One of the most anticipated announcements to come out of Image Expo 2015 was Marjorie Liu teaming up with Sana Takeda on a new creator-owned series called Monstress. 
When Monstress hit shelves later that year the comic more than met expectations. It received high praise and sold out going straight to a second printing (and quickly to a third). The extensive world-building and breath-taking illustrations establish Monstress as a rare beast in modern comics. Not only is it well-written and visually-striking but it deftly tackles complex issues like struggles with inner demons, social stratification, and gender inequality, and racial discrimination. At first glance, it might look like a pretty fairytale but the story is dark and brutal at the core.
It should win all of the awards.
Bay Area fans of Liu and Takeda are in for a rare treat thanks to Comix Experience at 305 Divisadero in San Francisco. The comic book store is hosting a joint signing with the Monstress team on July 27 starting at 5 p.m. The signing will run until 7:30 p.m. when it will become an exclusive meet-and-greet with members of the Comix Experience Graphic Novel Club. Members of the club will additionally receive a signed bookplate (see below). If you’re not familiar with the club you can read about it and the numerous benefits here.
