List
2023 Staff Picks: Graphic Novels
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
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The Talk
2023 by Bell, DarrinGet this itemA poignant exploration of life as a Black man and parent, this book explores racism with gravity, vulnerability, and humor. Intricately weaving a narrative that includes ‘the talk’ and his lifelong struggle against racism and ongoing prejudice, this is a work of hard-earned wisdom. Suggested by Chris.
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In Limbo
2023 by Lee, DeborahGet this itemI often reach for graphic novels when I want to read something in one sitting, but I had to process this book one piece at a time. There’s a lot to take in, and it’s all worth it. It’s a beautiful example of art and vulnerability, with themes of identity, culture, mental health, friendship, and family. Suggested by Elise.
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A Guest in the House
2023 by Carroll, EmilyGet this itemA striking blend of horror, fairy tale, and every day banality. This book will keep you on your toes with great plot twists, gorgeous illustrations, and a shocking ending. Suggested by Susanne and Rummanah.
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Batman: Wayne Family Adventures
2023 by Payne, CRCGet this itemWhile I normally like my superhero stories to be dark, violent, and grim, sometimes I need a palate cleanser. There’s none better than these brisk, cheerful, and bright stories set among Batman’s found family of youthful sidekicks, including multiple Robins. Suggested by Steven.
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Hungry Ghost
2023 by Ying, VictoriaGet this itemI was captivated by this emotional young adult graphic novel. Valerie is a young woman struggling with an eating disorder, grief, and family issues. As she finds the path to healing, she must reevaluate the influences in her life. Suggested by Brenna.
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Northranger
2023 by Terciero, ReyGet this itemI loved this queer, contemporary take on Austen's Northanger Abbey. It is a wonderful coming-out story with nuanced relationships and a gothic creep factor that proves, "yes, a horse farm in Texas can be haunting." Suggested by Grace.
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Sunshine: How One Camp Taught Me about Life, Death, and Hope
2023 by Krosoczka, JarrettGet this itemI am a big fan of Krosoczka's graphic memoirs, as his art has a special way of taking the hardest moments of his life and sucking me right in. Be prepared for some tears! Suggested by Denise.
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Nottingham: A King's Ransom
2022 by Hazan, DavidGet this itemSince I was a kid, I have loved the legend of Robin Hood and have read nearly every retelling and reimaging there is. Hazan has accomplished the impossible--make Robin Hood seem fresh and new to me. This is a bloody, gruesome dark take on Robin and his not-so-merry men and I loved every violent page. Suggested by Lynnanne.
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The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
2023 by Muniz, DeyaGet this itemI was absolutely charmed by this delightful, sweet rom-com graphic novel that explores questions of identity, honesty, and being true to oneself. A great pick for fans of Heartstopper. Suggested by Rummanah.
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The Out Side: Trans & Nonbinary Comics
2023Get this itemTwenty-nine trans and nonbinary artists contributed to this anthology about their personal journeys. I enjoyed the different viewpoints, as well as the different flavors of art. Suggested by Susanne.
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Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story
2023 by Wertz, JuliaGet this itemI devoured this graphic memoir chronicling Wertz’s journey to sobriety. There’s nothing dark or tragic in these pages, and it’s sometimes meandering, but she’s a master of making the quotidian entertaining, and you can’t help but root for her. Suggested by Chris.
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Pearl of the Sea
2023 by Silverston, AnthonyGet this itemI love octopuses and thought this was a lovely graphic novel about one teenager's unusual friendship with a giant octopus. Reading it, I was touched by how her kindness, determination, and courage changed her life and small town. Suggested by Lynnanne.
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Project Nought
2023 by Furedi, ChelseyGet this itemI love a time travel, dystopian-esque adventure story about teens rising up against corruption. Add in an adorable queer romance and mind-blowing science-fiction twist, and I was hooked. Suggested by Grace.
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This Country: Searching for Home in (Very) Rural America
2023 by Mahdavian, NaviedGet this itemMahdavian’s graphic memoir beautifully encapsulates his three-year sojourn in rural Idaho, seeking the ‘millennial dream’ with his wife. Open-hearted and beautifully illustrated, he portrays their life in the wide expanse of the landscape and the casual bigotry of their neighbors. A beautiful, heartfelt self-exploration of identity and place. Suggested by Chris.
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Nervosa
2023 by Gold, HayleyGet this itemDisordered eating is an insidious, debilitating illness and Gold’s graphic memoir unflinchingly details her own experience with anorexia nervosa. Dark, gallows humor helps. That the book ends without closure makes all that's come before all the more heartbreaking and courageous. Suggested by Chris.
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Washington's Gay General: The Legends and Loves of Baron Von Steuben
2023 by Trujillo, JoshGet this itemI enjoyed learning about an often undiscussed part of history: that of LGBTQIA history makers. This is the story of Baron von Steuben, a key figure in the Revolutionary War who was largely omitted from the history books. Suggested by Susanne.
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Roaming
2023 by Tamaki, MarikoGet this itemCapturing a lively weekend getaway in NYC with three Canadian undergraduates, this graphic novel gets what it’s like to be young, searching, cynical, queer, and wanting only to connect. Suggested by Chris.
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Three Rocks: The Story of Ernie Bushmiller, the Man Who Created Nancy
2023 by Griffith, BillGet this itemA brilliant graphic biography by Bill Griffith, who happily takes us through the life of Ernie Bushmiller and his famous Nancy comic. Of course, Griffith himself is a wildly inventive comic savant, and this work overflows with affection, whimsy and comic-strip history. Suggested by Chris.
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Lore Olympus
2021 by Smythe, RachelGet this itemI love this modern interpretation/retelling of the love story between Persephone and Hades because it is dark, sweet, and full of beautiful art. I liked seeing Greek mythology brought to life in a modern retelling. Suggested by Susanne.
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