Fiction 101: Graphic Novels

Graphic Novels: Art, Stories, and Staff Picks

by Shelby D., Evening Supervisor

Welcome back to Fiction 101! Fiction 101 is a monthly blog post where I talk about genres of fiction (and nonfiction) and provide you with some reading suggestions. Last month, I talked about memoirs and autobiographies. (I know it wasn’t technically fiction but, they’re still interesting!) This month, I’m going to talk about graphic novels!

Graphic novels aren’t actually a genre, instead it’s a format characterized by storytelling through pictures. The graphic novel should have an overarching story, which is why you can find comic anthologies listed under graphic novels. Comics tend to have shorter story arcs and are shorter in general, but the combined anthologies can be considered graphic novels. Manga are similar to comics and graphic novels, which is why you’ll find them close together in our library. Manga are graphic novels and comics, but they originated from Japan and tend to have a particular art style. Graphic novelizations are novels that have been turned into graphic novels. It can be so fun seeing the reimagined work made into art!

I enlisted some help with the reading suggestions — here are some staff favorites!

  • Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe

I’ll start with my suggestion! Lore Olympus was originally a webcomic — you can now read it in graphic novel form. It’s a fun Hades and Persephone love story (I’m in love with mythology retellings in any form). 

  • Monstress by Margaret Lui

Johns suggests Monstress because of its beautiful artwork of a steampunk world. It is filled to the brim with incredibly complex and flawed characters attempting to navigate war, racism, and survival.

  • Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

Jenean, our Youth Services Specialist, suggests Nimona. It’s a fun fantasy young adult graphic novel that follows a supervillain and his sidekick trying to take down the government. The fantasy world is very well fleshed out, and she really likes how the characters are morally gray.

  • The Remarried Empress

Abby, our Outreach and Programs Coordinator, suggests The Remarried Empress. This graphic novel is about Empress Navier. She is the pillar of her kingdom until one day she is divorced by her husband who has found a new bride. Abby found Navier to be a very compelling protagonist — she is level-headed, an excellent ruler, and is always one step ahead of everyone else. She’d recommend this to anyone who loves romance and drama with a period piece feel.

  • Summertime Rendering by Yasuki Tanaka

Our Assistant Director, James, recommends Summertime Rendering by Yasuki Tanaka. Summertime Rendering is a thrilling time-loop, sci-fi mystery that, pardon the cliché, left James on the edge of his seat throughout the entire read. He enjoyed the series because of its complex sci-fi mechanics, horror elements, mysterious plot, and well-developed, smart characters.

I love reading and browsing graphic novels. The different art styles are always eye-catching and it’s such a pretty and fun way to tell a story. If you are interested in checking out some graphic novels, we have a good collection in the library! You can also find them on Hoopla and Libby. Thank you so much for reading! For October, I’ll be talking about horror in honor of Spooky Season.