Roaming (graphic novel)

2023 graphic novel by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki

Roaming is a fictional graphic novel written by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by Jillian Tamaki, and published on September 12, 2023.

The novel follows three Canadian college students visiting New York City for a spring break trip in 2009.[1][2]

## Plot

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In the spring of 2009, childhood best friends Dani and Zoe travel from their respective universities in Canada to New York City. Unbeknownst to Zoe, Dani brings along her roommate Fiona, an art student, and the three stay in a hostel, visiting landmarks including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Grand Central Station, and the American Museum of Natural History.[3] A romance begins to blossom between Zoe and Fiona, and tensions rise as the five-day trip continues.[4]

## Reception

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Roaming was a finalist for the 2024 Lambda Literary Awards, and tied for the top graphic novel of Publisher Weekly's annual critics poll.[5][6]

Roaming won the 2024 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album. In addition, Mariko Tamaki won the Eisner for Best Writer and Jillian Tamaki won the Eisner for Best Penciler/Inker.[7]

## References

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1. ^ Riedel, Samantha (2023-09-18). "'Roaming' Captures the Wild Queer Wonder of Your First Friends Trip". Them. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
2. ^ Neilson, Sarah (2023-09-11). "Jillian and Mariko Tamaki on Their New Collaborative Graphic Novel, 'Roaming'". Shondaland. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
3. ^ Cooke, Rachel (2023-09-18). "Roaming by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki review – a blissful ode to female friendship and New York". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
4. ^ Depenbrock, Julie (September 18, 2023). "Love, identity, and ambition take center stage in 'Roaming'". NPR. Archived from the original on May 13, 2024. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
5. ^ "'Impossible People' and 'Roaming' Top PW's 2023 Graphic Novel Critics Poll". Publishers Weekly. December 20, 2023. Archived from the original on 2024-05-13. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
6. ^ "Current Finalists". Lambda Literary. Archived from the original on 2022-06-13. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
7. ^ "Eisner Award Winners 2024". Roaming (graphic novel). 2024-07-27. Archived from the original on 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2024-07-27.