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If you love the action and comedy found in Shōnen Jump as well as the themes from She-ra Princess of Power, Josie Campbell has the comic book for you. During the ALA Annual Conference, she spoke about I Heart Skull-Crusher from Boom! Studios.

The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic wasteland where the biggest sport is a combination of Thunderdome and soccer. An 18 year old queer girl named Trini forms her own team and enters a tournament in order to win the affection of her favorite athlete, Skull-Crusher.

Campbell thinks this homage to manga and Mad Max would be best for middle schoolers and teenage kids who both enjoy My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, and One Piece and the inclusive and “effortlessly gay” world of She-ra. The latter makes sense considering the writer’s involvement in the animated series.

On a personal level, Campbell said, “It really is my love letter to who I was as a young bisexual teenage girl who was obsessed with soccer. Who had Brandy Chastain’s picture up on my wall, but also somebody who started loving reading.”

The creative team behind I Heart Skull-Crusher include Campbell, artist Alessio Zono, colorist Angel De Santiago, and letterer Jim Campbell.

Get ready for what's next with our guide to upcoming comics, how to buy comics at a comic shop, and our guide to Free Comic Book Day 2025.