Catalog / 2023 Releases

2023 Releases

Here's everything Top Shelf has planned for 2023 (subject to change) listed in order of release -- with a few highlights from 2022 as well! Do yourself a favor this year and try some things that you're not that familiar with. You won't be disappointed.

And click on the links for a quick look at the entire publishing schedule; our mature-reader perennials, and our all-ages perennials.

December 2022

Ballad for Sophie

Ballad for Sophie

by Filipe Melo and Juan Cavia

One of the American Library Association's Top 10 Best Graphic Novels for Adults!
Nominated for four Eisner Awards!
Nominated for two Harvey Awards!
Nominated for five Ringo Awards!
Nominated for the American Cartoonists Society Reuben Award (Graphic Novel Division)!

Watch Juan Cavia's cover …

$24.99 (US)

$12.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-498-6 - Diamond: MAY210433

Radical: My Year with a Socialist Senator

Radical: My Year with a Socialist Senator

by Sofia Warren

“What kind of politico embeds a cartoonist in her office for a year? Well, a remarkably savvy one, it turns out, and the payoff is Sofia Warren’s beautifully-rendered account of a rookie’s initiation into state politics: an exhilarating baptism of fire, and a sorely-needed love letter to the …

$24.99 (US)

$11.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-512-9 - Diamond: APR221606

 
Loved and Lost: A Relationship Trilogy

Loved and Lost: A Relationship Trilogy

by Jeffrey Brown

"An extremely impressive debut, full of all the things that make a story good — doomed relationships, embarrassing personal details, and the insatiable need to put it all down on paper." — Chris Ware, author of Jimmy Corrigan and Rusty Brown

"You can open to any page and find something …

$29.99 (US)

$14.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-506-8 - Diamond: JAN220465

Free Pass

Free Pass

by Julian Hanshaw

"Free Pass is an optimistic, clever and amusing look at where we are heading as a society. And Julian’s use of colour is gorgeous." — Chester Brown, author of Ed the Happy Clown, Paying for It, and Louis Riel

"Hanshaw has outdone himself with Free Pass. A futuristic sex fantasy that is as …

$19.99 (US)

$9.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-505-1 - Diamond: JAN220456

 
The Bend of Luck

The Bend of Luck

by Peter Hoey and Maria Hoey

✭ "The Bend of Luck is both a lyrical modern-day fable and a somber crime drama that turns on a touch of magic realism and the true, intricate twists of fate and chance that connect people to one another... never dull for an instant; lyrical, somber, but immensely satisfying." — Booklist …

$19.99 (US)

$9.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-509-9

Doughnuts and Doom

Doughnuts and Doom

by Balazs Lorinczi

“Sweet and sapphic in every way, Doughnuts and Doom is everything my gay, witchy, baked-good-loving heart could ever want.” — Sam Maggs, author of Tell No Tales: Pirates of the Southern Seas

"This fast-paced enemies-to-lovers romance, filled with magic, music, and pastries, is an upbeat …

$14.99 (US)

$8.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-513-6

 
Order of the Night Jay (Book One): The Forest Beckons

Order of the Night Jay (Book One): The Forest Beckons

by Jonathan Schnapp

“A fun camp adventure for those who adore talking & clothes-wearing animals!” —School Library Journal

“A detective-duo heist, a moving and cautionary tale of friendship & openness prevailing against prejudice, or a chilling campfire yarn... [Order of the Night Jay] somehow manages to be …

$14.99 (US)

$8.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-510-5

The Science of Surfing: A Surfside Girls Guide to the Ocean

The Science of Surfing: A Surfside Girls Guide to the Ocean

by Kim Dwinell

Soon to be an Apple TV+ series!

“This fun book contains lots of cool marine biology and oceanography tidbits for budding surfers… and future scientists! Surfing is an amazing way to enjoy the ocean, and the more you know, the better a guest you’ll be to the wonderful creatures that live …

$9.99 (US)

$5.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-494-8 - Diamond: MAR210453

 

January 2023

Edmund White’s A Boy’s Own Story: The Graphic Novel

Edmund White’s A Boy’s Own Story: The Graphic Novel

by Edmund White, Brian Alessandro, Michael Carroll, and Igor Karash
Edited by Ryan Runstadler

"A provocative coming-of-age story, adapted for a new generation of readers, offering further insight and emotional depth to a landmark work in the panoply of LGBTQ fiction. A true tribute to the original, and to Edmund White’s inimitable voice, on the 40th anniversary of his breakthrough …

$29.99 (US)

$12.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-508-2

Ashes

Ashes

by Álvaro Ortiz

Nominated for the 2023 Harvey Award for Best International Book!

"The first great graphic novel of 2023." — IGN

“Álvaro Ortiz mixes The Sopranos, The Wire, The Bridges of Madison County, Paul Auster and David Lynch in a blender, and instead of mint leaves he adds a pinch of his morbid …

$19.99 (US)

$9.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-517-4 - Diamond: OCT228162

 
Super Trash Clash

Super Trash Clash

by Edgar Camacho

"Mexican comic creator Edgar Camacho spins a fantastic story told in flashback…The effect is something like A Christmas Story, but for those elder Millennials and Gen Xers who argued in the schoolyards regarding the virtues of NES vs. Sega." —No Flying No Tights

"I highly recommend …

$14.99 (US)

$7.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-516-7

F.A.R.M. System

F.A.R.M. System

by Rich Koslowski

They’re super-strong, but are they powerful enough for the big leagues? If superheroes were real, they’d be a lot like pro athletes. But when supers start mysteriously dropping dead, all the agents and managers in the world may not be able to save them...

“Rich melds the business model of …

$19.99 (US)

$9.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-515-0

 

February 2023

Skull Cat (Book One): Skull Cat and the Curious Castle

Skull Cat (Book One): Skull Cat and the Curious Castle

by Norman Shurtliff

“A delightful blend of cute, creepy, and absurd. I’ve got a lot of time for Skull Cat!” —Cam Kendell, illustrator of Fart Quest

“Finally, the big epic adventure that every little cat deserves! Norman Shurtliff has a knack for world-building that is enviable.” —Jens K Styve, creator …

$14.99 (US)

$7.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-519-8 - Diamond: OCT221727

March (Trilogy Slipcase Set)

March (Trilogy Slipcase Set)

by Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell

Winner of the National Book Award

"March can help a new generation understand that the arc of the moral universe doesn't just bend toward justice; humans must struggle to bend it. To read Lewis's graphic memoir... is to be reminded that what so many have taken for granted in American life today …

$49.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-395-8 - Diamond: JUN16-0409

 
March: Book One

March: Book One

by Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell

Discover the phenomenal graphic novel memoir by US Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis!
Winner of the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award — Special Recognition
A #1 New York Times Bestseller
A #1 Washington Post Bestseller
A Coretta Scott King Honor Book
An ALA Notable Book
One of YALSA's …

$14.95 (US)

$9.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-300-2 - Diamond: JUN13-1298

March: Book Two

March: Book Two

by Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell

Don't miss the sequel to the #1 bestseller March: Book One!

New York Times Bestseller
One of YALSA's Great Graphic Novels for Teens
Winner of the Will Eisner Award
Winner of the Street Literature Book Award Medal
Winner of the Denver Independent Comic & Art Expo Award

"With March, …

$19.95 (US)

$12.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-400-9 - Diamond: NOV141657

 
March: Book Three

March: Book Three

by Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell

Top Shelf is honored to present a milestone of comics history: the stunning conclusion to the award-winning and best-selling MARCH trilogy.

A #1 New York Times Bestseller
Winner of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Book Award
Winner of the …

$19.99 (US)

$12.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-402-3 - Diamond: JUN160408

They Called Us Enemy

They Called Us Enemy

by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott, and Harmony Becker

A New York Times Bestseller!
An ALA Notable Children's Book for Older Readers!
Winner of the Will Eisner Award for Best Reality-Based Work!
Winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature!
Winner of the American Book Award!
Winner of the National Cartoonists Society …

$19.99 (US)

$9.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-450-4 - Diamond: MAR190630

 

March 2023

Glork Patrol (Book Three): Glork Patrol and the Magic Robot

Glork Patrol (Book Three): Glork Patrol and the Magic Robot

by James Kochalka

"Glork Patrol and the Magic Robot is the kind of comic I would have loved as a new reader. The artwork is colorful and expressive and the story is silly yet exciting. Small wonder that Kochalka has won an Eisner Award for his children’s books! Highly recommended for any parent with children who …

$9.99 (US)

$4.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-521-1 - Diamond: NOV221582

April 2023

Cosmic Cadets (Book One): Contact!

Cosmic Cadets (Book One): Contact!

by Mimi Alves and Ben Crane

"Cosmic Cadets is the perfect adventure for anyone who's dreamed of making first contact. Fun, fast-paced, and with a ton of heart." — Conor McCreery, author of The Last Witch

"Take the best of Star Trek (which I love) and mash it up with The Goonies (which I love), and you’ve got Cosmic …

$14.99 (US)

$7.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-520-4 - Diamond: DEC221456

June 2023

The Unpetables

The Unpetables

by Dennis Messner

"Hog wild hilarity." —Kirkus Reviews

"Pigmund and Lizárdo are flippin' awesome! They may be unpetable, but they're also UNSTOPPABLE! Bring on the next adventure!" — Rob Harrell, author of Wink, Batpig, Life of Zarf, and Monster on the Hill

“Take a wild ride with Dennis Messner’s The …

$9.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-523-5

Chester 5000 (Book 1)

Chester 5000 (Book 1)

by Jess Fink

Winner of the Ignatz Award for Outstanding Series!

"Liquid and elegantly stylized." — Alan Moore

"Sexy and charming. This is pornography with a heart." — Noel Murray, The A.V. Club

"Fink's storytelling is as likely to pluck on your heartstrings as get you all steamed up." — Graeme …

$19.99 (US)

$7.99 (US) DIGITAL

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-535-8

 
Cosmoknights (Book Two)

Cosmoknights (Book Two)

by Hannah Templer

"I was absolutely obsessed with the first volume and this second one took my breath away. The space gays are still rescuing princesses and fighting the patriarchy, but the characters grow so much in this volume. Their relationships deepen and we are reminded that found family is powerful. On top of …

$24.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-511-2 - Diamond: JUN228600

July 2023

The Second Fake Death of Eddie Campbell & The Fate of the Artist [FLIP HARDCOVER]

The Second Fake Death of Eddie Campbell & The Fate of the Artist [FLIP HARDCOVER]

by Eddie Campbell

“Through a collage of early 1900s–style illustrations, blunt political cartoons, subtle slice-of-life moments, gallows humor, and a surreal crime story, Campbell wrestles with his own existential crisis as he attempts to uncover the truth behind his apparent doppelgänger. It’s an indelible …

$29.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-524-2

August 2023

But You Have Friends

But You Have Friends

by Emilia McKenzie

One of NYPL's Best Comics of 2023!

“A tender graphic memoir about the loss of a close friend... thoughtful, loving, and honest.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“A scrapbook of vignettes, some brief and lighthearted, others longer and emotionally wrenching, that …

$14.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-527-3 - Diamond: MAR239302

Shelley Frankenstein! (Book One): CowPiggy

Shelley Frankenstein! (Book One): CowPiggy

by Colleen Madden

"Readers will enjoy watching Shelley in her destructive mode, but they will also enjoy seeing her evolve into a girl who learns important lessons about whether getting scared is really fun. The cute and colorful artwork is ­simply charming, with plenty of visual humor that will keep kids (and …

$14.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-522-8

 
Funny Things: A Comic Strip Biography of Charles M. Schulz

Funny Things: A Comic Strip Biography of Charles M. Schulz

by Luca Debus and Francesco Matteuzzi

“The human being — self-doubting, proud, committed and sometimes dark — who forged one of the most significant artistic creations of the 20th century comes through in these pages. By using the visual language of the Peanuts comic strip, Debus and Matteuzzi tap into our collective …

$39.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-526-6

September 2023

Lisa Cheese and Ghost Guitar (Book 1): Attack of the Snack

Lisa Cheese and Ghost Guitar (Book 1): Attack of the Snack

by Kevin Alvir

“Combining a vintage comics aesthetic with vibrant, saturated colors... this fun and chaotic comic evokes underground punk zines through its blend of anger, heart, and anti-corporate themes. Lisa’s self-doubt and journey to find her place and purpose will resonate, particularly with older teens …

$19.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-528-0 - Diamond: JUL231273

October 2023

What If We Were… (Book 2)

What If We Were… (Book 2)

by Axelle Lenoir

“A zany, surreal compilation that reframes and celebrates female friendship.” — Kirkus Reviews

Winner of the Bédélys Youth Québec Award!

Teen girls rewrite the universe every day… but now they’re going even further! Reunite with Nathalie and Marie — and their new friend/crush …

$14.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-530-3 - Diamond: AUG231463

November 2023

Transitions: A Mother’s Journey

Transitions: A Mother’s Journey

by Élodie Durand

Translated by Evan McGorray.

“Tackling a potentially controversial subject with intelligence and sympathy, Élodie Durand creates an informative, original, and deeply healing work.” —BDGest

“Through the character of Anne and the conflicted relationship between mother and …

$19.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-518-1 - Diamond: SEP231323

Rose Wolves (Book 1)

Rose Wolves (Book 1)

by Natalie Warner

“Warner’s sketchy illustrations, rendered using varying red hues, eloquently convey a story of love, friendship, and acceptance that is heartwarming and sweet.” — Publishers Weekly

This wordless two-color graphic novel is an enthralling fable about disability, companionship, and …

$14.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-531-0 - Diamond: AUG231462

 

December 2023

Johnny Boo (Book 14): Johnny Boo is Bored! Bored! Bored!

Johnny Boo (Book 14): Johnny Boo is Bored! Bored! Bored!

by James Kochalka

Even “the best little ghost in the world” gets bored sometimes! But in the award-winning Johnny Boo series, fun is never far away. For instance, check out this magic hammer…

Johnny Boo lets Squiggle borrow his magic hammer so Squiggle can work on a mysterious project, but that leaves …

$11.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-533-4 - Diamond: OCT231370

January 2024

You Wish (Book 1)

You Wish (Book 1)

by Jeff Victor

“A whimsical new twist on the genie legend! This book is gorgeous!” —Jeff Smith, creator of Bone

“Magical, charming, gorgeous, funny and heartfelt! Jeff Victor’s You Wish is the kind of graphic novel I wholeheartedly wish I had growing up. Aside from the glorious art, get …

$14.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-532-7 - Diamond: NOV231066

In Utero

In Utero

by Chris Gooch

“Coming-of-age meets cosmic horror; unforgettably striking, both visually and emotionally.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“In Utero is everything I love about comics. Gripping, heartfelt storytelling and wonderful characters set in a haunting sci-fi world. Chris Gooch might be …

$24.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-534-1 - Diamond: NOV231067

 

February 2024

Mary Tyler MooreHawk

Mary Tyler MooreHawk

by Dave Baker

“Mary Tyler MooreHawk is a uniquely immersive psychedelic odyssey, etched in energetic and detailed linework and bursting with surreal invention and mind-boggling concepts. Strap yourself in and take a deep breath.” —Bryan Talbot, creator of The Adventures of Luther Arkwright

“America …

$29.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-536-5 - Diamond: DEC231104

April 2024

In Perpetuity

In Perpetuity

by Maria Hoey and Peter Hoey

It’s a surreal smuggling operation across the boundaries of life and death in the latest moody mystery from award-winning graphic novelists Peter & Maria Hoey.

In perpetuity, the Afterlife is just as the ancient Greeks imagined: an endless twilight where time stands still and shades have …

$19.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-537-2

May 2024

Korgi: The Complete Tale

Korgi: The Complete Tale

by Christian Slade

The beloved wordless fantasy graphic novel is now collected in a single epic volume! Fall in love with the wondrous world of Korgi Hollow, packed with thrills, laughs, and exquisitely illustrated animal magic.

“An utterly charming fantasy world... Korgi is as intricately illustrated, rich, and …

$39.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-538-9

June 2024

Wolfpitch

Wolfpitch

by Balazs Lorinczi

Izzy’s a bass-playing werewolf. Geraldine’s the ghost of an amazing jazz pianist. Delilah’s the meanest drummer in town. They’d be the perfect trio to win the Battle of Bands...except Geraldine can't play a solo since she passed away, and Izzy and Delilah are at each other’s throats at …

$19.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-539-6

July 2024

Deja Ross Speaks to Freaks

Deja Ross Speaks to Freaks

by Lisa Naffziger

Deja Ross is a sixth-grade cryptozoologist… that means she LOVES monsters. On a long family road trip, she seizes the opportunity to search for legendary creatures at every stop, hoping to find proof of one with her new video camera. One night, Deja sneaks out of the RV and meets the Texas …

$19.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-540-2

Belzebubs (Vol 2): No Rest for the Wicked

Belzebubs (Vol 2): No Rest for the Wicked

by JP Ahonen

Hail Satan and help with your kid’s math homework! It’s the return of everyone’s favorite demon-summoning family next door, the cartoon black-metal band Belzebubs!

Sløth is juggling his stay-at-home dad obligations with his lifelong dream of being a black metal icon. His breadwinner wife, …

$19.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-542-6

 

August 2024

Jimmy’s Elbow

Jimmy’s Elbow

by James Kochalka

Jimmy is a very good boy. He even wears a tie! But when he bumps his elbow on a table, this very good boy starts feeling very bad. Did his elbow die? Was that just a dream? Or has Jimmy’s magic elbow come to life and unlocked his super powers? Well, no matter what, it’s time for Jimmy and his …

$14.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-541-9

Space Junk

Space Junk

by Julian Hanshaw

Faith has a metallic mystery bolted to her head. Hoshi keeps his rage in check with an emotional support chicken. On a dying world where most adults have already left and the remaining kids are training for their turn, these two are starting to wonder: what’s the point? Gradually, a cluster of …

$19.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-543-3

 

September 2024

Undergrowth

Undergrowth

by Daniele Aquilani and Ricky Lima

The world is being ravaged by four terrifying robotic monsters. One fateful night, four friends venture out to watch a meteor shower and come face to face with doom… only to find that their story is just beginning.

Returned to life by a mysterious natural power, these young adults are chosen …

$24.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-544-0

Surfside Girls (Book 4): The Clue in the Reef

Surfside Girls (Book 4): The Clue in the Reef

by Kim Dwinell

Splash into a new adventure with Sam & Jade in the graphic novel series that inspired the Apple TV+ show! Past and present collide with land and sea as the girls leave the mainland and strive to save the animals!

How did girls do anything dressed like this? Sam is cranky -- the Surfside Days …

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-529-7

 

November 2024

The Unpetables (Book 2): Unpetable in the City

The Unpetables (Book 2): Unpetable in the City

by Dennis Messner

Not long ago, a pot-bellied pig and an iguana declared independence from their petting zoo. And now Pigmund and Lizárdo have stepped off of a bus and into BIG CITY CITY! They are THE UNPETABLES – and, if you need a pet, you can hire them. That is, if you sign a pet contract that says: NO PETTING …

$9.99 (US)

Details

ISBN 978-1-60309-545-7