Graphic novels sometimes get a bad rap. Many believe that they are only about superheroes and not very literary. Indeed, in the 1950s comics were demonized and labeled as “subversive trash.” But graphic novels, even those with superheroes, have much to offer in terms of sophisticated story lines, engrossing characters, and gorgeous artwork. These are a few you might want to check out if you’re not that in to superheroes, but not opposed to trying something new. Click on each title to find it in our online catalog.
- Saga by Brian K. Vaughn (Author), Fiona Staples (Artist)
For fans of science fiction and fantasy, Brian K. Vaughn’s Saga will not disappoint. Set in a universe where a galactic war is raging, two people from opposing sides fall in love. Saga is a seven-volume comic that chronicles the journey of the main characters to escape capture and protect each other. *Rated “M” for Mature.
- Maus by Art Spiegelman
In his Pulitzer Prize-Winning Holocaust account, Art Spiegelman tells the story of Polish survivor Vladek Spiegelman. Maus depicts the Jews as mice and the Nazis as cats, but this graphic novel is anything but “light” as it not only tells Vladek’s story of survival, but also describes the tenuous relationship between an aging Vladek and his cartoonist son.
- Monstress Volume 1: Awakening by Marjorie Liu (Author), Sana Takeda (Artist)
In Monstress Marjorie Liu presents a steampunk alternate world where conflict exists between humans and animal hybrids called Aranics. The main character is an Arcanic named Maika Halfwolf, a teenage girl who is just starting to unravel the mystery behind her mother’s death and understand the dark powers within her own body.
- Blankets by Craig Thompson
The winner of several awards for comics, including the Eisner Award, Blankets tells the story of two brothers growing up in Wisconsin. Sibling rivalry, first loves, adolescent angst, and growing up in small town are all topics that Thompson touches on in this engrossing graphic memoir.
About #FDL
Welcome to #FDL! #FDL is a twice weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria. Twice a week, library staff will make posts that highlight some aspect of library life and relate it to you – our readers. Have you ever wanted to know which Dewey number represented a certain topic? Are you looking for book recommendations based on your favorite television show or television recommendations based on your favorite book? Have you ever wondered about the secret details of librarian life? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then #FDL is for you. We look forward to writing posts that are informative and entertaining and hope that you enjoy getting better acquainted with Fondulac District Library.
Post by Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist