5-24-26 — Christina Critiques - Graphic Novels, Chapbooks, and SPA Nominees

HERO CAVE

By: Syd Madia

Release: 7/30/25

Page count: 50

KU: No     Hoopla: Yes

Synopsis: A skeleton that scares adventurer’s and continuously dies has lost his passion for the job. Can he find that spark again before it’s too late?

First line: “Welcome to… uh… Welcome! To Hero - ehhhhh W-Welcome.”

Favorite line: “Skeleton on the first floor is ass. If I could give zero stars, I would.”

Thoughts: Mr. Skeleton is way too relatable, especially for adults and their everyday life (though I don’t see any reason why kids couldn’t read this as it’s not exactly scary). The humdrum nature of the same life, day in and day out, is shown so perfectly in this short graphic novel. The illustrations really engage the reader and make falling for Mr. Skeleton (and let’s be honest, the mouse, too.) Accessible for all readers and fun, this should be on your Summerween TBR.

Rating: 4/5

Find it here: https://a.co/d/0c92hX5G

DOG DOORS TO OUTER SPACE

By: Various

Page count: 24

KU: No         Hoopla: No

Synopsis: Fifteen bizarro authors provide numerous writing prompts.

Thoughts: What a fun and engaging selection of prompts. I know, you’re thinking, “How fun can reading writing prompts be?” Let me tell you, super fun. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Duncan Bradshaw - “A small trip to the dental parlor poses mild-to-severe peril for our  intrepid protagonist. To get their new veneers, they’ll need to complete the seven trials of the Fake Tooth Fairy. GO!”

Frank Edler - “A text conversation with Wham’s 1984 mega-hit, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.”

There are so many neat prompts that can jump start anyone’s writer’s block. An absolute must for any writer needing or wanting to broaden their writing horizons.

Rating: 5/5

Find it here: https://filthyloot.com/product/dog-doors-to-outer-space/

FUCKED UP STORIES TO READ IN THE DAYTIME

By: Various

Page count: 24

KU: No       Hoopla: No

Synopsis: Six bizarro short stories that will leave you scratching your head while turning on the lights.

Stories:

“Johnny the Bear” - Ben Fitts - Mom vs. Teddy Bear

“Crimson Tide” - Betty Rocksteady - Summer friendships are NOT to be forgotten.

“Teeny Tiny Stories From the Marinated Jungle #4: The Lion Who Thought He Was King” - Lee Widener - Who is wrong in this short story?

“Little Jimmy’s Secret” - Ben Arzate - Do you REALLY know your children?

“Innards” - Austin James - Blink and you’ll miss it.

“Hellions” - Christopher Lesko - One stop can bring about a world of hurt.

A killer variety of stories ranging from bloody summer to blue waffles (do NOT look that up if you are unfamiliar with the phrase). Ira gives us the perfect beginner chapbook to more unfamiliar bizarro authors.

Rating: 4.5/5

Find it here: https://filthyloot.com/product/fcked-up-stories-vol-1/

SPA NOMINATIONS

BEST NOVEL

AT NIGHT, I BECOME LOATHSOME

By: Eric LaRocca

Release: 1/28/25

Page count: 175

KU: No      Hoopla: No

Synopsis: Ashley is working through a death or two by helping others see the beauty and gift that is life… after he buries them in a coffin. But one client will test his limits and humanity.

First line: “At dark, I become loathsome.”

Favorite lines: “Sometimes pain is earned.”

                         “Children lose their innocence when they realize that adults

                           can hurt them.”

Thoughts: As with every LaRocca story, it’s an emotional read. (Especially for parents.) Somehow, LaRocca finds the humanity in the darkness while pulling back the uncomfortable curtains on grief, loneliness, and impure minds. Are we an Ashley or Ashley’s clients?

Rating: 5/5

Other recommendations: YOU’VE LOST A LOT OF BLOOD, WE CAN NEVER LEAVE THIS PLACE

BEST COLLECTION

VIOLENT NIGHTS

By: Candace Nola

Release: 8/12/25

Page count: 162

KU: Yes        Hoopla: No

Synopsis: Eight stories to take care of any reading slump: body horror, ecohorror, strange stew and parties you don’t want to miss.

First line: “I pulled in the long driveway and parked, then looked around.”

Favorite line: “Devon was not impressed, and he was pissed she had died before he could get his dick wet.”

Thoughts: VIOLENT NIGHTS feels personal. From the actions of many shitty characters to the misunderstood or those taken advantage of - it reads different. It reads as if she knows the reader and that we need catharsis. She hears our stories, fears, needs and reveals a type of ending that we can take away knowing the struggles aren’t in vain. As usual with Nola, this is a stellar, must read collection.

Rating: 5/5

Other recommendations: GOLD AND GORE, DEMONS IN MY BLOODSTREAM