5 Best Graphic Novels I read In 2015
Paperback, 128 pages
Published April 8th 2014 by Image Comics
Description:
Who are the Rat Queens?
A pack of booze-guzzling, death-dealing battle maidens-for-hire, and they're in the business of killing all god's creatures for profit.
It's also a darkly comedic sass-and-sorcery series starring Hannah the Rockabilly Elven Mage, Violet the Hipster Dwarven Fighter, Dee the Atheist Human Cleric and Betty the Hippy Smidgen Thief. This modern spin on an old school genre is a violent monster-killing epic that is like Buffy meets Tank Girl in a Lord of the Rings world on crack!
A pack of booze-guzzling, death-dealing battle maidens-for-hire, and they're in the business of killing all god's creatures for profit.
It's also a darkly comedic sass-and-sorcery series starring Hannah the Rockabilly Elven Mage, Violet the Hipster Dwarven Fighter, Dee the Atheist Human Cleric and Betty the Hippy Smidgen Thief. This modern spin on an old school genre is a violent monster-killing epic that is like Buffy meets Tank Girl in a Lord of the Rings world on crack!
Why It Made The List:
What is not to love about these bad ass chicks! Seriously. All have their own powers and their group is really ruled by the fact that they are all different in their powers but also in their backgrounds and they are able to come together and use their differences to help protect the village they live in.
Each girl has her own personality and I think it was written in a way that you were not only introduced to each character but you also get a little bit about them and as the series continues in to Vol 2 (which I also read this year) you get to know the girls even better.
They might be magic wielding bad asses but they are also dealing with every day problems like love, friendship, and family.
I would definitely suggest this for the young girl in your life who might enjoy comics, strong female characters, LGBTQ+ themes, and fun entertaining stories.
Hardcover, 240 pages
Published June 17th 2013 by Jonathan Cape
Description:
The job of the skin is to keep things in.
On the buttoned-down island of Here, all is well. By which we mean: orderly, neat, contained and, moreover, beardless.
Or at least it is until one famous day, when Dave, bald but for a single hair, finds himself assailed by a terrifying, unstoppable... monster*!
Where did it come from? How should the islanders deal with it? And what, most importantly, are they going to do with Dave?
The first book from a new leading light of UK comics, The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil is an off-beat fable worthy of Roald Dahl. It is about life, death and the meaning of beards.
(*We mean a gigantic beard, basically.)
On the buttoned-down island of Here, all is well. By which we mean: orderly, neat, contained and, moreover, beardless.
Or at least it is until one famous day, when Dave, bald but for a single hair, finds himself assailed by a terrifying, unstoppable... monster*!
Where did it come from? How should the islanders deal with it? And what, most importantly, are they going to do with Dave?
The first book from a new leading light of UK comics, The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil is an off-beat fable worthy of Roald Dahl. It is about life, death and the meaning of beards.
(*We mean a gigantic beard, basically.)
Why It Made The List:
If you haven't checked out my list of the 5 Most Unique books I have read this year either scroll down or click this link: http://readjezireread.blogspot.com/2015/12/5-most-uniquely-written-books-i-read-in.html
It made both list for the same reasons. It was uniquely written, entertaining, and full of moral lessons.
I will also say that the simplistic black and white illustrations made this even more wonderful. Check this out.
Paperback, 160 pages
Published June 17th 2015 by DC Comics
Description:
Welcome to Gotham Academy, the most prestigious school in Gotham City. Only the best and brightest students may enter its halls, study in its classrooms, explore its secret passages, summon its terrifying spirits...
Okay, so Gotham Academy isn't like other schools. But Olive Silverlock isn't like other students. After a mysterious incident over summer break, she's back at school with a bad case of amnesia, an even worse attitude...and an unexplained fear of bats.
Olive's supposed to show new student Maps Mizoguchi the ropes. Problem: Maps is the kid sister of Kyle, Olive's ex. Then there's the ghost haunting the campus...and the secret society conducting bizarre rituals.
Can Olive and Maps ace the biggest challenge of their lives? Or are they about to get schooled?
Okay, so Gotham Academy isn't like other schools. But Olive Silverlock isn't like other students. After a mysterious incident over summer break, she's back at school with a bad case of amnesia, an even worse attitude...and an unexplained fear of bats.
Olive's supposed to show new student Maps Mizoguchi the ropes. Problem: Maps is the kid sister of Kyle, Olive's ex. Then there's the ghost haunting the campus...and the secret society conducting bizarre rituals.
Can Olive and Maps ace the biggest challenge of their lives? Or are they about to get schooled?
Why It Made The List:
I haven't really been into graphic novels for long so this year was a big experiment trying to find out what styles I enjoyed most.
This was suggested to me as a new release that might help me get into the DC universe in an easy and fun way.
That is exactly what this did. I loved it. Although it might be aimed at a younger audience I loved the characters, the art is vibrant, and the story is informative but also entertaining as it weaves together pieces of the Batman story you might know from the comics or even just from the movies.
Definitely suggest if you are looking at a light way to get into the Batman world and want something that is easy to relate to in the DC universe.
Paperback, 272 pages
Published May 12th 2015 by HarperTeen
Description:
The graphic novel debut from rising star Noelle Stevenson, based on her beloved and critically acclaimed web comic, which Slate awarded its Cartoonist Studio Prize, calling it "a deadpan epic."
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 is perfect for the legions of fans of the web comic and is sure to win Noelle many new ones.
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.
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 is perfect for the legions of fans of the web comic and is sure to win Noelle many new ones.
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.
Why It Made The List:
I know anyone who read this in 2015 will add this to their lists of favorites. It was not only widely reviewed and talked about but it was also nominated for a National Book Award as well as being recognized for many other rewards and receiving many other nominations.
I don't think I can describe the plot any better than the description above but I will say the ending literally broke my heart. It was amazing.
The art style is also spectacular. It is whimsical and light and just great. I really enjoyed this one. It is a bit longer but it is also a single graphic novel.
The relationships in this are also something to be admired. Rivalries and friendships, shape shifting and magic, and a young girl who seems strong but is struggling with a past she can't escape from all add to the overall magic of this story.
It is a must read.
Paperback, 120 pages
Published December 1st 2015 by Marvel
Description:
From the moment Kamala put on her costume, she's been challenged. But nothing has prepared her for this: the last days of the Marvel Universe. Lucky she's got the help of Carol "Captain Marvel" Danvers! Between teaming up with her personal hero to rescue her brother and trying to keep her city from falling into an all-out frenzy, Kamala has barely had time to come to terms with the face that the world is literally collapsing around her. But the truth will catch up to her, and soon. When the world is about to end, do you still keep fighting? Kamala knows the answer. Let's do this, Jersey City.
Collecting: Ms. Marvel (2014) #16-19, written by G. Willow Wilson and illustrated by Adrian Alphona, plus material fromAmazing Spider-Man (2014) #7-8.
Collecting: Ms. Marvel (2014) #16-19, written by G. Willow Wilson and illustrated by Adrian Alphona, plus material fromAmazing Spider-Man (2014) #7-8.
Why It Made The List:
I have been following this series since Volume 1 and am continuously impressed with each new issue that comes out.
The art is simple but wonderful. The characters are diverse and have strong morals and are honestly excellent role models for teens. They stick to their convictions, love their families, and value their family friendships.
I don't want to say too much about this volume but I will say that if you like cool female characters who remain true to themselves and have to go through some personal growth and development on their way to becoming the person they were meant to be then this is the story for you.
I will also say that their are some tastefully mentioned religious elements that I think are done so well.
Honorable Mention:
LOVED THIS!
No comments:
Post a Comment