The October Girl (The October Girl #1)

In this eerie and atmospheric graphic novel by Smith (Misfits of Magic), 18-year-old Autumn Ackerman is shocked to find her childhood imaginary friend Barnaby—a green-skinned fae creature wearing business attire—injured behind the coffee shop where she works. Because her single mother can’t afford college tuition, Autumn believes that all that awaits her following her high school graduation is a boring life serving coffee at the café—until Barnaby introduces Autumn to Evan Fade, one of a select group of humans capable of seeing Night Folk like Barnaby. Evan, who facilitates interactions between Night Folk and the human world, takes Autumn under his wing, helping her navigate her own heretofore unknown link to the fae realm. Angular lines and understated yet expressive facial features command readers’ attention, and the color palette leans into saturated blues and muted greens, Autumn’s bright red scarf acting as an anchor throughout. Glowing yellow accents illuminate scenes depicting magic, and grainy fade-ins and fade-outs cinematically segue between the magical and real dimensions. This propitious series starter promises intrigue, adventure, and fresh takes on fantasy tropes along the unmoored protagonist’s quest toward greater understanding of both the worlds around her and herself. Human characters are depicted with pale skin. Ages 14–up. Agent: Moe Ferrara, Triada US. (Oct.)