Reading Widely: Comics, Part 1

Here at MLC, we love comics. We're constantly adding them to our collection, and we also trade our personal ones among the staff. We're huge comics fans. If you like comics as much as we do, here are a few comics/graphic novels that will help you read widely.

(Please see our collection development webinars on our continuing education page if you're curious about the ins and outs of comics, including the difference in issues, trade paperbacks, and graphic novels.)

Power Up is an all-ages comic about four very different beings that kind of accidentally get powers that will help them lead the universe.

Except those four beings are a mom with a minivan, a construction worker, a young woman whose employment status is constantly in flux...and a goldfish.

Sci-fi, humor, and slice of life mix to make this one great! Also interesting is Leth and Cumming's playing with gender roles and expression.

Written by Kate Leth, Illustrated by Matt Cummings

(Six issues contained in one trade paperback)

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is a Marvel series about genius and preteen Lunella Lafayette who is spending her life trying to convince the adults in her life that they need to be more concerned about the fact that she has latent Inhuman genes that could be activated at any time. During her science adventures, she meets up with Devil Dinosaur, and the two of them become fast pals.

Lunella is a brilliant addition to the Marvel canon, and seeing a black preteen genius on a comics page is novel and wonderful. Suitable for middle grade and young adult readers.

Written by Amy Reeder and Brandon Montclare, Pencils by Natasha Bustos

(Ongoing series, one trade paperback as of August 2016)

Zodiac Starforce is a great magical girl comic focusing on teen girls but fun for all ages! The Zodiac Starforce hasn't been needed to fight dark creatures in two years and they've been laying low and doing the high school thing.

But when an alien force infects their team leader, Emma, they have to jump back into the game and save the world from evil! They run into trouble but collect some new friends along the way.

A racially diverse cast of characters and on-page queer representation make this a book for everyone. Aimed at young adult readers.

Written by Kevin Panetta, Illustrated by Paulina Ganucheau

(Four issues, one trade paperback)

With a tagline like "yet another troll-fighting 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish Girl," how can you resist?!

Mirka lives what she thinks is a pretty normal life with her Orthodox friends and family. But when a mysterious witch promises her the thing of her dreams: a dragon-slaying sword. The only catch is that she has to defeat the troll that's got it! Written for middle grade readers, this graphic novel will delight everyone.

Written and Illustrated by Barry Deutsch, Colors by Jake Richmond


(Graphic Novel, three books in the series as of August 2016)

Ms. Marvel is Kamala Khan, Marvel's first Muslim superhero! Kamala, who is Pakistani-American, finds herself with new powers and the entire delightful series is about her work to try and balance school, saving Jersey City from sinister villains, family and mosque commitments, and hanging out with her new superhero buddies.

Young Adult, but with major adult crossover appeal.

Written by G. Willow Wilson, illustrated by Adrian Alphona

(ongoing series, four trade paperbacks as of August 2016)











I'll be back next month with EVEN MORE comics recommendations!