Spring 2025 promises to be rich in literary discoveries with titles on varied themes, but always as current as ever. An eclectic selection that promises to keep us on the edge of our seats all April long.
Graphic novels and comics
Contagion, when man encroaches on nature
Script and drawing by Pierre Bessière and Céline Penot
Published on March 19, 2025 by Marabulles – €25.90
In Contagion, Pierre Bessière and Céline Penot explore the consequences of human expansion on natural ecosystems. Through a series of fascinating case studies, the authors highlight the complex mechanisms that govern the interactions between humans and their environment. From deforestation to rampant urbanization and climate change, each chapter addresses a different aspect of this crucial issue. The illustrations bring complex scientific concepts to life and immerse us in a dystopian reality.
More than just an alarming observation, Contagion offers avenues for reflection for a more harmonious future between humans and nature. An essential book for understanding the environmental issues of our time, halfway between You Will Die Less Stupid and It's Not Rocket Science.
Regards
Script and drawing by J. Personne
Published on March 12, 2025 by Glénat – €22.00
With Regards, J. Personne has written a bold graphic novel about sight loss and self-reinvention. The story follows Luc, an ambitious young man who suddenly loses his sight in a car accident. The story immerses us in his journey of recovery, between despair and rediscovering the world through his other senses. The author, a former orthoptist, brings an authentic and sensitive perspective on the reality of blindness. His innovative graphic approach, playing on textures and contrasts, transports us into a rare sensory experience. More than just a story about disability, Regards is a profound reflection on adaptation, resilience, and our relationship with the world around us. A touching and necessary work.
Anal Wizards
Script and drawing by David and William Genchi
Published on September 5, 2024 by Huber – €19.90
With Anal Wizards, the Genchi brothers have created a crazy tribute to the role-playing games of the 1970s. 80s and 90s. This interactive comic immerses the reader in a dark fantasy universe tinged with retro gaming. The deliberately absurd story follows the adventures of a group of unlikely heroes in their quest to save the world... or not.
The real tour de force of the book lies in the game system integrated into the narration, allowing the reader to make their own choices and influence the unfolding of the story. The drawings are teeming with details and references for those nostalgic for this era. Be careful, however, the sometimes schoolboy humor and the irreverent tone of the book are not for everyone (even if we loved it). For those who have the guts, Anal Wizards is a unique reading experience that will delight fans of the absurd and the ironic.
If you're reading this, I'm already dead...
Script by Matt Kindt, drawing by Daniel McDaid
Published on February 26, 2025 by Delcourt – 22.50€
Matt Kindt, master of the paranormal thriller, delivers with If You're Reading This, I'm Already Dead... a thrilling sci-fi tale. The story follows Robin, a journalist embarked with American soldiers to Terminus, a planet populated by science fiction gods. What was supposed to be a simple report turns into a nightmare when the entire team is wiped out ten minutes after their arrival. The only survivor, Robin must fight for her survival while continuing her investigation. Kindt's dense and twisty script keeps us on the edge of our seats until the last page. Daniel McDaid's drawings bring a hostile universe to life with a lively and expressive style. An ambitious one-shot that questions our relationship with the unknown and the limits of human exploration.
The Night of the Lanterns
Script and drawing by Jean-Etienne
Published on March 26, 2025 by Delcourt – €25.90
For his first album, Jean-Etienne hits hard with This psychological thriller with fantastical overtones. The story takes place on an isolated island during the traditional Lantern Festival. Éloane, who has returned to her native island after years of absence, finds herself plunged into a nightmarish spiral when an ancestral creature awakens on the fringes of the ceremony.
The perfectly mastered story alternates between family tensions and Lovecraftian horror. Jean-Etienne's modern graphic style, halfway between Franco-Belgian comics and manga, perfectly serves the oppressive atmosphere of the story. Its striking coloring, which plays on the contrasts between darkness and the glow of the lanterns, reinforces our immersion as much as our fear.
Corso
Script and drawing by Danilo Beyruth
Published on March 12, 2025 by Soleil – €22.00
In this novel In a graphic black and white style, Danilo Beyruth immerses us in a captivating science fiction adventure. Corso, a talented but undisciplined canine pilot from the Republic of Dogs, finds himself shipwrecked on an unknown planet after a space battle against the Cat Monarchy. Alone on this hostile world, he must fight for his survival and make discoveries that will challenge his prejudices.
Beyruth's energetic and expressive style particularly shines in this story where action and emotion are carried by dynamic and cinematic editing. Skillfully blending space adventure and reflection on the nature of good and evil, Corso offers an immersive reading experience, accessible to a wide audience. A captivating initiatory journey into an original science fiction universe
Mangas
Chi, a cat's life in France
Script and drawing by Konami Kanata
Published on March 5, 2025 by Glénat – €9.50
After having won the hearts of Japanese readers, the Kitten Chi sets foot in France in this new one-shot. Konami Kanata, with the help of French artist Catherine Bouvier, imagines the little family's first days in France. How do you adapt to a new environment when you're a cat? Chi will have to face new challenges, unfamiliar smells, and strange customs. With her delicate style and tender humor, the author offers us a refreshing dive into the daily life of this endearing feline.
Fans of the original series will rediscover the kawaii spirit that made it a success, while newcomers will discover an adorable character and funny situations. A feel-good album that will delight young and old alike.
Legendary Item
Script by Jung Seonyul, drawing by Hess
Published on March 13, 2025 by Michel Lafon – €14.95
A legendary webtoon is back. After winning over online readers, the Legendary Item series is now available in a luxurious print edition. This adaptation of the hit webtoon immerses us in an urban fantasy world where magic and technology coexist. The story follows Jaehyun, a warrior with supernatural powers who discovers a legendary artifact. It may well be the key to saving humanity from an imminent divine threat.
Jung Seonyul's script cleverly blends fast-paced action with character development, while Hess's illustrations bring a fascinating world to life with a dynamic and detailed style. Fans of the original format will be delighted to rediscover the unique atmosphere of the series, enhanced by this polished edition. A must-have for fans of modern fantasy.
Detroit: Become Human – Tokyo Stories
Script by Kazami Sawatari, art by Moto Sumida
Published in February 2025 by Kurokawa – €12.95
This manga spin-off of the famous video game Detroit: Become Human transposes Quantic Dream's dystopian universe in a futuristic Tokyo. The story takes place in 2038, when androids are emerging in Japanese society. Through the journey of several characters, both human and android, the story explores the social and ethical tensions linked to this coexistence.
Kazami Sawatari delivers a dense story that addresses complex themes such as artificial intelligence, consciousness, and humanity. Moto Sumida's art captures the cyberpunk atmosphere of the original game, while adding a Japanese touch. Fans of the game will appreciate the nods to the video game, while newcomers will discover a captivating sci-fi story that stands on its own.
Novels and essays
The ghost behind the temple
By Sachiko Kashiwaba
Published on January 27, 2025 by Ynnis Editions – €13.90
Sachiko Kashiwaba immerses us in a mysterious and captivating Japan with this children's novel with fantastical overtones. The story follows Kazuhiro, a young boy who one night sees the ghost of a girl leaving his house. The next day, this same girl appears as a new student in his class, known to everyone except him. Thus begins a thrilling investigation that skillfully blends Japanese folklore and contemporary mysteries. The author, already known for having inspired Spirited Away, displays all her narrative talent here. Her poetic and imaginative writing transports the reader into a universe where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs. A touching coming-of-age story that subtly addresses universal themes such as friendship, memory, and grief.
Sisterhood: The Pact
By Lucile Peytavin, Aline Jalliet, and Maryne Bruneau
Published on March 19, 2025 by Le Livre de Poche – €9.50
Sisterhood as a weapon of mass construction. Far from clichés, Lucile Peytavin, Aline Jalliet, and Maryne Bruneau redefine the concept to anchor it in the 21st century. They convincingly demonstrate that solidarity between women is a powerful tool for combating persistent inequalities. The book alternates sociological analyses, poignant testimonies, and practical advice for implementing this sisterhood in everyday life. The authors do not hesitate to tackle sometimes taboo subjects, such as female rivalry, to better deconstruct them. The direct and accessible style makes reading as enjoyable as it is instructive. An important book that then invites each reader to sign “the pact of sisterhood” for a more just and egalitarian world.
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