Graphic Novels: A Different Way to Read

Graphic novels have been taking center stage as books that help reluctant and expert readers alike. I started getting into graphic novels a little late in the game. I was in a science fiction course at college, and we were required to read Watchmen, a graphic novel that covers a variety of themes including morality, vigilantism, chance, fate, and what life is worth. I was hooked. It had the same complex storyline as any of my other books, but the images gave me more information than what text alone could. Facial expressions, body language, and other clues that we use in everyday situations created a depth to the story.

More recently, with the popularity of the Marvel and DC cinematic universes, I have gotten into a variety of comic-style graphic novels—particularly Wonder Woman’s newer series: the New 52 and Rebirth. Girl power! Am I right? While often comics and graphic novels have been seen as a male-centered pastime, I have come to realize this is not true. I, myself, was proof that all people, regardless of gender, can enjoy graphic novels, and more and more strong female characters (and some awesome female authors) have been leading the charge in graphic novels and comics. Wonder Woman, the new Ms. Marvel, and the DC Bombshells series are great examples of some seriously kick-butt women.

Wonder Woman: Rebirth by Greg Rucka

Ms. Marvel by Willow G. Wilson

DC Bombshells by Marguerite Bennett

Today’s graphic novels are not just anime or superheroes. They are books with just as much complexity and value as any regular chapter book. Many kids are picking up these types of books and having fun reading them. As a librarian, I love to see and encourage anyone to read. I remind others that it is okay to let kids read what they like. Reading what they enjoy, whether it is graphic novels, mysteries, fiction, or nonfiction, creates a person who loves reading. Graphic novels are also a great way to introduce a new type of book to any reluctant reader. With the limited text and a stronger reliance on imagery for context, graphic novels tend to be an easier and faster read for struggling readers, as well as being better able to hold a reluctant reader’s interest. With more authors branching out into the graphic novel format, it makes it easier to find these types of books for all ages.

Secondhand Heroes: In the Trenches by Justin LaRocca Hansen

Star Scouts by Mike Lawrence

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

Graphic novels also delve into deeper, and sometimes darker, themes that are more appropriate for young adults. While the comic-style graphic novels are still more popular for young adults, we are seeing the same expansion into storytelling graphic novels as we are with the middle-grade novels. Watchmen is one of my favorites that does not follow the traditional superhero stories. Neil Gaiman also writes some interesting horror/mystery graphic novels, and there are graphic novel adaptations of previously written YA books, such as Monster by Walter Dean Myers.

Watchmen by Alan Moore

How to Talk to Girls at Parties by Neil Gaiman

Monster: A Graphic Novel by Guy A. Sims

—Rachael Wisniewski, Twin Rivers Branch