Comics Closet

This episode, Betty and Alex discuss their most anticipated releases dropping in the Spring and early Summer. Next time: Zines!Media Mentioned:Listener SubmissionsSomeday Perfect by Kat Schneider (available April 21)Martyr Loser King by Saul Williams and Morgan Sorne (available April 28)Mary Pain by Lola Lorente (English version available May 12)Upcoming BooksThe Court Charade by Flore Vesco and Kerascoët (available March 31)Charity and Sylvia by Tillie Walden (available June 16)Batman: Dark Patterns by Dan Watters and Hayden Sherman (available March 31)Cocoon by Machiko Kyō (available June 16)Closing Act by Chris W. Kim (available April 28)Lovers of the Empire by Yudori (available June 23)Honorable MentionsOur Sunny Days Vol. 1 by Jeong SeokchanThe Vanishing Man by J. Marshall Smith and Katherine Lam (available soon)Punk’n Heads by Dave Baker and Nicole Goux (available April 7)Fish and Water by Gengoroh Tagame (available June 23)Magica by Yuzuko HoshimiDelay: A Comics Anthology edited by Charis Loke and Paolo Chikiamco (available April 28)I’m No Angel Vol. 1 by Ai Yazawa (available June 2)Ongoing SeriesCat Companions Maruru and Hachi Vol. 6 by Yuri Sonoda (available April 28)Let’s Make Cocktails! By Sarah Becan (available April 7)Witch Hat Atelier Vol. 14 by Kamome ShirahamaHirayasumi Vol. 9 by Keigo Shinso (available May 19)Other Books MentionedBeauty by Hubert and KerascoëtBeautiful Darkness by Fabien Vehlmann and KerascoëtWashington’s Gay General by Josh Trujillo and Levi HastingsDo Admit: The Mitford Sisters and Me by Mimi PondAbsolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson and Hayden ShermanThe New York Trilogy by Paul AusterRaging Clouds by YudoriForest Hills Bootleg Society by Dave Baker and Nicole GouxMy Brother’s Husband by Gengoroh TagameWitch Hat Atelier by Kamome ShirahamaLet’s Make Ramen! By Hugh Amano and Sarah BecanLet’s Make Bread! By Ken Forkish and Sarah BecanLet’s Make Dumplings! By Hugh Amano and Sarah BecanWhat We’re ReadingMrs Dalloway by Virginia WoolfWuthering Heights by Emily BrontëWuthering Heights (2026 film)To the Lighthouse by Virginia WoolfBatman and Robin: Year One by Mark Waid and Chris SamneeBlack Arms to Hold You Up: A History of Black Resistance by Ben PassmoreFanfiction (unspecified)Rocketship-Grawlicks SandwichARIRANG by BTS

This month, Betty and Alex discuss the first three installments in DC's smash-hit Absolute series: Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman! Our dynamic duo will be covering the subsequent three releases in a later episode.Next time: Spring Hype!Media Mentioned:IntroductionAbsolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo by Scott Snyder and Nick DragottaAbsolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Last Amazon by Kelly Thompson and Hayden ShermanAbsolute Superman Vol. 1: Last Dust of Krypton by Jason Aaron and Rafa SandovalBackgrounds with DCJustice League (TV Series)Justice League UnlimitedTeen Titans (TV Series)Young Justice (TV Series)The Dark Knight trilogy (films)Nightwing: Leaping Into the Light by Tom Taylor and Bruno RedondoBatman: Year One by Frank Miller and David MazzucchelliYoung Justice (1998 comic book run)Batman & Robin: Year One by Mark Waid and Chris SamneeBatman: Under the Hood by Judd Winick and Doug MahnkeSuper Friends (TV Series)Superman for All Seasons by Jeff Loeb and Tim SaleAbout the AUDC All-In Special by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Wes Craig, and Daniel SampereAbsolute Flash Vol. 1: Of Two Worlds by Jeff Lemire and Nick RoblesAbsolute Martian Manhunter Vol. 1: Martian Vision by Deniz Camp and Javier RodríguezAbsolute Green Lantern Vol. 1: Without Fear by Al Ewing and Jahnoy LindsaySuperman (2025 Film)FavoritesAbsolute Wonder Woman Vol. 2: As My Mothers Made Me by Kelly Thompson and Hayden ShermanAbsolute Superman Vol. 2: Last Dust of Krypton by Jason Aaron and Rafa SandovalUpcoming AUAbsolute Green Arrow by Pornsak Pichetshote and Rafael Albuquerque (TBR)Absolute Catwoman by Scott Snyder, Che Grayson, and Bengal (TBR)Currently ReadingGinseng Roots by Craig ThompsonFrieren: Beyond Journey’s End by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe (editor’s note: it’s pronounced FREE-ren :) )Wuthering Heights by Emily BrontëYoung Justice (1998 comic book run)Beloved by Toni MorrisonThe SandwichMrs Dalloway by Virginia WoolfNatalie Andrewson’s risograph printsTestament by J. Marshall SmithValentine’s Zine by Betty Bayer :)

Betty and Alex dig into their faves of 2025, and their reading resolutions for 2026! Media Mentioned: TrackingStorygraphReading ListNon-ComicsThe Lord of the Rings series by J. R. R. Tolkein Mistborn by Brandon SandersonElena Ferrante’s Neapolitan QuartetWolf Hall by Hilary MantelCutest of the YearCat Companions Maruru and Hachi by Yuri SonodaChi’s Sweet Home by Konami Kanata Cat & Cat Adventures by Susie YiFavorite Indie/Small Press TitleTestament by J. Marshall SmithPushing Buttons! A Futuristic Workplace Kerfuffle by Ursula BlixFavorite Kids ComicMiss Cat series by Jean-Luc Fromental and Joëlle Jolivet Magda, Intergalactic Chef Volume 1: The Big Tournament by Nicolas Wouters and Mathilde van GheluweCreaky Acres by Calista Brill and Nilah MagruderFavorite Book Club ReadCannon by Lee LaiStone Fruit by Lee LaiUzumaki by Junji ItoFavorite YA BookFlip by Ngozi UkazuAll Princesses Die Before Dawn by Quentin ZuttionFavorite New Manga SeriesMedalist by TsurumaikadaWitch Hat Atelier by Kamome ShirahamaPing Pong by Taiyo MatsumotoMy Love Mix-Up! by Wataru Hinekure and ArukoHirayasumi by Keigo ShinzoMaison Ikkoku by Rumiko TakahashiFavorite Marvel/DC and Trade ComicsAbsolute Superman by Jason Aaron and Rafa SandovalAbsolute Batman by Scott Snyder and Nick DragottaAbsolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson and Hayden ShermanAbsolute Martian Manhunter by Deniz Camp and Javier RodríguezAbsolute Green Lantern by Al Ewing and Jahnoy LindsayAbsolute Flash by Jeff Lemire and Nick RoblesMinor Arcana by Jeff LemireRobin & Batman: Jason Todd by Jeff Lemire and Dustin NguyenFavorite OverallThe Corus Wave by Karenza SparksDo Admit: The Mitford Sisters and Me by Mimi Pond Biggest SurpriseRaging Clouds by YudoriYear-End ListsPeow Studio PublishingGosh! ComicsFarewell, Daisy: Jun Mayuzuki Story Collection by Jun MayuzukiFeeding Ghosts by Tessa HullsMaus by Art SpiegelmanWish We’d ReadFeeding Ghosts by Tessa HullsBlack Arms to Hold You Up: A History of Black Resistance by Ben PassmoreThe One and Future Riot by Joe SaccoPalestine by Joe SaccoSafe Area Goražde: The War in Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995 by Joe SaccoGinseng Roots by Craig ThompsonStop!! Hibari-kun! by Hisashi EguchiMore Weight: A Salem Story by Ben WickeyDrome by Jesse LonerganCurrently ReadingDo Admit: The Mitford Sisters and Me by Mimi Pond Absolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson and Hayden ShermanNeighborhood Story #4 by Ai YazawaTestament by J. Marshall SmithWuthering Heights by Emily BrontëThe Will of the Many by James IslingtonRocket Ship-Grawlix SandwichMoomin by Tove JanssonThe Lord of the Rings film seriesNext Time:DC’s Absolute series

Betty and Alex dig into their anticipated releases coming out this Fall! Some have dropped already, and some are yet to come, but either way, our girls can't wait to read them.Intro & outro music by Cullen Curth.Media Mentioned:THE CORUS WAVE by Karenza Sparks FLIP by Ngozi UkazuANGELICA AND THE BEAR PRINCE by Trung Le NguyenDO ADMIT: THE MITFORD SISTERS AND ME by Mimi PondBLACK ARMS TO HOLD YOU UP: A HISTORY OF BLACK RESISTANCE by Ben PassmoreWITCHCRAFT by Sole OteroLOVE BULLET, VOL. 1 by ineeSMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES by Anaïs FlognyROBIN & BATMAN: JASON TODD by Jeff Lemire & Dustin NguyenART OF WITCH HAT ATELIER by Kamome ShirahamaART OF RUMIKO TAKAHASHI: COLORS 1978-2024 by Rumiko TakahashiABSOLUTE FLASH: VOL. 1 by Jeff Lemire; art by Nick RoblesABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER VOL. 1: MARTIAN VISION by Deniz Camp & Javier Rodriguez ABSOLUTE GREEN LANTERN VOL. 1: WITHOUT FEAR by Al Ewing & Jahnoy LindsayABSOLUTE SUPERMAN VOL. 1: LAST DUST OF KRYPTONABSOLUTE BATMAN VOL. 1: THE ZOOABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN VOL. 1: THE LAST AMAZON DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY THEORY VOL. 1 by Mayo TsurukameWET SAND VOL. 2 by DoyakFAIRY CAT VOL. 2 by Hisa TakanoCAT COMPANIONS VOL. 5 by Yuri SonodaMORE WEIGHT: A SALEM STORY by Ben WickeyPHYSICS FOR CATS by Tom Gauld

Betty and Alex sit down to chat about SPORTS MANGA!! From their own history with sports, to what really defines the genre of "sports manga," to their faves, B&A get into it all. Intro & outro music by Cullen Curth.Media Mentioned:MEDALIST by TsurumaikadaSLAM DUNK Takehiko InoueREAL Takehiko InoueHAIKYU!! By Haruichi FurudateBLUE LOCK by Muneyuki KaneshiroSHORT GAME by Mitsuru AdachiTHE CLIMBER by Jirō Nitta & Shin-ichi SakamotoTHE PRINCE OF TENNIS by Takeshi KonomiPING PONG by Taiyou MatsumotoSAYONARA FOOTBALL by Naoshi ArakawaBLUE BOX by Kouji MiuraTHOSE WHO LEAVE AND THOSE WHO STAY by Elena FerranteCAT COMPANIONS MARURU AND HACHI by Yuri SonodaTHE TWO TOWERS by J.R.R. Tolkien 

Betty and Alex talk BOOK CLUBS! From the store's iconic Graphic Novel Book Club, to celebrity book clubs, to past personal book clubs, our ladies cover it all. Intro & outro music by Cullen Curth.Media Mentioned: THE MYTHMAKERS by John HendrixTHE GULF by Adam de SouzaROAMING by Jillian & Mariko TamakiALISON by Lizzy StewartSELF-ESTEEM AND THE END OF THE WORD by Luke HealyWITCH HAT ATELIER by Kamome Shirahama SUPERMAN RED SON by Mark Miller & Dave JohnsonTHE NIGHT EATERS by Marjorie Liu and Sana TakedaLAND OF MIRRORS by Maria MedemLocal author Matt KindtRadiator ComicsPAST TENSE by Sacha MardouPERSEPHONE by Loic Locatelli-kournwskyPING PONG by Taiyo MatsumotoBATMAN: EGO by Darwyn CookeDUCKS by Kate BeatonTHE MAGIC FISH by Trung Le Nguyen BOAT LIFE by Tsuge TadaoREAL by Takehiko InoueSLAM DUNK by Takehiko InoueHARDCORE HAPPINESS by Reid Chancellor

Betty and Alex take a spin through some of their favorite children's picture books that are great for grownups and kids alike!HEADS UP: After the main topic, Betty and Alex discuss a book during the "currently reading" segment that is not suitable for children. The rest of the episode is A-Okay!Intro & outro music by Cullen Curth.Media Mentioned: KITTYBUNKPORT by Scott Rothman & Zachariah OHoraPINK BLUE AND YOU by Elise GravelBESSIE THE MOTORCYCLE QUEEN by Charles R. Smith Jr. & Charlot KristensenWE ARE THE WATER PROTECTORS by Carole Lindstrom & Michaela GoadeHOTDOG by Doug SalatiMR. WUFFLES by David WiesnerMADELINE by Ludwig BemelmansAuthor Sandra BoyntonPOLAR BEAR’S UNDERWEAR by Tupera TuperaINVISIBLE THINGS by Andy J. Pizza and Sophie MillerEVERYONE’S AWAKE by Colin Meloy and Shawn HarrisA SUNDAE WITH EVERYTHING ON IT by Kyle Scheele & Andy J. PizzaI CAN BE ANYTHING by Shinsuke Yoshitake I CAN OPEN IT FOR YOU by Shinsuke Yoshitake COMET AND STAR by Lee JuckOCTAVIO AND HIS GLASSES Marc González RossellURSULA UPSIDE DOWN by Corey TaborIF YOU RUN OUT OF WORDS by Felicita SalaTO SEE AN OWL by Matthew Cordell BODIES ARE COOL by Tyler Feder PING PONG Vol. 1-2 by Taiyo MatsumotoFELLOWSHIP OF THE RING by J.R.R. TolkienMISTBORN: THE WELL OF ASCENSION by Brandon SandersonWALKING ON WATER by Jang Mokdan

Betty and Alex dig into their first batch of listener emails! Hit us up with any comments, questions, or recommendations at [email protected] to be featured in our next mailbag episode!Intro & outro music by Cullen Curth.Media mentioned: STAR WARSSTAR WARS REBELSSTAR WARS: THE CLONE WARSANDORTHE MANDALORIANSKELETON CREWSeventeen (K-Pop group)Basically any movie Bucky Barnes was inJunji Ito Go Piss Girl! (meme)DOCTOR WHOJ. Marshall Smith SEASON OF THE ROSES by Chloé WaryMINOR ARCANA by Jeff Lemire#DRCL by Shin-ichi SakamotoMY LOVE MIX-UP by Wataru Hinekure & ArukoCAT COMPANIONS MARURU AND HACHI by Yuri SonodaSteenzFUN HOME by Alison BechdelLOVE LANGUAGES by James AlbonHOT DOG by Doug SalatiWOE: A HOUSECAT’S STORY OF DESPAIR by Lucy Knisley SEA LEGS by Jules Bakes & Niki SmithTHE MYTHMAKERS by John Hendrix (Now Eisner-nominated!!!)PAST TENSE by Sacha MardouWITCHES OF BROOKLYN by Sophie EscabasseFOREST HILLS BOOTLEG SOCIETY by Dave Baker & Nicole GouxBROWNSTONE by Samuel Teer & Mar JuliaTaiyō MatsumotoSUPERGIRL: WOMAN OF TOMORROW: by Tom King & Bilquis EvelyHELEN OF WYNDHORN by Tom King & Bilquis EvelyWITCH HAT ATELIER by Kamome ShirahamaDOCTOR STRANGE: FALL SUNRISE by Tradd MooreTHE ACCURSED VAMPIRE by Madeline McGraneShawn Harris BLANKETS by Craig ThompsonGINSENG ROOTS by Craig ThompsonDan Zettwoch Matthew CordellTHE MAGIC FISH by Trung Le NguyenMichael DeForgeMariko & Jillian TamakiPaige HenderJeff LemireFiona StaplesKate BeatonDarwin CookeBrian Lee O’MalleyDrawn & QuarterlySilver SprocketTHE HOBBIT by J.R.R. TolkienWHEN TO PICK A POMEGRANATE by Yasmeen AbedifardPERSEPHONE by Loïc Locatelli-KournwskyGIVEN by Natsuki KizuMISTBORN by Brandon Sanderson

This time, Alex and Betty dig into works by one specific creator: legendary mangaka Rumiko Takahashi! Her works span decades and genres, and she's become somewhat of a cult classic at Betty's Books. So get ready to dig into the Takahashi universe with us!NOTE: This episode was recorded in February, so apologies for outdated weather & event references... Don't forget to fulfill all your comics & manga needs at http://bettysbooksstl.com !!MEDIA MENTIONED:The following works by Rumiko Takahashi:URUSEI YATSURAMAISON IKKOKUMERMAID SAGARANMA ½ INUYASHAMAORUMIC THEATERONE-POUND GOSPELRIN-NETHE LAUGHING TARGETOther media mentioned:Mangaka Kazuo KoikeMangaka Kazuo UmezuNOT ON DISPLAY: A GRAPHIC NOVEL ABOUT FEMALE NUDES IN THE LOUVRE by Zelba, Translated by Alice YangCATS OF THE LOUVRE by Taiyo MatsumotoTOKYO ALIEN BROS by Keigo ShinzoHirayasumi by Keigo Shinzo

Was this episode recorded in February--two months ago? Well, yes. But, better late than never, Alex and Betty chat about their most anticipated Spring releases, their current reads, and--of course--the Rocketship Grawlix Sandwich. Media Mentioned:SEA LEGS: A GRAPHIC NOVEL by Niki Smith and Jules BakesBATCAT: COOKING CONTEST by Meggie RammCASSI AND THE HOUSE OF MEMORIES by Dean StuartDETECTIVE STANLEY AND THE MYSTERY AT THE MUSEUM by Hannah TunnicliffeHOW TO TALK TO YOUR SUCCULENT by Zoe PersicoMAGDA INTERGALACTIC CHEF: THE BIG TOURNAMENT by Nicolas WoutersSQUEAK CHATTER BARK: AN ECO-MYSTERY by Ali FitzgeraldA SONG FOR YOU AND I: (A GRAPHIC NOVEL) by K. O’NeillCRUMBLE: A GRAPHIC NOVEL by Meredith McClaren and Andrea BellOASIS by GuojingRANMA ½ by Rumiko TakahashiCARTOONIST CLUB by Reina Telgemeier and Scott McCLoud PAPILLO by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor, Andy Chou Musser CRUMBLE by Meredith McClaren, Andrea BellSPEECHLESS: A Graphic Novel by Aron Nels SteinkeBEETLE & THE CHIMERA CARNIVAL by Aliza LaynePIZZA AND TACO: DRAW YOUR OWN COMIC! By Stephen Shaskan THE DEADLIEST: SPIDER by Eleanor Spicer Rice, Max TemescuSTAR WARS COMPLETE LOCATIONS NEW EDITION by Jason Fry, et. alBROWNSTONE by Samuel Teer, Mar Julia Head to http://bettysbooksstl.com to fulfill all your graphic lit needs!

Heads up! This episode contains some explicit content not suitable for younger listeners. Happy Valentine's Day, listeners!! What better way to celebrate than with a bloody lineup of vampire comics? Alex & Betty dig into an array of graphic novels featuring blood suckers of all types, perfectly suited for this romantic holiday. <3Media Mentioned: DRACULA by Bram Stoker (duh) #DRCL: MIDNIGHT CHILDREN by Shin’ichi Sakamoto WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE CASTLE by Emily Carroll DC VS. VAMPIRES VOL. 1 by James Tynion IV & Otto Schmidt AMERICAN VAMPIRE by Scott Snyder & Rafael Albuquerque VAMPEERZ by Akili FANGS by Billy Balibally THE ACCURSED VAMPIRE by Madeline McGran VLAD THE FABULOUS VAMPIRE by Flavia Z. Drago KILLADELPHIA by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander FANGS by Sarah Anderson GARLIC AND THE VAMPIRE by Bree Paulsen DRACULA THE IMPALER by Matt Wagner and Kelly Jones STRANGE BEDFELLOWS by Ariel Slamet Ries HAPPY ENDINGS by Lucie Bryon

Alex and Betty chat about their most anticipated Spring releases, their current reads, and--of course--the Rocketship Grawlix Sandwich. Media Mentioned: GILT FRAME by Matt Kindt AND Margie Kraft Kindt SHORT GAME: MITSURU ADACHI'S BASEBALL SHORT STORY COLLECTION by Mitsuri Adachi THE NOVEL LIFE OF JANE AUSTEN by Janine Barchas & Isabel Greenberg THE CONFESSIONAL by Paige Hender HOLY LACRIMONY by Michael DeForge SKIN by Sabien Clement & Mieke Versyp ZATANNA: BRING DOWN THE HOUSE by Mariko Tamaki, Javier Rodriguez GINSENG ROOTS : A MEMOIR by Craig Thompson HELEN OF WYNDHORN by Tom King, Bilquis Evely, & Matheus Lopes MINOR ARCANA by Jeff Lemire THE ADVENTURES OF MUNICH IN MARCEL DUCHAMP by Roman Muradov YOU ARE A SACRED PLACE: VISUAL POEMS FOR LIVING IN A CLIMATE CRISIS by Madeleine Jubilee DAVID HOCKNEY by Monica Foggia & Giovanni Gastaldi LAND OF MIRRORS by Maria Medem SURROUNDED by Wilfred Lupano & Stephane Fert HIRAYASUMI VOL. 4 by Keigo Shinzo #DRCL MIDNIGHT CHILDREN, VOL. 4 by Shin'ichi Sakamoto TOKYO ALIEN BROS by Keigo Shinzo SAGA VOL. 12 by Brian K. Vaughan and art by Fiona Staples THE NIGHT EATERS #3: THEIR KINGDOM COME by Marjorie Liu and illustrated by Sana Takeda AYA : FACE THE MUSIC by Marguerite Abouet & Clément Oubrerie, Edwige Dro (Translated by) THE LEGEND OF KAMUI by Shirato Sanpei NEIGHBORHOOD STORY VOL. 3 by Ai Yazawa DELICIOUS IN DUNGEON VOL. 3 by MEDEA by Nancy Peña & Blandine Le Callet SUNDAY by Olivier Schrauwen CAT COMPANIONS MARURU AND HACHI VOL. 2 by Yuri Sonoda THE SUMMER HIKARU DIED by Mokumokuren

Betty and Alex go over their favorites of the year, lessons learned (comics-wise, that is), and reading resolutions for 2025! Inspired to pick up one of the titles mentioned in the pod? Head over http://bettysbooksstl.com. Media mentioned: Apps: Storygraph and Reading List CAT COMPANIONS: MARURU & HACHI by Yuri Sonoda LET’S EAT TOGETHER AKI & HARU by Makoto Taji BATCAT #1 and #2 by Meggie Ramm NEW GIRL by Cassandra Cailn THE MYTHMAKERS by John Hendrix SELF ESTEEM AND THE END OF THE WORLD by Luke Healy ASH’S CABIN by Jen Wang CATS OF THE LOUVRE by Taiyo Matsumoto NEIGHBORHOOD STORY by Ai Yazawa #DRCL: MIDNIGHT CHILDREN by Shin-ichi Sakamoto HIRAYASUMI by Keigo Shinzo MY DEAREST PATROLMAN by Niyama TOKYO BABYLON by CLAMP ​​HOUSE OF X/POWERS OF X by Jonathan Hickman and Pepe Larraz SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL by Tom Taylor & John Timms TOKYO THESE DAYS by Taiyo Matsumoto THE BEST GRAPHIC NOVELS OF 2024 by Sam Thielman ‘FEEDING GHOSTS’ AND ‘VICTORY PARADE’ TOP PW’S 2024 GRAPHIC NOVEL CRITICS POLL by PW Staff FINAL CUTby Charles Burns PROCESSING by Tara Booth FIREBUGS By Nino Bulling MYTHMAKERS by John Hendrix MARY TYLER MOOREHAWK by Dave Baker PAST TENSE: FACING FAMILY SECRETS AND FINDING MYSELF IN THERAPY by Sacha Mardou THE LEGEND OF KAMUI by Sanpei Shirato GARO MAGAZINE WOLF HALL by Hilary Mantel SUNDAY by Olivier Schrauwen THE WITCHING YEAR by Diana Helmuth

Alex and Betty chow down on the wild and wonderful world of food comics! With a special focus on only books with recipes, our duo dig into some of the yummiest graphic books out there. Want a copy of one of these delicious comics for yourself? Head over http://bettysbooksstl.com. Media mentioned: Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichel Cook Like Your Ancestors by Mariah-Rose Marie How to Make Bread (& Ramen & Dumplings) by Jen Forkish and ills. By Sarah Becan Cook Korean by Robin Ha Relish by Lucy Knisley Supper Club by Jackie Morrow  Birds Eye Bristoe by Dan Zettwoch – his dad’s recipe! Let’s Eat Together, Aki & Haru by Makoto Taji Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen by Hiromi Sato Delicious in Dungeon by Ryoko Kui Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O’Malley Hirayasumi by Keigo Shinzo  Safer Places by Kit Anderson Aragorn. Swoon!!

Betty and Alex chat about the upcoming St. Louis Indie Comics Expo (SLICE), reflect on three years of bookselling, and discuss a few comics along the way. Check out http://bettysbooksstl.com to get yourself some comics and support local while doing so. :) Media Mentioned: PAST TENSE: FINDING MYSELF IN THERAPY by Sacha Mardou SQUIRE by Nadia Shammas WASH DAY DIARIES by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith J. Marshall Smith DUCKS by Kate Beaton ROAMING by Jillian and Mariko Tamaki A FROG IN THE FALL by Linnea Sterte Taiyo Matsumoto MAISON IKKOKU by Rumiko Takahashi WITCH HAT ATELIER by Kamome Shirahama HIRYASUMI by Keiko Shinzo DOCTOR STRANGE: FALL SUNRISE by Tradd Moore BEAUTY by Hubert and Kerascoet #DRCL MIDNIGHT CHILDREN by Shin'ichi Sakamoto PACHINKO by Min Jin Lee

Alex and Betty chat about their most anticipated Fall releases, their current reads, and--of course--the Rocketship Grawlix Sandwich. Click ⁠here⁠ to get yourself some comics and support local while doing so. :) Media Mentioned: MYTHMAKERS: The Remarkable Friendship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien by John Hendrix (Abrams) SIDE QUEST: A Visual History of Roleplaying Games, written by Samuel Sattin and illustrated by STEENZ! (Versify) PAST TENSE: Facing Family Secrets and Finding Myself in Therapy by Sacha Mardou (Avery) Dog Days by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim (Drawn & Quarterly) Anzuelo by Emma Ríos (Image) When to Pick a Pomegranate by Yasmeen Abedifard (Silver Sprocket) Uncanny: The Origins of Fear by Junji Ito (Viz) We Called Them Giants written by Kieron Gillen (Image) Toxic Tropics: A Horror Story of Environmental Injustice by Jessica Oublie and Nicola Gobbi (Street Noise) ULTIMATE X-MEN BY PEACH MOMOKO VOL. 1: FEARS AND HATES by Peach Momoko (Marvel) Nightwing vol. 5 written by Tom Taylor and art by Eduardo Pansica and Travis Moore (DC) The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All, Vol. 1 by Sumiko Arai (Yen) Tokyo These Days vol. 3 by Taiyo Matsumoto (Viz) Hiraysumi vol. 3 by Keigo Shinzo (Viz) Ash's Cabin by Jen Wang (First Second) Sea Legs by Jules Bakes and art by Niki Smith Knitting (the fiber art) The National Book Award The Rings of Power (TV show)

Alex and Betty kick off Comics Closet with a rundown of three incredible manga that all have one thing in common: locations as motifs, or dare we say, even characters! They also shout out some honorable mention manga they love before introducing the Rocketship Grawlix Sandwich. Curious? You'll just have to listen! Click here to check out all the manga listed in this month's episode.