NAKAMA PRESS announces new title, BEST FRIEND SHOW
- keepingitgeekly
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
A new coming-of-age OGN will be dropping this summer from Nakama Press, an imprint of Mad Cave Studios. BEST FRIEND SHOW is a story about friendship, first love, and, of course, the competitive nature and high-stakes world of dog shows.
Writer Craig Hurd-McKenney (Some Strange Disturbances, The Brontës: Infernal Angria, Boris Karloff’s Gold Key Mysteries) joins up with illustrator and artist Melis Jones to blend all the emotions of a 16-year-old learning about love, loyalty, and even second chances in BEST FREND SHOW.
Winning Isn’t About the Ribbon, It’s About Who Stays by Your Side
BEST FRIEND SHOW
Writer: Craig Hurd-McKenney
Artist: Melisa Jones
Sixteen-year-old Landon Snyder never expected to spend his summer in the world of dog shows. But after a family illness combined with a breakup sends him to live with his Aunt Iva, who runs a bustling dog rescue, Landon discovers a surprising talent for training—and a bond with Blue, Iva’s champion show dog. Between a cocky rival, a shy new friend who sees him like no one else, and the pressures of the Best in Show, Landon learns that healing doesn’t always come with a ribbon...but sometimes with love, loyalty, and second chances.
“There is nothing in this world like the joy and unconditional love of a dog in the house,” said Craig Hurd-McKenney. “My rescue dogs, from Widget to Clovis, have saved me over and over and over again. While I have not shown dogs, I did agility training with my girl, Lucy. It brought us closer together and made us both more confident. My hope is that, through Best Friend Show, people will discover a self-confidence that only a deeper connection to our canine comrades can bring, and a community & social connection that a mutual love of dogs can provide.”
Melisa Jones added, “I have grown up with dogs and will one day grow old with dogs, which is why I'm so excited to be a part of a project that celebrates our relationship with dogs and how they influence our connections with people. Everyone who knows me knows my dogs, Nicky, Elliot, and Callie. My hope is for Best Friend Show to bring readers as much joy as my dogs have brought me.”
Best Friend Show goes on sale August 11, 2026, in paperback (ISBN: 9781545827611 | $10.99). Preorder at your favorite bookstore, comic shop, or from nakamapress.com.
About Nakama Press
Nakama Press celebrates timeless traditions while embracing bold innovation, building bridges between cultures, and fostering a worldwide community of creators and fans.
About Mad Cave Studios
Mad Cave Studios, established in 2014, is an independent publisher committed to providing the very best in graphic storytelling. Mad Cave’s catalog includes a captivating blend of licensed, creator-owned, and original works, created by a diverse cast of storytellers focused on cultivating impactful character-driven narratives. Mad Cave Studios is the parent company to Maverick, Nakama Press, and Papercutz, enriching the literary landscape for readers of all ages.
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