Great Graphic Novels of NYCC

New York Comic Con may have come and gone but that doesn’t mean the reading of comic books have to end! Graphic Novels and mangas gives us readers another alternative way for stories can be told and, as years gone by, they have become more fresh and just as realistic and entertaining compared to prose books. If you are looking to jump in the world of comic books or already a lover of them, here are some new releases that have been creating a lot of buzz but will also make you want to dive more into the world of comic books:

The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel Adapted by Renée Nault and Written by Margaret Atwood

This stunning and beautifully depicted graphic novel brings the horrors of Gilead to such a shocking reality in this graphic adaptation of a modern classic.

New World by David Jesus Vignolli

Written and illustrated by David Jesus Vignolli (A Girl in the Himalayas), New World intertwines the cultures of his personal heritage to explore the European discovery of the Americas with a vibrant blend of fantasy and history. (Credit: Archaia)

Grass by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim

This book was both heartbreaking and beautifully depicted. It was difficult to read about continued abuse and depravity but it was necessary to read about this part of the world’s tragic past. Like the author said, it is not about being a man or a woman. It is about being treated as a human being. This is a book that everyone needs to read.

Ms. Marvel Vol. 10: Time And Again by G. Willow Wilson

G. Willow Wilson has time and time again (see the little pun I did there?) given us reasons to look forward to the new adventures of the great Kamala Khan and although this may be the last one written by Wilson in the series (I know, it’s sad), this issue is the perfect reason why Ms. Marvel is so epic and will never run out of exciting adventures.

Man-Eaters Vol. 1 by Chelsea Chain

This great innovative and hilarious new series has been the talk of the book world (both good and bad). But whatever may be your opinions of it, you cannot deny how revolutionary and imaginative it takes an important but still taboo subject but put it on women’s terms.

Magus of the Library, Vol. 1 by Mitsu Izumi

I love books that are about the power of reading and the love of books and this book was just the ticket! Not only it had an engaging and interesting story but it went into detail about what it takes to really take care of books, an aspect which I think young readers would be interested in. This manga also dealt with themes of prejudice and self-esteem issues which I think it handled beautifully and have an uplifting message. My love for books and libraries was deepened after reading this manga.

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

George Takei’s compelling graphic memoir heartbreakingly tells his family’s experiences during the US government’s incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII. School history textbooks tend to leave this dark part of US history. Heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time, They Called Us Enemy shows us what we need to learn more about our past so we can stop ourselves from making the same mistakes in the future. The fact that we get to see these internment camps through the eyes of a six-year-old made the story so real and revolutionary that there were times when I wanted to stop what I was doing and just cry. The story was just that powerful. The artwork will grab the attention of any reader, those who read graphic novels and those who usually don’t. I feel this also needs an extra reading component for students when they are studying World War II.

For the Kid I Saw in My Dreams, Vol. 1 by Kei Sanbe

This may be one dark and violent manga, but the mystery and the thrills that it gives makes you forget all that. The mystery within the story really had me hooked!

Are You Listening? by Tillie Walden

This is a beautiful graphic novel that intimately portrays friendship, grief and the capacity to heal. There are not that many graphic novels that move your soul and this is one that does it. With little dialogue, the pictures truly do speak a thousand words. Bea and Lou embark on a journey through the mysterious world, they learn more about the true capacity of the human connection and how with it, we may be given the capacity to heal.

Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass by Mariko Tamaki

Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass is at once a tale of the classic Harley readers know and love, and a heartfelt story about the choices teenagers make and how they can define–or destroy–their lives. This is the first title in DC’s new line of original graphic novels for middle grade and young adult readers.