by Felicia Day, illustrations by Rowan MacColl
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Content: It’s based in the Greek myths, so the general Greek myth stuff – violence, talk of abuse and rape, and parental neglect. It’s in the Graphic Novel section of the bookstore.

Philonoe is the fourth sister whose famous older sisters – Helen of Troy, Clytemnestra, Timandra – all betrayed their husbands and families. Philonoe was born with a “curse” – a facial birthmark – and was sent away, but when she was old enough, she was brought back for one purpose: to marry and to bring honor to her family. She decided, though, that she didn’t trust that the curse Aphrodite put on her family wouldn’t work on her, so she went to the goddess, begging for her to release the curse. Of course, gods can’t just do things, so Philonoe was sent on a quest to get Aphrodite three items in exchange. Artemis – who, for reasons of her own, was intrigued by Philonoe – went along to help.

It sounds simple, but in Day’s and MacColl’s hands, this graphic novel comes alive. It’s based on a throwaway line in an early work that mentions that Artemis gives Philonoe immortality and Day began imagining why. And what we get is a hero’s quest, with a girl at the center, a sapphic love story, and a character who learns to stand up for herself and her desires and not live for the approval of others.

It’s fantastic. The art is perfect for the story, and I was thoroughly engrossed by Philonoe’s quest and growth. I haven’t read a graphic novel this compelling in a long time.

Highly recommended, especially if you like Greek mythology.