20 - Summer Reading!

This episode, Betty and Alex discuss their most hyped upcoming book releases during Fall and Winter 2026.Next time: SLICE!Media Mentioned:Local LoveDiana by Nate PowellFall Through by Nate PowellCome Again by Nate PowellSong for Medusa by Grace Desmarais (available November 10th)Fort Psycho Vol. 1 by Matt Kindt and Brian Hurtt (available December 15th)Anticipated PicksSassy Cats by Yamada MurasakiGaro (magazine)Talk to My Back by Yamada MurasakiSecond Hand Love by Yamada MurasakiThe Gentleman, the Cat, & the Tea Room by Molico RossNekojiro Udon by Chiyomi Hashiguchi (available January 19th)Snapdragon by Kat LeyhSpoke by Kat LeyhLumberjanes by various creators, including Kat LeyhThirsty Mermaids by Kat LeyhThe Weapon is Hungry by Bartosz Sztybor, Alessio Fioriniello, and Jonathan Amarillo (available December 1st)Juuji and Aichi by codomopaper (available November 24th)Comet Club by Yi YangThe Jellyfish King by Brecht EvansThe Jellyfish by BoumThe Wrong Place by Brecht EvansHonorable MentionsTerrarium in a Drawer by Ryoko Kui (available November 24th)Delicious in Dungeon by Ryoko KuiThirty: A Guide to Embracing the Wonderfully Messy Decade by Ariella Elovic (available December 1st)Cheeky: A Head-to-Toe Memoir by Ariella ElovicDig and Drift by Delphine Panique (available January 12th)Juuji and Aichi by codomopaper (available November 24th)I Can’t Stop Thinking About Horses and Sex by Lisa HanawaltContinuing SeriesWitch Hat Atelier Vol. 15 by Kamome Shirahama (available December 8th)Witch Hat Atelier Vol. 16 by Kamome Shirahama (available June 2027)Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 3: Season of the Witch by Kelly Thompson and Hayden ShermanLove Bullet Vol. 2 by ineeWhat We’re ReadingDiana by Nate PowellThe Golden Compass by Philip PullmanPiranesi by Susanna ClarkeRoyal Assassin (The Farseer Trilogy) by Robin HobTwilight (film series)Once Upon A Time (TV show)Verity (film and novel by Colleen Hoover)The Hobbit by J. R. R. TolkeinRaise the Bar by Fernanda Frick H.Rocketship-Grawlicks SandwichHalloweentown (film)Hocus Pocus (film)

Betty and Alex are back to chat about their most recent con visit: Small Press Expo! Books, buds, and Bethesda--let's rock.SPX (Sep 2026) Media & People Mentioned:Biggest Starstruck MomentTradd MooreDoctor Strange: Fall Sunrise by Tradd Moore When I Am Alone by Tradd Moore and “Katie” (Creepshow Vol. 4 #5, Image Comics)Silver Surfer: Black by Donny Cates and Tradd MooreLisa Hanawalt BoJack Horseman (TV Series)Tuca & Bertie (TV Series)Coyote Doggirl by Lisa HanawaltI Can’t Stop Thinking About Horses and Sex by Lisa Hanawalt (available October 20th)Julia WertzKate BeatonSarah GliddenDemetri Martin (comedian)Biggest SurpriseBen PassmoreNegativity Interlude #1Testament by J. Marshall SmithThe Ephemerata: Shaping the Exquisite Nature of Grief by Carol TylerCamraderieWhisper of the Heart (Studio Ghibli film)Witch Hat Atelier (anime)Best PurchasesTarot Set by A ee miKatamari Damacy (Video Game Franchise)Pokey by Grayson BearNancy by Caroline CashErnie BushmillerHazel #1 & 2 by Lucy Kagan and Cottonbook PressKnapsack Magazine Vol. 1: Cassette by Lucky Pocket PressKnapsack Magazine Vol. 2: Butter by Lucky Pocket PressSara HagstromSteph BulanteApril MaligInspirational/Motivating MomentsChick tracts by Jack Chick and Chick PublicationsCarol TylerLee LaiMichael DeForgeBest Overall MomentHazel NewlevantMar JuliaSunmiDan NottMili St. JohnJared SarnieThe Machine is Broken by Jared SarnieSanika PhawdeWedding Juice and Other Melodramas by Sanika PhawdeAnd Up, They Sprung by Mili St. JohnGarden of Spheres by Linnea SterteDaryl SeitchikRobin HaAlmost American Girl by Robin HaThe Fox Maidens by Robin HaCook Korean! By Robin HaInstant Noodles and Beyond by Robin HaBen PassmoreBlack Arms to Hold You Up by Ben PassmoreGemma CorrellNicole GouxDave BakerHalloween Boy Vol. 1 by Dave BakerHonorable MentionsThe Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin HobbWhat We’re ReadingThe Secret History by Donna TarttMilk White Steed by Michael D. KennedyThe Golden Compass by Philip PullmanI Can’t Stop Thinking About Horses and Sex by Lisa Hanawalt (available October 20th)Moomin (Book 1) by Tove JanssonThe Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin HobbRocketship-Grawlix SandwichHalloweentown (film)Hocus Pocus (film)A Tribute to JenniferRelish by Lucy KnisleyJudy Blume

Betty and Alex dig into all things Summer Reading--best genres, reading challenges, and their own seasonal reading philosophies. Plus, of course, lots of book recs. Media Mentioned:Summer Reading MemoriesHarry Potter series by She Who Must Not Be NamedLife of Pi by Yann MartelWuthering Heights by Emily BrontëTwilight series by Stephenie MeyerThe Magicians trilogy by Lev GrossmanFavorite Summer ReadsAll Princesses Die Before Dawn by Quentin ZuttionThe Neapolitan Quartet by Elena FerranteWhat Makes a Great Summer Comic Read?Maison Ikkoku by Rumiko TakahashiHirayasumi by Keigo ShinzoRare Flavours by Ram V and Filipe AndradeThis One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian TamakiThe Lord of the Rings series by J. R. R. TolkienThe Hobbit by J. R. R. TolkienDracula by Bram StokerCat Companions: Maruru and Hachi by Yuri SonodaJohn Grisham booksWise Blood by Flannery O’ConnorBeloved by Toni MorrisonHarrow County by Cullen Bunn and Tyler CrookMedalist by TsurumaikadaDogsred by Satoru NodaNancy for All Seasons by Ernie BushmillerThe Apothecary Diaries by Hyūganatsu, Itsuki Nanao, and NekokurageThe Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides Beach ReadsBeach Read by Emily HenryMoomin series by Tove JanssonLore Olympus by Rachel SmytheEverything in Color by Stephanie StalveyAbsolute Batman Vol. 2: Abomination by Scott Snyder and Nick DragottaLove Bullet by ineeNeighborhood Story by Ai YazawaFlash Point by Imai ArataFrieren: Beyond Journey’s End by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe Delicious in Dungeon by Ryoko KuiBL Metamorphosis by Kaori TsurutaniSummer Reading ChallengesJersey ShoreHoly Lacrimony by Michael DeForgeAll the Cameras in My Room by Michael DeForgeLove Bullet by ineeCat Companions: Maruru and Hachi Vol. 6 by Yuri SonodaAbsolute Wonder Woman Vol. 2 by Kelly Thompson and Hayden ShermanSupergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis EvelyLittle Women by Louisa May AlcottIdentical by Leah Hayes (avail. September 15)Birdseye Bristoe by Dan ZettwochNancy Wears Hats by Ernie BushmillerMasks by Margaret Rae, Brian Nathanson, and Beck KubrickPastimes by Pascal GirardWitch Hat Atelier by Kamome ShirahamaWhat We’re ReadingLittle Women by Louisa May AlcottNancy Wears Hats by Ernie BushmillerCharity and Sylvia by Tillie WaldenThe Odyssey by Homer (Emily Wilson translation)The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Homer and Gareth HindsThe Apothecary Diaries by Hyūganatsu, Itsuki Nanao, and NekokurageAnd the Strange and Funky Happenings One Day by Natsujikei MiyazakiStages of Rot by Linnea SterteSuperman vs. Meshi by Satoshi Miyagawa and Kai KitagoLove Bullet by ineeThe Sandwich and Next TimeMrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

Forgive us for the hiatus! We're back, better than ever, and chatting about our recent trip to the Toronto Comics Arts Festival. New books, new friends, and a new city, all in one visit--how lucky are we?!Media MentionedExpectationsToronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF)St. Louis Independent Comics Expo (SLICE)J. Marshall Smith (aka Jonathan)Sarah BecanMeggie RammKat SchneiderSomeday Perfect by Kat SchneiderBiggest Starstruck MomentAll the Cameras in My Room by Michael DeForgeLee LaiTillie WaldenCharity and Sylvia by Tillie WaldenAdam de SouzaBiggest SurprisePascal GirardPastimes by Pascal GirardRebecca and Lucie in the Case of the Missing Neighbor by Pascal GirardGlacier Bay BooksCookie PunoBiggest ObstacleThe Lack Of: Jeff Lemire, Ben Clanton, PEOW2Best PurchaseFlash Point by Imai ArataThe New Girl by Cassandra CalinBug Scouts by Mike Lowery (Betty accidentally said Bug Boys- also a great series by Laura Knetzger!)Batcat by Meggie RammPace of Play by Vincent LauMost Invigorating/Inspiring MomentCannon by Lee LaiCharity and Sylvia by Tillie WaldenStone Fruit by Lee LaiAnd the Strange and Funky Happenings One Day by Natsujikei MiyazakiAkari by Marco KohinataBest Overall MomentTwilightJ. Marshall SmithPeggy, Francine, and Tom of Drawn & QuarterlySomeday Perfect by Kat SchneiderAdditional ShoutoutsThe New Girl by Cassandra CalinThe Confessional by Paige HenderLindsey Cheng Dates a White Boy!!! by Asia MillerAmi Moon and the Galactic Peacekeepers by Frances LeeThe Gulf by Adam DeSouzaBelle of the Ball by Mari CostaAvery and the Fairy Circle by Rowan KingsburyThe Woodchipper by Joe OllmannMeggie RammSarah BecanLiz from Street Noise BooksGina from Avery Hill PublishingAlexander from Fieldmouse PressFaith Erin HicksThe FutureZach from Bulgilhan PressWhat We’re ReadingButter by Asako YuzukiKitchen Confidential by Anthony BourdainAbsolute Green Arrow #1 by Pornsak Pichetshote and Rafael AlbuquerqueNot Ready for Real Life by Ding Pao-YenThe Odyssey by Homer (2017 Emily Wilson translation)The Odyssey (2026 film)Pastimes by Pascal GirardCharity and Sylvia by Tillie WaldenThe SandwichComics UniversitySteenzLou Beishir

This episode, Betty and Alex chat about zines, from their history to making them, with a few recs along the way. Next time: Absolutes #2! Media Mentioned:Listener FeedbackThe Machine is Broken by Jared Sarnie (avail. May 26th)Introduction to ZinesStolen Sharpie Revolution: a DIY Resource for Zines and Zine Culture by Alex WrekkMake a Zine!: Start Your Own Underground Publishing Revolution by Joe BielBetty’s Books Community Zine Vol. 5: Dig In! (avail. May 2nd)Common Sense by Thomas PaineHistory of ZinesFire!! A Quarterly Devoted to the Younger Negro Artistshttps://www.blackmodernism.com/mags.htmlThe Comet by the Science Correspondence ClubVice Versa by Lisa BenONE Magazine by One, Inc.Forgotten Pages: Black Literary Magazines in the 1920s by Abby Ann Arthur Johnson and Ronald M. JohnsonScience Fiction Fandom by Joseph L. Sanders“The Reign of the Superman” from Science Fiction: The Advance Guard of Future Civilization #3 by Jerry Siegel and Joe ShusterAction Comics #1Personal Experience with Zines“Dada Little Magazines – A Precursor to Zines” by Robyn Chapman for The Schulz Library BlogA Pocket Guide to Natal Astrology: Birth Chart Basics by Maia SkyNontoxic Housecleaning by Raleigh BriggsHow to Organize Inclusive Events and Conferences by Dr. Alex D. KetchumRecharge, Process, Connect: An After-Abortion Care Guide by Ashley Hartman AnnisIs it Hot in Here? An Introduction to Perimenopause by Ashley Hartman AnnisAdditional zines by Ashley Hartman AnnisRec Room: Recipes and Memories by Sara HagstromLatin Cherokee: A Delicious Walking Tour by Cleonique HilsacaMini Sketchbook Companion by Cleonique HilsacaSurvivor (TV Series)The BBs Zine SectionAlbo! By Kruttika SusarlaDan ZettwochShreyas R. KrishnanSophia Malone and Melon PressHow to Report ICE and Help Keep Our Neighbors Safe: St. Louis Metro Area Edition by Megan PiontkowskiAlain McAlisterWhat We’re ReadingBreasts and Eggs by Meiko KawakamiAbsolute Batman Vol. 2: Abomination by Scott Snyder and Nick DragottaAll the Cameras in My Room by Michael DeForgeFrieren: Beyond Journey’s End by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa AbeStar Wars: Jedi Academy by Jeffrey BrownChi’s Sweet France by Konami Kanata and Catherine BouvierA Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le GuinNext EpisodeAbsolute Flash Vol. 1: Of Two Worlds by Jeff Lemire and Nick RoblesAbsolute Martian Manhunter Vol. 1: Martian Vision by Deniz Camp and Javier RodríguezAbsolute Green Lantern Vol. 1: Without Fear by Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay

This episode, Betty and Alex discuss their most anticipated releases dropping in the Spring and early Summer. Next time: Zines!Media Mentioned:Listener SubmissionsSomeday Perfect by Kat Schneider (available April 21)Martyr Loser King by Saul Williams and Morgan Sorne (available April 28)Mary Pain by Lola Lorente (English version available May 12)Upcoming BooksThe Court Charade by Flore Vesco and Kerascoët (available March 31)Charity and Sylvia by Tillie Walden (available June 16)Batman: Dark Patterns by Dan Watters and Hayden Sherman (available March 31)Cocoon by Machiko Kyō (available June 16)Closing Act by Chris W. Kim (available April 28)Lovers of the Empire by Yudori (available June 23)Honorable MentionsOur Sunny Days Vol. 1 by Jeong SeokchanThe Vanishing Man by J. Marshall Smith and Katherine Lam (available soon)Punk’n Heads by Dave Baker and Nicole Goux (available April 7)Fish and Water by Gengoroh Tagame (available June 23)Magica by Yuzuko HoshimiDelay: A Comics Anthology edited by Charis Loke and Paolo Chikiamco (available April 28)I’m No Angel Vol. 1 by Ai Yazawa (available June 2)Ongoing SeriesCat Companions Maruru and Hachi Vol. 6 by Yuri Sonoda (available April 28)Let’s Make Cocktails! By Sarah Becan (available April 7)Witch Hat Atelier Vol. 14 by Kamome ShirahamaHirayasumi Vol. 9 by Keigo Shinso (available May 19)Other Books MentionedBeauty by Hubert and KerascoëtBeautiful Darkness by Fabien Vehlmann and KerascoëtWashington’s Gay General by Josh Trujillo and Levi HastingsDo Admit: The Mitford Sisters and Me by Mimi PondAbsolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson and Hayden ShermanThe New York Trilogy by Paul AusterRaging Clouds by YudoriForest Hills Bootleg Society by Dave Baker and Nicole GouxMy Brother’s Husband by Gengoroh TagameWitch Hat Atelier by Kamome ShirahamaLet’s Make Ramen! By Hugh Amano and Sarah BecanLet’s Make Bread! By Ken Forkish and Sarah BecanLet’s Make Dumplings! By Hugh Amano and Sarah BecanWhat We’re ReadingMrs Dalloway by Virginia WoolfWuthering Heights by Emily BrontëWuthering Heights (2026 film)To the Lighthouse by Virginia WoolfBatman and Robin: Year One by Mark Waid and Chris SamneeBlack Arms to Hold You Up: A History of Black Resistance by Ben PassmoreFanfiction (unspecified)Rocketship-Grawlicks SandwichARIRANG by BTS

This month, Betty and Alex discuss the first three installments in DC's smash-hit Absolute series: Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman! Our dynamic duo will be covering the subsequent three releases in a later episode.Next time: Spring Hype!Media Mentioned:IntroductionAbsolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo by Scott Snyder and Nick DragottaAbsolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Last Amazon by Kelly Thompson and Hayden ShermanAbsolute Superman Vol. 1: Last Dust of Krypton by Jason Aaron and Rafa SandovalBackgrounds with DCJustice League (TV Series)Justice League UnlimitedTeen Titans (TV Series)Young Justice (TV Series)The Dark Knight trilogy (films)Nightwing: Leaping Into the Light by Tom Taylor and Bruno RedondoBatman: Year One by Frank Miller and David MazzucchelliYoung Justice (1998 comic book run)Batman & Robin: Year One by Mark Waid and Chris SamneeBatman: Under the Hood by Judd Winick and Doug MahnkeSuper Friends (TV Series)Superman for All Seasons by Jeff Loeb and Tim SaleAbout the AUDC All-In Special by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Wes Craig, and Daniel SampereAbsolute Flash Vol. 1: Of Two Worlds by Jeff Lemire and Nick RoblesAbsolute Martian Manhunter Vol. 1: Martian Vision by Deniz Camp and Javier RodríguezAbsolute Green Lantern Vol. 1: Without Fear by Al Ewing and Jahnoy LindsaySuperman (2025 Film)FavoritesAbsolute Wonder Woman Vol. 2: As My Mothers Made Me by Kelly Thompson and Hayden ShermanAbsolute Superman Vol. 2: Last Dust of Krypton by Jason Aaron and Rafa SandovalUpcoming AUAbsolute Green Arrow by Pornsak Pichetshote and Rafael Albuquerque (TBR)Absolute Catwoman by Scott Snyder, Che Grayson, and Bengal (TBR)Currently ReadingGinseng Roots by Craig ThompsonFrieren: Beyond Journey’s End by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe (editor’s note: it’s pronounced FREE-ren :) )Wuthering Heights by Emily BrontëYoung Justice (1998 comic book run)Beloved by Toni MorrisonThe SandwichMrs Dalloway by Virginia WoolfNatalie Andrewson’s risograph printsTestament by J. Marshall SmithValentine’s Zine by Betty Bayer :)

Betty and Alex dig into their faves of 2025, and their reading resolutions for 2026! Media Mentioned: TrackingStorygraphReading ListNon-ComicsThe Lord of the Rings series by J. R. R. Tolkein Mistborn by Brandon SandersonElena Ferrante’s Neapolitan QuartetWolf Hall by Hilary MantelCutest of the YearCat Companions Maruru and Hachi by Yuri SonodaChi’s Sweet Home by Konami Kanata Cat & Cat Adventures by Susie YiFavorite Indie/Small Press TitleTestament by J. Marshall SmithPushing Buttons! A Futuristic Workplace Kerfuffle by Ursula BlixFavorite Kids ComicMiss Cat series by Jean-Luc Fromental and Joëlle Jolivet Magda, Intergalactic Chef Volume 1: The Big Tournament by Nicolas Wouters and Mathilde van GheluweCreaky Acres by Calista Brill and Nilah MagruderFavorite Book Club ReadCannon by Lee LaiStone Fruit by Lee LaiUzumaki by Junji ItoFavorite YA BookFlip by Ngozi UkazuAll Princesses Die Before Dawn by Quentin ZuttionFavorite New Manga SeriesMedalist by TsurumaikadaWitch Hat Atelier by Kamome ShirahamaPing Pong by Taiyo MatsumotoMy Love Mix-Up! by Wataru Hinekure and ArukoHirayasumi by Keigo ShinzoMaison Ikkoku by Rumiko TakahashiFavorite Marvel/DC and Trade ComicsAbsolute Superman by Jason Aaron and Rafa SandovalAbsolute Batman by Scott Snyder and Nick DragottaAbsolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson and Hayden ShermanAbsolute Martian Manhunter by Deniz Camp and Javier RodríguezAbsolute Green Lantern by Al Ewing and Jahnoy LindsayAbsolute Flash by Jeff Lemire and Nick RoblesMinor Arcana by Jeff LemireRobin & Batman: Jason Todd by Jeff Lemire and Dustin NguyenFavorite OverallThe Corus Wave by Karenza SparksDo Admit: The Mitford Sisters and Me by Mimi Pond Biggest SurpriseRaging Clouds by YudoriYear-End ListsPeow Studio PublishingGosh! ComicsFarewell, Daisy: Jun Mayuzuki Story Collection by Jun MayuzukiFeeding Ghosts by Tessa HullsMaus by Art SpiegelmanWish We’d ReadFeeding Ghosts by Tessa HullsBlack Arms to Hold You Up: A History of Black Resistance by Ben PassmoreThe One and Future Riot by Joe SaccoPalestine by Joe SaccoSafe Area Goražde: The War in Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995 by Joe SaccoGinseng Roots by Craig ThompsonStop!! Hibari-kun! by Hisashi EguchiMore Weight: A Salem Story by Ben WickeyDrome by Jesse LonerganCurrently ReadingDo Admit: The Mitford Sisters and Me by Mimi Pond Absolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson and Hayden ShermanNeighborhood Story #4 by Ai YazawaTestament by J. Marshall SmithWuthering Heights by Emily BrontëThe Will of the Many by James IslingtonRocket Ship-Grawlix SandwichMoomin by Tove JanssonThe Lord of the Rings film seriesNext Time:DC’s Absolute series

Betty and Alex dig into their anticipated releases coming out this Fall! Some have dropped already, and some are yet to come, but either way, our girls can't wait to read them.Intro & outro music by Cullen Curth.Media Mentioned:THE CORUS WAVE by Karenza Sparks FLIP by Ngozi UkazuANGELICA AND THE BEAR PRINCE by Trung Le NguyenDO ADMIT: THE MITFORD SISTERS AND ME by Mimi PondBLACK ARMS TO HOLD YOU UP: A HISTORY OF BLACK RESISTANCE by Ben PassmoreWITCHCRAFT by Sole OteroLOVE BULLET, VOL. 1 by ineeSMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES by Anaïs FlognyROBIN & BATMAN: JASON TODD by Jeff Lemire & Dustin NguyenART OF WITCH HAT ATELIER by Kamome ShirahamaART OF RUMIKO TAKAHASHI: COLORS 1978-2024 by Rumiko TakahashiABSOLUTE FLASH: VOL. 1 by Jeff Lemire; art by Nick RoblesABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER VOL. 1: MARTIAN VISION by Deniz Camp & Javier Rodriguez ABSOLUTE GREEN LANTERN VOL. 1: WITHOUT FEAR by Al Ewing & Jahnoy LindsayABSOLUTE SUPERMAN VOL. 1: LAST DUST OF KRYPTONABSOLUTE BATMAN VOL. 1: THE ZOOABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN VOL. 1: THE LAST AMAZON DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY THEORY VOL. 1 by Mayo TsurukameWET SAND VOL. 2 by DoyakFAIRY CAT VOL. 2 by Hisa TakanoCAT COMPANIONS VOL. 5 by Yuri SonodaMORE WEIGHT: A SALEM STORY by Ben WickeyPHYSICS FOR CATS by Tom Gauld

Betty and Alex sit down to chat about SPORTS MANGA!! From their own history with sports, to what really defines the genre of "sports manga," to their faves, B&A get into it all. Intro & outro music by Cullen Curth.Media Mentioned:MEDALIST by TsurumaikadaSLAM DUNK Takehiko InoueREAL Takehiko InoueHAIKYU!! By Haruichi FurudateBLUE LOCK by Muneyuki KaneshiroSHORT GAME by Mitsuru AdachiTHE CLIMBER by Jirō Nitta & Shin-ichi SakamotoTHE PRINCE OF TENNIS by Takeshi KonomiPING PONG by Taiyou MatsumotoSAYONARA FOOTBALL by Naoshi ArakawaBLUE BOX by Kouji MiuraTHOSE WHO LEAVE AND THOSE WHO STAY by Elena FerranteCAT COMPANIONS MARURU AND HACHI by Yuri SonodaTHE TWO TOWERS by J.R.R. Tolkien