I had always liked the idea of graphic novels, but had never spent the time actually reading them, so I made it a goal to change that in 2018. I counted and was surprised to find that I read 58 graphic novels this past year (and a few in the first part of this month). Some have been ARCs and many have been either from my school’s library or my local public library. There’s currently 6 sitting on hold waiting for me to pick up. I have to get over there soon!
My list consists of books I’ve read this year, but they may not have been published in 2018. (Click links for full reviews)
In no particular order, here’s my list. I think there may be something for everyone.
Tired of packing ice with his negligent father for 14 hours a day, Matt Rizzo runs away and rides the rails. But eventually he goes home to Chicago and hooks up with some friends who have been influenced by depression-era mobsters. Trying to get ahead in the organization, they hit a store and Matt gets shot in the face by the owner. He goes to prison after refusing to rat on his friends. Rizzo ends up cellmates with the infamous killer Nathan Leopold. Mentored in epic poetry and taught to read braille, Matt helps Leopold with his literature classes.
The Hunting Accident drives home the idea that truth is relative. This is exactly what I like in my literature, add great art and you have an evocative and meaningful work.
Friday Graphic Novel Double Feature: Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell. The King of Kazoo by Norm Feuti
Chad Sell teams up with several other storytellers to create a neighborhood of fantasy made out of refrigerator boxes! A diverse cast of young people dressed up at Monsters, Princesses, and Robots, subtlety tackle issues of bullying, divorce, competition, parent expectations, and many more.
Batman: White Knight by Sean Murphy
Batman: White Knight is a novel that tests the relationship between Batman and his city, but more importantly, Batman and his arch-enemy. While this thread is solid, there are some side plots that branch away and never seem to be concluded. Yet, the dialogue, varied cast of characters, and a churning central conflict make this one a safe bet.
This book is for you, if you have ever:
- Thought people should have to present their character sheet upon meeting you
- Sipped some dank mead
- Wanted a pet dragon so badly that your mom sewed wings on your stuffed elephant
- Broken up with a partner over the number of pips on a side of the die
Highly Recommended, and Greatly Anticipating Book #2!
Check, Please. Book 1: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu
Super list of things I loved:
- A book with an art show, a house party, and hockey checking.
- Bitty is a character no one will soon forget. He speaks directly to the reader, and most of the time, with his heart on his sleeve.
- Acceptance. Bitty is hesitant to share his sexuality with anyone at school. But there’s a powerful scene were he comes out to one of his teammates. Very well done!
- A great cast of characters. From the star senior to the snippy freshmen and the rest of the bros… refreshing group.
Overall, a book I will be happily recommending.
My Boyfriend is a Bear by Pamela Ribon, Cat Farris (Illustrator). (Graphic Novel Mini Review)
Funny, with real ear for the pitfalls of dating life, My Boyfriend is a Bear is a unique take on modern life. Nora is a great character, as is Bear. And that might be hard to create with a character who only shares his feelings in grunts and roars!
Check this one out!
All the fish in the sea… to the one who plucks em outta the stream.
What were some of your favorite graphic novels of 2018? Do you have any that you would recommend to me?
I’ve recently seen a few of these pop up on Amazon as recommended reads, and after your words I’ll happily tuck into a few of them! Thank you 🙂
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Very cool! Happy to help.
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Super glad to see Batman: White Knight among your top graphic novels here! It was truly wonderful!
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It was the twist Batman needed I think.
Also, have you read The Batman & Robin Adventures by Paul Dini and crew? Came out in Oct. I just picked it up. Just like the old Animated adventures. Looks good!
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I haven’t gotten around to checking out a lot of the comic book stories that are connected to the Animated series, but they’re definitely on my TBR. Will look forward to your thoughts on it though. 😀 Paul Dini and so many others did a lot of stories with that Bruce Timm artwork back in the day!
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Yay The Adventure Zone made it! It’s definitely one of my favourites as well. And “Wanted a pet dragon so badly that your mom sewed wings on your stuffed elephant” is a VERY specific example haha
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So fun!
May have been from personal experience 🤣
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I’ve not read many graphic novels but I definitely want to try to branch into them this year, great list!
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I knew there were many different genres, but now that I’m starting to get into them, I really feel like there’s something for everyone. I’ve tried nonfiction, YA, superhero, etc.
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Fantastic list. I haven’t read a lot of these, on it!
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I’m so lucky that my library system can get books from like 3 counties over…
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Heck ya! Even if it takes a little time to get books, it is so worth it.
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You’ve sold me on the Adventure Zone, not that anything on that list characterizes me…well, maybe the pet dragon but that’s the only one.
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Thanks for stopping by!
Ha! Glad you liked that line! That book is all fun.
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Fun post! “My Boyfriend is a Bear” looks like an adult sequel to the kids’ animation “Masha and the Bear”, though.
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Thank you so much for stopping by!
Ha! I’ve seen that show!
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