Strange Bedfellows

Ariel Slamet Ries

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Book cover for Strange Bedfellows
Book cover for Strange Bedfellows
Book cover for Strange Bedfellows
Book cover for Strange Bedfellows

Strange Bedfellows

Strange Bedfellows

Ariel Slamet Ries

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Description

In this stunning graphic novel by two-time Ignatz award-winning graphic novelist Ariel Slamet Ries, Oberon must choose between fantasy and reality when he develops the ability to conjure his dreams in real life--including the facsimile of the boy who got away.

In the not-too-distant future, most of humanity resides on its last-ditch effort at utopia: Meridian, a remote alien planet where you're more likely to be born superhuman than left-handed.

None of that is important to Oberon Afolayan. Since his mildly public breakdown, his whole life seems to be spiraling out of control--from dropping out of university to breaking up with his boyfriend, it seems like only a karmic inevitability when he wakes up one day with the ability to conjure his dreams in the real world.

Oberon's newfound powers come with a facsimile of his high school crush, Kon, who mysteriously dropped off the face of the planet almost three years ago and who is a little more infuriating (if not also infuriatingly hot) than Oberon remembers.

Kon makes it his mission to turn Oberon's life around, and while they struggle to get a handle on his powers and his disastrous personal life (not to mention the appearance of strange nightmare creatures), it turns out this dream version of Kon has secrets of his own--dangerous ones.

Oberon might have more on his plate than he originally thought, but is giving up his dreams--even the one he might have accidentally fallen in love with--the only way to find happiness in reality?

"Superbly written, sublimely drawn, Strange Bedfellows will pull you into its solarpunk world and make you never want to wake up from the dream." -- Wendy Xu, author and illustrator of The Infinity Particle

"I'm going to put this comic in my mouth and keep it in there like a huge, delicious gourmet jawbreaker." -- Maria Costa, author of Belle of the Ball

"An ambitious, lushly detailed blending of genres and brilliant cartooning-- and the chemistry between Oberon and Kon is electric." -- Victoria Grace Elliott, author of Please Be My Star

"A wonderfully imaginative, flirtatious, and devastating romance that I wish I could read again for the first time!" -- Victoria Ying, author of Hungry Ghost

"A visually incomparable and hilariously written tale of the human struggles found in all kinds of relationships." -- Sunmi, author of Firebird

"Effortlessly blends the fantastical with emotional truths and is, at its core, hopeful, curious, full of heart, and unapologetically queer. Dazzling!" -- Ashley Robin Franklin, author of The Hills of Estrella Roja

"In this luminous love story, Ries examines issues surrounding mental health using vibrantly colored cartoon-style illustrations whose intricate details complement the dreamlike science fiction setting." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Ries' narrative weaves in literary references and science-fiction lore. The work features stunningly surreal illustrations and explores forgiveness, love, and family in a futuristic, racially and culturally diverse world that's body positive and inclusive of queer folks." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Reis's illustrations are the standout element of the book, heightening moments with humor and charm." -- School Library Journal

"The art gorgeously supports the story, depicting the new world as well as the twisting surreality of Oberon's dreams. A great book for teens looking for understanding and hope about adulthood's uncertainties." -- Booklist

Publisher: Harperalley
Pub date: 2025-03-04
Length: 288 pages

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