Three of our booksellers recommend recently published and almost published graphic novels from Australian comic artists.

Home Time by Campbell Whyte

‘On the way to a double sleepover to celebrate the last day of primary school, six kids and a dog fall into a river and through a portal to another world. Stuck there, they have no choice but to help the Peaches (odd little creatures who think the kids are spirits) defend their land from the Lizards. As the point of view switches between each kid, the style of the illustrations shift to reflect their different perspectives, and so while the story is ancient – kids on the verge of adolescence are frozen in time in a mystical world as the real world moves on – Whyte’s artwork dances about, keeping you on your toes, bringing to mind 80s video games or the cartoon Adventure Time. Between the chapters, you’ll also find diary entries, sheet music and beautiful field guides to the unknown land, which help you experience the time jumps in the story.’ – Dani Solomon, assistant buyer at Readings Kids

Bottled by Chris Gooch

‘The only thing that can motivate the bored and dispirited Jane is the bitter jealousy she holds for her successful friend Natalie, recently returned from modelling in Japan. Bottled is a darkly compelling story that grips the reader like a horror film – it is impossible to look away from Jane’s seething contempt or Natalie’s hollow isolation. Author and artist Chris Gooch’s strong, stark ink drawings drip with menace as his characters wrestle with their ugliest emotions. If you enjoy psychological horror, do not miss this book.’ – Eleanor Jenkins, bookseller at Readings Carlton

The Lie And How We Told It by Tommi Parrish (available 14 March)

‘Tommi Parrish has been a favourite comic artist of mine for a while now. Their emotionally rich, often melancholy stories have been featured in several local literary magazines (predominantly The Lifted Brow) and I adore their earlier comic, Perfect Hair. The Lie And How We Told It is a gorgeous object in its own right. On paper, it’s the story of two formerly close friends who, after a chance encounter, try to salvage whatever is left of their decaying relationship. But Parrish’s evocative, dream-like, unsettling visual storytelling goes far deeper, exploring desire, queerness, self-doubt, loneliness, and just the general mess of relationships. We have more copies of this title arriving in mid-March so mark your calendars.’ – Bronte Coates, digital content coordinator