Squire

In Squire (2022–present, HarperCollins), a young girl from a small village dreams of becoming a knight, but her journey is complicated by the rigid traditions of her fantasy world. This debut issue, written by Nadia Shammas and illustrated by Sara Alfageeh, introduces a thoughtful, character-driven story about identity, belonging, and challenging the status quo. With lush, detailed art and a nuanced take on the classic hero’s quest, the series stands out for centering a protagonist from a marginalized background in a genre often dominated by familiar tropes. It’s a promising start from a fresh creative team, offering a quietly resonant adventure for middle-grade readers.