I have recently become a huge fan of graphic novels, which is a good thing since I am in charge of the young adult graphic novel collection at one of my library jobs. I have found that short little reviews of the graphic novels I read are easiest to compile and share with you. My first round-up can be found
here. Now it's time for the fun!
Five Stars
Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol (2011)
The Cover: Cute and creepy at the same time!
The Illustrations: I loved the bluish/purple tint of color throughout instead of just straight black and white.
The Story: Surprising. It took me a little bit to really get into the story and appreciate it, but Anya's Ghost ended up being a surprising, unique, and fun graphic novel to read.
Sunny Side Up by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm (2015)
Goodreads
The Cover: It is simple, bright, and makes me want to go on vacation!
The Illustrations: I loved the color and pretty much everything about the illustrations.
The Story: This story is about how a young girl named Sunny who deals with some family issues and has a fun summer with her grandfather that turns out to be full of firsts and laughs.
Y: The Last Man (The Deluxe Edition Book One) by Brian K. Vaughan (2008)
Goodreads
The Cover: I would read about this cute guy's adventures and his cute monkey.
The Illustrations: They were in color and they were spot on! The characters really came to life.
The Story: I love a good survival/post apocalyptic story, and this one doesn't disappoint! I was enamored from page one. I like this author's other graphic novel, Saga, but this one was more my style and I loved it!
Four Stars
The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (2007)
Goodreads
The Cover: It doesn't blow me away, but I like it.
The Illustrations: Black and white really worked well for this dark coming of age story.
The Story: This is Marjane's true life story and it will not only make you laugh, but it will also break your heart. I learned a great deal about Iran and some of its history while reading this book. I can't believe I knew so little! I really think everyone should read Marjane's story. It was captivating.
Princess Decomposia and Count Spatula by Andi Watson (2015)
Goodreads
The Cover: Adorable!
The Illustrations: This one is also in black and white, but I think it works just fine. Although it may have been a little bit more cute if it was in color.
The Story: It is a fairy taleesque story that I truly enjoyed, but it still seemed to lack something. I'm just not sure what.
Drama by Raina Telgemeier (2012)
The Cover: Adorable as ever.
The Illustrations: Cute, perfect, and adorable as ever. I also love that this is in color!
The Story: I think you know what I am going to say... this book was adorable. I loved reading about Callie's work on her school play and her boy drama to boot. She is a super fun, and of course adorable, main character. Raina Telgemeier is the bomb.
Lumberjanes Vol. 2 by Noelle Stevenson, Ellis, Allen, & Watters (2015)
Goodreads
The Cover: Makes me want to be a Lumberjane.
The Illustrations: Fun and colorful just like these girls' story.
The Story: Full of crazy adventure and a whole lot of fun! Too bad this isn't a real camp. There are also a lot of good messages about friendship and taking chances that are well done.
Unshelved by Bill Barnes & Gene Ambaum (2004)
Goodreads
The Cover: There is a lot going on, exactly like a day at the library!
The Illustrations: Very simple.
The Story: I loved everything about this book, but that may be because I work at a library. Even if you don't work at a library I am sure you will find this humurous, and let me tell you, it may not seem believable, but a lot of this type of stuff does actually happen at your local public library.
Three Stars
Saga, Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples (2012)
Goodreads
The Cover: It's definitely eye catching.
The Illustrations: Detailed the perfect amount.
The Story: This was a very weird read. I did enjoy it, and I do plan to read the next volume, but it was a little more weird and graphic than I thought it would be. That is really all I can say about that. It was surprising, but not necessarily in a bad way. I look forward to hear more of Hazel's (the baby who is also the narrator) story.
Friends With Boys by Faith Erin Hicks (2012)
Goodreads
The Cover: I think it fits well with the story. I like the details and the color.
The Illustrations: I enjoyed the details, but I am a little sad it wasn't in color.
The Story: Although I liked the story of a young girl who used to be home schooled going to public school for the first time, I felt like the main plot and the little subplots were not fleshed out as much as they should and could have been.
ApocalyptiGirl: An Aria for the End Times by Andrew MacLean (June 2015)
Goodreads
The Cover: It works.
The Illustrations: I wasn't a fan, but that is just personal preference.
The Story: It was pretty good, but even with the background that we are given the story felt super rushed. I still liked it, but I was hoping for something a little more memorable. I liked the cat the best.
Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong by Prudence Shen & Faith Erin Hicks (May 2013)
Goodreads
The Cover: Very high school, a good choice for this one.
The Illustrations: I like them. They were detailed when needed and simple when it was called for.
The Story: It was pretty good. It gave me many laughs. I like teens will really like this graphic novel.
