STARRED REVIEW: “Ribon (Slam!) and Farris (Emily and the Strangers) collaborate to deliver a winning slice-of-life romantic comedy with a twist. After dumping her latest terrible boyfriend, 28-year-old Nora unexpectedly falls in love with an American black bear she meets in the woods. “The bear” is no ordinary wild animal: he’s kind, wears a hip Arcade Fire T-shirt, and has a great fondness for juggling, cuddling, and craft beer. The two enjoy a nearly idyllic life together, despite objections from Nora’s family and friends, but when their honeymoon phase passes, Nora’s life falls apart all over again—before winter sets in, the bear must abandon her to hibernate in the mountains. Ribon’s use of magical realism is a delight from cover to cover, as she cleverly navigates the foibles of millennial dating and friendships. Farris’s cartooning is as expressive as it is adorable, inviting the reader to share Nora and the bear’s intimacy with every panel. This resonant, absurdist modern fable is a joyful discovery.” - Publishers Weekly

“Twentysomething Nora bounces numerous suitors for oddball flaws (like wearing suspenders), but when she drunkenly invites a hungry black bear in to raid the refrigerator, it’s mutual fireworks—and suddenly flaws dwindle to mere challenges. Surprisingly considerate and tender, Bear learns to wear clothes and builds shelves for the cat. Nora adapts to his appetite and messiness and sticks up for him when friends protest. We could take this as a parable about what folks do for amour (chemistry always wins out) and that anyone’s knotty courtship problems can be handled. But mostly it’s just good fun with nothing icky or salacious. Ribon boasts numerous writing credits at Disney, including serving as a consultant on DisneyNature’s Bears. Farris (Emily and the Strangers) works the rom-com formula to the hilt in a colorful cartoony style, using chibi figures occasionally for extreme emotions. VERDICT A sort of alt-Disney meets Jane Austen, this delightful confection showcases an unconventional relationship that will pull giggles and snuffles from romance lovers.” - Library Journal

“Funny and sweet. Your next book boyfriend gives great hugs.” _ Rainbow Rowell, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Eleanor & Park and Carry On, writer for Marvel's Runaways

“This book made me laugh and cry. Bittersweet, unsentimental and as honest as a book about a bear boyfriend can be.” - Jojo Moyes, New York Times bestselling author and screenwriter of Me Before You and One Plus One

“My Boyfriend is a Bear is a wonderfully funny, charming, and tender story about romance and the daily work and joy of relationships, but behind its sweet exterior is a surprisingly incisive send-up of men and dating in Los Angeles.” - Britta Lundin, author of Ship It, writer on The CW's Riverdale

“What a delightful read! My Boyfriend Is A Bear shows us that even the most loving relationship needs work to survive, and even if your boyfriend isn't perfect, he may be the perfect one for you.” - Colleen Coover, Eisner Award-winning artist of Bandette

- Announcements at The A.V. Club and The Hollywood Reporter. Re-circulated through The Hollywood Reporter's industry newsletter.

- Announcement press release sent to the publisher's press, retailer, and librarian lists.

- Social media coverage of the announcement.

- Print adverts included in Oni Press periodicals.

- ARC distribution to trade review journals, and select press, book buyers, and librarians.

- Creator signings at Emerald City Comiccon 2018 in Seattle, WA.

- Local author and illustrator appearances in Los Angeles, CA, and Portland, OR.

-  Illustrator appearance at ALA Annual Conference 2018 in New Orleans, LA.

- Art gallery show at Sequential Art Gallery in Portland, OR, in April 2018.

- Author appearance and signing at the L.A. Times Festival of Books in Los Angeles, CA, in April 2018.