Wandering Son Volume 4 by Shimura Takako

Wandering Son Vol. 4 by Shimura Takako

In the latest volume of Wandering Son (Vol. 4) we see a shift a bit of a shift in the story. This volume is less focused on the individual characters, but on those characters and their relationships. It really captures the complexities of teen friendships and love interests, though it is-- I think I'll call it realistic. "Realistic" because just because a character confesses their love, it isn't necessarily met with mutual feelings. Some of this is because of peer pressure-- accusations of being close to someone  makes the two characters push each other away. Other times it's actually because the love interest doesn't share the same feelings. New friendships and confessions cause others to be jealous and feel spiteful towards everyone. Mixed emotions fill the characters as they finish their final year before junior high.

The characters are all so complex and flawed in their own ways and as a result make them easy to relate to. It's a great coming-of-age story and the art and story are so beautiful it would be a shame to not read Wandering Son. I still love this series and I can't wait for the next one.

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong by Prudence Shen & Faith Erin Hicks

I literally just finished reading this book. It's so good that I'm blogging about it immediately.

Right after his breakup Charlie finds out from his neighbor Nate that his exgirlfriend is ruining everything. The science club had money which the robotics club of which Nate is president planned to use to go to a robotics competition. Unfortunately, someone found out that the money was not earmarked specifically for the science club, so now it's up to the student council to decide what happens to the money. More unfortunately, the cheerleaders think they need the money for new uniforms. To convince the student council to give the robotics club the money, Nate decides to campaign for student council president. The cheerleaders enlist Charlie (against his will). It's an all-out battle... Until they all end up in trouble and no one is getting the money. Now they have to work together (?!!) to enter the Robot Rumble and win so that both the robotics team and the cheerleaders can get the money they need. Nothing can possibly go wrong, right?

This was a fantastic graphic novel about high school rivalry. The characters are all so perfect. I know I just shared my top 5 of the year so far, but I know for a fact this one has to be on my top 10 of the year already.