2,000-year-old book about Roman emperors enters bestseller charts

Ammon News – A gossipy account of the lives of Roman emperors has entered the bestseller charts – 2,000 years after it was written.Sex scandals and foreign policy failures don’t only beleaguer the modern politician, it turns out: in the early second century, the scholar Suetonius chronicled the dramas of the first set of Roman emperors, and now, their indiscretions and eccentricities have been dug up in a new translation which is proving popular in bookshops.The Lives of the Caesars by Suetonius, translated by Tom Holland.The Lives of the Caesars, translated from Latin by The Rest Is History podcast co-host Tom Holland, made the Sunday Times hardback nonfiction chart this week. Publisher Penguin Classics said that the book is the first of their hardback nonfiction classics to appear on the list.The book is a collection of 12 biographies covering the rule of Julius Caesar and the first 11 Roman emperors. On hearing that it was in the charts, Holland was “delighted for Suetonius, to see the lad is capable of getting on the bestseller list after two millennia”.The book, published on 13 February, comes 18 months after ancient Rome became the centre of a major internet pop culture moment, when women began asking men how often they think about the Roman empire, and posting their responses online.However, “it’s also partly because our understanding of power derives from Rome more than anywhere else”. The US “Republican system was modelled on that of ancient Rome, but the [Roman] Republic ended up becoming an autocracy, and so in America, there’s always been this anxiety that a Republican system of government may end up an autocracy, and I guess that at the moment, that anxiety has a particular salience.”Suetonius wrote The Lives of the Caesars, commonly known as The Twelve Caesars, in the early second century AD during the reign of Hadrian. “I think the reason that it’s always been popular is the fact that it is full of the most sensational gossip. It is kind of ancient Rome’s Popbitch. It is full of scandal, and extraordinary detail, but it is also very psychologically astute,” says Holland. “It has the quality of a very highbrow gossip column.”“Had there been bestseller lists in second-century Rome, Suetonius’s Lives of the Caesars would undoubtedly have been on them,” said Stuart Proffitt, publishing director at Penguin Press.Holland says the reach of The Rest Is History will have helped the book’s sales. The podcast released four episodes on Suetonius and the same month had 17.5m downloads. Holland cites several reasons for the continued fascination. Rome has “always” been the ancient civilisation that people in Britain and the west have been most interested in, partly because Britain was part of the Roman empire, and the English alphabet is Latin. “We feel closer to the Romans, perhaps, than we do to the Egyptians or the Assyrians.” The Guardian

Friends of Peter White Public Library hosts spring book sale

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – The Friends of the Peter White Public Library held its semi-annual, three-day book sale March 13-15.Books, art and audio-visual media were up for sale. All of the money raised by the sale is distributed to the library through grants.Library Director Andrea Ingmire says she’ll make requests to the Friends, who then decide what they want to fund at the library.“A lot of times we’ll make requests for various library collections,” Ingmire said. “Our large print collection and travel books have been ongoing collections that the Friends have supported. They also support a lot of our programming. So, the vast majority of our programming is funded by the Friends.”The Friends bookstore is open during regular hours at the Peter White Public Library. It’s located on the main level.Copyright 2025 WLUC. All rights reserved.

Alia Bhatt says she reads these books to Raha, reveals ‘I go for therapy…’

During a recent meet-and-greet with the Mumbai paparazzi, Alia Bhatt talked about her experience of parenting Raha.In 2022, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor welcomed their daughter, Raha, marking a new chapter in their lives. The couple first introduced their little one to the public during the Kapoors’ Christmas lunch in 2023, giving fans a glimpse of their bundle of joy.

Since then, they’ve shared several heartwarming moments about Raha, from her adorable quirks to who she’s closest to. Recently, Alia shared a touching story about how she reads a book about emotions to Raha, which also serves as a gentle reminder for her as well.

During a recent meet-and-greet with the Mumbai paparazzi, Alia Bhatt offered a heartwarming glimpse into her experience of parenting Raha. She stated, “I have to mention this over here. There is this book that I am reading right now to Raha, the emotions book. That really is very simply explaining to children what emotions are.”

The Love & War actress confessed that the book also acts as a reminder for her, not just for Raha.

The actress said, “When I read that book to her, it’s actually like I am also reading it to myself. Because sometimes it’s important to remind yourself of the different sorts of highs and lows that a human can experience and how it’s very normal for you to feel that way. So, it’s just a daily reminder.”

While talking about her mental health, she said, “It is a daily work in progress. I have mentioned this before and in the podcast as well that I go for therapy once a week which helps me clear my mind.”

Alia stated, “On a daily basis because of ADHD and anxiety as well I find myself in various moments where my emotions are getting better at me and they are taking over the physical moment that time. It’s not like I am somebody who is deep into meditation or so. I am not even able to stick to any of those things.”

She further continued, “But sometimes just being aware of your own internal processes and your internal transitions that these things might trigger you, these things might make you feel a certain way, just knowing that and acknowledging it to yourself helps you get through a difficult moment.”

Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt is set to appear in Alpha, an action-packed thriller with Sharvari, produced by Yash Raj Films. The movie is slated for release in December 2025. Alia Bhatt also has Love & War in the pipeline, a romantic drama set against the backdrop of war, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal in key roles.

It is scheduled to release on on March 20, 2026, during the festive season.

Big Bad Wolf Books Clark 2025 Moves Forward with Empowering Women and Youth to Pursue their Dream and Passion

Manila, Philippines – Big Bad Wolf Books remains steadfast in its mission to nurture community empowerment through books at its first Book Sale of 2025 in Clark. Pampanga. Pursuing its commitment to spread knowledge and share the joy of reading to even more people, Big Bad Wolf Books partners with Anak Bale-Balayan as the beneficiary of the Red Readerhood CSR Program at the Big Bad Wolf Books Clark 2025 sale. 
Celebrating Women’s Month, Big Bad Wolf spotlights stories of real-life women with the “Women In My Life” Contest. The Big Bad Wolf Clark 2025 Book Sale is running from March 14 to 23 at SMX Convention Center Clark, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Sharing the Gift of Knowledge through Books with Anak Bale-Balayan

Anak Bale-Balayan, which translates to “house of gathering,” is a vibrant hub in Pampaanga where people come together to celebrate culture and the arts. Driven by a passion to make a difference in the community, particularly among the youth, Anak Bale-Balayan creates avenues for personal development through music.
This community center helps young individuals discover their talents, build their confidence, and develop a strong sense of belonging and purpose. By providing a creative outlet and a nurturing environment, Anak Bale-Balayan is helping foster a generation of empowered individuals. 
Supporting this mission, Big Bad Wolf Books has enlisted Anak Bale-Balayan as the beneficiary of the Red Readerhood Program to bring the transformative power of reading to Kapampangan youth. Visitors to the Sale are invited to support the initiative by purchasing one or more books from the designated Red Readerhood corner and donating them to the Program. For every book contributed by the public, Big Bad Wolf Books will match the donation. Through this initiative, Big Bad Wolf Books strives to provide Anak Bale-Balayan youth books that inspire them to explore new ideas, expand their knowledge, and pursue their passions.
Empowering Women with Inspiring Stories

In honor of Women’s Month, Big Bad Wolf Books uplifts the stories of remarkable women with the “Woman In My Life” contest. With this contest, Big Bad Wolf Books invites everyone to empower and celebrate the women in their lives through books that educate, enlighten, and inspire them to unlock their fullest potential.
The contest aims to honor and amplify the stories of women who have made a positive impact in the lives of others. To join, residents of Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, or Metro Manila, aged 15 and above, can nominate a woman in their life whom they want to honor this Women’s Month. Share her remarkable story and post it on Facebook using the hashtags #BBWClarkWomenEmpowerment and #BBWClark2025. Submission of entries is open until March 19. 
Start Your Success Story at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale

Embodying “Your Story, Our Story,” Big Bad Wolf Books kicks off the first 2025 Book Sale in Clark, where each book is a step towards a story of a transformed life. With over two million books at up to 95% off, jaw-dropping deals, and fun surprises, this book sale marks the beginning of another year dedicated to uplifting communities across the Philippines.
Empower yourself and your tribe at the Big Bad Wolf Clark Book Sale. Follow Big Bad Wolf Books’ social media to keep up with the latest updates. 
For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram) 

Kemps in Malton’s March book recommendations, including a thrilling Brontë mystery

Also, Julia Chapman will be joining Cindy at the Malton bookstore in April to discuss her much-loved cosy crime series, The Dales Detectives. More information can be found on the website or in-store, meanwhile here are some books to add to your March reading list.

The Diabolical Bones by Bella Ellis

Bella Ellis is the Brontë-esque pseudonym of the acclaimed Sunday Times best-selling author Rowan Coleman. After visiting the former home of the Brontë sisters, Rowan became a Brontë devotee and embarked on a lifelong love affair with Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, their lives, literature, and remarkable legacy. Bella returns with the second instalment of the Brontë Sisters Mystery series.

It is December 1845, and Haworth is in the grip of a chilling winter. Home to the brutish Bradshaw family, a spine-chilling scream can be heard at Top Withens Hall, followed by the discovery of bones from a child in the chimney of a room that has been closed since the death of Mary Bradshaw thirteen years ago. When they hear of the discovery, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne pause their literary endeavours and set out to investigate. They are confronted with an increasingly complex and sinister case, highlighting issues of discrimination, poverty, feminism, and exploitation of children for labour. Facing their most despicable adversary yet, the Brontës encounter dark omens and learn evil has set a murderous trap.

The Diabolical Bones is an intriguing gothic mystery that captures the authentic and individual personalities of the Brontë sisters with hints of inspiration for their acclaimed novels and indications of their life throughout. This book transports you to Victorian Yorkshire and immerses you in the lives of the Brontë family, seamlessly blending fact with fiction. Atmospheric, eerie, and distinct, The Diabolical Bones is perfect for those who enjoy gothic fiction, literary history and a good mystery with supernatural elements.

9781529389067

Hodder & Stoughton, 9.99

Paperback

Take Care: A Memory of Love, Family & Never Giving Up by Lindsey Burrow

Take Care is the profoundly moving and candid memoir of Lindsey Burrow, wife and carer of Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow. Exploring personal sacrifice, resilience, and hope, Lindsey shares the daily challenges faced when caring for someone with motor neurone disease (MND) and documents her incredible fundraising achievements as she continues to raise awareness about the terminal disease.

In December 2019, the Burrow family’s lives were shattered when Rob was diagnosed with MND. With uncertainties and fear of the inevitable, Rob and his family had to quickly adapt to their new circumstances while maintaining the joys and normalities of life. Lindsey details how the couple met as teenagers, with funny anecdotes that embody Rob’s cheeky character, and their journey to parenthood while expressing the pride and anxiety of Rob’s exceptional rugby career. Rob’s impact is tangible, both on and off the rugby pitch, with the rugby giant’s personality shining throughout and the heartwarming bonds he formed with Kevin Sinfield and Barrie McDermott at the forefront. Lindsey’s courage is palpable, raising millions with Kevin to support MND sufferers, which helped form The Rob Burrow Centre, and highlighting the little support family carers receive.

Pledging not to shed any more tears, the determination to remain positive in times of hardship is admirable, with Rob’s final words epitomising the message in this memoir: ‘Every single day is precious. Don’t waste a moment. In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream.’

9781529941333

Cornerstone, 22.00

Hardback

The CIA Book Club by Charlie English

Charlie English, Former Head of International News at The Guardian, is the author of three internationally acclaimed nonfiction books. His new book details the secret book programme that distributed millions of books across the Iron Curtain from the 1950s until the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

Newspapers, pamphlets, and books were transported by truck, yacht, balloon, and in travellers’ luggage, among other methods, to the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War. Literature, including George Orwell’s 1984, was transported into Soviet-controlled countries to combat censorship and indoctrination by demonstrating the parallels between the Orwellian dystopia and Communism. Miroslaw Chojecki, an underground Polish publisher who endured beatings, force-feeding and exile, and George Minden, the mastermind behind the cause, who believed entertainment, culture, and diversity of thought could aid liberation in Eastern Europe, were just two of the many who sought to galvanise the people of Poland. However, there is also a concern highlighted by underground publishing regarding the West’s patronising tone and the risk that countries in the Eastern Bloc could become puppets of the West rather than independent countries with their own cause. Nevertheless, illicit literature pervaded Poland by the late 1980s and Soviet censorship collapsed.

This book offers a new and interesting addition to Cold War historiography, emphasising the powers words hold as a means of liberation and resistance.

9780008495121

HarperCollins Publishers, 25.00

Hardback

Death At The White Hart by Chris Chibnall

Chris Chibnall is a television writer and producer best known for creating the acclaimed television series Broadchurch. He is a BAFTA award-winning screenwriter, executive producer, and playwright who brings us his debut novel, Death At The White Hart, a suspenseful crime novel.

Home to two rustic pubs, a small playground, and an array of thatched cottages, Fleetcombe is an idyllic village in Dorset. Detective Nicola Bridge returns to the south coast from Liverpool, longing for a quieter life; the last thing she expects is for the picturesque village to become a murderous crime scene. Pub landlord of The White Hart, Jim Ternan, is found dead, his body tied to a chair on a desolate road, with stag antlers protruding from his head. Alongside her sidekick, Harry Ward, Nicola is not short of suspects in a village bursting with secrets that cascade after the death of the omniscient pub landlord. Someone knows what happened to Jim and brazenly drank within the same pub vicinity the evening he was murdered. As the complex layers unfold, Nicola and Harry must catch a killer hiding in plain sight before they kill again.

With compelling characters and an intriguing mystery, Death At The White Hart is a suspenseful debut novel from one of Britain’s most acclaimed storytellers.

9780241665763

Penguin Books Ltd, 16.99

Hardback

The House of Barbary by Isabelle Schuler

Isabelle Schuler is a Swiss-American actress, writer, and former bookseller. Her screenplay Queen Hereafter, a historical retelling set against the backdrop of medieval Scotland, was longlisted by the Thousand Films Screenwriting Competition, which she later adapted into her debut novel, Lady MacBethad. Similarly, The House of Barbary is a fierce, feminist retelling of the French Folklore, Bluebeard.

We follow Beatrice Barbary in seventeenth-century Switzerland as she embarks on life following the death of her father in 1653. Beatrice has lived a secluded life, hidden away from the public eye, convinced she faced derision and encouraged to pursue her macabre hobby of dissection. Her monotonous life is in disarray, however, when her father, a powerful Bern official, is brutally murdered in their own home. Everything she has ever known is dismantled after discovering she has been lied to her entire life. Left reeling, unprotected, and vulnerable, Beatrice is determined to investigate the truth behind her father’s gruesome end. She plunges into the mysteries and deceits, discovering the enigmatic group called The Order of St Eve, which have committed underground atrocities. Alongside Beatrice’s search for truth, we meet Johann Schor, a painter living in the Barbary Household, in 1639. Beatrice is just 8 years old when Johann is commissioned by Beatrice’s father, and through Johann we find out more about The Order of St Eve as he begins to suspect that not all is content with Jakob and his close unscrupulous associates.

After years of researching seventeenth-century Bern, Isabelle has created a story that is historically adjacent to the period and place. She has intertwined fact and fiction to bring us this Early Modern historical fiction of mystery and vengeance.

9781526647290

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 16.99

Hardback

Local author featured at book festival

Braselton’s J.R.Miller will be an Author’s Table participant at the March 29 Books By the Bay, an outdoor book festival in Pensacola, Florida. The daylong event, sponsored by nonprofit Emerald Coast Writers, will feature more than 80 bestselling international, national, state and regional authors.
J.R. Miller is a Southern storyteller who spent summers working in national parks, an experience that shaped the heart of The Hike Not Taken. Drawing from a lifetime of travel and outdoor exploration—from the Everglades of Florida to the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the redwoods of California—Miller brings vivid landscapes and rich character dynamics to life. In this debut novella, six teenagers navigate the challenges of a summer job at NorthStar Lodge in Triple Divide National Park, forging friendships and discovering themselves in the Rocky Mountains.

8 Baseball Romance Books That Will Steal Bases—and Your Heart

From the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd, there’s nothing quite like baseball season. And with spring training for Major League Baseball well underway, fans are eager to once again cheer on their favorite team (Go Yankees!). Whether you’re counting down the minutes until Opening Day on March 18 or looking for something to capture the spirit of America’s favorite pastime during the off-season, baseball romance books feel like a home run. These stories blend the thrill of the game with heartfelt love stories. Here, we gathered up our top eight baseball romance books that are sure to be a grand slam.
If you want a swoony romance between the coach’s daughter and the star pitcher, check out the Booktok sensation Caught Up by Liz Tomforde. Looking for a healing story about second chances at life instead? Dive into Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes. Keep scrolling to catch all our baseball romance recommendations. Happy Reading!

Berkley
Fans of rom-coms will flip for this fun, swoon-worthy tale! When second baseman for the Nashville Legends Gavin Scott finds out his wife, Thea, has been unhappy in their marriage and wants a divorce, he’s crushed. Desperate, Gavin finds help from an unlikely source: a secret romance book club made up of Nashville’s top alpha men. Will tips from the guys and steamy reads help Gavin win back the love of his life? 
What readers are saying: “I’m obsessed with this book. It was swoony and romantic but also hilarious. It was such a perfect second-chance romance. I loved Thea and how she stood up for herself. I adored Gavin and his willingness to learn and grow to win Thea’s love. The Bromance boys were hilarious. The historical romance excerpts were a fun way to tie the book club with real life. I devoured every word of this one. If you love romance novels then there is no way you won’t enjoy this!

Entangled
Head to the Windy City and prepare to be swept off your feet with Caught Up, the third installment (that can be read as a standalone) in Liz Tomforde’s bestselling series. Kai Rhodes is the starting pitcher for Chicago’s MLB team, and he’s known for being one of the best. However, he’s also a single father struggling to balance his career with raising his son, Max. So far, Kai has gone through multiple nannies, none meeting his high standards. But when his coach steps in and appoints his daughter, Miller Montgomery, Kai has no choice but to accept.
Miller is an acclaimed pastry chef who just won a huge award, but she’s dealing with creative burnout. Excited for a change of pace, she quickly accepts her new role. Tensions rise quickly, and Kai and Miller aren’t off to the best start, but as they’re forced to spend more time together, their attraction and chemistry become undeniable. 
What readers are saying: “Liz Tomforde can do no wrong. Baseball Dad Kai has my entire heart, and I loved this book. I was legit crying from cuteness; I couldn’t take it. Also, if it has the single dad trope, I’m definitely going to read it. Miller was also a powerhouse. Her baking was unmatched, and I adored the whole found family vibe she brought out in this book. I devoured this from start to finish, and it was a great way to continue this fantastic series.” 

Berkley
Bestselling author Alicia Thompson pens another home run! In The Art of Catching Feelings, recently divorced Daphne Brink reluctantly attends a baseball game and then drunkenly heckles the handsome Carolina Battery player Chris Kepler. Oops! Full of regret, Daphne reaches out to Chris on social media to apologize…but he doesn’t realize who she is and they strike up a quick flirtation. Daphne decides to go with it, but how long can she lie about who she really is?
What readers are saying: “I adored this sweet and swoony sports romance! I love a book with humor and baseball! The Art of Catching Feelings was my first book by this author but it definitely won’t be the last! I’m completely hooked and can’t wait to read more of her books!!”

Avon
A BookTok favorite, Grace Reilly’s third book in the Beyond the Play series is full of classic tropes, such as grumpy sunshine and forced proximity, and it’s sure to capture your heart. Set against the backdrop of college life and the pressures of upcoming professional careers, Stealing Home follows Mia, an aspiring astrophysicist, and Sebastian, a baseball player with dreams of landing big in the MLB. When the two end up being roommates for the summer, the chances of avoiding each other are slim to none, and before they know it, they find their feelings are much too strong to push down.
What readers are saying: “I fell in love with this series from the moment I started it, and I was SO excited for Stealing Home. I also had a feeling this book would be my favorite… and I was right. Aside from the romance, I enjoyed getting to know Mia and Sebastian individually. Their backstories and struggles had me tearing up for both of them, and I really liked the message of following your passions without sacrificing your happiness along the way.”

Avon
Georgette Castle chose to plan kids’ parties over joining her family’s home renovation business—and no one has taken her seriously since. Travis Ford, Georgie’s brother’s best friend, is back in town following an injury that ruined his baseball career. With Georgie and Travis facing scrutiny, they plan to “fake date” to boost their reputations. 
What readers are saying: “I adore Tessa Bailey! I am also a sucker for a good sports romance, and even though Travis didn’t really play anymore, I loved the baseball vibe. Georgie was a strong female character, and I enjoyed her development throughout the book. This was also delightfully spicy, and I was living for it!! This was super fun, and I couldn’t put it down!”

Ballantine Books
This hilarious, hope-filled debut novel follows Evvie Drake, who rarely leaves her large, painfully empty house for nearly a year after losing her husband in a car crash. But when former baseball player Dean Tenney moves into the apartment at the back of Evvie’s house, the two make a deal: Dean won’t ask about Evvie’s late husband, and Evvie won’t ask about Dean’s failed career. But what follows is a sweet story of second chances.
What readers are saying: “This was such a beautiful and heart-warming story that gave me all the warm and fuzzies. When I finished, I was shedding happy tears and hugging my book. The main characters were fantastic. I absolutely adored Evvie. She was flawed, funny and relatable at times despite her situation. Her banter with Dean and her platonic best friend, Andy, was perfection. I’d highly recommend it if you love a feel-good, realistic book.”

Maren Moore
When Hallie, a freshman at Orleans University, decides to ditch her nerdy image and put herself out there, she drafts a proposal for her best friend Eli to help her lose her virginity. However, thanks to a mix-up, the proposal lands in the hands of Lane Collins, Eli’s older brother and all-star baseball captain. Lane is cocky and has a playboy reputation, but he’s also been holding onto secret feelings for Hallie. Determined not to let his feelings get the best of him, Lane agrees to Hallie’s terms, offering to follow her checklist, stipulating that they part ways once it’s complete. But as they work through her list, the lines between real feelings and the proposal start to blur. Will they act on their connection or part ways when the checklist is finished? 
What readers are saying: “I could talk about this book and its characters all day! The writing was phenomenal and the details in each scene made you feel like you were in the book itself. I 100 percent enjoyed this and couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend getting your own copy!!

Avon
Step back in time to 1960s baseball with this home run, the sequel to We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian. Eddie O’Leary is having the worst year of his career. He can’t hit the ball, he’s homesick, his teammates hate him and to top it all off, he’s living out of his suitcase. So when the team’s owner makes him do a bunch of interviews with a snobby reporter, he’s ready to call it quits. However, he’s already on thin ice, so he must put on a brave face and step up to the plate. Mark Bailey isn’t thrilled either, as he’s an arts reporter who doesn’t care about New York’s latest player. As Eddie and Mark are forced to spend more time together, their clashing personalities give way to mutual understanding and attraction. 
What readers are saying: “This is, without hyperbole or exaggeration, one of the best romance novels that I’ve ever read. I cheered so hard for the characters’ happiness. I believed in their belonging to one another and wanted so desperately for them to believe it, too. I cried a lot, but I screamed joyfully even more. Please read it for yourself.”

Tucson Festival of Books 2025 is here!

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) — The 2025 Tucson Festival of Books is in full swing this weekend at the University of Arizona!the Tucson Festival of Books is recognized as one of the nine best literary festivals in the world and is is the third largest book festival in the country. The event draws in visitors from all over and boasts over 300 presentations, authors and vendors.Author Lorraine Ray, a native Tucsonan, tells News 4 Tucson how many of her books are inspired by the desert southwest. “There is a lot of people here and they are all readers. Tucson is full of so many readers. It is my hometown too and my books have mostly southwestern themes,” said Ray.The festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and admission is free.The Tucson Festival of Books made its debut in 2009 at the University of Arizona and it’s been growing ever since.

SCOOP: Magdalene Visaggio To Write The Rocky Horror Show Comic Book

Posted in: Comics, Comics Publishers, Current News, Dark Horse Comics | Tagged: london book fair, Magdalene Visaggio, rocky horrorSCOOP: Magdalene Visaggio is to write the Rocky Horror Show comic book to be published by Dark Horse Comics for Hallowe’enPublished Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:57:07 -0500 by Rich Johnston | Last updated Fri, 14 Mar 2025 17:55:43 -0500 | Article Summary
Magdalene Visaggio to pen Dark Horse Comics’ Rocky Horror Show for Halloween 2025.
Celebrates the 50th anniversary of Richard O’Brien’s 1973 stage musical.
Visaggio is known for Kim & Kim, Rebel Moon, and a Rocky Horror essay contributor.
Previous Rocky Horror comic series by Caliber Comics in 1990 has been out of print.
Back in 2022, we reported that Dark Horse Comics had the comic book license to the Rocky Horror Picture Show. and were told that Dark Horse would be publishing a series for the then-upcoming 50th anniversary of the Rocky Horror Show stage musical from 1973 by Richard O’Brien. But 2023 came and went without… issue. But at the London Book Fair yesterday, I got word that Dark Horse will be publishing the Rocky Horror Show #1 comic book for Halloween 2025, as the 50th anniversary of the film from 1975. Oh yes, and that it will be written by Magdalene Visaggio.Magdalene Visaggio is a prominent comic book writer, and her work includes the likes of Kim & Kim, Calamity Kate, Eternity Girl, Transformers, Galaxy Of Madness, Rick And Morty, Doctor Mirage, Rebel Moon and Vagrant Queen, which was turned into a SyFy TV series. She is also one of the more prominent trans creators in the North American comic book industry. And she contributed to the book of essays Absolute Pleasure: Queer Reflections on Five Messy Decades of Rocky Horror.
Rocky Horror Picture Show screencap
For those unfamiliar, the Rocky Horror Show is a musical spoof and tribute to science fiction and horror B movies from the thirties to the fifties, name-dropping as many as it can while trying to turn some of the more queer and kink subtexts of those films into actual text. It tells the story of a newly engaged All-American couple whose car breaks down, who seek help at a nearby mansion, home to the alien transvestite scientist, Dr Frank-N-Furter, who is in the midst of unveiling his new Frankenstein-style creation, Rocky. The original London production premiered at Sloane Square’s Royal Court in 1973 and ran, moving from theatre to theatre until 1980, while also transferring to Los Angeles and Broadway. Adapted into the 1975 film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, reprising many of the original stage cast, including Tim Curry, Richard O’Brien, Patricia Quinn and Jonathan Adams, as well as US cast member Meat Loaf, While the film was much less successful, like the play it soon gained a huge cult following and the film is reputed to have saved many independent cinemas by constantly showing it at midnight showings for years. Still out in limited release in 2025, 52 years after its premiere, it is the longest-running cinematic release in film history.
Rocky Horror Picture Show comic book from 1990
Previously, The Rocky Horror Picture Show was adapted into comics by Kevin VanHook as a three-issue mini-series by Caliber Comics in 1990, and collected in a trade paperback, but it has been out of print for decades. Notably this is the Rocky Horror Show, which does differ from the film version. The collection also included extra pages containing song lyrics, profiles, and an interview with Richard O’Brien.
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Joseph Montagne Promoted To VP And Publisher At Abrams ComicArts

Posted in: Comics, Comics Publishers, Current News, Marvel Comics | Tagged: abrams comicarts, graphic novelsJoseph Montagne has been promoted to VP and Publisher at Abrams ComicArtsPublished Sat, 15 Mar 2025 06:59:09 -0500 by Rich Johnston | Last updated Sat, 15 Mar 2025 09:34:32 -0500 | Article Summary
Joseph Montagne promoted to VP and Publisher at Abrams ComicArts, focusing on comic books and graphic novels.
Abrams ComicArts has published adaptations like Cormac McCarthy’s The Road and Brian Bendis’ Phenomena.
President Mary McAveney praises Montagne’s skills, confident in his leadership and vision for Abrams ComicArts.
Upcoming releases include R.L. Stine’s Garbage Pail Kids and a graphic adaptation of Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Talents.
Joseph Montagne has been promoted to VP and publisher of the Abrams ComicArts division, which specialises in publishing comic books and graphic novels at Abrams. Previously, Montagne was appointed VP and associate publisher of Abrams ComicsArts in 2023, when the imprint was founded. Before then he worked for Média-Participations in France and Belgium.  What happened to the previous occupant of that position, Rodolphe Lachat, is unknown. He was there over two years, after fifteen years at Dargaud, CNRS Editions before that and an editor at Editions Gallimard before that If anyone has any information, I’d love to hear it.Since the launch of Abrams ComicArts, they have published titles such as the first graphic novel adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, Brian Bendis and André Lima Araújo’s Phenomena, the ongoing comic book series Human Nature #1 by Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel and Martin Morazzo new works of Frank Miller and new manga series under its Kana sub imprint.
Abrams Comicarts logo
“Joseph’s exceptional skill set and enterprising approach make him the ideal leader for Abrams ComicArts. His promotion aligns perfectly with our long-term strategy to expand and innovate within this dynamic sector,” said Abrams president and CEO Mary McAveney, who announced the promotion. “We are confident that under his leadership, Abrams ComicArts will thrive and set new standards in the industry.” Montagne added: “It is truly an honour and a dream come true to step into this role and lead Abrams ComicArts during such an exciting time… I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.”
In his new role, Montagne will continue to expand the division’s presence in the graphic novel, manga, and comic book market. Montagne assumes the helm at ComicArts ahead of the release of several high-profile titles, including R. L. Stine and Jeff Zapata’s Garbage Pail Kids, Charles M. Schulz’s Only What’s Necessary, The Avengers in the Veracity Trap! by Chip Kidd and Michael Cho, Iron Man: Something Strange by Dean Hale and Douglas Holgate, and a graphic novel adaptation of Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Talents from John Jennings, Damian Duffy, and David Brame.
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