It used to be that mid-May was the time of year when I’d look forward to watching the Eurovision Song Contest, a campy, bombastic, and utterly endearing singing competition that brings together contestants from dozens of countries. Despite the name, Eurovision is not limited to European countries and hasn’t been for quite some time. Normally, that adds to the fun, but since 2023, it has led to some controversy.

Back in 2022, when Russia attacked Ukraine, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) moved quickly to ban Russia from participating in the competition. But in 2023, when Israel responded to the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7 by launching an indiscriminate assault on Palestine that had already left tens of thousands of civilians dead by the time of the 2024 competition, the EBU disingenuously claimed it was a “non-political media organization” that wasn’t qualified to pass judgment.

Things have deteriorated since then. Israel continues to be allowed to compete at Eurovision even as its genocidal campaign has widened to include attacks on humanitarian workers and a restrictive new death penalty that applies only to Palestinians. Because of the EBU’s refusal to act, several countries are boycotting the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, and so am I.

Instead of supporting an event that has declined to show any consistent moral fiber whatsoever, I put together this list of comics that embody the spirit of fun, diversity, and creativity that Eurovision is supposed to represent. Some focus on the performing arts, but my main concern was vibes: is this comic happy and colorful — and, in some cases, unhinged — enough to make you want to burst into song? If the answer is yes, I included it below!

The Backstagers Volume One: Rebels Without Applause by James Tynion IV and Rian Sygh When he transfers to a private high school, Jory has trouble fitting in. His attempts to join the drama club fall flat, but lucky for him, the “backstagers,” a group of outcasts who work behind the scenes to make every play shine, are there to make the school day more fulfilling.

Grand Slam Romance by Ollie Hicks and Emma Oosterhous Mickey and Astra used to be an item. Now they are rivals on the softball field, each determined to win glory for their team. But can Mickey resist the literally magical Astra? Do they even want to?

Jukebox by Nidhi Chanani Shaheen and Tannaz literally get lost in the music thanks to a magic jukebox that pulls them back in time to the era in which each song they listen to was recorded. Somewhere in the past, Shaheen’s father has lost his way, and it’s up to these two cousins to bring him back.

The Ribbon Skirt by Cameron Mukwa Anang is a nonbinary youth determined to attend an upcoming powwow in their very own ribbon skirt, a traditional Anishinaabe garment. Can they find all of the pieces necessary to make the skirt and put everything together in time? Maybe, but only with help from their human friends and some encouraging spirits!

Stand Up! by Tori Sharp Clay and Kyle can’t wait to leave their mark on this year’s school play, Kyle by working backstage, Clay by acting alongside her crush, Dania. But acting isn’t as much fun as Clay hoped it would be, so she and Kyle decide to channel their chaotic energy into a different kind of performance: their very own podcast!

If you want to keep the good times rolling, check out these 20 must read books about musicians, and this list of middle grade books about music, bands, and musicals.