We Called Them Giants

Recently adopted Lori wakes up one summer morning to discover that most humans have disappeared without a trace. After months of scavenging for food and dodging the Dogs—a menacing local gang—with classmate Annette, Lori’s situation worsens when two giant humanoid aliens fall from the sky, with massive, voracious wolves appearing soon after. To get through the oncoming winter, the duo allies with elderly Beatrice, whose survival savvy counterbalances Annette’s over-trusting optimism—but not enough to prevent Annette’s abduction by the Red Giant, nor her own kidnapping weeks later. Alone again, Lori is surprised when an unlikely protector saves her life, inspiring in Lori a new belief in the power of compassion freely given. Previous collaborators Gillen and Hans (Die) reunite to deliver a gripping but underexplored dystopian graphic novel. Though the breakneck pace is sometimes overwhelming, first-person focused vignettes arranged in dynamic composition and rendered in electric color palettes drive this propulsive adventure about grief and trust. Back matter includes character designs; most figures are depicted with pale skin save Annette, who has tan skin. Ages 14–up. (Nov.)