Welcome back, comic fans, to issue four of Comics X-Change! Your only bi-weekly, go-to news source for what’s happening in comics and pop culture. The weather is cooling down quick, which means it is finally the time for cozy fires and stacks of books to read under a thousand blankets.

This week I got to speak to Phillip Hills, owner of long running RVA staple Richmond Comix, on Midlothian Turnpike. Richmond Comix has been in the business for over 30 years, so I knew Phillip would have some of the best picks for us this week.

Exorsisters #1, by Ian Boothby and Gisèle Lagacé

This horror-comedy series is about “these two sisters who, for pay, will come and exorcise demons, or whatever kind of ghouls may be troubling people,” said Hills.

Shuri #1, by Nnedi Okorafor and Leonardo Romero

“It’s going to be about Shuri and her time in Wakanda and everything she does for her brother,” said Hills of this comic about the Wakandan princess, whose brother is Black Panther.

Strangers in Paradise XXV #7, by Terry Moore

“It’s a relationship book basically,” said Hills. Stranger Than Paradise deals with two women who are best friends, “and the trials they’re going through. It’s a little hard to explain, [but] it’s been going on since the 90s.”

GFFs: Ghost Friends Forever, by Monica Gallagher and Kata Kane

“An all ages book about a girl and her best friend — who is a ghost — and the adventures they get into,” said Hills.

Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #1 by Seanen McGuire and Rosi Kampe

“Spider-Gwen is getting a new name to go along with the animated series — because you know, superheroes can’t always keep their name,” Hills said.

Avengers Halloween Special #1, by Jay Baruchel, Gerry Duggan, Laura Braga, and many more

“Marvel usually does a really good job with their holiday specials because they make fun of themselves, and keep it tongue in cheek,” said Hills.

A cool thing to note as well is that select stores will be having a Halloween Comic Fest on October 27th, which is like Free Comic Book Day, but Halloween and Horror themed. Naturally Richmond Comix will be participating, as well as Alpha Comics and Games, Third Eye Comics, and more. Call your local comic shop to check availability.

My recommendations for this week are short and sweet.

Hungry Ghosts, by Anthony Bourdain

While Bourdain is gone, his writing prowess remains with us in this graphic novel horror anthology just in time for Halloween. On a dark, spooky night, a group of international chefs sit around in a circle to play the game of 100 candles, while telling the story of ghosts and demons, and hoping they survive the game.

Sailor Moon Eternal #1, by Naoko Takeuchi

Yes, that’s right. Sailor Moon is back all over again, this time in yet another rerelease of the classic shoujo manga series. The books are larger, more beautiful, covered in holofoil, and updated for 2018. Does Usagi understand wifi? Probably not, but catch up on the series all over again just in time for Eternal #2, releasing in November.

With so much weather going on, at least there is enough to read these next couple weeks, and Halloween Comic Fest leaves us with great things to prepare for. Richmond’s Comic Con is even coming up in a couple weeks at Richmond International Raceway! Will you be there?