Beginner's Guide to Graphic NovelsLike this list

17 items

• Understanding Comics

  the Invisible Art

  McCloud, Scott, 1960-

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  Start Here! Scott McCloud breaks down the genre in an easy to read guide that will help you understand dialogue boxes, panel order and more!

• Watchmen

  Moore, Alan, 1953-

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  Half Text, half comics, "Watchmen" introduces you to the world of superheroes—and the real-world consequences of ordinary folks with too much power.

• Saga. Volume One

  Vaughan, Brian K,

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  This aptly named epic explores racism, war and parenting across a space opera world. Start reading for the beautiful art, keep reading for the incredibly written characters.

• The Walking Dead. Volume 20, Issue 115-120, All Out War, Part One

  Kirkman, Robert,

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  Want characters and a world you already know? Read the comic the hit show is based on.

• Giant Days. Volume One

  Allison, John, 1976-

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  Looking for something down to earth? "Giant Days" follows a group of young British university students as they experience all the trials of young adulthood. Allison's humor and heart carry this series.

• American Born Chinese

  Yang, Gene Luen,

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  This award-winning story follows a young Asian American protagonist as he explores the complex identity struggles of first generation Americans amidst the dramas of school.

• One-punch Man. 13

  ONE, 1986-

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  Want to give manga and right-to-left reading a try? "One-Punch Man" is one of the most acclaimed manga written, following the story of a superhero who is bored by being so strong. Humor and self-awareness make this action-focused story a must-read.

• From Hell

  Being a Melodrama in Sixteen Parts

  Moore, Alan, 1953-

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  Speculation about the identity of Jack the Ripper drives this horror-thriller story. Expect a fair bit of gore in this murder-driven collection.

• Bone. 2, The Great Cow Race

  Smith, Jeff, 1960 February 27-

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  "Bone" is the kid-friendly series that got many comic readers started. Set in a mythical world with dragons and princesses, it follows our often clumsy, often silly, often too earnest Bone family through adventures they never expected.

• Persépolis

  Satrapi, Marjane, 1969-

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  For those looking for nonfiction, "Persepolis" is an award-winning memoir set in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. Often dark and deeply personal, "Persepolis" offers insight to a world that many western readers have never seen.

• Prospector -- Scott Pilgrim. 1, Scott Pilgrim's precious little life / by Bryan Lee O'Malley.

  View on coalliance.org

  You've seen the campy, video game hyped movie, now read the original! Follow Scott Pilgrim as he battles his love's evil exes in this fun, fast read.

• Blankets

  a Graphic Novel

  Thompson, Craig, 1975-

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  This semi-autobiographical story explores religion, sexuality and coming-of-age issues with incredible art. This indie comic offers the best of the genre, tackling heavy issues with tact and heart.

• My Favorite Thing Is Monsters. Book One

  Ferris, Emil,

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  Another book with autobiographical elements, this one also focuses on several murder mysteries in 1960s Chicago. Unique, cross-hatched art emphasizes the surreal mood of this story.

• Nimona

  Stevenson, ND,

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  Follow the adventures of a young shapeshifter as she becomes sidekick to a mad scientist. Adorable art and LGBT+ themes make this story stand out among adventure stories.

• Through the Woods

  Carroll, Emily

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  Discover a terrifying world in the woods in this collection of five hauntingly beautiful graphic stories.

• Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth by Chris Ware

  View on goodreads.com

  This is a more challenging read, with complex art and dynamic story arcs. Still, as one of the most acclaimed graphic novels written, it is worth the effort.

• Ghost World

  Clowes, Daniel

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  This cult classic is a darkly written comic, with intermittently somber explorations of friendship and modern life. "Ghost World" has become renowned for its frank treatment of adolescence.