As the leaves turn orange and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a good spooky read. Nadia Shammas and Karnessa‘s graphic novel Confetti Realms combines adventure, mystery, fantasy, and youthful horror just in time for fall.

Confetti Realms follows the journey of five teenagers who find themselves transported to a fantastical world after encountering a giant puppet in a graveyard. But what seems like an adventure soon turns into a race against time, as the teens realize they need to collect the teeth owed to the puppet if they want to make it back home. Along the way, they face challenges not only external, but also internal- as they navigate the complexities of their friendships and grapple with the temptation of staying in a world that seems too good to be true.

One thing in Confetti Realms that immediately stands is how well it flows as a reading experience. The story progresses at a steady pace, keeping the reader engaged without overwhelming them with too much information. It’s a refreshing break from the more convoluted storytelling styles that can often dominate the comics market.

But despite its accessible writing, Confetti Realms doesn’t shy away from tackling deeper themes. The story explores the idea of childhood nostalgia, and what it means to let go of a world that you’ve loved but can no longer be a part of. It also delves into the idea of growing apart from your friends, and the painful process of figuring out who you are outside of the groups you once belonged to.

Of course, no review of Confetti Realms would be complete without mentioning the stunning artwork by Karnessa. Their use of color and texture perfectly captures the eerie yet whimsical world of the Confetti Realms and brings the characters and creatures to life in a way that’s both beautiful and haunting.

Overall, Confetti Realms is a great read for anyone looking for a spooky Halloween story with heart. It’s a graphic novel that manages to balance adventure and mystery with deep themes and gorgeous artwork, making it a standout in the genre.

Confetti Realms hits local comic shops on October 4, 2023 and in bookstores everywhere on October 17 from Maverick, and imprint of Mad Cave Studios.

You can learn more about Confetti Realms and creator Nadia Shammas on Episode 414 of the Off Panel Podcast from our friend David Harper.