Hi and welcome to the reading world!
Today’s post is the second book list I’ve done with Graphic Novel Recommendations. This is a format I’ve really loved this past year, and I’m finding a ton of new favorites within it. Let’s get into the list!
Another of Junji Ito's classics, the sci-fi masterwork Remina tells the chilling tale of a hell star. An unknown planet emerges from inside a wormhole, and its discoverer, Dr. Oguro, christens the body “Remina” after his own daughter. His finding is met with great fanfare, and Remina herself rises to fame. However, the object picks up speed as it moves along in its curious course, eliminating planets and stars one after another, until finally Earth itself faces extinction… Is the girl Remina the true cause of the catastrophe? A masterwork of horror from Junji Ito, unfolding on a universal scale.
Remina by Junji Ito
Published by VIZ Media LLC on December 15, 2020
Genres: Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror, Comics & Graphic Novels / Manga / General, Comics & Graphic Novels / Manga / Horror, Comics & Graphic Novels / Manga / Science Fiction
Pages: 256
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love--witness what the gods do after dark in this stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of the best-known stories in Greek mythology, featuring a brand-new, exclusive short story from creator Rachel Smythe. HUGO AWARD FINALIST - ONE OF NPR'S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR - "What Scott Pilgrim did for Canadian slackers, Lore Olympus does for the Greek pantheon, while being so beautiful that you know Aphrodite is just staring daggers in its direction."--Kieron Gillen, co-creator of The Wicked + The Divine Persephone, young goddess of spring, is new to Olympus. Her mother, Demeter, has raised her in the mortal realm, but after Persephone promises to train as a sacred virgin, she's allowed to live in the fast-moving, glamorous world of the gods. When her roommate, Artemis, takes her to a party, her entire life changes: she ends up meeting Hades and feels an immediate spark with the charming yet misunderstood ruler of the Underworld. Now Persephone must navigate the confusing politics and relationships that rule Olympus, while also figuring out her own place--and her own power. This edition of Smythe's original Eisner-nominated webcomic Lore Olympus brings Greek mythology into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel. This volume collects episodes 1-25 of the #1 WEBTOON comic Lore Olympus.
Lore Olympus: Volume One by Rachel Smythe
Published by Random House Publishing Group on November 2, 2021
Genres: Comics & Graphic Novels / Fantasy, Comics & Graphic Novels / Romance
Pages: 384
A vibrant, heartwarming graphic novel about two irresistible cat friends on a journey to find their forever home—a journey inspired by the magic of art and storytelling. Cilla and Betto are two friends who need a place to call home. The docks in Valletta are too wet, and the scraps of food too scarce. The city’s streets are too busy, and the humans too unreliable. But what about the quiet garden from old kitten tales—a place where all cats are welcome, and the humans are always kind? Could the stories really be true? As Cilla and Betto embark on a grand adventure to find out, they begin to spin a tale of their own—one that will take them through the art and stories of many journeyers who came before, and that will bring them to a surprising destination.
A Cat Story by Ursula Murray Husted
Published by HarperCollins on October 6, 2020
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Cats, Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Action & Adventure, Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Animals, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Pages: 192
A New York Times bestselling love story between a vampire and a werewolf by the creator of the enormously popular Sarah's Scribbles comics. Elsie the vampire is three hundred years old, but in all that time, she has never met her match. This all changes one night in a bar when she meets Jimmy, a charming werewolf with a wry sense of humor and a fondness for running wild during the full moon. Together they enjoy horror films and scary novels, shady strolls, fine dining (though never with garlic), and a genuine fondness for each other's unusual habits, macabre lifestyles, and monstrous appetites. First featured as a webcomic series on Tapas, Fangs chronicles the humor, sweetness, and awkwardness of meeting someone perfectly suited to you but also vastly different. This deluxe hardcover edition of Fangs features an "engraved" red cloth cover, dyed black page trim, and 25 exclusive comics not previously seen online. Filled with Sarah Andersen's beautiful gothic illustrations and relatable relationship humor, Fangs has all the makings of a cult classic.
Fangs by Sarah Andersen
Published by Andrews McMeel Publishing on June 11, 2022
Pages: 112
Indies Choice Book of the Year * National Book Award Finalist * New York Times Bestseller * New York Times Notable Book * Kirkus Best Book * School Library Journal Best Book * Publishers Weekly Best Book * NPR Best Book * New York Public Library Best Book * Chicago Public Library Best Book The New York Times bestselling graphic novel sensation from Noelle Stevenson, based on her beloved and critically acclaimed web comic. Kirkus says, “If you’re going to read one graphic novel this year, make it this one.” Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson. Featuring an exclusive epilogue not seen in the web comic, along with bonus conceptual sketches and revised pages throughout, this gorgeous full-color graphic novel has been hailed by critics and fans alike as the arrival of a “superstar” talent (NPR.org). Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are. But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.
Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
Published by HarperCollins on May 12, 2015
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fantasy, Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / General, Young Adult Fiction / Humorous / General
Pages: 272
Laura Dean, the most popular girl in high school, was Frederica Riley's dream girl: charming, confident, and SO cute. There's just one problem: Laura Dean is maybe not the greatest girlfriend. Reeling from her latest break up, Freddy's best friend, Doodle, introduces her to the Seek-Her, a mysterious medium, who leaves Freddy some cryptic parting words: break up with her. But Laura Dean keeps coming back, and as their relationship spirals further out of her control, Freddy has to wonder if it's really Laura Dean that's the problem. Maybe it's Freddy, who is rapidly losing her friends, including Doodle, who needs her now more than ever. Fortunately for Freddy, there are new friends, and the insight of advice columnists like Anna Vice to help her through being a teenager in love. Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell bring to life a sweet and spirited tale of young love that asks us to consider what happens when we ditch the toxic relationships we crave to embrace the healthy ones we need.
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki
Published by First Second on May 7, 2019
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / General, Young Adult Fiction / LGBT, Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Dating & Sex
Pages: 304
The wait is over! Ever since the conclusion of Avatar: The Last Airbender, its millions of fans have been hungry for more—and it's finally here! This series of digests rejoins Aang and friends for exciting new adventures, beginning with a faceoff against the Fire Nation that threatens to throw the world into another war, testing all of Aang's powers and ingenuity! * The continuation of Airbender and the link to its upcoming sequel, Legend of Korra! * Written by Gene Luen Yang, author of the National Book Award-nominated American Born Chinese.
Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise Part 1 by Gene Luen Yang
Published by Dark Horse Comics on July 2, 2013
Genres: Comics & Graphic Novels / Fantasy, Comics & Graphic Novels / Media Tie-In, Performing Arts / Animation
Pages: 80
From New York Times bestselling author Mariko Tamaki (Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass) and artist Yoshi Yoshitani (Zatanna and the House of Secrets) comes a story about Mandy, the daughter of super-famous superhero Starfire. Seventeen-year-old Mandy, daughter of Starfire, is not like her mother. Starfire is gorgeous, tall, sparkly, and a hero. Mandy is not a sparkly superhero. Mandy has no powers. She’s a kid who dyes her hair black and hates everyone but her best friend, Lincoln. To Starfire, who is from another planet, Mandy seems like an alien, like some distant, angry, light-years away moon. And ever since she walked out on her SATs, which her mom doesn’t know about, Mandy has been even more distant. Everyone thinks Mandy needs to go to college and become whoever you become at college, but Mandy has other plans. Or she did until she gets partnered with Claire, the person she intensely denies liking but definitely likes a lot, for a school project. When someone from Starfire’s past arrives, Mandy must make a choice: give up before the battle has even begun, or step into the unknown and risk everything to save her mom. I Am Not Starfire is a story about teenagers and/as aliens; about knowing where you come from and where you are going; and about mothers.
I Am Not Starfire by Mariko Tamaki
Published by DC Comics on July 27, 2021
Genres: Comics & Graphic Novels / Superheroes
Pages: 162
"If Mooncakes were a spell, it would be a housewarming charm that settles with care into the softest parts of a home and makes the houseplants grow. I wish I could live inside this book.” — New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston A story of love and demons, family and witchcraft. Nova Huang knows more about magic than your average teen witch. She works at her grandmothers’ bookshop, where she helps them loan out spell books and investigate any supernatural occurrences in their New England town. One fateful night, she follows reports of a white wolf into the woods, and she comes across the unexpected: her childhood crush, Tam Lang, battling a horse demon in the woods. As a werewolf, Tam has been wandering from place to place for years, unable to call any townhome. Pursued by dark forces eager to claim the magic of wolves and out of options, Tam turns to Nova for help. Their latent feelings are rekindled against the backdrop of witchcraft, untested magic, occult rituals, and family ties both new and old in this enchanting tale of self-discovery. 2019 Goodreads Choice Award Finalist 
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker
Published by Oni Press on October 15, 2019
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fantasy, Young Adult Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / LGBTQ, Young Adult Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Romance
Pages: 256
2019 Cybils Award Finalist
2020 Hugo Award Nominee
A 2020 ALA Rainbow Top Ten Book
«Inocente, sin complicaciones e irresistible. La historia se hornea a la perfección: un crush que se convierte en enamoramiento, y más tarde en un gran amor, que tiene como escenario una panadería con hornos calientes, estantes abarrotados y deliciosos postres griegos». -- Los Angeles Review of Books Ari terminó la preparatoria y está listo para comenzar su vida: mudarse a la gran ciudad, triunfar con su banda ultra cool y, sobre todo, dejar la panadería familiar, si logra convencer a su papá. Cuando era niño disfrutaba trabajar ahí, pero ahora no se imagina pasar el resto de sus días amasando y horneando, pues lo que quiere es tener historias que contar. Mientras entrevista a candidatos para reemplazarlo, conoce a Héctor, un chico lindo que ama la panadería tanto como él quiere escapar de ella. Ari y Héctor tienen una química inexplicable que los acerca más y más con cada receta que comparten y con cada charola de pan que sale del horno. El amor está listo para florecer... si es que Ari no lo arruina antes. Kevin Panetta y Savanna Ganucheau han creado la receta perfecta para una novela gráfica: el primer amor, postres deliciosos, decisiones equivocadas, pero también con lo maravilloso que es encontrar a las personas con quienes crecer se vuelve una aventura increíble. Una historia tan dulce y cálida... como el pan que se hornea.
Bloom by Kevin Panetta, Savanna Ganucheau
on December 10, 2019
Pages: 368
Thanks for stopping by!
Rae
Great list! So many fantastic graphic novels! Loved Fang, Bloom, Nimona! Need to check out Remina~ Sounds interesting!