Comic Corner Roundup: October
Comic Corner Roundup is a bi-monthly segment that compiles mini-reviews of comics, graphic novels, and manga that I’ve read recently. Here are my reviews for October which includes spooky spirits, a Brother’s Grimm retelling, and a magical goat!
Spoops: The Little Spirits of Halloween (2025) by A.J. Locascio (Author), Laurie Conley (Illustrator)
Who changes the leaves? Summons the autumn winds? Wakes ghosts and spirits to haunt houses and chill the air? Why, Spoops, of course! They hatch from the smallest gourds in your local pumpkin patch at the start of every fall, then tend to your town to ensure everything is just right for Halloween.
In this story, young Holly Hollowell loves Halloween more than anything, but her dentist parents are totally against any event that promotes tooth-rotting sweets. While other kids trick-or-treat, Holly watches sadly from her window…until the Spoops arrive to turn things around! With their magical help, Holly can finally show her parents the true spirit of Halloween: not the candy, but the joy of expressing yourself, unleashing your imagination, and letting your spooky side soar!
This illustrated story full of Halloween fun and rhymes had me smiling from ear to ear the entire time while reading it. Spoops excellently captures the spirit of the season and shows what makes Halloween so fun not just for kids but adults and teens alike. Reading this brought me back to my own favorite nostalgic reads that I enjoyed as a child such as The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything. It makes me happy to see a new iconic story that will be available to a new generation of readers.
Spoops is not all spooky and in fact, focuses more on the light-hearted, playful side of the holiday. I love how Conley uses a monochromatic color scheme throughout the story with pops of orange throughout. Each scene is incredibly detailed which makes for an immersive reading experience even with the limited color palette. The spoops themselves are too cute for words and I loved how they created mischief and joy for Holly, the main character. This is a great, comfy spooktastic read that I highly recommend!
Final Verdict:
The Lost Sunday by Ileana Surducan (2025)
Nina lives in a dusty town, haunted by the six angry wolves of the week—Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Each day brings never-ending chores and drudgery. Legend speaks of a seventh day to rest—Sunday—but everybody knows an evil witch stole it and keeps it locked away. When Nina finally says enough is enough, she sets out on an ambitious quest for rest, but will she be able to vanquish the witch and bring back the lost Sunday?
This graphic novel is based upon a Brothers Grimm story called Frau Holle. I was not too familiar with the story’s original source material but I still enjoy every moment. Never did a story that reminded me and many others of the “Sunday Scaries” faced every week seem so whimsical and delightful. Told through Nina’s perspective, we empathize with her struggle of having no free time to rest and being a cog in the wheel (#adulting). It it through her packed daily schedule we see why it is so essential for her to need balance in her life which makes the reader reflect on their lives as well.
What awaits readers inside the pages of this graphic novel is a magical ride through vivid colored pages, and fun character deigns with zany landscapes. I thought the concept of the days of the week actually being living beings made the story feel unique. Though short in nature, the story leaves a lasting impression and reminds us all that we need to make rest a priority.
Final Verdict:
Goat Magic by Kate Wheeler (2025)
Trill, a spirited goat herder with a unique ability to communicate with her flock, yearns for a life beyond mountain pastures. Her “goat magic” feels common compared to the sorcery taught in the city’s prestigious magic schools, which are off-limits to her. Meanwhile, Princess Alya, known as the “Ordinary Princess” and heir to the kingdom of Capeya, doubts her own royal potential.
Their worlds collide when an assassination attempt on the queen leaves Alya cursed to transform into a black goat each sunrise. Seeking refuge in Trill’s goat herd, Alya discovers her new friend’s hidden talent is her only hope to break the spell. Together, they embark on a perilous journey back to the castle, facing treacherous foes and uncovering a web of betrayal and rebellion.
As Alya battles to reclaim her throne and restore order to Capeya, the girls discover a deep connection, their shared experiences forging an unbreakable bond. When Alya comes face to face with the ones who betrayed her, will she have what it takes to take back the crown and rule an unstable kingdom? Will Trill find confidence in her magic and the growing affection she has for her friend?
Goat Magic is a thrilling adventure that takes readers on a memorable journey in its narrative. Our two main characters, Trill and Alya, could not be more opposites especially considering their very different backgrounds. They come face-to-face with their prejudices about each other and grow into a team in order to find a cure for their curse and help to heal the rift in Capeya.
The world building felt very strong in this graphic novel and I could tell the care that Wheeler put not only in the main cast of characters, but also the kingdom itself. Reading the graphic novel is an immersive experience especially as readers traverse through the varying landscapes Alya and Trill come across. Usually I’m not a fan of goats but in this story I’ll make an exception as they have a lot of fun personality as much as the human characters. They truly are the GOAT! (I had to make at least one pun, right?!) Those that enjoy detailed fantasy narratives with want to pick up this story that has humor, heart, and a cute Queer love story.
Final Verdict:
What comics, graphic novels or manga have you read lately? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. If you have any recommendations, feel free to share those as well.
FTC Disclaimer: I received Goat Magic & The Lost Sunday from Oni Press and Spoops from TopShelf in exchange for a fair and honest review.
