Best New Comics of 2026 by New York Public Library

October 2, 2026

Graphic featuring 3 book covers from the New York Public Library best comics list

The New York Public Library (NYPL) just released its Best New Comics of 2026 list, and of the 50 titles selected by their comics committee, three are by CCS alumni!

They are…

CHARITY & SYLVIA by Tillie Walden ’16
A graphic historical biography published by Drawn & Quarterly that is based on the extensive archives of an openly lesbian couple in 19th-century Vermont. CHARITY & SYLVIA was also Vermont Reads Choice for 2026.

NAMES AND FACES by Leise Hook ’20
A collection of graphic autobiographical essays published by Henry Holt Books that explores coming of age, mixed-race identity, and family history.

THE NIGHTINGALES by Emil Wilson ’21
A graphic novel published by Simon & Schuster that began as part of Wilson’s CCS thesis project, it is a story of life-changing friendship that takes place during the height of the AIDS epidemic in the United States. 

Congratulations Tillie, Leise, and Emil! 

To see the incredible NYPL list, visit: nypl.org

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