February 23, 2021 in Library News

Schaumburg Library Comic Con® is back! As such, we've had some of our librarians recommend some of their top picks when it comes to graphic novels.

Graphic Novels

Wonder Woman : Earth One (2016)

by Grant Morrison

There are myriad places to start if you're looking to get into Wonder Woman's mythology, and Grant Morrison, aided by the incomparable art of Yanick Paquette, provides an easy entry to this story. Every author offers their own take on Wonder Woman, and she's in good hands here. — Emily Vinci, Fiction Manager

My Favorite Thing is Monsters Volume 1 (2017)

by Emil Ferris

Created by a Chicago-based artist and set in the Chicago of the 1960s, this graphic novel cannot be more highly recommended. This is fictional diary of a 10-year-old year girl who interprets and processes the political and social upheaval around her through pulp and horror films. Oh, and she also tries to solve the murder of her upstairs neighbor. — Emily Vinci, Fiction Manager

Seconds (2014)

by Bryan Lee O'Malley

Fans of Scott Pilgrim will recognize the signature art, humor, and sensitivity of Bryan Lee O'Malley in this standalone graphic novel. Featuring a little bit of magic and a lot of existential angst, this is story of a chef, Katie, who is suddenly gifted the means to re-do her mistakes - literally. What follows is a relatable story for anyone who has ever wanted a second chance. — Emily Vinci, Fiction Manager

Measuring Up (2020)

by Lily LaMotte

Cici just moved from Taiwan to Seattle and wishes she could be celebrating her A-má's (grandmother in Taiwanese) 70th birthday back home. To earn the money to bring her A-má to Seattle, Cici enters into a cooking competition with a grand prize of money! I loved learning about Taiwanese cooking in this awesome graphic novel! — Gretchen Schulz, Tween Librarian

Donut the Destroyer (2020)

by Sarah Graley

Donut (first name) the (middle name) Destroyer (last name) is a sweetheart with unimaginable strength! In her world, everyone is born with a special ability, and gets to choose if they want to use it for good or evil. Donut's parents are two of the scariest villains around, but she thinks she wants to be a hero. What will she decide? An amusing and entertaining twist on a superhero graphic novel! — Gretchen Schulz, Tween Librarian

Bug Boys (2020)

by Laura Knetzger

Two bug friends, Stag-B and Rhino-B buy a treasure map from an old dung beetle, and begin to explore and learn about the world around them. Perfect for budding young scientists who enjoy humor! (P.S. There is a second book in the series if you like this one!) — Gretchen Schulz, Tween Librarian

Fox & Rabbit (2020)

by Beth Ferry

Fox and Rabbit are complete opposites. Fox is carefree, and Rabbit is nervous about everything. They are an unlikely pair, but they are best friends! In this graphic novel, they go on four adventures together: to the fair, the beach, a secret island, and a garden. Throughout their adventures, they work to make each other happy. It's a very cute and relatable story! — Gretchen Schulz, Tween Librarian

Saga Vol. 1 (2012)

by Brian K Vaughan

Saga is an epic space opera/fantasy series and is described as Star Wars meets Game of Thrones. If you love those, you will love this graphic novel series. Saga is definitely for adults and follows Alana and Marko, who are a couple from warring intergalactic races being pursued by authorities from both sides of the war while trying to raise their daughter, Helen. The well-developed characters and exciting intrigue will keep you coming back for more! — Gail Tobin, Hanover Park Branch Manager

Snapdragon (2020)

by Kat Leyh

This middle-grade graphic novel has magic, friendship and diverse characters. It is a story of an misfits and finding acceptance. Snap befriends the town witch while looking for her missing dog and she becomes an apprentice to her in this weird and charming story. — Gail Tobin, Hanover Park Branch Manager

Superman Smashes the Klan (2020)

by Gene Luen Yang

In 1946, the Lee family is facing racism and harassment by the Klan when they move from Chinatown to central Metropolis. Parallels are drawn between Superman and the Lees (both immigrants) and how they try to fit in. The story confronts racism and hate and accepting who you are. This is a must-read for any Superman fan. — Gail Tobin, Hanover Park Branch Manager

Grand Theft Horse (2018)

by Greg Neri

This is the true story of the author's cousin, Gail Ruffu, and how she stole a racehorse to save its life, and continued to fight for the humane treatment of animals in the racing world. This graphic novel is great for anyone, middle grade, teen or adult who loves animals and likes stories about standing up for what you believe in. — Allison Riggs, Teen Librarian

Star Wars : the Rise of Kylo Ren (2020)

by Charles Soule

Want to learn more about how Ben Solo came to be Kylo Ren? While it may not answer all of your questions, this graphic novel is a must-read. The detailed artwork is awesome, and the compelling story had me reading this in one sitting. — Allison Riggs, Teen Librarian

Mooncakes (2020)

by Suzanne Walker

Tween witch Nova helps out at her grandmothers' bookshop while also investigating local supernatural occurrences. One night during a walk in the woods, she finds her childhood crush, Tam, who is also a werewolf, in need of some help. With guidance from her grandmothers, they must work together to face an evil magic. This is a cute witchy story about love, family and self-discovery. — Allison Riggs, Teen Librarian

Clyde Fans (2019)

by Seth

An intimate epic spanning four decades in the lives of brothers Abe and Simon Matchcard, the owners of an electric fan company in Toronto. Seth's deceptively simple illustrations conjure a rich sense of melancholy and nostalgia as he explores aging, memory, regret and the endless march of time. — Magan Szwarek, Reference Services Director

The Best We Could Do : an Illustrated Memoir (2017)

by Thi Bui

A compelling and meticulously researched memoir tracing her family’s journey to the United States and their sometimes-uneasy adaptation to American life in the 1970s. — Magan Szwarek, Reference Services Director

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