2: DEAR DIARY, with an afterword from GABBY RIVERA (America).'-back cover.īook Synopsis 2019, Texas Library Association's Maverick Graphic Novel Reading ListĪmazon Book Review's Best Comics & Graphic Novels of 2018 This Jackpot Edition contains over SIXTY PAGES of bonus material, including the talents of MARGUERITE BENNETT (Batwoman) and newcomer BEVERLY JOHNSON, SHAWN PRYOR (Cash and Carrie) and PAULINA GANUCHEAU (Zodiac Starforce), award-winning historical romance author ALYSSA COLE's comics writing debut with SHAE BEAGLE (MOONSTRUCK), GAIL SIMONE (CROSSWIND) and MARGAUX SALTEL (Superfreaks), and AMANDA DEIBERT (Wonder Woman '77) and CAT STAGGS (CROSSWIND), with illustrations from MEGAN HUTCHINSON (ROCKSTARS) and ARIELA KRISTANTINA (InSeXts). Realizing their love for each other is still alive, what these grandmothers do next takes absolute strength and courage.

Decades later, now in their mid-'60s, Hazel and Mari reunite again at a church bingo hall. Forced apart by their families and society, Hazel and Mari both married young men and had families. I’ve always been extremely proud of Bingo Love and while there weren’t books like this when I was growing so that future generations can read and see themselves in this graphic novel.About the Book 'When Hazel Johnson and Mari McCray met at church bingo in 1963, it was love at first sight. It is vital that such stories be told to help advocate for diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance, not just tolerance.”

The main characters are black, gay seniors and those things just don’t get a lot of visibility in a world of white, young, mostly straight characters in comics and graphic novels.” Perhaps most importantly, they felt that “Bingo Love tells a heartbreaking and important story that is all too realistic. The judges praised Bingo Love for “giving visibility to characters to don’t often see. Various skin tones, hair styles, and body types are portrayed naturally, realistically, and respectfully.” Each person of color is drawn differently to reflect their individuality. They complimented the artwork as “super bright and colorful, showcasing black characters we don’t get to see much in adult graphic novels,” and noted that the “visual diversity in the graphic novel is absolutely incredible. They take their own journeys, and grow and develop throughout the story.” The judges said of the characters, Hazel and Mari, that “their experiences are portrayed with honesty and integrity,” and that “supporting characters are also relatable and multi-faceted. The judges had amazing comments about Bingo Love that made my eyes tear up: The Virginia Library Association has blessed Bingo Love with their 2019 Graphic Novel Diversity Award in the Adult category!

Bingo love by tee franklin