Sparks and Stingers Fly in a Modern Take on Shakespeare’s Classic Rom-Com, ABUZZ Coming Soon from Maverick!

Sparks and stingers will fly in this modern queer reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy!

There’s still time to get caught up in “the buzz” before ABUZZ hits shelves this November from Maverick, the celebrated YA imprint of Mad Cave Studios!

Written by Amy Chase (Dungeons & Dragons, My Little Pony, Archie Horror) with art by Stelladia (Potions Inc.), colors by Ellie Wright (The Jaguar), and lettering by Taylor Esposito (Edenfrost), this spirited young-adult graphic novel reimagines Much Ado About Nothing through an inclusive, contemporary lens—where high-school drama and heart collide.

Shakespeare’s beloved romcom Much Ado About Nothing gets a modern update with an LGBTQ cast and the same classic miscommunications! Feuding senior students Ben and Beatriz drag half of Messina High into their never-ending arguments, making things difficult as budding sweethearts Hero and Claudio are asked to pick sides in the battle. All the while, the bad kids, led by outcast DJ, are plotting to capitalize on the chaos and rule the school for themselves. With college letters and prom night on the horizon, will these students find their happy ending or feel the sting of total rejection?

For fans of Heartstopper, She’s the Man, and 10 Things I Hate About You, Abuzz delivers equal parts sharp wit, warmth, and queer joy.

Abuzz drops into bookstores on November 18, 2025, and in comic shops on November 19, 2025. Preorders are available now through bookstores, comic shops, digital retailers, and directly from Maverick!

Get the latest news on Mad Cave Studios, Maverick, and all of its imprints on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com to check out the full lineup of new releases, licenses, and celebrated creator-owned titles!

Author Profile

Al Mega

I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!