This tale of a blended mummy-human family with a serious pizza habit has a winning combination of sharp wit and timeless, goofy humor, making it a winner for fans of the Spongebob comics and Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man. It was released on May 1 with an MSRP of $12.99, recommended for ages 9-12, and if the kids want more, there’s a monthly comic as well.
Set in Cairo in 1933, this full-color graphic novel follows a 12-year-old globe-trotter who is led by a mysterious note into an action-packed adventure. Think of it as Tintin meets Indiana Jones. The title, aimed at readers age 10-14, was originally self-published by O’Neill with funding from a successful Kickstarter campaign. The release date is May 30, and the MSRP is $14.99. Rocket continues on to Paris in the second volume, Rocket Robinson and the Secret of the Saint, which is due out on September 26.
Princess Rapunzel is thrilled when her favorite author offers to write her biography—but Eugene fills it with alternative facts, and Rapunzel doesn’t know how to set things right again. This book has two things going for it: it’s set in the world of the Disney Channel series, and it’s written by Jimmy Gownley, creator of Amelia Rules (one of the first, and still one of the best, middle-grade comics). Aimed at readers ages 6-9, the 96-page full-color paperback is slated for a June 19 release with an MSRP of $8.99.
This school comedy follows the day-to-day lives of fourth-grade teacher Mr. Wolf and his anthropomorphized animal students, each of whom has his or her own quirks. Steinke and his wife Ariel Cohn won a 2015 Eisner Award for their earlier book, The Zoo Box (see "’Lumberjanes,’ ‘Saga,’ ‘Little Nemo’ Feted at 2015 Eisner Awards"). This book, pitched at 7-10 year-olds, might be a fun follow-up for readers who enjoy Babymouse and Lunch Lady. It’s due out on June 26 with an MSRP of $9.99 for the paperback edition and $18.99 for the hardcover.
A beautifully drawn fantasy story about a rabbit who uses a mysterious power to turn ordinary objects into things of beauty, this book draws on the tradition of Watership Down and would appeal to fans of Mouse Guard as well. Suggested for readers aged 10-14, this is the first volume of a trilogy. The 272-page, full color hardcover volume has a release date of July 3 and an MSRP of $19.99.
This goofball comic about a space vampire has mildly gross humor and a colorful, caricatured art style that should appeal to fans of Rugrats and Adventure Time. Sheikh originally did a three-issue Luna the Vampire series that was later collected into a trade paperback; this new paperback is an original graphic novel. It’s recommended for ages 7-10 and is due out on July 24 with an MSRP of $9.99.
Gudsnuk, the creator of the supervillain spoof Henchgirl, puts a supernatural spin on the middle-school-drama story with her tale of a seventh-grade girl who makes a new friend—with magic. Hilarious and sometimes touching complications ensue. Aimed at readers aged 8-12, this would go over well with fans of Raina Telgemeier and Svetlana Chmakova. The 272-page book is due out on July 31 in paperback, with an MSRP of $12.99, and hardcover, with an MSRP of $24.99.
Magical girls go badass in this spinoff of the Nickelodeon animated series that features evil biker twins, drag racing, and plenty of good old-fashioned magic (see "Kids’ Comics Roundup: ‘Clueless,’ ‘Adventure Time,’ ‘Mysticons,’ Disney Titles on the Way"). The 80-page, full-color paperback, recommended for readers aged 8-12, goes on sale on August 15 with an MSRP of $10.99.
An anthology of stories set in the world of the animated series, by a varied group of creators (see "Dark Horse Tells More ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Tales") and pitched at readers 8 and up. The 80-page, full color trade paperback will go on sale on September 5 with an MSRP of $10.99.
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