It’s something that comic fans know, but it bears repeating for those who don’t keep up with the industry – not all comicbooks are about superheroes in costumes. Comics are often considered a genre on their own, but they are really a medium with as many genres as there are for novels. And if you enjoy high fantasy and alternate worlds, Monstress might be a title you should look into.

With its own mythology and an art deco meets steampunk style, Monstress follows Maika Halfwolf, a female survivor of a war who is taken captive as a slave and escapes. But she is not all that she seems, as she shares a psychic link with a mysterious and powerful monster that has a connection to the ancients. Maika wants to find out the truth about her past and why she has this monstress connection.

This is an engrossing story that provides an interesting commentary on war, prisoners and slavery, while exploring a world filled with humans, ancients, gods and half-breeds. Oh, and cats – this book will definitely appeal to cat people. Even those in the industry have taken notice of this title, awarding it multiple Eisner Awards for writing, art and more. Monstress Volume 1: Awakening includes the first six issues of the series.