Masks

Young, green-skinned monster Poe and her found family of fellow creatures, Rice and Shelley, live in an abandoned building to stay hidden from human monster-hunting organization the Knights of the Night. When the youths’ hideout is scheduled to be demolished, however, they’re forced to vacate. On Halloween night, they set out to find a rumored safe place called the Haven. And though they hope to remain concealed among the costumed revelers celebrating the holiday, they could still be discovered at any moment. After bespectacled, brown-skinned human Vaughn gains the monsters’ trust, he promises to aid them on their quest. Using a trio of fantastical creatures as a proxy, Nathanson and debut author Rae examine the plight of and dangers faced by marginalized individuals in contemporary society. Kubrick utilizes thin line art and a bold color palette to render the sweet-dispositioned protagonists of this suspenseful graphic novel, which plumbs sophisticated themes across an entertaining and visually playful adventure. Ages 10–up. (July)