Tuesday, March 01, 2016

Ten Books To Read If You Are In The Mood For Graphic Novels

Saga Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
I love this series! Volume 6 will be out later this year. It is a blend of science-fiction and fantasy. The story is about a man and a woman who come from two warring planets and wind up falling in love. They have a child together, something that is definitely not approved of, and find themselves on the run. Strong characters, good story, and awesome art!

Fables Volumes 1-22 This series may seem long, but it is completed so at least you know where you stand! It is basically retellings of famous fairy tales, folk tales, classic novels, etc in a graphic novel format. One of the fun things is to see if you can make all the connections with the stories they are based on. The story is pretty solid, the female characters are not the damsel in distress types, and the art is always a lot of fun.

Maus Volumes 1 & 2 So far I was talking series, but if you want something shorter then there is the awesomeness that is Maus. It is a retelling of the events of the Holocaust involving mice. When I first heard of it, I didn't think I would like it at all, but it was one of my very first attempts at graphic novels and I loved it. It is probably one of the more widely received and recognized graphic novels out there.

Lazarus Volume 1, 2, 3, and, 4 This is a series I only even started in 2016 and I love it! I am huge on strong female leads and Lazarus is in a class all her own. The best part is that she pushes against what she is supposed to be in an attempt to be even better. I really like that about her. I have tried Greg Rucka before and never really clicked with him, so I am so glad I gave him another chance! The overall story to this one is a bit different from the norm, too, and is definitely different from what I would normally read.

Lumberjanes Volume 1, 2, 3, and soon 4 This is a series I started in 2015 and really enjoy. It is just fun. It is about a summer camp where things are not quite like any other summer camp in the area. Plus in a society where there are not always that many strong girls for young girls to look up to, there is this series out there selling like crazy and showing that there is potential. The adventures they get up to are not necessarily something that can happen in the real world, but it is refreshing to not have the damsel in distress situations come up. Plus, great art!

Persepolis Volume 1 & 2 This was another early foray into graphic novels. I actually credit this as my first really graphic novel... It was when I was early into blogging and this was offered as a review copy. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but took a chance on it and loved it! While I credit Fables with really kicking off my graphic novel reading, this book was the one that showed me I actually liked them. This book recaps a life in Tehran and what it was like for a young girl to grow up there. Definitely eye-opening!

American Born Chinese I wasn't sure which book to talk about by Gene Luen Yang, so I went with the first one I read by him.  This is called a modern fable and is actually three unrelated stories that turn out to be related in the end. I love Fables and Yang's books often could be called them. He takes things that I don't really know that much about and makes them really readable and engaging! If you read anything by him it is worthwhile, but this is where I started with his books.

Hexed Volume 1, 2, and eventually 3 In 2015 I joined Scribd and basically the same week, they added graphic novels. I can't pin point why I checked this series out, I think someone recommended it, but I am so glad I got a chance to check it out. I love it! There are only 12 issues, all of which are on Scribd, but it is such an overall good series. Luci is just such a great character you will enjoy spending time with her and the other characters that she crosses paths with. 

Deadpool When you get into Marvel, the series isn't as straight forward as the others that I have mentioned. I joined Marvel Unlimited last year and I think Deadpool is the best thing that came from that... He is funny and off-beat and sarcastic... I just love his comics! I used to think I didn't like superhero comics at all, but I guess it just goes to show that things change...

Captain Marvel I have read Carol Danvers as Captain Marvel and as Ms. Marvel. I think I like her better at Captain Marvel, but overall I love her. I think she is finally getting a movie and I cannot wait! She is definitely one of the best female characters in the Marvel Universe and I still buy her in trades even though I have Marvel Unlimited. Plus, her cat is great.

I honestly could go on, but I guess I am at 10... What are your favourite graphic novels?

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over here.

27 comments:

  1. Great list! The ones on there I read, I loved, and have the others on my TBR list!

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    1. Awesome! Then you have great reading ahead!

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  2. Ya know, I just spent a half hour wandering around Barnes and Noble and didn't see these, didn't think to ask about them and I'm sure I would someday read one of these if put in my hands but other than blogs, I don't know where there are! I have even tried to find at my library. I must not be searching correctly.

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    1. You should ask and try some out!

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  3. Saga and Fables have been tempting me. I haven't read many graphic novels but I want to read more and these sound fantastic! Great list!

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  4. From this list I've only read Maus and Persopolis, but both were amazing. I've recently read 'The Gigantic Beard that Was Evil' which I really enjoyed, but I don't think much will beat Maus. I'll have to check out a few of the others from your list!

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    1. Yes, Maus is in a category all its own!

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  5. I've only read American Born Chinese, but many of the others are on my TBR list, especially Saga!

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  6. I started Fables then got distracted by so many other things but I really need to pick it back up!

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  7. I need to read the second parts of Maus and Persepolis, and then I think I"ll be looking at American Born Chinese next. I also recommend Stitches by David Small -- wow, what a (true) story. And Castle Waiting was fun in the fractured fairy tale vein.

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    1. Castle Waiting was really good. I read that so long ago. I would love to revisit it!

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  8. Welp, you are the second person today to recommend Lazarus to me, so I guess I should take that as a sign that I really need to read it. Of course, the recommendation comes right as I have broken my iPad screen and no longer have a convenient way of reading comics. :p Hopefully it will be healed soon and I can give Lazarus a try!

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    1. I hope it is healed soon because Lazarus is really good!

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  9. I'm a diehard Saga fan, but otherwise a noob (newb?) in the graphic novel universe. I have been enjoying the Buffy the Vampire series via graphic novel... it fills a void... I'll look at your other picks, thanks! Here's My TTT

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    1. I hope you find some other series you enjoy!

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  10. I haven't really tried any graphic novels yet, but I've heard a lot of good things about some of the series on your list. Lumberjanes looks like it should be a fun read! :)

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    1. Lumberjanes was really fun. I hope you enjoy!

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  11. Lumberjanes sounds fun - I may hve to check it out some time. I'm not a big graphic novel reader, but I have read a few of Fables and Persepolis

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    1. Believe it or not, I never used to be either... Things change. lol

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  12. I have Saga 5 waiting on my shelves, can't wait! I just read American Born Chinese last month, it was excellent. Good recommendations!

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  13. There are some new to me ones there ... like Lazarus and Deadpool. What I really need to do is finish up with the Fables universe. I've done all the main books and all the Jack books but still have a few others to read.

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    1. Yes, I would concentrate on Fables. :) I still have to catch-up with Fairest myself!

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  14. Anonymous11:34 PM

    Hey I've done pretty well on your list. I've read some from every series except for Lazarus! Now why haven't I read Lazarus?? Fables fell by the wayside some years ago, mostly because it was difficult to access the volumes from the library, but might pick that up again soon!

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    1. Lazarus was really good!! And I just love Fables. :)

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