Akissi #5

Abouet and Sapin's fifth Akissi volume, Mixture Magique, bursts with the irresistible energy of its spirited young heroine, shown kneeling wide-eyed as a swirling purple smoke cloud rises from a small pot in her hands. Surrounding her is a wonderfully chaotic swirl of odd creatures — a pink rabbit, a fuzzy orange pom-pom monster, a dancing robot, and more — hinting at delightful mayhem conjured from whatever she's mixing. Published by Gallimard Bande Dessinée in 2014, this bright, playful volume is a treat for readers of all ages who love adventure with a big dash of mischief.