2025 Staff Picks: Adult Graphic NovelsLike this list

20 items

• Muted

  Mundt, Miranda,

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  We enjoyed this first installment in a promising witchy graphic novel series. Set in a world where different witch families have different types of magic, Camille discovers the truth of her magic, reunites with long lost family, works through grief,…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• This Beautiful, Ridiculous City

  a Graphic Memoir

  Sohini, Kay,

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  The author of this deeply personal graphic memoir discovers freedom in New York City, like so many artists before her. Part love letter to the city and part processing of trauma, this is a gorgeous and immersive read. Suggested by Brenna.

• Helen of Wyndhorn

  King, Tom, 1978-

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  Mixing Art Noveau and pulp fantasy doesn't seem like it should work, but Bilquis Everly's illustrations and Matieus Lopes's jaw-dropping colorwork prove otherwise. I didn't find the characters particularly likeable, but that didn't actually matter…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Black Arms to Hold You Up

  a History of Black Resistance

  Passmore, Ben,

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  An uncompromisingly political and bold graphic nonfiction that is provocative, funny, devastating, and rich with historical insight. Ben Passmore tackles what Black resistance looks like both as a means of taking up arms and as an embrace, looking…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The History of World War II

  a Graphic Novel

  La Croix, Arnaud de,

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  This French import handily succeeds in corralling its massive subject by focusing its gaze on the usually richly appointed rooms where decisions were made that led to the deaths of millions. Readers who enjoy top-down history and the actions of…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Gaysians

  Curato, Mike,

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  I loved this moving, masterful coming-of-age graphic novel set within a gay Asian friend group in the Pacific Northwest. Mike Curato weaves multiple storylines with ease, portraying an engaging group of characters who are funny, flawed, vulnerable,…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• In the Land of Simplicity

  a Novel : An Account of the Unusual Peoples of the Former United States & a Sojourn Through the Exurb Zones and Other Unsecured Territories by An Intrepid Explorer From the Coalition of Secured City-states

  Lubchansky, Mattie,

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  Mattie Lubchansky has been a fantastic social satirist through comics since her days at shuttered webcomic outlet The Nib, and her second full-length graphic novel lets her really shine. This near-future dystopian read follows a 2081 trans academic…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Batman

  Full Moon

  Barnes, Rodney (Producer),

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  Yes, this is Batman vs. a werewolf, but it also happens to be one of darkest and suspenseful Dark Knight storylines, with outstanding illustrations to boot. Fans of "Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth" (1989) should take note. Suggested…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Ew, It's Beautiful

  a False Knees Comic Collection

  Barkman, Joshua,

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  I loved this graphic novel and the way it used nature to make ridiculous jokes. I laughed out loud for most of it. Suggested by Susanne.

• Muybridge

  Delisle, Guy,

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  I knew that Eadweard Muybridge developed new photography techniques that paved the way for modern movies and animation, but I didn't realize how much intrigue was woven through his story. There's a fascinating cast of characters, interesting…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Trans History

  From Ancient Times to the Present Day

  Combs, Alex L.,

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  I learned so much from this well-researched and deeply informative history. The authors do a fantastic job of covering a lot of content with care and precision. I especially enjoyed the last section of the book, which highlights stories of trans…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Lucas Wars

  Hopman, Laurent,

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  I enjoyed this graphic novel that follows the trials and triumph of George Lucas and all those who made Stars Wars happen. Suggested by Bill.

• It Rhymes With Takei

  Takei, George, 1937-

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  In his full-color and intimate graphic memoir, actor and activist George Takei traces his coming out journey along with America navigating the history of LGBTQ+. An absorbing graphic memoir. Suggested by Rummanah.

• Insectopolis

  a Natural History

  Kuper, Peter, 1958-

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  Every page of this oversized graphic novel is a work of art depicting various types of insects as they explore a post-human New York Public Library. I can’t decide which is better, the book’s intricate drawings or its multitude of fascinating facts…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• I Wish I Didn't Have to Tell You This

  Yelchin, Eugene,

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  I really enjoyed the bold art and engrossing storytelling of the author's experience in an oppressive Soviet Russia, and their finding of both love and escape. Suggested by Susanne.

• Confession

  Fukumoto, Nobuyuki,

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  A gripping, page-turning thriller manga set in a cabin during a blizzard and featuring two men in a cat-and-mouse chase with a deadly secret. Suggested by Rummanah.

• Halfway There

  a Graphic Memoir of Self-discovery

  Mari, Christine,

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  We were pulled into Mari's emotional journey of reconciling both sides of her mixed-race identity during a year abroad in Tokyo. Mari realistically captured her struggles with belonging and mental health while coming to a conclusion of what home…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Cult of the Lamb

  Paknadel, Alex,

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  I loved the bold, colorful art style and the dark storytelling with fantastic characters. Suggested by Susanne.

• Batman/Dylan Dog

  Recchioni, Roberto, 1974-

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  Before reading this, I had no clue who “Dylan Dog” is–an Italian paranormal comic book hero, apparently–but I’d love to see him again as he brings a strong supernatural flavor to his dealings with Batman, Catwoman, Alfred, the Joker, and more. The…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• John Kenn Mortensen's Nightmare Factory

  Mortensen, John Kenn, 1978-

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  Imagine Edward Gorey but much, much darker and, well, gorier, and you’ll get a sense of John Kenn Mortenson’s wicked imagination and creepy monochromatic artwork. Strangely beautiful and unabashedly horrific, this is nightmare fuel uncut. Suggested…Read moreRead more of this annotation