I first read Lord of the Flies, by British author William Golding, in the late 1980s and quickly became obsessed. Having just graduated from high school, I knew the joys and ugliness of teenage tribalism well. A film adaptation starring Balthazar Getty was released soon after, and since I managed a video rental store, I watched it and the 1963 version multiple times, increasing my admiration for the book. (FYI, the ‘63 film is far superior if you need to choose one.)

Flies may have been Golding’s debut novel, but its themes were something he understood very well. During World War II, he served in the Royal Navy and took part in the bloody D-Day landings in Normandy. The reality of war deeply influenced his writing, and when he started working on Flies, he, like the rest of humanity, was living under the specter of nuclear annihilation at the dawn of the Cold War. The book’s brilliance lies in distilling these existential threats into a deceptively simple survival story on a South Pacific island.  

The story begins with a wartime evacuation during what we assume is some kind of nuclear exchange. A plane crashes on a deserted island and a group of British preadolescent schoolboys are the only survivors. Ralph, by virtue of age and physicality, becomes the leader. He befriends Piggy and uses his glasses to start a signal fire. Ralph’s leadership seems very wise for his age as he encourages the group to stay positive, gather resources, and maintain the fire for rescue.

However, the boys’ resolve fades as they grow distracted. Fear of a fearsome jungle "beast" takes hold, and a rival boy named Jack gains influence by promising to hunt the monsters down. During one hunt, the signal fire dies out, and a rescue ship passes by without stopping.

The boys’ tribalism worsens when a fighter pilot’s corpse lands by parachute onto the island and is mistaken for the “beast.” Jack creates his own tribe, offers a pig's head to the monster, and comes to represent authoritarianism and primal power, while Ralph symbolizes intellect and empathy. Although Ralph is initially baffled and repulsed by how easily the boys follow Jack’s fear-mongering, even he is not immune to mob rule. But his reluctance and regret for his own violent actions appear weak to Jack's tribe, who, now frenzied, hunt Ralph with tragic consequences. 

RELATED: Dystopian Collection | Young Adult Books | 

Batman & Robin: Year One by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, and Matheus Lopes is a captivating blend of action, humor, drama, and retro-styled art that pulls you into the tumultuous early days of Batman (Bruce_Wayne) and his newly acquired sidekick, Robin (Richard "Dick" Grayson). This story doesn’t just delve into the crime-fighting escapades you expect from Gotham’s finest; it also offers an honest look at the developing relationship between Bruce and his young ward.

The story kicks off in the aftermath of the tragic murder of Dick Grayson’s parents at Haly's Circus. It’s a heartbreaking start that parallels Bruce’s own history and sets the stage for his dual struggles as Dick’s foster father and crime-fighting partner. Right away, Dick is full of enthusiasm but still raw and impulsive. His first foray alongside Batman is a baptism by fire when Two-Face (Harvey Dent) attempts to blow them up by demolishing an entire building. 

But Two-Face isn’t the only threat to the Dynamic Duo. General Anthony Grimaldi, a new crime boss with murderous ambitions, has just arrived in Gotham. Meanwhile, Laura Lyn, a concerned social worker, questions Bruce’s suitability as a guardian and knows it came about by the billionaire playboy pulling some political strings. Laura is eager to unmask Bruce and place Dick in a more suitable home. This subplot adds a layer of tension as Bruce must convince both the social worker and the boy that he’s a responsible parent — when both of them know exactly what good parenting does (and does not) look like! 

Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce’s loyal butler, emerges as the true parental figure, recognizing that Dick's impulsive behavior as Robin stems from his unresolved grief. Alfred’s wisdom and empathy offer a counterbalance to Bruce’s stern and sometimes bumbling demeanor. It also lays the foundation for Alfred and Dick’s lifelong relationship.

As Bruce and Dick attempt to maintain a semblance of normalcy for Child Protective Services, the city erupts in chaos. Grimaldi employs the shapeshifting villain Clayface to infiltrate and incite war among Gotham’s crime families. Meanwhile, Two-Face has recovered a secret Gotham City Police Department file listing potential identities of Batman, with Bruce Wayne’s name among them. Using this file to ingratiate himself with Grimaldi, he convinces Clayface to betray his employer for an even more sinister reason than a gang war.

Chris Samnee’s artwork is striking, placing him alongside other favorite artists like Bruno Redondo and Juni Ba. His use of hard outlines, heavy pen and brush strokes, and a limited color palette evokes the classic feel of 1930s comics, reminiscent of Chester Gould’s Dick Tracy. This retro aesthetic is mirrored in the characters’ clothing, hairstyles, vehicles, and architecture, grounding the story in an era that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

Batman & Robin: Year One is more than a simple reimagining of a well-known story; it’s a heartfelt exploration of the early days of Batman and Robin’s partnership. The book is funny, clever, and at times, brutally honest. It sheds light on how Bruce Wayne became Dick Grayson’s guardian and how both characters struggled to adapt to their new roles.

​Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of Batman, this graphic novel offers a fresh perspective that is both entertaining and enlightening. 

RELATED FEATURES: Batman Collection | Nightwing Collection | Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problems | Dick Grayson Takes Up the Cowl

Breaks is a beautifully drawn and written graphic novel series by Emma Vieceli and Malin Ryden. While ostensibly an LGBTQ story about a damaged teen living in the UK who's trying to get by in high school, it's actually much more about bullying — and the regret of bullying. It's a thoughtful and well-executed story with engaging characters and a more mature tone.

I read the first two volumes of the series in 2020 during the height of the pandemic (amazing how much reading I got done that year!) but the books actually date back to 2017. Now they're being reissued with a release date in March — and I'm delighted to learn that there's a Volume 3 which was published in 2024! I'll review that in the near future.

Because I love these books so much, I wanted to give them a special shout out here. Each book is summarized below with ordering links. Enjoy!

BREAKS, VOLUME 1: Cortland Hunt has made some dangerous mistakes. Now he's waiting quietly for those mistakes to catch up with him. Ian Tanner coasts through life denying the spark of anger beneath his laid back exterior. When school politics and personal lives become a battleground, the pair find that what they share may just be their only safe haven. 
Breaks is the story of two young men discovering who they were, who they are, and who they will become. It's a love story . . . but a bit broken.

BREAKS, VOLUME 2: Ian and Cortland are all too aware that the bubble they've made for themselves can't last. Shifting relationships and tested friendships may be the least of their worries, though, as they learn more about each other and the pasts they'd rather leave behind. Familial legacy, fragile ambition and potentially devastating secrets; their budding relationship is going to need a stronger foundation than secrecy if they want to face what life has in store for them together.

BREAKS, VOLUME 3: School is over, adult life beckons, and new beginnings lie before Ian and Cortland as their relationship deepens. But when Ian's father is released from prison, questions of trust and deceit threaten to tear them apart. The boys will walk a dark path together as the shadows of the past try to claim the present. The answers to all their questions will be revealed in this final volume, and some may prove dangerous beyond their wildest imaginings...

RELATED: Quinton's Curious Mind Book Series | LGBTQ | How Tim Drake Reclaimed the Gay Robin Story | Pride on the Big Screen

HERE BE SPOILERS.
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If I had to choose two DC characters to battle it out in a no-holds-barred contest, my choices would be Jason Todd / Red Hood versus the psychopath who murdered him — The Joker. Talk about a grudge match! Fortunately, the DC KO series just provided this. 

So what is the DC KO series? Following the events of the "DC All In" saga, Darkseid created a new reality called the "Absolute Universe," and plans to conquer the main DC universe. The only way for the DC heroes to stop him is through gladiatorial "death tournaments" held across a five-level arena. DC Comic fans can participate in an online challenge to predict the winner of each tournament for a chance to win prizes, including being drawn into a future comic.

The Joker officially killed Jason Todd in Batman #428, released in 1988. I won’t rehash the complicated developments that saw Jason rise from the grave and recast himself as Red Hood, but you can read about it in-depth here: Jason Todd's Empty Grave. Suffice to say, that Joker’s actions have haunted Jason ever since. As Jason describes in the opening panels of the comic: 

This comic book was released in late December 2025. See your local comic book store about obtaining a copy. ​

RELATED FEATURES: Red Hood Collection | Jason Todd's Empty Grave | When Jason Todd Helped Save Superman | Batman Collection

True epics encompass large themes and heroic characters who deal with world-changing events, and in the world of young adult fiction there aren't many of these. Okay, J.K. Rowling wrote one, but like her tale of a boy wizard most YA epics are fantasy books or paranormal romances which masquerade as something much grander.

But when I came across Code Name Verity I knew I'd found that rarest of offerings for the teen reader – a true epic novel. I'd even say that author Elizabeth Wein's tale of friendship between two young British women caught up in the midst of World War II holds up quite nicely to similar adult novels, the type which might've been penned by James A. Michener, Colleen McCullough, Ken Follett or Leon Uris.

The story's told by two protagonists. The first is a confession from "Verity" (her codename), who's been caught spying for the British in German-occupied France in 1943 and is being interrogated and tortured by the Gestapo. Verity's admission is a way to buy time, even if only in small parcels, and she knows. As a spy, she has no privileges afforded to other prisoners of war under the Geneva Convention. Her life is forfeit, but as long as she can tell her tale and let the Germans believe she has information they need, she'll continue to survive. Her narrative becomes a loving dissertation about her best friend, a country girl named Maddie (code named Kittyhawk) whose serving the Allied cause as a civilian pilot. The second half of the book is told from Maddie's point-of-view and deals mostly with her trying to discover Verity's fate and then rescue her from the clutches of the SS.

As both women acknowledge, had there not been a war on, they would've never met nor become friends. Verity was born to Scottish aristocracy, was raised in a castle and educated abroad. A stint at a German boarding school has made her prolific in the language and she's recruited into the world of high-stakes espionage for which she has an unusual affinity. Not only can she affect different accents, but can manifest both personalities and lives from thin air. Maddie. on the other hand, was raised by her grandparents and grew up working with her hands. In a world which belongs to men, Maddie's a talented mechanic and a skilled pilot. Both women have benefitted from the reality of war which has broken down sexual stereotypes and allowed them to excel in areas usually reserved for males. Both are aware of this, and they wonder if their independence and freedom will continue once the conflict is over?

While reading Code Name Verity, I wondered how younger readers might handle the complicated plot, themes centered around equality and independence, and the much larger historical references. Would they appreciate the awesome amount of research which Wein clearly put into this novel? Even teens with an interest in World War II probably won't have any familiarity with most of the topics addressed, and certainly not some of the literary and cultural references. But if books can provide teachable moments — and good books always will — then this really isn't an issue. The roles of women in noncombat roles working on the English homefront and behind the scenes is a fascinating peek into a part of World War II which receives little attention but is quite inspiring. And while I'd recommend the book to almost anyone, it will resonate more with young women as it wonderfully details the unique intimacy between female friends.

Verity and Kittyhawk are effusive in their love for each other, distraught over their frequent separations, and determined to protect each other during the time in human history when probably no one felt truly safe. Their story truly is, well, epic.

RELATED: Historical

OTHER REVIEWS IN THIS SERIES: Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 1 | Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 2 | Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 3-5
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​I’ve been behind on writing book reviews, but I’m finally diving into a combined review of Red Hood: Outlaws, Volumes 3, 4, and 5. These are the last three compendiums of the popular Webtoon series, in which the characters are forced to answer tough questions about what redemption truly means as they try to prove themselves to the Justice League.

​Volume 4 kicks off with the Outlaws caught in a simulation crafted by the Justice League itself. (Mostly Bruce Wayne, because let’s face it, Bruce has a penchant for concocting tests that border on cruelty.) As part of these trials by fire, Jason Todd, Artemis, and Bizarro face off against alternate versions of themselves. Each encounter in the simulation is more than just a battle; it’s a deep dive into past traumas, fears, and failures. For Jason Todd, this means confronting his short stint as the second Robin and his struggle to leave his assassin past behind. His agreement with Bruce to stop killing is not only key to being considered for the Justice League, but also vital if Jason wants to be welcomed back into the Bat Family.

Amidst all this introspection, President Lex Luthor throws a wrench into their simulated journey. His corrupt schemes eerily mirror the chaos of our current political landscape, and when Jason decides to take Luthor’s life, the simulation crumbles and The Outlaws fail. The Justice League withdraws its support, leaving the team vulnerable as intergalactic bounty hunters converge on Earth to claim the substantial rewards on all their heads. During the ensuing battle, Artemis makes a confession that surprises even her — she’s in love with Jason. 

While the feelings between Jason and Artemis are not new, they have remained unexpressed until now. But as the couple celebrates, they pay little notice to how much Bizarro is struggling with the loss of the simulated wife and child he became attached to inside the Justice League’s mind-fuckery. He seeks the help of Dr. Chase Meridian, a psychologist who advises him that the best way to get over his grief is to leave his comfort zone and start forming meaningful attachments to people outside The Outlaws. 

Jason reaches out to his older brother Dick Grayson for help confronting his past and addressing his long-held grudge with Bruce, the adoptive father he’s always felt rejected by. His journey ends with a compromise: he doesn’t have to be an assassin, but he also isn’t built to be a Justice League-style hero. 

Artemis puzzles out what it’s like to be in a romantic relationship and to be a “fallen” Amazon — both topics she’s worked hard to avoid. To do this, she visits a kind of all-female spa in Valhalla, described as a place “for women warriors who are tired of fighting.” Okay, it’s a little goofy if you think Artemis would ever be okay spending her days baking cookies and learning how to knit, but she is anxious to at least not wake up every morning looking for her next fight. However, there’s a darker purpose to the “spa” which has nothing to do with helping female warriors get in touch with themselves, but rather stripping the world’s warriors of their weapons. 

When Artemis fails to show up for a scheduled reunion, Jason and Bizarro realize something is wrong. But infiltrating the “spa” — which has a ban on men — is not going to be easy and requires the assistance of various reluctant allies, including White Cat and Martian Mindhunter. This results in many action sequences, particularly in Volume 5. Artist Nico Bascunan does a good job of rendering these, often in a sequential action-flow that reminded me a lot of Bruno Redondo’s work in Nightwing. 

The series ends on an unexpected high note: with a wedding. But since I don’t want to spoil too much, I won’t say whose. Volume 5 also leaves some dangling threads — so we’ll have to wait and see how and when those are resolved. 

​Confronting their pasts, presents, and where they ultimately want their futures to lie makes Volumes 4 and 5, in particular, some of the best-written and most engaging in the series. Three anti-heroes, who were originally content to distract themselves from their troubles by fighting other people’s battles, finally become multifaceted. And centered. If you think of Volumes 3-5 as the second and third acts of The Outlaws play, then this makes sense and is handled well. While I don’t necessarily think Red Hood: Outlaws was the best storytelling for these characters, it does scratch an itch or two and is bound to put a smile on the reader’s face. 

RELATED FEATURES: Red Hood Collection | Batman Collection | Nightwing Collection | Jason Todd's Empty Grave | When Jason Todd Helped Save Superman

The much anticipate Batman / Deadpool crossover comic is now available. Crossovers between these two historic powerhouse rivals have been rare and the last one was over twenty years ago. As the title suggests, the main feature this time has Batman teaming up with Deadpool to resolve a "metafictional threat" from Cassandra Nova, the Marvel Comics supervillain and dark psychic reflection (mummudrai) of Professor Charles Xavier. (You may recall that Cassandra was the primary baddie in the recent Deadpool & Wolverine film.)

There are smaller team ups as well. Dr. Strange partnering with John Constantine; Nightwing / Dick Grayson and Laura Kinney / Wolverine; Harley Quinn and the Hulk; and Static and Ms. Marvel. All of the storylines are very different in content and tone, varying from weird to whimsical, humorous to somber. The artwork employs the talents from both DC and Marvel and also varies greatly so the book will offer something for everyone — although I personally enjoyed some stories more than others. The Nightwing  / Wolverine team up was especially fun for me, as it reunited two of my favorite Nightwing creators: Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo. 

The crossovers were published jointly by Marvel and DC and feature a variety of alternate covers. Check your local comic book stores for a copy as the DC version was released earlier this week. 

RELATED FEATURES: Batman Collection | Nightwing Collection | Comics Collections

HERE BE SPOILERS!

Batman: Hush first appeared in Batman issues #608 to #619 between 2002 and 2003. Written by Jeph Loeb and brought to life through the dynamic artwork of legendary DC artist Jim Lee, this story arc stands as one of the most celebrated entries in the Batman anthology. It weaves an intricate tale about Bruce Wayne's past and present, blurring the lines between heroism and villainy. The story does more than just pit Batman against the usual suspects — it challenges the very foundations of Bruce's life and morality.

The story begins with Bruce as Batman pursuing Catwoman (Selena Kyle) after she steals the ransom money meant to free a kidnapped boy. Going up against Catwoman, his on-again-off-again nemesis/love interest/person he just can't quit, is perhaps representative of the overarching theme of Batman: Hush. The story is a landscape of trust and betrayal, depicting Batman's allies and adversaries in shades of gray until even The Dark Knight is unsure who he can trust and who he cannot. During the chase, Batman fractures his skull when his grappling line is mysteriously cut. To treat this life-threatening injury, Alfred Pennyworth follows Bruce's instructions and calls upon the expertise of Dr. Thomas "Tommy" Elliot, a childhood friend. 

Both Bruce and Tommy have similar privileged backgrounds, and both inherited their vast family fortunes at a young age after the tragic deaths of their parents. While Bruce cultivated a public image as an aging playboy to hide his secret identity, Tommy rose to public prominence as a gifted neurosurgeon. Tommy's expertise saves Bruce's life, but their unexpected reunion conjures memories of a complex past filled with unresolved issues and hidden resentments.

It is ultimately revealed that it was Riddler who used the Lazarus Pit to cure himself of a deadly disease when Tommy Elliot was unable to help him. But immersion in the Pit's magical waters had an unexpected side-effect: it provided The Riddler with an epiphany about Batman's true identity. Sharing the revelation with Tommy, the two villains plotted together to bring down their common enemy by manipulating friends and foes alike. 

In many ways, Tommy Elliott represents the antithesis of Bruce Wayne — personifying a path Bruce might have taken had he grown up in an abusive and manipulative environment and been afforded the same wealth and resources. Where Bruce channels his resources and trauma to fight for justice, Tommy capitalizes on his intelligence and wealth to enact revenge. 

(And if you're wondering about the inclusion of Jason Todd, well, his subplot in Batman: Hush was later retconned  in the "Under the Red Hood" by Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen. See Jason Todd's Empty Grave for more on this.)

​In a nutshell, Batman: Hush is a masterclass in storytelling, blending action, mystery, and character depth. It's a must-read for capturing the essence of Batman's enduring appeal—his resilience, his humanity, and the never-ending battle against the darkness, both external and internal. If there’s one deficit, it’s simply that the plot is often over-complex with too many characters plays a role. Frankly, a simpler plot would’ve move along better. That being said, I give major kudos to Jeph Loeb for really embracing the “Batman as detective” concept. The book does play out like a master whodunit, complete with red herrings and enough clues that the reader can probably figure it out on their own if they’re paying attention. It’s no wonder why Batman: Hush remains one of the most iconic comic series of all time.

OTHER EDITIONS OF HUSH, PART 1: Batman: Hush (New Edition, 2019) , Batman: Hush: DC Compact Comics Edition, Batman: Hush 20th Anniversary Edition, Absolute Batman: Use (New Edition), Batman: The Hush Saga Omnibus

Dick Grayson, the former Boy Wonder is unstoppable as Nightwing — one of DC Comic's most beloved characters! And Nightwing fans can look forward to plenty of new book releases between now and 2026! Available titles in order of release:

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee is a historical novel which appeals on many levels. At times, it is a throwback to the sentimental romantic literature of the 18th century (during which it is set), a peep show into the seamier side of the British aristocracy, an institution well practiced at hiding scandal, corruption and basic human compulsions behind wealth, power and rigid class structure. (If you’ve read anything by Jane Austen you will have some sense of how this highly stratified society works.) At times, it has elements of a modern romantic comedy, with three young protagonists trying to navigate family drama while finding their places in society. Finally, it is an awkward coming-out tale for its aristocratic narrator, Henry “Monty” Montague — although the concept of “coming out” would have been unimaginable during his era.

Monty is the eldest son of a rich British nobleman and heir apparent to the old man’s vast wealth, lofty reputation and stifling social duties. By Monty’s own admission, he’s a constant disappointment to his unloving and highly traditional father. As the story opens, Monty is about to depart on an expected rite of passage for a young gentleman living in Georgian era England: a grand tour of the European continent. This traveling holiday will serve as his indoctrination into high culture and politics before returning to his family’s estate to assume his inherited duties. While Monty’s future promises splendid wealth and privilege, it is very much a gilded cage. Every aspect of his manhood will be dictated for him — and he knows it. The only problem is that Monty’s as anti establishment as a person could be, starting with the fact that he’s an unapologetic “buggerer,” a contemporary term meaning he likes boys as well as girls. Despite homosexuality being outlawed in England during this era, Monty doesn’t seem to mind who knows about his preferences, perhaps feeling immune to any legal consequences thanks to his title and position. For his father however, it is a source of recurring humiliation.

In order to keep Monty’s wild side under control, his father decides he will be accompanied to Europe by a strict chaperone named Mr. Lockwood; his younger sister Felicity, whom he barely tolerates; and his best friend Percy, with whom he’s secretly in love but who’s mixed-race heritage has made him a social pariah. While Mr. Lockwood intends to keep the young lord away from drink, gambling and debauchery, Henry manages to steal away from a banquet held at the French palace of Versailles with a royal courtesan. Their sexual encounter is interrupted by the woman’s lover — the former French prime minister — with whom Monty had a previous unpleasant encounter. To spite the man, Monty steals a small box from his desk, the contents of which inadvertently launches he, Percy and Felicity on a cross-continent treasure hunt with French assassins close on their heels. 

While The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue perhaps relies too much on Murphy’s Law — whatever can go wrong, will go wrong — it is an enjoyable and often moving romp. Monty is a hedonistic rogue, but also a fascinating narrator who reveals himself to be unexpectedly kind, passionate and damaged. His begrudging love for his traveling companions — he’s a man who outwardly eschews just sentimentality — is also his redemption. In the end, all three main characters buck the norms of their society: Monty due to his sexuality; Felicity due to her gender; and Percy due to his racial background. The ending of the book, while probably unlikely for real people of the 18th century, will certainly appeal to the more egalitarian audiences of the 21st century and is thus quite satisfying.