator Q&A, Carlos Javier Olivares discusses Junk Punch, highlighting its bizarre premise, creative collaboration, and deeper themes of identity and self-expression beneath its absurd, humorous surface.
• Creators James Tynion IV and Marguerite Bennett discuss Odin, a horror series blending Norse mythology and extremism through a journalist’s unsettling undercover story.
• In an interview, Dave Baker and Nicole Goux discuss Punk’n Heads, focusing on the challenges of indie comics creation, long development process, and telling authentic stories about young artists finding their way.

COLLECTIONS

• ALIA’s Notables Lists highlight outstanding Australian graphic novels and comics each year, showcasing junior, young adult, and adult titles to support creators and promote library collections.
• A curated list highlights five standout new graphic novels for 2026, spanning genres like romance, sci‑fi, and fantasy, offering engaging reads suited to a wide range of tastes
• A roundup highlights five highly anticipated comic book adaptations in development, from major franchises to indie titles, reflecting continued interest in bringing comics stories to screen.
• A New York Public Library reading list spotlights 25 recent queer comics across genres, showcasing diverse voices and stories exploring identity, relationships, and self‑discovery for readers of all ages.
• A School Library Journal list highlights 15 soccer‑themed books for children, spanning fiction and nonfiction, designed to build excitement for the World Cup and encourage reading through sport.
• DC has unveiled its 2026 graphic novel lineup for young readers, featuring early reader, middle grade, and YA titles designed for classrooms, libraries, and diverse interests.
• A School Library Journal list highlights 16 contemporary LGBTQIA+ teen romances, featuring popular tropes like fake dating and enemies-to-lovers, showcasing diverse relationships and inclusive storytelling.
• GlobalComix is marking Pride Month 2026 with curated collections of LGBTQ+ comics and manga, highlighting queer creators and showcasing diverse stories across genres from romance to fantasy and horror.
• Five manga-loving librarians share their essential picks. New releases and hidden classics to help you find your next great series.

MEDIA

• A panel explores graphic medicine, showing how comics communicate health experiences, combining storytelling, art, and science to humanise illness, support education, and connect audiences.
• Cartoonist James Stokoe reflects on his career and creative process, discussing artistic influences, evolving style, and balancing creative freedom with industry constraints in comics.
• Comics writer Mark Waid reflects on key moments in his career, discussing how he recognised the success of major works and what shaped his creative journey.
• In this chat, Marissa interviews Wendy Tyrer about debut graphic novel The Curator, where missing artists draw Mimi into a mysterious, life-changing, art world adventure.
• Iurgi interviews cartoonist Campbell Whyte about his graphic novel Luna Express, exploring teen angst, social themes, magic, creativity, and roles in education and comics community.
• Mia interviews Li Chen the Kiwi creator of the delightful Detective Beans series. The third book in the series has just been published and Li Chen is visiting Australia presenting the book.
• Samuel Melero interviews Jim Lee about his legendary career, exploring his journey through comic art, major achievements, and lasting influence on the world of graphic storytelling
  

NEW RELEASES

Junior

• Aurora and the Orc by Lewis Trondheim (Castle Point Books) [9781250379696]
• Billie B Brown’s Secret Mystery Club Book 1: Spooky House by Sally Rippin, Aki Fukuoka (Figment Books) [9781761216404] [Australian creators]
• Cassette City: Ready, Cassette, Go! by Jarett Sitter (Annick Press) [9798881605827]
• Clock Hands by Marieke Nijkamp, Sylvia Bi (Greenwillow Books) [9780063027138]
• Detective Beans and the Map of Mystery by Li Chen (Penguin Australia) [9781761353420]
• Dream Onby Shannon Hale, Marcela Cespedes (Scholastic) [9781761813696]
• Fruitcakeby Rex Ogle, Dave Valeza (Scholastic) [9781761813641]
• Minecraft The Manga Vol. 6by Kazuyoshi Seto (VIZ Media) [9781974763108]
• Minecraft Open World–The Ender Trials by Abe Taraky, Rachelle Reyes (Dark Horse) [9781506743721]
• The Nightlights Collection by Lorena Alvarez (Flying Eye Books) [9781910620588]
• The Pancake Trap by Stephanie Young, Allyson Lassiter (Oni Press) [9798894880907]

YA

• As I dream of You by Jennifer Lee, LeUyen Pham (First Second) [9781250862044]
• Attack on Titan Definitive Hardcover Collection 1 (Vol. 1-3) by Hajime Isayama (Random House) [9798888777930]
• Blue ArchiveComic Anthology Volume 1by Various (UDON Entertainment) [9781772943900]
• Encore! by Miles Toriko Burks (HarperCollins) [9780008645014]
• Four in Love by Crystal Kung, Xiao Xiao (Yen Press) [9798855430387]
• G.I. Joe Deluxe Edition Book Oneby Joshua Williamson, Tom Reilly, Andrea Milana, Marco Fodera, Jordie Bellaire (Image) [9781534334526]
• Lindsey Cheng Dates a White Boy!!! by Asia Miller (Andrews McMeel) [9798881605827]
• Sonic the Hedgehogthe IDW Collection, Vol. 6by Ian Flynn, Evan Stanley, Daniel Barnes Jr. (IDW) [9798887243900]
• Unordinary Vol. 4by uru-chan (Harper Collins) [9780008716035]

Adult

• Azimuth Vol 1 by Dan Abnett, Tazio Bettin, Matt Soffe, Jim Campbell (2000 AD Graphic Novels) [9781837867936]
• Barrier by Brian K. Vaughan, Marcos Martin (Image Comics) [9781534331457]
• Batman: Under the Red Hood by Judd Winick, Doug Mahnke (DC Comics) [9781799508212]
• Billy Bat Volume 1by Naoki Urasawa (Abrams) [9781419780080]
• The Black Schooner: Rebellion on the Amistad by David Lester, Marcus Rediker, Paul Buhle (Beacon Press) [9780807016909]
• The British Are Coming: The Graphic Edition by Rick Atkinson, Federico Pietrobon, Nora Neus (Ten Speed Graphic) [9780593799321]
• Charity and Sylvia by Tillie Walden (Drawn & Quarterly) [9781770468382]
• Closing Act by Chris W. Kim (Conundrum Press) [9781772621198]
• The Credits Roll into the Sea Volume 1 by John Tarachine, Jocelyne Allen (Dark Horse) [9781506752136]
• Criminal: Five Gears in Reverse by Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips (Image Comics) [9781534333208]
• The Depressed Hunter by Moebius (Dark Horse) [9781506753249]
• Escape Vol 1 by Rick Remender, Daniel Acuña (Image Comics) [9781534333147]
• Fish and Water by Gengoroh Tagame (Pantheon Graphic Library) [9780593702222]
• Gigs by Mark Mosedale (Top Shelf) [9781603095938]
• Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe by Gerry Duggan, Paco Medina, Javier Garron, Scietronc 
• (Marvel) [9781302964894]
• Gokurakugai  Vol. 5 by Yuto Sano (VIZ Media) [9781974762446]
• Gunslinger Spawn Origins Hardcover Book 1by Todd McFarlane, Brett Booth , Andrew Dalhouse (Image) [9781534330146]
• Ichi the Witch Vol. 2by: Osamu Nishi, Shiro Usazaki (VIZ Media) [9781974762637]
• Lore Olympus: Volume Ten by Rachel Smythe (Inklore) [9780593872024]
• Mister Magic: The Graphic Novel by Kiersten White, Scott Peterson, Veronica Fish, Andy Fish (Random House) [9781984863355]
• The Mortifying Ordeal of Being Seen Vol. 1by mmk (VIZ Media) [9781974762491]
• Physical Education by Joana Mosi (Pow Pow Press) [9782925114604]
• Sleep by: Zander Cannon(Image) [9781534332225]
• Vagabond Definitive Edition, Vol. 5 by: Takehiko Inoue (VIZ Media) [9781974761920]
• The War of the Worlds: Thunder Child by Matt Hardy, Rob Jones, Kevin Castaniero (Titan Books) [9781787749597]