BOOM! Box: $14.99 

Welcome to the Georgia O’Keeffe College of Arts and Subtle Dramatics, a historically all-female school whose population is decidedly more drama geek than jock. Amid the many, many drama clubs, aspiring actor, entrepreneur and basketball enthusiast Olivia “Liv” Bates is determined to bring the world of competitive sports to the college. Cue the Avant-Guards. 

This ragtag group of misfits are desperately trying to meet the qualification to form their fledgling basketball team. Recent transfer student Charlie Bravo seems like the answer to all their problems when she arrives at the school. After successfully wooing the former jock into joining the team, the Avant-Guards make their way across state for their very first game! But will new jerseys and track suits be enough to give The Georgia O’Keeffe College of Arts and Subtle Dramatics a sports presence…or will their season come to an end before it even begins?

Giant Days meets Check, Please, in this new series from Heavy Vinyl creator Carly Usdin. This exclusive comic shop release collects issues 1-4 of the Avant-Guards, an easy hop-on point for new readers. Usdin pens a touching tale about finding what you’re looking for on and off the court, while the abstract art by Noah Hayes (Goldie Vance) makes this a can’t miss series.

–Braelynn Bowersox