A roundup of notable graphic novels and comics recently released showcases a wide range of themes and storytelling styles. Invitations by Jirô Taniguchi, published posthumously by Casterman, features two final stories: Quelque part, which follows Lafcadio Hearn, an Irish writer who fell in love with Japan, changed his name, and adopted Japanese nationality after marrying a Japanese woman; and Feux d’artifice, which depicts a mysterious encounter between a man and an elegant woman, followed by a dreamlike walk along a bay. The work, printed exactly as Taniguchi left it, delves into themes of time, memory, and the search for meaning. En Liberté by Mathieu Sapin, published by Charivari, offers a deep look into the French prison system through testimonies from both prisoners and staff. The author recounts a year spent with Dominique Simonnot, the general inspector of places of deprivation of liberty, and his own experience as a voluntary prisoner in a high-security cell. The graphic novel highlights the harsh realities of the system, including unsanitary conditions in the Lilas police station, where toilets are cleaned only once a month, and the cramped, cage-like cells used for young detainees in Marseille. 40 ans et toujours en 6e by Louison, published by Charivari, revisits the author’s early years at the prestigious Montaigne college and high school in Paris. The graphic novel contrasts past experiences with the present, shedding light on social inequalities among students in a wealthy district and the influence of technology and social media on youth culture. It offers a reflective look at how education and environment shape personal development. Beau comme tu changes by Joseph Kai, published by Casterman, follows Nour, a Lebanese artist living in Paris, as he navigates his identity, relationships, and artistic journey. The story explores themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges of being an artist in exile, capturing the emotional and cultural complexities of living between two worlds. Calvitie by Florence Dupré La Tour, published by Glénat, humorously explores the experience of a 27-year-old man dealing with hair loss and the impact it has on his life and self-confidence. The graphic novel uses a light-hearted approach to address the often-sensitive topic of aging and self-image. Nanban-Jin by Cyril Pedrosa and Taiyô Matsumoto, published by Dupuis, tells the story of a Portuguese sailor shipwrecked on a Japanese island from two perspectives. The graphic novel, with 500 pages, can be read in both Western and Japanese styles, with glossy and matte paper on each side. This innovative format allows readers to experience the story in different ways, reflecting the dual cultural influences of the narrative. Avec les mecs by Jules Magistry, published by Sarbacane, follows Blue, a 13-year-old boy navigating adolescence, friendship, and the discovery of sexuality in the early 2000s. The graphic novel explores themes of masculinity and the challenges of growing up in a changing social landscape. L'Odyssée tragique du MC Ruby by Philippe Broussard, Jean-David Morvan, and Jean-Denis Pendanx, published by Dupuis, recounts the tragic story of seven Ghanaian and one Cameroonian stowaways on the cargo ship MC Ruby in 1992. The graphic novel retraces the investigation into the incident, which led to the imprisonment of six crew members, and highlights the ongoing relevance of such tragic maritime crossings, reflecting on migration and human suffering.