Sometimes, you just need a good graphic novel. Something short, sweet, and perfect to read in a single sitting while the art washes over you and pulls you in. As a fellow comics fan, I perfectly understand. So here are some graphic novels worthy of your TBR when you’re just in an illustrated mood!
This darkly funny and intimate memoir explores the so-called “troubled teen” industry, and is perfect someone looking for a moving coming-of-age tale. When she was just thirteen years old, Sofia was taken to a “therapeutic wilderness program.” That would be the first of four residential programs Sofia would cycle through, each touting healing – but all Sofia felt was trapped. Ultimately, this book explores lasting impact of labels we’re given, and how making art can help transmute them.
A dreamy, ethereal, paranormal romance? Sign me up! Alicia is haunted by a recurring dream, and thus begins a journey to learn about lucid dreaming. As she learns to take control of her dreams, she welcomes the arrival of her best friend’s boyfriend into her dreamworld. But what happens when he admits in the real world he can remember everything from the dream? This beautiful graphic novel is a head-spinning romantic odyssey definitely worthy of your TBR! And if you like what you see here, be sure to check out Sophia Glock’s graphic memoir Passport, about her discovery that her parents were working for the CIA.
Speaking of romance, this graphic novel tells the story of a love that lives beyond death! In the city of San Guadario, necromancy has been banned for a century, necromancers being forced to live on-the-run. Victor is one such necromancer, never trained to use his powers. But when the wealthiest man in the city hires Victor to resurrect his bride, it’s an offer Victor can’t refuse – safe passage out the city and enough money to set him up for life. The catch? Victor has never performed a ritual like this, and he finds himself magically bonded to this bride. What follows is a hilarious romp and a beautiful adventure – and possibly the best love triangle ever!
This two-volume graphic novel is the most adorable, cozy, queer romance, and you need to read it! A grumpy/sunshine neighbors-to-lovers story about two college students, To the Stars and Back feels like a warm cup of tea. Kang Dae spends most of his time alone, and he likes it that way. But when bubbly Bo Seon moves in next door and makes it his mission to be friends, Kang Dae will find his life slowly but irrevocable changed. But neither of them has had a relationship before, and they both have their own traumas. Will they be able to embrace the possibilities of what could be, or will their romance be a bridge too far?
This one is for all my horror fans! This supernatural story is full of lush illustrations, creepy monsters, and a story that will keep you guessing as a group of friends look for their missing friend. After Alex has a breakdown and disappears, his secret boyfriend Noah and their friends are determined to bring him home. But there are more mysteries that will need to be unraveled before they’ll be able to find him. Family secrets will be uncovered, and ghosts of the past will come back to haunt them all.
Talk about sweet! And salty! And DELICIOUS! If you’re a fan of shoujo manga (or just lighthearted romance in general) you’re going to adore this fantastical, pun-filled romp. In the Kingdom of Fromage, Lady Camembert wants to live life on her own terms. But thanks to some very outdated laws surrounding women and inheritance, she’ll have to marry to keep her family’s fortune. But in a brilliant, Shakespearian twist, Lady Camembert will move to the capital and disguise herself as Count Camembert. But keeping a low profile becomes much more difficult when beautiful Princess Brie starts falling for the Count – and Cam starts falling back! This romantic comedy has everything you could ask for – true love, mistaken identities, and more cheese puns than you can shake a mozzarella stick at!
And if you love The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, make sure you catch Blades of Furry! It’s the graphic novel Deya wrote it with their wife, and it’s just as deliciously adorable!
This book is the closest you’ll get to travelling without having to leave your couch! The illustrations of Taiwan are so immersive and sweeping and they’ll have you falling in love with the place – whether you’ve been before or not! Paul is our reluctant traveler, who would much rather stay inside and play videogames than try anything like “cultural enrichment.” But when Paul gets lost in Taiwan’s winding streets, he has no choice but to explore. Along the way, he’ll meet new friends, learn a thing or two, and maybe even fall in love with a someplace new! And if you dear reader fall in love with this book, I’d recommend checking out Mark Crilley’s other graphic novel My Last Summer with Cass!
Speaking of new places and experiences, ¡Ay, Mija! is a story of one teen’s summer in Mexico and how it changed their life. Based on a real-life summer in Christine Suggs’s life, this graphic novel follows sixteen-year-old Christine on their first solo trip to stay with family who only speak Spanish. But across language and generational barriers, Christine will learn how to connect to their family and maybe how to connect with themselves and their own identity.
This story of four girls, who all share the same name, and their efforts to fight fear with guerrilla art will hit you right where it hurts – the heart.
When Jane Beckles is caught in the midst of a terrorist attack on Metro City, her family forces her to leave her beloved metropolis for the boring suburb of Kent Waters. At first Jane thinks her life is over, but then she finds where she belongs: at the reject table in the cafeteria, along with Brain Jayne, Theater Jane, and sporty Polly Jane. United by a frustration with the adults around them—the girls form a secret club dedicated to waking up their fellow citizens and inspiring them to fight against fear.
Speaking of true stories, this illustrated memoir is a searing account of a mass shooting. Kindra Neely never expected it to happen to her. But then one day, a mass shooting shattered her college campus. What follows is Kindra’s experience trying to rekindle peace and wholeness in the face of hopelessness. She will learn that for her the path forward was through her art, helping others, and sharing her story.
