Love As A Foreign Language., J. Torres; Oni Press

“Joel hates Korea. Why he agreed to teach there defies his comprehension. He can’t wait to return to normal life. His year of teaching is almost over and then he’ll finally be free. But Joel’s life is about to go from dark dreams to cotton candy kisses and it’s all because of Hana. The very sight of this girl sends him flying straight to cloud nine, but won’t another year in Korea send him crashing back down?”

Robin’s Note: This graphic novels series, now available in two omnibus editions that complete the series, is charming, hilarious, and balances just enough plot with an equal part unabashed heart.  The fish-out-of-water element in the story show Joel’s isolation, and provides a lot of the humor, but his budding romance with Hana turns his world upside-down in the best possible way.  Great for anyone who knows what it’s like being a bit lost in a foreign landscape, and also how wonderful it is to find a connection anyway.  This is a lesser know graphic novel series (undeservedly!) and the romance and humor combination appeal widely.