Taegan Lion
People love stories. And there are many different ways you can tell a story. But perhaps nothing tops being able to see an idea as clearly as daytime, and this is precisely what graphic novels specialize in. Read through our list of 12 graphic novels and perhaps you will find one where you’ll have a hard time putting down for the next couple of days.
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#1 Marvels by Kurt Busiek
Long before the Marvel Cinematic Universe, writer Kurt Busiek's miniseries, later turned graphic novel, covered the history of the Marvel Universe from the perspective of a Daily Bugle photographer. The everyman perspective on milestones in the superhero universe really show what life would be like with supervillain heists snarling traffic, threats from Galactus, and alien invasions. The photorealistic painted art from Alex Ross set a bar only surpassed by Ross' later work on Kingdom Come. Marvels is a must-read for any fan of Marvel Comics, the MCU or superheroes in general.
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Contributor: Beth Rimmels from ComicSutra
#2 Castle Waiting by Linda Medley
Medley is the sort of superb writer and artist that can give away a spoiler on the cover and still surprise you when you get to that particular twist. Castle Waiting is an all-ages series that never dumbs it down for adults. Set in Sleeping Beauty's castle decades after the fairy tale reaches its happy ending, the story of its new inhabitants is smart, touching, exciting and sometimes funny.
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Contributor: Beth Rimmels from ComicSutra
#3 Poison Elves Vol. 1 by Drew Hayes
These aren't your father's elf stories. Poison Elves features assassins, demons, gritty crime and a protagonist you'll want to alternately slap and hug. Lusiphur isn't easy to like but the stories are impossible to put down.
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Contributor: Beth Rimmels from ComicSutra
#4 Astro City by KURT BUSIEK, BRENT ERIC ANDERSON, ALEX ROSS
After working for years for both DC Comics and Marvel Comics, Kurt Busiek created his own superhero world that mixes big stories with slice of life tales. Yes, some of the characters are his take on iconic heroes and villains from the big two but Busiek's take is always fresh, bringing depth that isn't always there in their inspirations. This graphic novel is a fantastic introduction to Astro City and its inhabitants. Bren Anderson's interior art is clean and classic. The covers by Alex Ross are all memorable for capturing exactly the spirit of the story.
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Contributor: Beth Rimmels from ComicSutra
#5 Watchmen by Alan Moore
This is not only one of the finest graphic novels ever written, but one of the best books of our time. It operates on so many levels that it's practically a puzzle, and repeated readings reveal the skill with which the elements are bound together. In addition, the art perfectly reflects the depth of the text and is almost miraculously integrated with it.
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Contributor: Adam Cole from acole
#6 Cerebus by Dave Sim
This 300 issue masterpiece was nearly 30 years in the telling. Starting as a Conan parody, it quickly evolved into a remarkable story that plumbed the depth of religious, social and gender issues, both in its main storyline and in its letters column which grew increasingly controversial as the years went on. While there may be disagreement, given the extreme views of its author, about its ultimate literary merit, there is no doubt that it is a work of supreme significance in the graphic novel field.
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Contributor: Adam Cole from acole
#7 Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
This combination graphic novel and documentary had the foresight to explore in depth the unique aspects of the comic book, making it clear that it stands quite apart both from literary and visual mediums. It is well-told, accessible and relevant. No one who reads it will walk away thinking about graphic novels the same way.
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Contributor: Adam Cole from acole
#8 Iron Man by Warren Ellis
This story line highlights Tony's depression and the source of his drive to constantly strive for perfection.
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Contributor: Heather Ness from Super-Psych
#9 X-Men by Chris Claremont
I have assigned this reading in my superhero psychology course to cover types and sources of prejudice. Many people have called this story over-rated because a character uses a racial slur to make a point when she could have easily made the same point without the slur. If reader's go into this story recognizing that it is flawed, then I do believe there's a pertinent message that can be applied to today's political climate.
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Contributor: Heather Ness from Super-Psych
#10 Deadly Class Volume 1 by Rick Remender
It's not only visually stunning but it's told in a way that is a departure from the usual superhero comics since in focuses on the societies villans - the children of mob bosses, drug cartels and assassins. It's gritty and fun. And the fact that it's set against the landscape of 1980s Sand Francisco makes it that much more unique.
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Contributor: Kristiana Kripena from tvshowpilot
#11 Batman by Frank Miller
Frank Miller has a knack for making the gritty even harder on the eyes. His reimagination of Batman greatly influenced the Nolan Batman film and is a pillar of the Batman universe. The stakes are high and the tension is palpable in The Dark Knight Returns and is a must-read for fans of the masked vigilante.
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Contributor: Caleb Backe from Maple Holistics
#12 From Hell by Alan Moore, Eddie Campbell
From Hell is a dark historical fiction piece on Jack The Ripper. This brutal take is known as Moore’s best work. The story is a multifaceted study of Jack The Ripper and how his legacy influenced his society.
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Contributor: Caleb Backe from Maple Holistics
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