She’s No Princess, But…

Recently discovered at QCon: Plain Jane and the Mermaid, a new-ish graphic novel by Eisner Award winner Vera Brosgol. “Jane is incredibly plain. Everyone says so: Her parents, the villagers, and her horrible cousin who kicks her out of her own house. Determined to get some semblance of independence, Jane prepares to propose to the princely Peter. It’s a good plan! Or it would’ve been, if he wasn’t kidnapped by a mermaid. Jane must venture underwater to rescue her maybe-fiancé. But the depths of the ocean hold beautiful mysteries and dangerous creatures. What good can a plain Jane do? Drawn into an unexpected bond, Jane must navigate a shifting reality where magic and danger intertwine, and where every choice carries weight. As she moves between two worlds, she begins to question what she truly wants—and what she’s willing to risk to find it.” Did we mention the talking seal? We should. Plain Jane is available in paperback from First Second. There’s a detailed review over at Comics Beat, too.

image c. 2026 First Second