Steam

PW contributor Garrity (The Nefarious Nights of Willowweep Manor) takes on the matchmaking antics of Emma in this appealing graphic novel romance starring Ruby, a humanoid teen grown in a university laboratory. After breaking out of the lab, Ruby pretends to be a student and gets a job at a campus café. Now that her every move isn’t dictated by scientists, Ruby focuses her genius-level problem-solving skills on a new dilemma: guaranteeing the happiness of her human customers. Prompted by her coworker, Ruby plans a date between their boss and a professor, and when the pairing proves successful, Ruby develops a matchmaking program, intending to help every customer meet their perfect partner. Soon she finds herself growing closer to the café’s staff and regulars, and even developing romantic feelings of her own. But Ruby’s creator won’t let her go without a fight, and she’ll need assistance to free herself once and for all. Unique and expressive characters rendered in soft pastel hues by Holden set the tone for this warmhearted story, which lightly ruminates on themes of personhood and found family via an endearing and amiable protagonist. Ruby has pale skin and pink hair. Ages 14–up. (Feb.)