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colleendoran · 1 year

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The Secret Language of a Page of Chivalry: The Pre-Raphaelite Connection

Adapting Neil Gaiman’s Chivalry is a decades-long dream fulfilled. The story as text can be enjoyed on multiple levels, and so can the art. You look at the pages and see the pretty pictures, but the pictures also have meta-textual meaning. Knowing this secret language adds to the experience.

Some people pick up the references quickly, but I’ll share with you some more of what’s going on under the surface.

In Ye Olden Days of Art Making, most painters made pictures that contained visual narrative cues. Flowers in a picture might be heraldic signs that signaled political affiliations, or could indicate purity, anger, or love. Purple was the color of kings. A dog in a picture might represent faithfulness, and butterflies could represent the soul.

There are Pre-Raphaelite paintings with so many symbols and ideas in them that you need a deep working knowledge of Victorian and Edwardian social mores to understand what’s going on.

For example, Ford Madox Brown’s Work, a painting which took some 13 years to complete, was first exhibited in 1865 with a catalogue explaining all its symbols and elements. There is nothing in that picture that doesn’t mean something.

I brought some of that visual meta-textual sensibility to Chivalry, (and I’ve written about the symbolism and meanings in the work in other essays.)

I also brought into the work direct Pre-Raphaelite art references.

From 1868-1870, Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones created four paintings illuminating the tale of Pygmalion and Galatea, entitled Pygmalion and the Image, and wrote a poem with each line titling one painting:

The heart desires

The hand refrains

The godhead fires

The soul attains.

A perfect little poem for Chivalry, and I think of it often when some people present me with what I think is a very strange question: why didn’t Galaad just take the Holy Grail from Mrs. Whitaker?

It kind of breaks my heart that people would even ask that.

Burne-Jones painted two versions of this series of which this is the second.

In the first panel of this page, Sir Galaad kneeling before the Grail is derived from the figure of Pygmalion kneeling before Galatea: The Soul Attains.

Sir Galaad’s restraint even in the face of his greatest desire makes him worthy of his prize.

There are two Pre-Raphalite references in this page, the most obvious being in panel 2: it’s Sir John Everett Millais’s 1857 work A Dream of the Past: Sir Isumbras at the Ford.

The painting was very poorly received on first exhibition, compelling Millais to redo significant portions of it. It was caricatured and ridiculed, and then ended up becoming influential and popular, and isn’t that the way it goes.

That’s an art career in a nutshell, really.

The Sir Isumbras image also influenced John Tenniel’s illustrations for the Lewis Carroll Alice in Wonderland novels.

Sir Isumbras derives from a 13th century Medieval romance poem about a good knight whose pride causes him to fail in his Christian duty. He is presented with a series of difficult challenges before he can find happiness again, reunite with his family, and be forgiven his sins. The painting by Millais is based less explicitly on the poem than it is on a later parody of the poem. (It’s complicated.)

My using Sir Isumbras as the base for the shot of Galaad with the children is obvious here. In the Millais painting, Sir Isumbras carries a woodcutter’s children across the ford. In Chivalry, Sir Galaad carries the children of Mrs. Whitaker’s neighborhood down the street.

While Sir Isumbras spent many years learning humility and Christian duty, Galaad has a long quest to fulfill before he can achieve his goal. And on the way to that goal, he’s humble and nice to children, too.

That the Millais painting was such a huge influence on many a depiction of knighthood over the years made it a perfect reference point here, and the story behind both the painting and the poem give it further layers of meaning.

The next panel has a far less obvious reference, but the source is Arthur Hughes’s painting The Rescue.

Arthur Hughes is one of the lesser-known Pre-Raphaelites, but his art is widely seen and influential. He’s certainly been a big influence on me, as many of his paintings appear again and again in Arthuriana references, as he was a prolific King Arthur picture tale teller.

The Rescue (1907-1908) was originally part of a diptych which was separated and sold back in the 1920’s. His style was becoming unpopular by the time Hughes painted the work, and little is known about this work except that one panel was in the collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber at some point. Maybe still is. Dunno.

Anyway, the diptych depicts a little child kneeling in prayer menaced by a dragon in one panel, and in the next, safely trotting away with a knight on horseback. I like that this is a diptych, a kind of proto-comic art form common in medieval religious art, so this was perfect to use here.

Another reference to Arthur Hughes is in this double page splash from later in the book as Galaad on his quest encounters the Hesperides.

I didn’t set out to reference this Arthur Hughes piece at first, but it’s one of my favorite paintings. When I realized my sketches for this scene kept echoing the Hughes composition, I went with it. The Hughes painting of Galahad is one of the most famous depictions of the character, so it makes me happy to have this referenced in Chivalry.

Kindly ask for CHIVALRY, published by Dark Horse Comics in the USA and by Headline Books in the UK at your local comic shops or bookstore. Written by Neil Gaiman. Adaptation and art by me.

For further reading on this project, go HERE.

HERE.

And HERE.

Thank you to my Patreon patrons for sponsoring my work and this post.

Colleen Doran Illustrates Neil Gaiman will be a solo exhibit at the Society of Illustrators in New York City this spring. Watch this space for updates.

Have a wonderful holiday season.

#neil gaiman #dark horse comics #king arthur #Sir Galahad #Comics #graphic novel #fantasy graphic novel #watercolor #pre raphaelite #pre raphaelism

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lostsoulsnovel · 2 months

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🔥You can read Book One (Ch 1-40) on my WEBSITE or my IG. Feel free to leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

We follow the lives and paths of numerous characters: from Angels, to Demons, to Humans, and everything in between. Lost Souls tells a tale of forbidden love, destiny, enemies to lovers, and choices that can change the course of the future. Weaving the past into the present, the story unfolds slowly, revealing forgotten secrets, love, and betrayal.

I do not give content warnings in the Chapters or individual storylines. However, it contains a lot of nsfw elements, topics, and visuals. You're welcome 😏

My characters are ripped from the Sims 4, and I currently use Blender v3.3 to render the images. I created most Blender scenes and poses I use to create the scenes necessary. Everything is original, by me, no AI used.

#graphic novel #lost souls #original comic #novel writing #fantasy graphic novel

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romeofinn7 · 5 months

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Yeah it’s the bad guy, or is it? The best villains think they’re the hero 😉.

#character design #drawing #fantasy graphic novel #comics #graphic novel #middle grade #original graphic novel #skeleton #wizard #magic #adventure time #cartoon

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atthequillsmercy · 20 days

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Lenni Reviews: "Brooms" by Jasmine Walls & Teo Duvall

(Image Source) In 1930’s Mississippi, magic is common but either banned or severely restricted for people of color. Despite this, Billie Mae and Cheng Kwan introduce young Mattie and Emma broom racing in order to participate in underground broom racing to earn money to learn magic from a real school. Despite the abundance of characters, it’s easy to empathize with their struggles and hopes. The…

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aestheticpaperowl · 10 months

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“They say there are 2 types of pirates: those who sail the currents of the sea, and those who sail the currents of the wind.” 🌊⛵️

#pirates #witches #magicalpirates #bewitchedpirates #pirate hat #witches hat #witch craft #pirate ship #witchpirates #potions #fantasy graphic novel #graphic novel #flying pirate ship #fantasy

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raybeanschildrenslit · 3 months

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The Deep & Dark Blue - Graphic Novel

The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith (Graphic Novel) Published 2020 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Published in 2020, Niki Smith has crafted a middle grade graphic novel that excellently blends a fantasy adventure with queer character development with great balance. Our trans character isn’t just trans for the sake of it and neither is it their entire being. Nor does the fantasy and magic of it all kick it to the side. Smith makes the two intertwined and emotionally portrays to the reader the struggles on all sides of these two journeys.

The Deep & Dark Blue follows twin princes after a political coup usurps their noble home and they are forced to flee to the Communion of Blue to hide and plan their return and retaking of their home. While one of our protagonists, Hawke, strives to return to his old life and save his kingdom, his sister Grayce finally is able to lean into her true self as a girl and while she wants her home and country free, she wishes to remain in a place and space that lets her exist as the girl she is. Readers watch as Grayce slowly but surely comes into her identity and loves the version of herself she is becoming and presenting. Her and her brother’s emotions through this transition as well as that of fighting for their home is expertly portrayed with fantastic use of hues and characters’ facial expressions and actions. Character is everywhere in this world we are discovering and exploring with Hawke and Grayce.

Gracye’s transness in this story is handled beautifully, especially for young readers and trans individuals alike who are looking for warm and positive representation. Characters around her are quick to change their habits to fit her identity by using her correct name and pronouns as well as hold others accountable for messing it up. The tone in which her character and the characters around her react to this transformation is heartwarming and excellent to have in representation of something individuals can be fearful of sharing. Even if someone reading it is still hesitant or not able/ willing to share their change like Grayce, that can at least find some comfort in a world and characters that do- and to those readers, I hope you are safe and well loved by the people around you who matter the most to you.

A graphic novel like this can hold great space and significance in a library collection regardless of the place this library exists. I like the idea of maybe encouraging people to experiment with their own graphic novels or comics to express themselves in any way they feel true and comfortable. I also like the idea of maybe posing this to those who are further in their trans awareness in identity and maybe it could be an exercise in representing one’s self as they truly want to be. Not sure who that could be approached but little comic zines would be a stellar creative project to explore the world of creating comics/ the like.

-Ray 02/04/2024 Smith, N. (2020). The Deep & Dark Blue. Little, Brown and Company.

#book blog #books #childrensbook #literature #book recommendations #middle grade #middle grade books #coming of age #fantasy #lgbtq #queer #trans #comic #graphic novel #queer comic #mbca #fantasy graphic novel

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geekyliteracy · 4 months

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This is an amazing graphic novel with beautiful art that pairs so well with its well written story about history and perception.

“But the world is how we make it. How will you make it?”

5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#comics #graphic novels #ya graphic novel #historical fiction #fantasy graphic novel #Palestinian author #Jordanian author #free palestine #read Palestinian books

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writerlunawinters · 7 months

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Title: Garlic and the Vampire

Author: Bree Paulsen

Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade Fantasy

Published: September 28, 2021

My Thoughts: Over the Garden Wall meets middle-grade veggie gardens.

The graphic novel follows Garlic, a dedicated heroine who is tasked with confronting a bloodthirsty vampire who has moved into her village. Despite her fear and self-doubt, Garlic's friends, Carrot and Witch Agnes, support her. Garlic's bravery is rewarded when she is chosen to face the vampire, hoping to prove her abilities and drive away vampires.

If you think you are too old for middle-grade stories, think again. Garlic and the Vampire proves that any age can enjoy these stories. Bree creates such a wholesome story, and the artwork will remind you of Over the Garden Wall in all the right ways.

Garlic’s story is one we can all relate to, and once you read about Celery, you’ll remember just why we don’t reach for it as much as other veggies. Jokes aside, this is such a lovely story with mesmerizing art and beautiful messages.

I would recommend this to anyone who needs to scratch that cozy autumnal itch. The artwork alone is enough to pick this up, but you’ll fall in love with our main character and her friends.

#garlic and the vampire #graphic novel #middle grade #spooky books #fall books #autumnal vibes #fantasy graphic novel

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hiveworks · 9 months

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The Demon of Beausoleil by Mari Costa is coming to print!

Armed with a demon-forged knife and guarded by the enigmatic Elias, Helianthes ventures into the streets, causing mischief and exorcising demons. But the shadows of his past lurk, and a haunting specter emerges to confront him. Amidst the dark chaos, an unexpected romance blossoms between Helianthes and Elias, fueling the fire in this dramatic M/M narrative.

This is definitely not a story for the faint-hearted. We recommend 16+ readers navigate this fiery tale.

Claim your copy today!

#the demon of beausoleil #webcomic #graphic novel #indie publishing #dark fantasy

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colleendoran · 1 year

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Neil Gaiman's CHIVALRY makes the Washington Post TEN BEST GRAPHIC NOVELS List for 2022.

I did the adaptation and art and I am very happy.

Our publisher is Dark Horse Comics. Our very patient editor is Daniel Chabon.

#neil gaiman #chivalry #king arthur #dark horse comics #sir galahad #graphic novels #fantasy graphic novel #comics #watercolor illustration

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yumartist · 4 months

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Yuma - Wish

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This is a song I made because I wanted to go to a world like this. 🌌🕯☺︎

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lostsoulsnovel · 2 months

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What would you do to save the souls of your Brothers? Would you tempt fate, dive into the worst of humanity, sacrifice your values and morals? When brothers Felix & Orion give in to the temptations of flesh and power, Efrain & Elias vow to do whatever it takes to bring them home and cleanse their souls. But will they too fall victim to the darkness?

We follow the lives and paths of numerous characters: from Angels, to Demons, to Humans, and everything in between. Lost Souls tells a tale of forbidden love, destiny, enemies to lovers, and choices that can change the course of the future. Weaving the past into the present, the story unfolds slowly, revealing forgotten secrets, love, and betrayal.

Book One is finished and available on my website!

Below the cut are some examples of how the images are laid out, and how the story is told! (out of context, no spoilers)

#graphic novel #fantasy graphic novel #webcomic

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romeofinn7 · 1 year

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How do I tumble? I dont know but darn it I'm gonna find out!

Yes I'm new, but I'm not exactly a spring chicken. I'm trying to find my people, I know you're out there!

This is what I'm working on. It's a graphic novel for younger audiences. Maybe y'all can help me, maybe not, were gonna find out! Lol.

Anyways, "Hi" that's all for now :D .

#graphic novel #comics #original graphic novel #fantasy graphic novel #drawing #character design

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atthequillsmercy · 2 months

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Lenni Reviews: "Jungle Juice" Vol. 2 by Hyeong Eun & Juder

(Image Source) Suchan is now attending school at NEST after being mutated by the insecticide called Jungle Juice. His class is given the task of finding any remaining cans of it and in the process they come in conflict with a dangerous group looking to expand their membership willingly or not. The character named “Breeder” exposed that I read too much trash because it took a minute for me to…

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zuoji · 3 months

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red & the wolf ⚔

I'm making a graphic novel! Set in a post-apocalyptic fantasy world, the story follows the hunter Red as she grapples with her humanity when she meets a wolf girl in the woods.

I'm currently in the middle of penciling, and it's been so rewarding seeing this project slowly take shape 😭 Can't wait to share more artwork sooooon

#realized that i forgot to announce this project here!#but this is what i've been up to for the past 1.5 years hehe #my art #illustration #little red riding hood #graphic novel #fantasy art #horror art

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celepom · 11 months

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It’s Pride 2023! Time to put up some more comic recs!

This time I’ve put together some stories about discovering one’s own queer identity, outlining a family history of queerness, and several stories where being queer isn’t the focus - queer characters are simply allowed to be.

Belle of the Ball By Mari Costa

High-school senior and notorious wallflower Hawkins finally works up the courage to remove her mascot mask and ask out her longtime crush: Regina Moreno, head cheerleader, academic overachiever, and all-around popular girl. There’s only one teensy little problem: Regina is already dating Chloe Kitagawa, athletic all-star…and middling English student. Regina sees a perfectly self-serving opportunity here, and asks the smitten Hawkins to tutor Chloe free of charge, knowing Hawkins will do anything to get closer to her. And while Regina’s plan works at first, she doesn’t realize that Hawkins and Chloe knew each other as kids, when Hawkins went by Belle and wore princess dresses to school every single day. Before long, romance does start to blossom…but not between who you might expect. With Belle of the Ball, cartoonist Mariana Costa has reinvigorated satisfying, reliable tropes into your new favorite teen romantic comedy.

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The Moth Keeper By Kay O’Neill

Anya is finally a Moth Keeper, the protector of the lunar moths that allow the Night-Lily flower to bloom once a year. Her village needs the flower to continue thriving and Anya is excited to prove her worth and show her thanks to her friends with her actions, but what happens when being a Moth Keeper isn't exactly what Anya thought it would be? The nights are cold in the desert and the lunar moths live far from the village. Anya finds herself isolated and lonely. Despite Anya's dedication, she wonders what it would be like to live in the sun. Her thoughts turn into an obsession, and when Anya takes a chance to stay up during the day to feel the sun's warmth, her village and the lunar moths are left to deal with the consequences.

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Hollow By Shannon Watters, Branden Boyer-White & Berenice Nelle

Isabel "Izzy" Crane and her family have just relocated to Sleepy Hollow, the town made famous by—and obsessed with—Washington Irving's legend of the Headless Horseman. But city slicker-skeptic Izzy has no time for superstition as she navigates life at a new address, a new school, and, with any luck, with new friends. Ghost stories aren't real, after all.... Then Izzy is pulled into the orbit of the town's teen royalty, Vicky Van Tassel (yes, that Van Tassel) and loveable varsity-level prankster Croc Byun. Vicky's weariness with her family connection to the legend turns to terror when the trio begins to be haunted by the Horseman himself, uncovering a curse set on destroying the Van Tassel line. Now, they have only until Halloween night to break it—meaning it's a totally inconvenient time for Izzy to develop a massive crush on the enigmatic Vicky. Can Izzy's practical nature help her face the unknown—or only trip her up? As the calendar runs down to the 31st, Izzy will have to use all of her wits and work with her new friends to save Vicky and uncover the mystery of the legendary Horseman of Sleepy Hollow—before it's too late.

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Until I Meet my Husband By Ryousuke Nanasaki & Yoshi Tsukizuki

The memoir of gay activist Ryousuke Nanasaki and the first religiously recognized same-sex marriage in Japan. From school crushes to awkward dating sites to finding a community, this collection of stories recounts the author’s “firsts” as a young gay man searching for love. Dating is never ever easy, but that goes doubly so for Ryousuke, whose journey is full of unrequited loves and many speed bumps. But perseverance and time heals all wounds, even those of the heart.

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Is Love the Answer? By Uta Isaki

When it comes to love, high schooler Chika wonders if she might be an alien. She’s never fallen for or even had a crush on anyone, and she has no desire for physical intimacy. Her friends tell her that she just "hasn't met the one yet," but Chika has doubts... It's only when Chika enters college and meets peers like herself that she realizes there’s a word for what she feels inside--asexual--and she’s not the only one. After years of wondering if love was the answer, Chika realizes that the answer she long sought may not exist at all--and that that's perfectly normal.

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M Is for Monster By Talia Dutton

When Doctor Frances Ai's younger sister Maura died in a tragic accident six months ago, Frances swore she would bring her back to life. However, the creature that rises from the slab is clearly not Maura. This girl, who chooses the name "M," doesn't remember anything about Maura's life and just wants to be her own person. However, Frances expects M to pursue the same path that Maura had been on—applying to college to become a scientist—and continue the plans she and Maura shared. Hoping to trigger Maura's memories, Frances surrounds M with the trappings of Maura's past, but M wants nothing to do with Frances' attempts to change her into something she's not. In order to face the future, both Frances and M need to learn to listen and let go of Maura once and for all. Talia Dutton's debut graphic novel, M Is for Monster, takes a hard look at what it means to live up to other people's expectations—as well as our own.

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Golden Sparkle By Minta Suzumaru

Himaru Uehara’s first year of high school is off to a good start, minus one problem—he keeps having wet dreams. With only his mom and sister at home—and having skipped health class in middle school—he thinks it means there’s something wrong with him. Thankfully, a new friend has just the remedy and teaches Himaru exactly how to deal with those pesky dreams! But his solution only leads to more confusion, and the two find themselves navigating feelings they’ve never felt before.

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Thieves By Lucie Bryon

Ella can’t seem to remember a single thing from the party the night before at a mysterious stranger’s mansion, and she sure as heck doesn’t know why she’s woken up in her bed surrounded by a magpie’s nest of objects that aren’t her own. And she can’t stop thinking about her huge crush on Madeleine, who she definitely can’t tell about her sudden penchant for kleptomania… But does Maddy have secrets of her own? Can they piece together that night between them and fix the mess of their chaotic personal lives in time to form a normal, teenage relationship? That would be nice.

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Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic By Alison Bechdel

Meet Alison's father, a historic preservation expert and obsessive restorer of the family's Victorian home, a third-generation funeral home director, a high school English teacher, an icily distant parent, and a closeted homosexual who, as it turns out, is involved with his male students and a family babysitter. Through narrative that is alternately heartbreaking and fiercely funny, we are drawn into a daughter's complex yearning for her father. And yet, apart from assigned stints dusting caskets at the family-owned "fun home," as Alison and her brothers call it, the relationship achieves its most intimate expression through the shared code of books. When Alison comes out as homosexual herself in late adolescense, the denouement is swift, graphic -- and redemptive.

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She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat By Sakaomi Yuzaki

Cooking is how Nomoto de-stresses, but one day, she finds herself making way more than she can eat by herself. And so, she invites her neighbor Kasuga, who also lives alone. What will come out of this impromptu dinner invitation...?

Kasuga and Nomoto promised to spend their Christmas and New Year’s together. Now, they find themselves learning more about each other’s families through the food sent by Nomoto’s mother. Cute character bento, salmon and rice, stollen, fruit sandwiches, roast beef…Nomoto and Kasuga warm up to each other over a cheerful holiday season.

#Pride 2023 #book rec #comic #graphic novel #autobio #fantasy #science fiction #high school #queer #lesbian #gay #asexual #intersex #bisexual #romance #book recs #pride #LGBTQIA #LGBT comic

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