I love to talk comics with anyone and everyone, but I tend to hear the same concerns. People can’t figure out how to get into comics (“There are like a thousand issues of Superman!”). Or they worry they don’t know how to read comics (“Which panel do I read next?”). Most troubling of all, they don’t know just how many different types of stories there are (“Aren’t they all about superheroes?”).
If you’ve felt any of those things, I have the list for you! Check out these titles, broken down by genre, that you can get from the library. Any one of them might be your doorway to a whole new reading experience.
Note: In addition to physical graphic novels you can pick up at a library, many more are available digitally. Check hoopla for tons of e-comics or browse the “Graphic Novels for Adults and Teens” shelf in cloudLibrary.
Memoir/Non-Fiction
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
George Takei of Star Trek fame tells the true story of his childhood, when he and his family were interned at one of the camps that the United States created for Japanese Americans during World War II.
Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics by Tom Scioli
For those looking to learn more about one of the pioneers of comics, look no further than Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics. This is not only the compelling story of someone who consistently went against the grain of mainstream comics, but it’s also a catalog of the creation of your favorite characters from the heroic Captain America to the villainous Darkseid.
Let’s Make Ramen! by Hugh Amano and Sarah Beca
“Non-fiction graphic novel” may sound like a contradiction to some, but this cookbook goes to show there’s a lot to learn from comics! Named one of the best cookbooks of the year by the Chicago Tribune, this book makes cooking fun and approachable with its unique format and great recipes.
Fantasy
The Sandman, Book 1 by Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith and Mike Dringenberg
As with a lot of Neil Gaiman’s work, the Sandman can be a little hard to categorize. There are some moments that are as absolutely frightening as your worst nightmares and others that are as serene as a pleasant daydream. These tales of magic and other realms are united by its central figure, the endlessly compelling Morpheus, the Sandman, who at the start of the series has been trapped and must now work to reclaim his authority as the Lord of Dreams.
The Adventure Zone: Here There be Gerblins by Griffin McElroy, Clint McElroy, Travis McElroy, Justin McElory, and Carey Pietsch
This Dungeons and Dragons-inspired series based on the McElroy family’s podcast of the same name starts as a comedic riff on classic fantasy tropes but grows into a compelling story in its own right, filled with memorable and lovable characters.
Horror
Uzumaki by Junji Ito
Junji Ito is known for his cerebral horror stories and unique concepts, like a town cursed by the shape of a spiral that manifests in a variety of ways. A master of the comic book form, Ito makes you dread what awaits you on the next page.
Basketful of Heads by Joe Hill, Leomacs and Reiko Murakami
Stephen King’s son made his own mark on the horror genre with his long-running comic book series, Locke and Key. Since 2019, Joe Hill has curated a line of comics for DC called Hill House. One of the series under this imprint, Basketful of Heads, is the author’s love letter to the horror comics of his childhood – but with his own modern twist.
Humor
Hark! A Vagrant by Kate Beaton
These days parents might recognize Kate Beaton’s name from her best-selling picture books King Baby and The Princess and the Pony, but Kate Beaton got her publishing start with her hilarious webcomic Hark! A Vagrant, which has been collected into two volumes. Beaton uses her wit and cartooning skill to bring to life the funniest moments in history, literature, and Canada.
Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O’Malley
Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim is steeped in every type of pop culture from music to video games to comics, and uses those tropes to great comedic effect. This series asks what would happen if you were thrown into the action of a video game while still dealing with being a 20-something in Toronto.
Mystery
My Favorite Thing is Monsters by Emil Ferris
This book is one of the most unique graphic novels you will ever see! Drawn completely with Bic ballpoint pens, My Favorite Thing is Monsters represents the journal of a 10-year old girl as she investigates the death of her neighbor amidst the tumultuous city of Chicago in the 1960s.
Batman: The Court of Owls by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
Even superhero stories are rarely just superhero stories! This graphic novel reaffirms Batman as the World’s Greatest Detective as he investigates a murder and uncovers a much larger conspiracy.
Romance
Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
The ancient Greek story of Hades and Persephone has been completely reworked in this clever modern romance comic. With that being said, many of the features of ancient myths are still present, such as deceit, passion, and frivolity; all perfect components for a good romance!
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
The inspiration for the hit Netflix series! This series focuses on the small but important moments as two high school boys fall in love.
Science Fiction
Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Saga is a 12-time Eisner award-winning comic that recently returned from a lengthy hiatus – so now is a great time to get caught up! This modern-day space opera akin to Star Wars tells the story of a young family fleeing both sides of an intergalactic war.
Far Sector by N.K. Jemisin and Jamal Campbell
N.K. Jemisin is a Hugo- and Nebula award-winning author who made her first leap into comics with Far Sector. While undeniably a science fiction story that takes place in a utopian alien city at the edge of the universe, Jemisin also weaves together elements of superhero comics and murder mysteries into this unique story from the DC universe.
Superheroes
Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru
Gene Luen Yang and art team Gurihiru bring this story from the 1940s Adventures of Superman radio show back to life. This is Yang’s best exploration of his great contribution to the Superman mythos. As the child of immigrants to the United States himself, Yang interprets Superman’s dedication to Truth, Justice, and the American Way as identical to the story of so many Americans who feel they have to do their best in a country that still sees them as outsiders.
Ms. Marvel: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona
Marvel characters like Spiderman are special because they feel like ordinary people thrown into extraordinary circumstances. G. Willow Wilson updates that formula for the modern era with the introduction of Marvel’s first Muslim character: Kamala Khan, AKA Ms. Marvel. Pick up this graphic novel to root for Ms. Marvel as she tries to balance the different aspects of life as a superhero.
Books About Comics
If you’re still unsure where to start with comics – or want an artist’s perspective on the medium – try one of these books about comics.
All of the Marvels by Doug Wolk
This book outlines various places newcomers can “jump in” to Marvel comics throughout their long history.
Making Comics by Lynda Barry
This hand-drawn “syllabus” describes the ins and outs of becoming a comic creator.
Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
Pick up this book to learn what makes comics unique as a storytelling medium.
Mark C., Perkasie branch
