Punk Rock Karaoke

With verve seemingly summoned straight from a vintage dive, Xunise tells an electrifying tale of passion and the pursuit of punk dreams in this graphic novel debut. Band Baby Hares’ lead singer Ariel Grace Jones—who sports dynamic green curls and a septum piercing—and their friends, bassist Michele and drummer Gael, are determined to make it big in the music industry and escape the limits of Chicago’s South Side. But lately, post-graduation realities and tensions have cast a shadow over their aspirations, prompting Ariel to question the viability of their dreams. Just when Baby Hares comes close to hanging up the drumstick, a local punk luminary steps in to provide a final glimmer of hope. Utilizing a gripping narrative, relatable situations, and evocative artwork with an aesthetic that oozes with late-1970s zine flair, Xunise imbues this comic with a fervent exuberance that embodies the ethos of punk: being real and true to oneself, building community around unfettered self-expression, and creating lasting art that doesn’t subscribe to the mainstream. In doing so, each panel incorporates the robustness of punk’s endless energy, creating a singular and resonant visual experience that will transport readers to a world that challenges the ordinary. Ages 14–up. (Apr.)