Remarkably Good Graphic Novels
for Teens and Adults
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Hey Booklovers, for those of you who are new to Graphic Novels, let's start with the meaning of Graphic Novels.
What are Graphic Novels?
Graphic novels are essentially pictorially illustrated representations of interesting and fascinating stories.
The stories may be true, fictional, fantastical, sci-fi, or romantic. Whatever the narrative these stories hold a common thread – beautiful and expressive illustrations depicted in a sequential manner.
Here's how a Graphic Novel Looks on The Inside
Some of these books I have read in the physical form and of course, they appealed to me more.
However, the e-format is also very easy to handle, with functions like zooming on a tile, clicking on dialogs to enlarge, etc. Many of these titles are available for free with your Kindle Unlimited Subscription.
In today's post, I give you many Graphic Novel examples.
But nowhere do I claim that they are the Best Graphic Novels of all Time. I recommend them here because I enjoyed reading them, and my reading journey continues to blossom. So as I read more and better Graphic Novels, I will add them here for your easy reference.
For now, the list contains, some amazing graphic novels to read. There are Graphic novels for teens, Graphic Novels for adults, and some good Indian Graphic Novels.
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Best Graphic Novels for Adults
Saga by Brian K. Vaughn
The story basically follows Alana, from the Winged World, and Marko, from the Horned World.
They're fighters belonging to warring species. But Alana and Marko fell in love when Marko relinquished himself because he was wearied of living at war all the time. Their love bore consequences in the way of Hazel a baby who had the best of both worlds (horns and wings) and it's her narrative that we're perusing.
The graphics are beautiful and truly so suggestive. The cosmos created is mystifying.
And the uncanny but delightful characters had me chuckling and marveling at the author’s imagination.
There is a series for this story that has reached volume 40 now.
Joe Sacco's work, Palestine, is a graphic novel that deals with hard-hitting realism concerning conflict.
Sacco merges journalism and art in such a way that the result is rude, natural insight into life in the West Bank and Gaza during the early 1990s. The human tales behind political headlines—of suffering and resistance, complex occupation—are captured through his raw, sketchy illustrations. This book is not merely instructive; it is an emotional journey that really makes one face war realities, which few books could.
This becomes an eye-opener and a must-read graphic novel about the Middle East.
The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Persepolis is the story of a girl, who lived in Iran, and was daring, exceptional, and insightful beyond her age.
Her great-grandfather was the prince of Iran. Her family although living in orthodox and hardhanded governance were forward-thinking and wanted nothing more than the safety and good education for their only child.
Through this novel, we get to see the history and growth of a country, Iran, at the same time we're exposed to the workings of the country that were tyrannous, unjust, and occasionally absolutely ludicrous.
We see the significance given to oil reserves, we see the ascent of the Burqa, the fleeing of the citizens to European countries, the unjust treatment of the European citizens to nonnatives, the captivity and death of so many servicemen and so many further radical revolutionist events.
This book is an eye-opener to the boons and best of everything we receive and devour.
The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman
Maus chronicles Spiegelman’s father's adventures during the Holocaust as a surviving Jew.
It follows his story frame- by- frame from youth, to matrimony in pre-war Poland to captivity during the war in Auswitchz. The survivor’s story that results is astonishing, pure, and forthright.
One of the actualities of the Holocaust is that still numerous stories you hear and how much ever the torments of it appall you, you just cannot imagine what must’ve actually happened.
It’s beyond us. The number of sketches in this thick and heavy book will surprise you and shock you and the truthfulness will most surely touch you.
The novel is the winner of the Pulitzer Prize.
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui
The Best We Could Do is a powerful graphic memoir that provides an in-depth look at the immigrant experience.
Thi Bui's illustrated memoir about her family's journey from war-torn Vietnam to America intermingles personal and cultural history. The book is a story of sacrifice, survival, and the complex parent-child relationship—all through stunning, expressive artwork. This is at once an intimate portrait of a family bound together by love, and then also a deeply relevant story about finding a place to call home.
If you are looking to create an emotional depth for your graphic novel, this is a must-read.
Monstrous by Sarah Meyer : A transracial adoption story
I picked this book because it combined two of my favorite genres – graphic novels and memoirs – and I made the perfect choice.
This isn’t a novel or a book it’s a genuine and heartfelt outpour of what goes through a mind of a person who is made different by other people because of how they look or because of the choices they make. It is the growing-up saga of Sarah who was born to Korean parents but was adopted by American parents and grew up in a small American town full of prejudices and biases.
The story is heart-wrenching, her feelings and expressions are so real. The graphics are detailed intimate and feel so real. I’ve read at least a few dozen graphic novels in my reading life but never have I encountered such detailed and perfect expressions through the eyes, the face, and the overall body language.
This book is an upcoming release and I have no clue how it will do once it is in print form. But be assured I will recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking to understand the perspective of a person who is different or even to readers who want to know what a brilliant graphics novel looks like.
This novel is going to be the next in line with Maus and Persepolis. Fingers crossed.
Alan Moore's Watchmen is more than just a graphic novel; it is a game changer.
It is set in some sort of alternative 1980s. This broke down the genre of the superhero and gave the world real, flawed, complex characters. These villains challenged the very notion of heroism. It has gritty storytelling, deep moral conflicts, and beautiful graphics. Watchmen proved that comics could deal with serious, grown-up themes. They can be considered serious literature in their right. Politics, psychology, and drama make for a heady cocktail of a tale that keeps one turning from page one to the last.
If you haven't read Watchmen, then you're really missing out.
What Got You Here Wont Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
This graphic novel adaptation puts a new spin on a timeless classic business book.
Marshall Goldsmith provides some very useful tips in breaking bad habits that help a person enhance his or her leadership qualities. For the first time, complex ideas are presented as interesting, easily understandable illustrations. If you are either new to this book or have long been a fan, visuals bring new light into the content, making it more readable and fun. It is ideal for those who learn more in a dynamic, visually stimulating way.
This graphic novel edition is a real game-changer for both visually oriented and time-pressed professionals in equal measure.
Global - One fragile world. An epic fight for survival by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin
" Global" tells the narratives of two children.
Sami is a boy, who lives in Myanmar along the Indian Ocean, in a small fishermen's hamlet. And Yuki, a girl, in northern Canada, inside the Arctic Circle. They live at two different ends of the world, their lives are so distinctive and yet so alike as they are touched by climate change and all the challenges that come with it.
Sami tries to hunt for more fish with growing storms and receding fish around. While Yuki finds melting snow and decides to help the endangered polar bears.
The book explains and discusses a truly important theme in a simple, realistic, and profound way and with beautiful sketches and illustrations.
Best Graphic Novels for Teens
Heartstoppers by Alice Osman
Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school.
Friendship blooms rapidly, but could there be something more? Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at a Grammar School for Boys. The last academic year hasn't been too great, but at least he is not being bullied now. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the academy rugby squad. He has heard a little about Charlie the youth who was ousted last time and bullied for numerous months- but he has in no way had the shot to talk to him.
They swiftly become buddies, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he does not suppose he has a chance.
But love works in surprising ways, and occasionally good things are waiting just around the corner.
"They Called Us Enemy" is living history—a graphic novel that should be read by all.
Written by George Takei himself, the book is about his childhood experiences. Based in Japanese American internment camps during World War II. The book skillfully combines storytelling with beautiful illustrations and takes us into this dark part of U.S. history. Heart-wrenching, shocking, and a reminder. The lesson is simple - unjust actions can indeed come because of fear and prejudice.
This graphic novel isn't one about learning your history; this is a story of survival and strength.
SPEAK is a graphic novel written by Laurie Halse Anderson, which is a poignant coming-of-age and healing tale.
Through the story of Melinda, a freshman in high school who struggles to cope with a traumatic event, Anderson broaches poignant emotions brought along by alienation and shame. The novel is filled with breathtaking visuals that add to the rawness of Melinda's struggle, capturing silent pain that often cannot be told with words. Melinda's growth from silence to empowerment deeply resonates with readers of all ages, reminding them of the power of speaking out.
SPEAK is a powerful, visually stunning narrative of reclaiming one's voice.
Pumpkin Heads by Rainbow Rowell
Deja and Josiah are seasonal best pals.
Every autumn, all through high school, they’ve worked together at the best pumpkin patch in the entire wide universe. ( Not a lot of people are aware that the best pumpkin patch in the entire wide universe is in Omaha, Nebraska, but it surely is.) They say goodbye every Halloween, and they’re reunited every September 1.
But this Halloween is distinct? Josiah and Deja are now seniors, and this is their concluding season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last goodbye.
A fun read with beautiful illustrations. Perfect as a coffee table book especially for young readers. I loved getting to know the myths, traditions, and food around the pumpkin season.
Lumberjanes by N.D.Stevenson, Ellis and Allen
At Miss Qiunzilla Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's camp for hard-core lady-types, things aren't what they feel.
Three-eyed foxes. Secret caverns. Anagrams. Luckily, Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are five rad, butt- remonstrating best buddies determined to have a marvelous summer together. And they are not gonna let a magical hunt or an array of supernatural beasts get in their way!
The puzzle keeps getting larger, and it all begins then.
Oddball by Sarah Anderson
I was absolutely excited to read this beguiling, cherished book, and I am happy to say I loved it.
The graphics are clever, suggestive, thought-provoking, and occasionally funny. Ranging from weighty themes like being odd/ different or the trials of an artist to light and breezy ones, like the factuality of a cat person, or encouragements of a writer/ author, they were all genuinely relatable.
I appreciate this newest collection of her scrawls, and I look forward to reading her coming creation.
Taproot by Keezy Young
Blue has been living as a ghost for a time when he meets Hamal, a beautiful and special gardener who has the capacity to see and communicate with ghosts.
Together, their friendliness develops into something more, but being a ghost, Blue can never truly be linked with Hamal. A genuinely charming queer love story of a necromancer gardener and specter.
From the award-winning author of Princess Princess Ever After comes The Tea Dragon Society, a charming all-ages book that follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons.
After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik.
As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives -- and eventually her own.
Kiku Hughes's Displacement is a powerful graphic novel, ripped from the pages of Japanese-American internment during the time of World War II.
This four-generational personal journey in time travel finally places the protagonist right into her grandmother's experience in the camps—a visceral reminder of how very relevant history can be. The artwork complements the story well, with the emotional weight of displacement and identity shining through. The book also points to the continuous ramifications of the past into the future by developing states of remembrance and learning.
Displacement is a necessary read if what is wanted is a haunting story regarding identity, history, and resilience.
Best Indian Graphic Novels
Varud Gupta's "Chhotu: A Tale of Partition and Love" is a graphic novel that moves one with the pain and hopes so intangibly interlaced with the Partition of India.
This graphic biography follows the life of Chhotu, a little boy who got stuck in the whirlpool of events in 1947. He struggles through trauma with displacement and finds strength in friendship. The novel uses captivating illustrations, tracing back the forms of human emotions shadowed by history. It creates a love story in the jugular vein of war and resilience.
"Chhotu"—Historical fiction par excellence—brings a whole new slant to the times' ruins of separation and unity.
Jungle Nama by Amitav Ghosh a story of the Sunderban
We are running through the story of Dokkhin Rai, a demonic presence in the Sunderbans who manifests himself as a tiger to prey on Humans. In the story we encounter Dhona a rich merchant the uncle of Dukhey, a fatherless boy, poor but contently living with his mother. Dhona tempts Dukhey with the promise of riches and leaves him at the door of Dokkhin Rai in return for a treasure.
The plot is captivating no doubt, but the poetic narration is absolutely spell-binding and yet very easy to grasp. You are fully absorbed in the tale and are worried for Dukhey, and the dark illustrations by Salman Toor only further emphasize the sordid tale.
The poetry ends with a moral for all, I only wish it was longer.
Kari by Amruta Patil
They were close – until the day they jumped.
Ruth, saved by safety nets, leaves the cosmopolis. Kari, saved by a sewer, crawls back into the struggle of the living. She writes ad copy for hair care products and ill-fitting lingerie, falls for kitties and roadside rogues, and the occasional adventuress in an eatery.
As Danger Chhori, her PVC- suit- clad alter ego, she opens sewers and observes the secret lives of people. And with girls of Crystal Palace forming the chorus to her song, she explores the dark heart of Smog City – loneliness, sewers, sleeper success, and death – and the memory of her missing better half.
Sensuously illustrated and livened by a wry narrative on life and love, Kari gives a new voice to graphic fiction in India.
Inquilab Zindabad : A Graphic Biography of Bhagat Singh by Ikroop Sandhu
Inquilab Zindabad: A Graphic Biography of Bhagat Singh by Ikroop Sandhu tells the story of Bhagat Singh, one of India’s most famous freedom fighters, in a simple and exciting way.
The book shows both the important events in his life and the personal sacrifices he made for India’s independence.
The drawings in the book are powerful and capture Bhagat Singh’s strong emotions and passion. It highlights key moments like his role in the Lahore Conspiracy and his writings against British rule. It also explains the ideas that inspired him, making it easy to understand.
This graphic novel is great for young readers and anyone who enjoys learning through pictures and stories.
Munnu: A Boy from Kashmir by Malik Sajad
A beautifully depicted graphic novel that illuminates the ambivalent land of Kashmir, through a youthful boy’s childhood.
Seven-year-old Munnu is growing up in Indian- governed Kashmir. Life revolves around his family Ma, dad, sister Shahnaz, brothers Adil and Akhtar, and, his beloved, elderly brother Bilal. It also revolves around Munnu’s two favorite belongings – sugar and sketch.
But Munnu’s is a childhood endured against the background of the conflict. Bilal’s classmates are crossing over into the Pakistan- allocated portion of Kashmir to be trained to fight the ‘occupation ’; dad and Bilal are regularly taken by the armed forces to identification procedures where informers will point out ‘terrorists ’; Munnu’s school is closed; close neighbors are killed and the homes of Kashmiri Hindu clans lie abandoned, as once close, hybrid communities have ruptured under the pressure of Kashmir’s partitions.
Munnu is a heart-touching insight into everyday life in Kashmir. Closely predicated on Malik Sajad’s childhood and times, it's a beautiful, evocatively depicted graphic novel that questions every angle of the Kashmir situation – the weaknesses and faults of every side, the history of the region, the part of Britain and the West, the possibilities for the future. It opens up the story of this disputed and discarded land, while also giving a brilliantly close, funny, and warm-hearted portrayal of a boy’s childhood and coming-of-age.
Suit by Samarth
Suit offers a peek into the caste-based horrors and the exploitation rampantly inflicted in the lives of safai karmacharis or cleaners and sweepers in our cities. Samarth, the author imagines a future in Mumbai where these workers have been given a suit before entering the life-threatening filth of this society.
The author’s monochrome dialog and illustrations record the endless repetition of trauma, humiliation and tragedy in the lives of these sanitation workers.
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