I’d really like to thank Dewey for bringing attention to graphic novels. I’m really enjoying this genre after reading Maus I and Maus II, and I read three more this week: American Born Chinese, The Arrival, and The Invention of Hugo Cabret (probably technically not a graphic novel, but hard to categorize). I haven’t reviewed the latter three yet (though they’ll get high marks), but I’m impressed with all of the graphic novels I’ve read so far this year, and I definitely plan on reading more even past the challenge.
Have you discovered graphic novels yet? Do you have any you’d recommend?
I’m a big fan of the Persepolis series. These are about growing up in Iran. I’ll have to check out American Born Chinese. I love the other four you mention.
My review of The Arrival
http://readywhenyouarecb.blogspot.com/2008/02/arrival-by-shaun-tan.html
My review of The Invention of Hugo Cabret.
http://readywhenyouarecb.blogspot.com/2008/01/invention-of-hugo-cabret-by-brian.html
To be honest, I haven’t really gotten into the graphic novel thing… although I wouldn’t mind trying it out.
I loved Asterix and Tintin, if they count as graphic novels. Others, I have really explored yet!
That should read as..NOT explored.
The only graphic novel I’ve ever read is Maus. For some reason I have trouble taking graphic novels seriously- they feel too much like comic books to me. Silly, I know and I’m probably missing out on a lot!
I read Maus II and LOVED it.
Amazinggg
I still need to read Maus I though.
After reading it, I’m definitely more open to the whole graphic novel thing. I still find it’s difficult to find good ones to read.
A scanner darkly … that’s a good one.
I also read V for Vendetta… didn’t like it really. It was better than the movie adaptation, but still not my cup of tea.
Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series is really very good, as is Alan Moore’s Watchmen
I finished the Persepolis series this weekend, which was actually my first graphic novel. I loved it and I highly recommend Persepolis. If you are looking for new graphic novels, do consider Persepolis.
You touched on some of my faves here. I started my graphic novel life with Maus several years ago, and it’s only grown from there. In fact, I did my master’s thesis over a fantastic fairy tale retelling series called Fables (by Bill Willingham). I would definitely recommend those.
I would recommend the Graphic Novel: Epileptic by David B. The story is about growing up in France in the 60′s in a family of three brothers. The graphics in black and white are amazing and the story is compelling and interesting.
I have not read any graphic novels, but I HAVE read Hugo Cabret. I thought it was a fabulous mix of narrative and illustration and would provide a great opportunity for parents to read with their children. The illustrations allow for a lot of dialogue-”What is happening here? What do you think is behind that door?” and the entire book is beautifully done. It’s unlike any other book I’ve ever read, definitely worth checking out!
The kids in my class love the relatively new “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” recounting the tales of a Middle School boy. They’re pretty hilarious if you like 13 year olds. And, of course, the famous Captain Underpants for the reluctant elementary school reader. Personally, I adored Hugo Cabret.
i’m a big fan of graphic novels. i’ve been putting together a small collection for the library where I work, and I blog about them regularly. every monday is “graphic novel monday” on my blog and i pick a new one to review. my favorites are “the rabbi’s cat” by joann sfar, the “rabbi harvey” series by steve sheinkin, joe sacco’s bosnia books, anything by alison bechdel and marjane satrapi, and the list goes on!
I would suggest Watchmen by Alan Moore, Fables is awesome!, and I also enjoy Y:The Last Man! Oh, and Gaiman’s Sandman is extremely interesting as well!
I love American Born Chinese and Maus, but the ones I’ve been caught up in recently are Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series. They have the look of a comic book (something someone mentioned above as off-putting), but they are wildly original storytelling at its best. I’m completely hooked.