Evil-ish

In the upbeat fantasy realm of Idlewood, nonbinary teen Hawthorne wants more out of life than to work as the potion barista manager of their family’s café, Yetta’s Cauldron. So Hawthorne attends tryouts for the infamous Brigade of Shade, a formerly destructive political organization. Despite Hawthorne’s fanatic knowledge of the group and its skeletal ruler Lady Wrath, however, the brigade rejects them, citing Hawthorne’s lack of magical talents and inexperience in evilness (prior killing ability is a must). With help from Yetta’s Cauldron regular Maple and her powerful plant magic, Hawthorne sneaks into the brigade’s lair—and accidentally murders Lady Wrath, which automatically situates them as the organization’s new leader. Like any manager worth their salt, Hawthorne begins a castle cleanup, instates a chore wheel, and initiates some mischief-making, like robbing a bank and levitating wares at the market. Then Maple, Hawthorne’s number two, raises the stakes of the brigade’s latest directive, forcing Hawthorne to consider where their allegiances lie. Stimulating color and lighting complement the story’s cinematic pace. Zippy and undemanding, Tarrell’s debut graphic novel alchemizes aimless teen energy from half-hearted, evil-ish deeds into purposeful community action. Ages 14–up. Agent: Moe Ferrara, Triada US. (July)