Mar 14, 2022
Join Beth and Pearl as they share their love of graphic novels. This underappreciated art form truly has something for everyone: From classic superhero stories to diverse perspectives on a range of genres, inspiring memoirs and so much more! Learn about the world of graphic novels and comic books, why we love them and some great choices to add to your TBR pile.
Picks for First-Time Graphic Novel Readers
1. Look for continuations/adaptations of your favorite
film/television shows:
-Star Wars by various authors and artists
-The Walking Dead written by Robert Kirkman and
illustrated by Tony Moore
-Firefly by various authors and artists
-Avatar: The Last Airbender by various authors and
artists
2. Explore a genre you like:
-If you like superheroes, try All-Star Superman written by
Grant Morrison
-If you like mysteries, try My Favorite Thing is Monsters
by Emil Ferris
-If you like Contemporary Romance, try Bingo Love by Tee
Franklin
-If you like Contemporary Fantasy, try Fables by Bill
Willingham
-If you like Horror, try Wytches by Scott Snyder
3. Pick up an Award Winner:
- Maus by Art Spiegelman (1992 Pulitzer Prize & 1991
National Book Critics Circle Award)
- Can’t We Talk about Something More Pleasant by Roz Chast
(2014 National Book Award Finalist; Winner of the National Book
Critics Circle Award)
Beth's Top Two Picks
-Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon
Watters and Brooke Allen
-Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Pearl's Top Two Picks
-The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
-The Wicked + The Divine by Kieron Gillen & Clayton
Cowles, illustrated by Jamie McKelvie, colored by Matt Wilson
Further reading and sources cited
McCloud, S. (1993). Understanding Comics: The invisible
art. Harper Collins Publishers.
Milliot, J. (2021, July 9). Print Books Soar in Year's First Half. Publishers Weekly. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/86863-print-book-sales-soar-in-year-s-first-half.html
O'Keefe, M. (2019, July 25). Making Comics: How writers can foster stronger and healthier relationships with artists. The Beat. https://www.comicsbeat.com/making-comics-writing-for-your-artist/
Roseen, J. (2019, July 26). Comic Books vs. Graphic Novels: What's the Difference? Mental Floss. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/588430/comic-books-vs-graphic-novels-what-is-difference