10 Graphic Novels and Comic Books You Need To Read ASAP đź“š
Graphic novels and comic books are slowly, but steadily gaining the respect and appreciation they deserve. In my latest newsletter article, I explored if comic books are literature and if they’re not, does that make them any less worth reading?
Spoiler alert — no. Inducting comic books and graphic novels into the literature hall of fame doesn’t do much else except appease elitist readers that these books are worth reading.
If you’d like to pick up a graphic novel or comic book to see what all the fuss is about, I’ve got some killer recommendations for you.
Here are seven books I’ve loved and three that are at the top of my to-be-read (tbr) list:
1. Nimona, Noelle Stevenson
This is literally one of my favourite books of all time. This graphic novel has witty dialogues, perfect pacing and characterization, and an entertaining plot. It’s got a superhero, a supervillain, and an ambiguously questionable sidekick.
Nimona follows Sir Ballister Blackheart, a villain, and that aforementioned sidekick, Nimona, a shapeshifter, as they go about their villainous ways. So, if you’re looking for a quick, funny, and refreshing read that’ll transport you into a new world — we have a winner!
2. Embroideries, Marjane Satrapi
The second graphic novel on my all-time-faves list. Embroideries is perfect if you want to laugh out loud. Imagine all the ladies in your house sitting to talk about love, sex, men, their bodies, and anything else they might generally be shy about — unashamed and unapologetic. The light-natured ribbing, the sense of security when you’re with the women you trust and the boldness that security brings, and the hilarious gossip over chai — all make for an entertaining read.
Her other works, Persepolis and Chicken with Plums are also great reads.
3. Heartstopper, Alice Oseman
A recent addition to my favourite comic book series, Heartstopper follows two high school boys, Nick and Charlie as they discover what it’s like to fall in love and deal with the highs and lows of life. It’s beautifully written and illustrated and if you’re looking for a book that feels like a warm hug, you’ve found it.
You can read it for free on Tapas or support the author by buying the volumes.
4. Buddha, Osamu Tezuka
This is an eight-volume series that follows Buddha’s life and journey before he gained enlightenment. The art, the story, and the way they’re both tied together is immensely captivating. When I first read it, I thought the additional (imaginary) characters were a nice touch and the humour in the book was more modern than I’d expected it — a pleasant surprise.
5. Sandman, Neil Gaiman
If you haven’t read this exquisitely created series by Neil Gaiman, you’re in for a treat. A rich, immersive world populated with a diverse array of characters. Gaiman skillfully wove fantasy and mythology and created this stunning work of literature and art.
Whenever you pick it up, tell me what you thought of 24 Hours. That was my favourite chapter in this book.
6. Lumberjanes, Noelle Stevenson
One more by Stevenson on the list. Lumberjanes is a cute and interesting comic book series about friendship, mysteries, monsters, and camping. The volumes are very charming and easy to read, especially if you’re in a reading slump.
7. Kari, Amruta Patil
I recently picked this one up as part of my book club. Kari has a different vibe — this one had some stunningly raw and powerful illustrations. They accompanied a plot that while intense, didn’t feel heavy at all. The episodic nature of the graphic novel lends itself to different interpretations and I was a huge fan of how the author managed to keep your attention even when the timeline was all over the place.
Three graphic novels I’ll be picking up next:
8. Maus, Art Spiegelman
The first (and only) graphic novel to win a Pulitzer Prize, Maus tells the reader the story of the holocaust through cartoons without trivializing anything. In fact, if reviews are anything to go by, the cartoons are harrowing because it’s a memoir. It’s a survival story, and one that everyone should read.
9. Watchmen, Alan Moore
A classic by one of the big-daddies of comic books and graphic novels, Alan Moore’s Watchmen is a Hugo-award winning book. It explores the fall of superheroes as they’re all stalked by a superhero assassin. Chills.
10. Saga, Brian K Vaughan
Honestly, everyone and their mother has been raving about this book on my Goodreads for the longest time ever. Also a Hugo award winner, Saga follows two soldiers on different sides of an inter-galactic war and their baby. Space, war, emotions, love — this series seems to have it all.
Now, which graphic novel or comic book are you going to pick up first?
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