In this queer graphic novel that\'s equal parts romance, softball, and magical girl drama, Mickey Monsoon is the hotshot pitcher for the Belle City Broads, and their team is poised to sweep the league this season. But Micky is thrown off their game when Astra Maxima shows up to catch for the Gaiety Gals, the Broads\' fiercest rival. Years ago Mickey and Astra were best friends... and maybe more. That was, until Astra unceremoniously dumped Mickey to become a softball wunderkind at a private girl\'s school in Switzerland. Now, Astra is flirty, arrogant, and reckless on the field-everything the rule-abiding Mickey hates. Astra thinks Mickey\'s cute and wants to fool around, even despite their rocky history and the trail of jilted softballers that Astra leaves in her wake. Too bad the only thing Mickey wants is vengeance for their broken heart and wounded pride! But even they have to admit-Astra is a certified babe. And that\'s not all: Astra isn\'t just a softball superstar, she\'s a full-fledged magical girl. The only way for Mickey to defeat Astra is to betray the Broads and join the Danger Dames, a secret elite team, and start dating Astra\'s ex! OK, that last bit wasn\'t part of the plan . . . Mickey\'s rapidly getting in too deep, but are they just in trouble or are they actually in love? Full of wet mitts, hard hits, and a bevy of softball-playing babes, Grand Slam Romance: Book 1 is a flawless home run that is sure to knock readers out of the park. (W) Ollie Hicks (A) Emma Oosterhous