December 30, 2020
I read. I read a lot. Normally, I have at least three books going. One is always a graphic novel, while the other two are a novel and a biography. This year with the shelter in place order I’ve read a mind boggling 57 books—32 were graphic novels (see the list below).
2020 Graphic Novel Favorites
It’s hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to suggest one it would be
Slaughterhouse-Five by Ryan North. This graphic novel takes Kurt Vonnegut’s classic and creates a wonderful illustrated version. The drawings are fantastic and the story, well it doesn’t really get much better than Kurt Vonnegut. So it goes.
My next suggestion would be
The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist by Adrian Tomine. Any artist will immediately connect the book design with the subject. And Adrian’s drawings are simple, but detailed as well. Not an easy task to pull off. The self-deprecating humor may not be everyones cup of tea, but the story arc is perfect.
Others I like either more for their illustration style or the storyline. Either way I don’t think you can miss when it comes to graphic novels, although I’m a self-admitted graphic novel junkie.
The List
Blacksad (Blacksad, #1-3)
By Juan Díaz Canales
Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?
By Roz Chast
Cats of the Louvre
By Taiyo Matsumoto
The Collected Toppi Vol. 1: The Enchanted World
By Sergio Toppi
The Complete Maus
by Art Spiegelman
The Contract With God Trilogy: Life on Dropsie Avenue
By Will Eisner
Daytripper
By Fábio Moon
Ghost World
by Daniel Clowes
Heavy Liquid
By Paul Pope
Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft
Locke & Key, Vol. 2: Head Games
Locke & Key, Vol. 3: Crown of Shadows
Locke & Key, Vol. 4: Keys to the Kingdom
Locke & Key, Vol. 5: Clockworks
Locke & Key, Vol. 6: Alpha & Omega
By Joe Hill
The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist
By Adrian Tomine
Marvel 1602
By Neil Gaiman
Megahex
By Simon Hanselmann
Nailbiter, Vol. 1: There Will Be Blood
Nailbiter, Vol. 2: Bloody Hands
Nailbiter, Vol. 3: Blood in the Water
Nailbiter, Vol. 4: Blood Lust
By Joshua Williamson
Saga, Vol. 1
Saga, Vol. 2
Saga, Vol. 3
By Brian K. Vaughan
Saga of the Swamp Thing: Book One
Saga of the Swamp Thing: Book Two
Saga of the Swamp Thing: Book Three
By Alan Moore
Skyward, Vol. 1: My Low-G Life
By Joe Henderson
Slaughterhouse-Five, or the Children's Crusade
By Ryan North
Through the Woods
By Emily Carroll
Watchmen: The Deluxe Edition
By Alan Moore
Have a very happy New Year!