Timeless Classic: ‘Carlitos and Snoopy. The best peanuts strips’

For a guaranteed win, look no further than this complete anthology celebrating 75 years of Charles M. Schulz’s iconic Peanuts comic strip.Published by Reservoir books, this collection offers a delightful journey through the heartwarming and philosophical world of Charlie Brown and Snoopy. The late Umberto Eco famously described Peanuts as a small human comedy for all pockets, and this anthology is a testament to the strip’s enduring appeal.

“A small human comedy for all pockets.”

Umberto Eco

Gothic Intrigue: ‘A guest at home’ (Sapristi)

Garnering important buzz, Emily M. Carroll’s ‘A Guest at Home’ has earned three Eisner Award nominations for 2024. published by Sapristi, this graphic novel weaves a tale of gothic suspense, focusing on a newlywed adjusting to life with her widowed husband in a remote, unsettling surroundings.The lingering presence of the deceased wife permeates their lives, creating a palpable tension. Carroll masterfully employs black and white imagery punctuated by bursts of color, resulting in a postmodern narrative with a unique groove.

Environmental Echoes: ‘Anzuelo’ (Astiberri)

Emma Ríos, a Galician artist, utilizes watercolors to craft a compelling narrative of conversion in ‘Anzuelo,’ published by Astiberri. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where the ocean’s tides have reshaped the landscape, the story follows three children as they navigate this new reality. Their survival hinges on their ability to coexist with marine animals, highlighting themes of environmental resilience and adaptation.

Geriatric Humor: ‘Hotel Abuel’ (Reservoir Books)

Ever wondered what life might be like beyond the age of 75? Marta Altieri’s ‘Hotel Abuel,’ published by Reservoir Books, offers an outlandish yet humorous exploration of aging. This collection of stories envisions a retirement home populated by tech-savvy “centennials” who are more interested in creating podcasts, Barbie makeovers, and experimenting with unconventional drug combinations. It’s a lighthearted and thought-provoking look at the possibilities of aging in the digital age.

“Bad Whether”: A Coming-of-Age Story Amidst Corruption

Alfred’s “Bad Weather” follows Mimmo, a young boy in a small Italian town with aspirations of becoming a musician. The narrative explores the choices faced by his generation: succumbing to a corrupt system fueled by tourism, turning a blind eye, or resorting to violent resistance. This graphic novel offers a poignant commentary on the impact of unchecked progress and the struggle to maintain integrity in the face of adversity.

“Days Without School”: the Lingering Scars of War

Elena Sutiel and Sento’s “Days Without School” provides a child’s-eye view of the Balkan War. The story follows a six-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl, whose experiences are recounted three decades later during a gathering with friends.As news from Ukraine unfolds, they reflect on the horrors of the conflict, highlighting the fragility of peace and the arduous journey towards reconciliation. This graphic novel serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of war on individuals and communities, a theme particularly relevant given the ongoing conflicts around the world. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), conflicts in 2023 have left millions of children displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance, underscoring the importance of understanding and addressing the long-term consequences of war.

The speed with which peace is destroyed and the difficulty in reconquering it.

Elena Sutiel and Sento, “Days Without School”

“Counterpart. Greater with Repairs”: Unraveling Post-War Mysteries

Teresa Valero’s “Counterpart. Greater with Repairs” continues the story begun in “Contaso,” offering a second chance to its characters. Set in post-war Madrid, the narrative revolves around the investigation into the death of an ecclesiastical censor in a cinema. the plot weaves together themes of revenge, black market dealings, speculation, and widespread moral and physical misery, painting a vivid picture of a society grappling with the aftermath of conflict.

“Romantic Coffee”: A Bizarre and Unconventional Comedy

Simon Hanselmann’s “Romantic Coffee” compiles a collection of hard-to-find works featuring his bizarre characters. This unconventional comedy, populated by a dandy owl with intellectual pretensions, an unstable witch, and a cat addicted to everything, presents unlikely situations that resonate with a strange sense of reality. While decidedly incorrect, this collection offers a unique and compelling reading experience.