Comics Unleashed: Supernatural Beings Take Over - Are YOU Ready?!

Who couldn't use a little more fantasy in their lives these days? I know I could. While some protagonists of these Graphic novels have likely had their fill of the supernatural, the following five comics offer readers a captivating escape into worlds of witches, vampires, and genies. And let's be honest, sometimes a little escapism is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Comics Unleashed: Supernatural Beings Take Over - ...

First up is *The Bizarre Bazaar: Down a Dark Path* by Daniel Nayeri and Lesley Vamos. This series is already on my radar, and this installment sounds particularly intriguing. Hosted by a fairy and a djinn exiled to Earth (for seven *and a half* eternities, no less!), the stories are unsettling and mysterious. This time around, the plot thickens around two sisters who suspect a vampire is lurking near their isolated farm. But the real hook? The question of whether a more immediate and human threat is lurking much closer to home. It's a classic horror trope, but done well, it can be incredibly effective.

Then there's *I Can Sell You a Body* by Ryan Ferrier and George Kambadais (due out January 28th). This one sounds like a wild ride! Denny has the unique (and somewhat ethically questionable) ability to transfer spirits of the dead into living bodies. Predictably, this makes him popular... until it doesn't. When he falls for someone whose body is about to become rented out, Denny's suddenly running from some very dangerous people. I'm picturing a darkly comedic, action-packed thriller. Color me interested.

*Love Me to Death Volume One* by Toonimated takes the classic Frankenstein story and gives it a fresh, modern twist. A polyamorous Frankenstein adaptation with an all-Latine cast? Yes, please! Set in San Guadario, where necromancers like Victor are outlawed, the story kicks off when wealthy Enrique offers a fortune to reanimate his dead bride Mercedes. Victor can't refuse, but the real mystery lies in who killed Mercedes and why she has no memory of her life. This sounds like a smart, socially conscious, and suspenseful read. I'm especially drawn to the exploration of themes like religious persecution and the ethical implications of playing God.

Iasmin Omar Ata's *Nayra and the Djinn* offers a more personal and relatable story. Nayra's life is a mess, both at school and at home. So, when she finds a djinn named Marjan who is willing to help, it seems like a dream come true. However, Marjan has problems of their own, which could potentially make Nayra’s life even worse than she ever imagined. This one seems to be tapping into the "be careful what you wish for" trope, but with a modern, diverse lens. I expect some compelling character development and a thoughtful exploration of the complexities of friendship and responsibility.

Finally, *Salt Magic* by Hope Larsen and Rebecca Mock sounds like a beautifully illustrated and emotionally resonant tale. Since returning from the Great War, Vonceil’s brother, Elber, has been uncharacteristically quiet and responsible. When a salt witch, spurned by Elber in Europe, turns the town's potable water to saltwater, Vonceil must embark on an epic journey to save her family. This one hints at deeper themes of trauma, sacrifice, and the enduring power of family bonds. It has the feel of a classic fairy tale, but with a distinctly modern sensibility.

So, if you're looking to escape the mundane and delve into worlds of witches, vampires, and genies, these five comics offer a fantastic starting point. And if you're still craving more witchy reads, be sure to check out those recent recommendations, and maybe even ponder why witchy fiction remains such a consistently popular genre. Happy reading!