Graphic Novels

From works by Trevor Noah and Marjorie Liu to a foray into the secret lives of trees, these titles are most in demand by libraries and bookstores nationwide.

Biker mice from Mars, a mysterious manuscript that can control the world, and a space-traveling samurai rabbit all play out in the creatively vibrant pages of graphic works this season, filling collections with innovation and engagement. 

Stan Sakai is the creator of “Usagi Yojimbo,” a graphic novel series featuring a samurai rabbit named Miyamoto Usagi living in 17th-century Japan; the new installment, Space Usagi: White Star Rising, is due out from Dark Horse in May. LJ talks with Sakai about samurai warriors, blending genres, and his enduring career.

Eight meaningful, whimsical, philosophical, historical, and fantastical works that are a joy for both reading and viewing.

Graphic novels have enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity in the last five years. Since 2019, sales of graphic novels have risen over 100 percent. While that growth has leveled off, graphic novels are now the third best-selling genre (35 million books sold) in the U.S. and Canada, behind only general fiction and romance. 

Collecting one of the most popular, beloved, and influential comic strips ever created, this volume and the four preceding it are essential purchases for all libraries.

Illustration, design, color, and text combine to create multisensory reading experiences in these extraordinary titles.

Emil Ferris grew up during the turbulent 1960s in Chicago, where she still lives, and is consequently a devotee of all things monstrous and horrific. She has an MFA in creative writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Comics play to their strengths this season, stressing layout and mood while also supporting reader interests in works of horror and adaptation.