From a single line of Greek myth, acclaimed creator Felicia Day builds the story of Philonoe, The Lost Daughter of Sparta—cursed and loved by the gods themselves.
As the story opens, we meet young Philonoe, who was born with a marked face that those around her perceived as a curse, so she was raised in the wilderness. Then the day arrives when she is summoned to return home to her parents, the king and queen of Sparta. But this is not the happy reunion Philonoe has longed for. Her family does not welcome her with embraces. She is soon to be married to a harsh prince in pursuit of an alliance. Most of all—she learns that their family bears a curse, that she and her sisters are each doomed to betray their husbands. Fresh off war in Troy, fought over Philonoe’s sister Helen, the burden not to further disgrace their family looms large.
It is for this reason that Philonoe seeks out the goddess Aphrodite, who first laid this curse on the family. Begging for a chance to undo the curse and prove herself worthy to a world that has rejected her, Philonoe sets out to complete three challenges issued by the goddess. If she can do this, perhaps she can rewrite fate in a way her sisters never did. On this journey, Philonoe finds herself accompanied by and at odds with the goddess Artemis, who has her own reasons for involving herself in Philonoe’s quest. With her family searching for her, monsters and danger ahead, and the gods themselves watching to see what Philonoe will achieve, this quest for belonging will soon become a great deal more, and perhaps reshape Philonoe’s place in the world forever.
From Gallery Books, the author’s note explains how writer Felicia Day saw a passing reference to Philonoe and decided to dig deeper into the history of this little-known figure. Though little remains known about Philonoe’s original place in myth, Day writes that the story which grew from that initial discovery became one that was immensely personal, but also in line with many other modern interpretations and reinterpretations of women in Greek myth through fresh eyes. Indeed, the themes of the story are laid out plainly, but never so much that they overshadow the personal story beneath. As Philonoe navigates a patriarchal society that sees women as pawns or prey, this coming of age tale explores what it means to survive, to belong, to endure, and to choose—even when external forces would deny this agency. Day brings a clear appreciation for quest narratives to her debut graphic novel, echoing familiar tales such as Hercules alongside references to other recognizable Greek figures. Doing this slots Philonoe nicely into the broader cannon of Greek mythological retellings. At the same time, in Day’s accomplished hands, Philonoe balances naiveite, earnestness, and fire as she faces a confusing world head on in her quest to find herself and her own belonging. As small and personal as this story is in some ways, Day balances classical character against themes that feel immensely relevant, filling the book with messy fierceness and tenderness that, together, feel both timely and necessary.
Day’s writing is accompanied by art from Rowan MacColl. Almost entirely in black and white, with heavy line work and a recurring use of the color red, MacColl’s art achieves complexity without overwhelming. It feels intimate and emotive at all the right moments, maintaining the seriousness due to the subject matter without ever abandoning the wonder and fantasy of the broader story. Gods walk among humans, nations make peace and war, and through it all, MacColl brings the often familiar realms of Greek heroes to life in a way that is immediately recognizable to a familiar audience, but which retains its own distinct charm and character as readers meet Philonoe for what is likely the first time.
Given the subject matter of oppression and patriarchy—along with generalized themes of sexual violence and coercion often present in Greek myth—the book is better suited to older teen readers and adults. However, the focus of the book is clearly on Philonoe and her journey rather than lingering in trauma. Past harms are never overlooked, but neither are they lingered on. There is never any explicit detail of such assaults and any on-page violence is brief and non-graphic. With no profanity and only brief non-detailed and non-sexual nudity, the maturity of the book comes almost exclusively from themes and general subject matter, rather than any specific depictions within. It’s a good choice on the part of the creators, acknowledging realities that are fundamental to the story, but keeping the overall book accessible to a wider audience. Awareness of trauma informs the story, but does not overshadow the more immediate events and characters. By finding moments of beauty and growth rather than harm, Day and MacColl deliver a sweeping adventure, an intimate tale of growing up, and a magical world of myth and legend that nevertheless has a great deal to say about where we are today.
For readers who enjoy mythological stories, especially titles like Lore Olympus—as well as feminist and queer-friendly reimaginings of classical figures—The Lost Daughter of Sparta should offer plenty to enjoy, bringing a forgotten figure from the past boldly to life–and I expect modern audiences will be better off for having met her.
The Lost Daughter of Sparta By Felicia Day Art by Rowan MacColl Gallery Books, 2026 ISBN: 9781668010723
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+), Older Teen (16-18)
Joanna Tan is a special kind of freelance agent. She is not a killer or a thief. She is one of a kind.
Known as Gun Honey, Joanna Tan is an expert in infiltration and smuggling. Specifically, she’s a gun runner, but also a specialist. If you’re an assassin and you need the right weapon for the right job, Joanna is the one who gets it for you and delivers it where it needs to be. No matter how impossible.
Over the course of her career, Joanna has smuggled a taser into the Vatican and a pistol onto a private yacht while wearing nothing but a bikini and a smile. Unfortunately, one of Joanna’s latest jobs had unintended consequences. The last gun she delivered led to a prison riot and a bombing, killing dozens of innocents. Now, recruited by the US government and partnered with FBI agent Brook Barrow, Gun Honey must track the man responsible or go to prison herself.
Joanna is a typical tough girl hero. She doesn’t get much definition outside of her work, apart from owning a cat. Despite this, she is likeable and sympathetic, despite her criminal background and self-serving attitude.
Gun Honey Vol. 1 is as neat a thriller as one would expect from Charles Ardai. His premiere novel, Little Girl Lost, was nominated for both the Shamus Award and the Edgar Allan Poe Award. His second novel, Songs of Innocence, won the Shamus Award. He’s also won the Edgar and Ellery Queen awards for his work on his Hard Case Crime imprint. It is no surprise he can write a good mystery, but it is something of a surprise he’s also a solid comic writer.
The artwork by Malaysian artist Ang Hor Kheng is as impressive as the writing . Kheng is an up-and-coming artist, but they showcase their skills throughout this first volume. The action sequences are all well blocked, with vivid detail. The effect is reminiscent of Mike Grell’s work on Warlord and Jon Sable: Freelance. Kheng does a fantastic job of highlighting the musculature of his characters. Unusually, he also depicts a variety of body types. Not all of the women have the same cookie-cutter perfect body and same face. Every characters looks distinctive and there is no chance of confusing the characters, even in the middle of a crowd shot.
Gun Honey is rated 17+ by Titan Comics. I believe that to be a fair assessment. There is a copious amount of violence, with several people being shot including being shot in the head. There are multiple bombings and the villain of this first volume is covered with scar tissue from multiple burns, which is vividly illustrated and appropriately disturbing. The most likely sticking point, however, is there is a lot of nudity and sexuality. Joanna is very free with her body and Is shown seducing a female prison guard in order to steal her ID. She also strips down completely to hide in a women’s spa, were she and several other women are pictured in detailed full-frontal nudity.
Gun Honey Vol. 1 By Charles Ardai Art by Ang Hor Kheng Titan, 2022 ISBN: 9781782763468
Publisher Age Rating: 17+
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+) Creator Representation: Malaysian, Character Representation: Singaporean, Bisexual,
A workaholic god of the Underworld pining for a lively, but sheltered earth goddess—it’s a tale as old as time. In this retelling of the classic Greek myth, Hades and Persephone’s mutual crush has been two centuries in the making, though there hasn’t been much headway. However, following a pep talk from Zeus, and a bit of emboldening liquor, Hades is determined to confess his feelings for her at last. Meanwhile, Persephone faces her own challenges: a controlling mother, a longing for freedom, the strain of maintaining a perpetual summer, the usual. When a meddling case of divine intervention brings the two together, what follows is a series of misadventures that sees our protagonists descend from the heavens all the way down to the dark depths of the Underworld. Revitalizing the story for a new generation, this stunning first volume of Punderworld illustrates the beginning of the relationship that forever altered the very forces of nature.
All cards on the table, the myth of Hades and Persephone is one of my favorites, so it did not take long for this comic to completely win me over. I have actually been following Punderworld since its beginning, when it mainly consisted of one-off shorts the author and illustrator, Linda Sejic, would create in-between updates on her other webcomic, Blood Stain. Revisiting the work as a complete volume was a treat, as I was able to notice certain elements, mostly design choices, that I had not noticed before.
Sejic’s artistic interpretation of the Greek pantheon is what truly brings this comic into its own. The Greek gods and goddesses have undergone numerous reimaginings throughout the years, each calling for a design that evokes familiarity, but also showcases the illustrator’s unique style and vision. Sejic balances the two perfectly, incorporating elements that give readers an immediate sense of who these characters are and an insight into their personalities. Utilizing simple color palettes through clothing for each design, such as blue and white for Zeus, black with a hint of gold trim for Hades, and a subtly watermelon-striped motif for Demeter, the creator establishes a clear connection between the presentation of these figures and their respective domains. Personally, I fell in love with the decision to give each god and goddess a “crown” that serves as an additional visual representation of their fields: Zeus with his laurel of lightning, Hades’s helm of invisibility, which appears as bone-colored horns, a crescent moon that floats above Artemis’s head, and flowers entwined in Persephone’s hair that alter based on her mood, which in turn better exemplifies her every expression. Seijic’s style excels at displaying the ethereal qualities of both the gods and the world around them, from the striking, atmospheric backgrounds to the cozy lighting of certain panels. All these elements combine to create versions of these immortal figures that stand out amongst prior iterations, while at the same time matching perfectly with this comic’s specific tone and direction.
The story itself is accessible to both newcomers and long-time lovers of Greek mythology, as it avoids throwing too much exposition at readers, but still includes small references in the background for those in the know. Sejic includes explanations of the more niche aspects of the mythology, like the laws of hospitality amongst the gods or certain festivals done in their names. While earlier versions paint the pair as captor and captive—though some will differ on Persephone’s willingness to be with Hades—the creator instead presents a more light-hearted, consensual pining stuttered with innocent misassumptions and just a bit of awkwardness. The image of a more emotionally aware, non-imposing Hades is a welcome and refreshing one, and a Persephone who breaks away from the consistent doe-eyed and naïve portrayal is a major plus. Even Demeter, who typically plays the role of overbearing helicopter parent, gains a more well-rounded and understandable characterization near the volume’s end. While not beat-for-beat accurate to the original myth, Punderworld offers a new facet on the Hades and Persephone tale, one that will interest those captivated with stories of forbidden love with a touch of comedy.
The mythological aspect of the comic may also appeal to those swept up in other retellings, such as Lore Olympus, another webcomic getting a physical release this year that follows a more modern version of the Hades and Persephone myth, or for the older fans of George O’Connor’s Olympians series, which features a more traditional interpretation.
With a publisher-given rating of T+, meaning for ages 16 and older, I would recommend purchasing this title for any young adult or adult collection. Young adults and adults alike will be charmed by the series’ rompish nature and sense of humor, which is sure to make an impression on those looking for another engaging and transformative take on this mythic power couple.
Punderworld, vol. 1 By Linda Sejic Image Top Cow, 2021 ISBN: 9781534320727 Publisher Age Rating: T+
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+), Older Teen (16-18) Creator Representation: Croatian
Young readers won’t realize they’re actually absorbing enough information to give them a head start in any school’s Greek mythology unit while reading this fun and educational book.
Readers first are introduced to Mount Olympus and each of the different characters that will be found throughout the book, including what they are most known for. This gives the reader a nice section to flip back to if they forget who someone is, as there are a lot of characters involved and some have tricky names. The book is organized into seven sections with a glossary at the end, a select bibliography for those who want to read even deeper into Greek mythology, and a little about the author and illustrator.
The book goes through Athena’s life chronologically with vivid images and descriptions of how she was born, the chaos and trouble she caused, and conflicts she had with other Gods and mortals. Many other Gods and notables are featured, such as Poseidon, Medusa, Perseus, and Zeus. The most famous of stories are included, like the Trojan Horse, Odysseus’s adventures, and the story of Arachne, the weaver who was turned into a spider.
This is truly a wonderful, funny, and light look at Greek mythology. Yet, it has enough depth to provide readers with as much information about demigods, notable mortals, gods, and goddesses as any non-fiction children’s book on the topic. Author Imogen Greenberg and illustrator Isabel Greenberg are a London based pair who’s styles work seamlessly together. The artwork is colorful. Dramatic purples and blues are used to create swirling seas around Poseidon, bright oranges are used around Athena to show her anger, and pages are kept simple when explanations are given. Pages feature large panels, some spanning two whole pages, with dialogue and text found in an understandable flow.
Overall, this is a well done adaptation of Greek mythology into an enjoyable comic. It would be a great recommendation for students who are studying Greek mythology at school and are looking for a fun read, or for children who are fans of Rick Riordan’s novels. It gives a balanced view of Athena by including her strengths, weaknesses, and mistakes that she made along the way. She may have been a Goddess, but this book makes it clear to the reader that no one is perfect. Anyone can make a bad decision. It is very age appropriate, as the stories have been tailored to omit some details, such as why Medusa was turned into a gorgon, without it feeling like there is anything missing from explanations. Any children’s collection would benefit from this addition.
Athena: Goddess of Wisdom and War (Tales of Great Goddesses) By Imogen Greenberg Art by Isabel Greenberg Amulet Books, 2021 ISBN: 9781419748592 Publisher Age Rating: 8-12
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11), Tween (10-13)
Odysseus can’t catch a break. After offending the god Poseidon, he endures 20 years of challenges and misfortune. Trapped by a Cyclops, shipwrecked in a supernatural storm, and ensnared in the caves of a nymph, Odysseus must overcome these obstacles and more, while, back home, his wife and son fend off suitors hoping to take his throne. His attempts to navigate home are filled with magic, prophecies, and assistance — as well as hindrances — from the gods. His homecoming is a bloody battle against the traitors hoping to steal the kingdom from him.
Author/illustrator Gareth Hinds bring Homer’s classic tale of Odysseus’s plight to life in this breathtaking graphic adaptation. Hinds explains in his final notes that, although he prefers to break from realism, he included just enough historical touches to give authenticity. He rewrote much of the material, but used direct quotations when it was appropriate. This ability to combine newly imagined material while also staying true to Homer’s ancient poem will delight readers regardless of their familiarity with the original work.
Hinds’ illustrations range from quiet, moody panels to wild, action-filled battle scenes. Nearly every watercolor-and-pencil panel could serve as a standalone artwork. Hinds uses clever storytelling techniques throughout, including a mini-comic-within-a-comic to narrate a minstrel’s song about the Trojan War. When the reader sees an image of a Trojan horse, the nature of the song is clear. This creative framing device is just one example of many wonderful surprises in this book.
This graphic adaptation of an English Lit staple will obviously have its place in the classroom and would be a great companion to anyone studying Homer’s epic poem, but will also be enjoyed by fans of ancient mythology. Rick Riordan’s blurb on the back cover is no coincidence — hand this one to teens who love the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and are looking for their next great read.
The Odyssey by Gareth Hinds ISBN: 9780763642662 Candlewick, 2010 Publisher Age Rating: 12 and up
From a single line of Greek myth, acclaimed creator Felicia Day builds the story of Philonoe, The Lost Daughter of Sparta—cursed and loved by the gods themselves.
A workaholic god of the Underworld pining for a lively, but sheltered earth goddess—it’s a tale as old as time. In this retelling of the classic Greek myth, Hades and Persephone’s mutual crush has been two centuries in the making, though there hasn’t been much headway. However, following a pep talk from Zeus, and a bit of emboldening liquor, Hades is determined to confess his feelings for her at last. Meanwhile, Persephone faces her own challenges: a controlling mother, a longing for freedom, the strain of maintaining a perpetual summer, the usual. When a meddling case of divine intervention brings the two together, what follows is a series of misadventures that sees our protagonists descend from the heavens all the way down to the dark depths of the Underworld. Revitalizing the story for a new generation, this stunning first volume of Punderworld illustrates the beginning of the relationship that forever altered the very forces of nature.
Young readers won’t realize they’re actually absorbing enough information to give them a head start in any school’s Greek mythology unit while reading this fun and educational book. 
