Graphic Novels

 am so very excited for this heartfelt graphic novel from Kobabe, discussing gender, family, and one person’s struggle to find their identity. E has such a lovely art style and such a personal way of speaking that one can’t help but be swept along. Chances are, you know someone who identifies somewhat differently on the gender spectrum than as either straightforwardly him or her even if you don’t realize it, and I look forward to Kobabe’s work adding to the stories that normalize these experiences.

As the younger female sibling of the heir to the throne of Wakanda, Shuri has always lived in her brother’s shadow. But when T’Challa gets lost on a space mission, Shuri’s life gets complicated. She’s much more at home in her lab, but her brother’s absence pulls her out of her comfort zone and into the swirling miasma of African politics and Wakandan tradition. Nnedi Okorafor masterfully navigates Shuri through gender politics, sibling dynamics, and the role of modern monarchies. Leonardo Romero’s art is reminiscent of the bright colors of 1980s comics, with a sketchy, expressive style. Wakanda feels real, as do the struggles and triumphs of its people.

The Handmaid’s Tale is the gift that keeps on giving. As a book, it’s set the standard for feminist dystopian literature, and the recent TV show has brought Offred’s story to life on the screen, reminding us how relevant her story still is. Enter this new graphic novel, with astoundingly graceful line work and watercolor images by artist Renee Nault, who creates a juxtaposition of beauty and brutality that will sit with readers for a long time to come.      —Jessica

Coates, the writer for the most recent and critically acclaimed run of Black Panther among many other things, tackles the Star-Spangled Avenger and boy what a ride this was. America is still reeling from a Hydra invasion that nearly stamped out freedom the world over, and though Cap wants nothing more than to be the hero, it’s not that simple. But trouble’s brewing that’s got Russia written all over it, and standing idly by was never Steve Rodgers’ strong suit. I can’t wait to see what happens next! - Jax

Part cooking show, part alien abduction story, all adorable. Riess takes 2 storylines that have been done to death and smashes them together to bring new life to them both. The art is colorful and charming without being garish, and each character (human and not) are interesting and exciting. A great read for all ages! - J

This book is a hoot and a half. Not all superheroes make it to the big screen and win the day; some of them fade into obscurity for a reason. Collected here is a selection of comic book history's worst (best?) goofs. Meet Bee Man, the Clown, the Eye, Lady Satan, Kangaroo Man, and more. - J

Having backed the original Kickstarter for this book, I was thrilled to hear it was being released by Dark Horse. It's full of stories of joy and heartbreak and fandom and the intersection of the 3. Growing up as a geek girl is hard, it's good to hear stories from people who experienced life and love as a geek AND a girl. - J

This book is a hoot and a half. Not all superheroes make it to the big screen and win the day; some of them fade into obscurity for a reason, taking their goofy, clumsy, badly named sidekicks with them. Collected here is a selection of comic book history's worst (best?) goofs. Meet Stampy, Fatman, Kid Tyrant, Peep, and Frobisher. - J

Refugee stories are massively important right now. This graphic memoir explores connecting the past to the present and the long, intergenerational shadow it can throw. The Buis left the fallout of the Vietnam war, but never imagined the lasting impact such trauma would have on their life in America. Drawn in an intensely personal style, I couldn’t help but be pulled into their story. - Ivy

In your teens you’re becoming the person you’ll be. In your twenties you’re figuring out who you want to be. In your thirties, you start realizing you have to live with who you are and the choices you’ve made. This is a brilliant fable for that age when you know if you could go back with what you know now, you could live the life you were meant to live. - Jocelyn