Getting Graphic: Comics, Graphic Novels, and Manga
Great Reads for All Ages
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Manga (Younger Readers)
Manga (Teen Readers)
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Fantasy/Science Fiction
Non-Fiction/Historical Fiction
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Realistic
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Superheroes
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all
Great Reads for All Ages
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Age of Reptiles: Tribal Warfare Who doesn't love a good dinosaur story? And this one is a wordless tale, so the pictures are even more amazing in that tell the story all by themselves. subjects: Dinosaurs-Pictorial Works, Comic Books-Strips-etc., Graphic Novels |
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Akiko: the menace of Alia Rellapor Summer vacation has only just begun when 4th grader Akiko is whisked off to a distant galaxy and put in charge of a perilous mission on the planet Smoo, where she soon gets a crash course in adventure that will dazzle and delight readers of all ages. Sequel: Akiko : flights of fancy subjects: Akiko (Fictitious Character: Crilley), Humorous Stories, Fantastic Fiction, Graphic Novels |
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Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures Alison, the daughter of an archaeologist/adventurer and a superhero known as the Blue Scarab, dreams of being anywhere but stuck in the St. Joan of Arc Academy for Girls, where her parents have placed her with the hopes of allowing her to grow up with some semblance of a normal life subjects: Comic Books-Strips-etc., Graphic Novels |
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Amelia Rules! In With the Out Crowd Uprooted from Manhattan and replanted in small-town America, nine year-old Amelia is just trying to stay afloat and hang on to her sanity after her parents' divorce in this hysterical graphic novel for young readers. Sequels: What Makes You Happy, Superheroes subjects: Teenagers-Comic Books-Strips-etc., Graphic Novels |
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Babymouse: Queen of the World An imaginative young mouse is terrified to face her enemy in dodgeball, but with the help of her best friend and support from her mother, she not only plays the game, she proves herself a hero. Sequels: Our Hero, Beach Babe, Rock Star award: ALA Notable Children's Books-2006 subjects: Ball games, Mice, Heroes, Graphic Novels |
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Bone : out from Boneville Bone is easily one of the best comic series ever created for readers of all ages. In this first volume (of a 9 volume series), the three Bone cousins, Fone Bone, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone, have been thrown out of Boneville and are now lost and separated in the desert by a swarm of locusts. award: ALA Popular Paperbacks-2002 subjects: Bone (Fictitious Character), Comic Books-Strips-etc., Graphic Novels |
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Clan Apis A biography of a honeybee named Nyuki, Clan Apis is an original and creative combination of scientific detail and in depth illustrations describing the life cycle and natural environment of the honeybee. subjects: Bees-Comic Books-Strips-etc., Graphic Novels |
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Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things When Courtney Crumrin is forced to move to the suburbs with her family into the gloomy mansion of her rich old uncle, she must find a way to deal with her selfish parents, spoiled classmates, and the mysterious noises that go bump in the night! Sequels: Courtney Crumrin and Coven of Mystics, Courtney Crumrin in the Twilight Kingdom award: ALA/YALSA Popular Paperbacks-2005 subjects: Fantasy Comic Books-Strips-etc., Graphic Novels |
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Herobear and the Kid: The Inheritance When Tyler's grandfather passes away he inherits a stuffed bear and a broken pocket watch, but Tyler's adventures have just begun when the watch turns out to be more than what it seems and the outwardly ordinary toy bear comes to life in this super-sweet graphic novel that readers of all ages will adore. subjects: Bears-Comic Books-Strips-etc., Graphic Novels |
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The Land of Sokmunster Have you ever lost something? A key? A coin? Perhaps a…sock? Twelve-year-old Sam takes us on his journey to the Land of Sokmunster where he meets Spike, the lost sok with attitude; King Jacque, the ruler sok of Sokmunster; and the Moth King, the villainous enemy of the soks. Sam will come to find that this is a land of many wondrous things. A land that is filled with creatures big and small, good and bad. A land where friends are made and lessons learned. A land that is closer than we think. subjects: Socks-Comic Books-Strips-etc., Graphic Novels |
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Leave it to Chance: Shaman's Rain Against her father's wishes, 14-year old Chance Falconer is following in his footsteps as a paranormal investigator when she sets out to rescue a powerful shaman and his daughter from supernatural forces. Sequels: Book two, Trick or treat and other stories, Book three, Monster madness and other stories subjects: Graphic Novels |
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Little Lit: It Was a Dark and Silly Night... Lemony Snicket and Richard Sala imagined a dark and silly night where a young girl chases after a Yeti. Neil Gaiman and Gahan Wilson imagined a dark and silly night where kids throw the greatest party they ever had...in a graveyard! William Joyce tells us about kids whose Silly Ray saves the world from warrior florists. This collection of wild and silly imaginings will tickle your funny bone for years to come. See also Strange Stories for Strange Kids, Folklore & Fairy Tale Funnies subjects: Cartoons and Comics, Short Stories, Graphic Novels |
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Magic Pickle Magic Pickle (code name "Weapon Kosher") was created by Dr. Jekyll Formaldehyde to protect mankind. Now, fifty years after his creation, he's been freed from his jar to help defeat the "villainous vegetables" in town. subjects: Children-Comic Books-Strips-etc., Graphic Novels |
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Sardine in Outer Space The evil Supermuscleman is determined to make every kid in the galaxy obey him. Who can outwit him and his wicked plans? Only Sardine, a little girl aboard The Huckleberry with her cousin Louie and her pirate uncle, the gruff Captain Yellow Shoulder. As they travel across the universe they encounter cosmic squids, masters of the universe, space leeches, talking clouds, and many other strange and sometimes evil beings. Sequels: Volume 2, Volume 3 award: Kirkus Best Book of the Year subjects: Graphic Novels, Pirates, Space flight |
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Scary Godmother While trick-or-treating on Halloween night, Hannah Marie meets her Scary Godmother and a host of creepy creatures. Sequels: The Boo Flu, Ghoul's Out for Summer, Spooktakular Stories subjects: Graphic Novels, Halloween, Monsters, Haunted houses |
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Thieves and Kings Rubel is a 14 year-old thief, trying to survive in an imaginative world filled with magic, mystery, adventure, and a cast of characters that include an ambivalent king, his wickedly cruel son, a kind-hearted daughter, and an evil witch. subjects: Graphic Novels, Fantastic Fiction |
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To Dance: a memoir The author describes how she first decided she wanted to be a ballerina at the age of six, and how that dream carried her from her home in Puerto Rico to dance class in Boston to performing with the New York City Ballet awards: Great Graphic Novels for Teens-2007, Sibert Honor Book-2007, ALA Children's Notable Book-2007 subjects: Ballerinas, Graphic Novels |
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Tommysaurus Rex Ely is an everyboy trying to cope with the death of his dog Tommy. When he finds a live, 40-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex trapped in a cave behind his grandfather's house, Ely embarks on an adventure to tame this seemingly friendly giant, convince the town his new pet isn't a threat and keep his dinosaur safe from the jealous town bully. subjects: Graphic Novels |
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Section updated August 2007— Joanna Nigrelli & Michele Gorman |
Manga (Younger Readers)
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Aria On the planet Aqua, a world once known as Mars, Akari Mizunashi has just made her home in the town of Neo-Venezia, a futuristic imitation of the ancient city of Venice. The technology of "Man Home" (formerly Earth) has not entirely reached this planet, and Akari is alone, having no contact with family or friends. Nonetheless, the town, with its charming labyrinths of rivers and canals, becomes Akari's new infatuation, along with the dream of becoming a full-fledged gondolier. Reverting to a more "primitive" lifestyle and pursuing a new trade, Akari becomes both adventurous and independent all at once. subjects: Young women, Mars, Gondoliers, Graphic Novels |
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Astro Boy Created by the revered Osamu Tezuka, acknowledged godfather of Japanese comics, this is the first manga series ever adapted into an animated series. subjects: Comic Books-Strips-etc., Graphic Novels |
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Cardcaptor Sakura, volume 1 From CLAMP comes the engaging tale of Sakura, an average 4th grade girl, who accidentally finds an enchanted book called "The Clow" in her father's library. The book once contained a set of magical Clow Cards, but they all escaped while the guardian of the book fell asleep. Now, Sakura is thrust into a mystical journey to capture all of the Clow Cards before they wreak chaos and destruction! Companion series Cardcaptor Sakura, Master of the Clow subjects: Magic Comic Books-Strips-etc.-Japan, Graphic Novels |
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Gon There are six volumes in this manga series that is really a genre all its own: the wordless graphic novel. Gon on Safari, Gon Underground, Gon Wild subjects: , Dinosaurs, Comic Books-Strips-etc.-Japan, Graphic Novels |
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The First King Adventure Valume Lune Tiltu is a prince who's expected to take the throne, but a simple coronation will not land him the crown. Joined by the mirror spirit Alamine, he must travel across Japan, making contracts with the masters of spirit. As confirmation for each of his agreements, he is presented with one piece of a symbol, and only when this symbol is whole will he become king. But Tiltu not only collects marks from masters to reach his goal of being a ruler, he also makes new friends along the way, friends that are in desperate need of his company. Join the prince, with his newfound chums, inside a world of fantasy that will one day be the domain of Prince Tiltu. subjects: Princes, Graphic Novels |
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Neotopia In a world where Man has at long last learned to live and work in harmony with Nature, the citizens of Mathenia live a good life under their beloved Grand Duchess. Unknown to them, she is Nalyn, a commoner standing in for Nydia, the real Duchess. Doing Nydia's dirty work is tough enough, but then Nalyn is kidnapped by an enemy empire bent on bringing back the age of world-hurting technological excess. And once rescued, she must then lead her country to war. subjects: Graphic Novels |
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The President Dad, volume 1 President Dad is being inaugurated and the position of First Lady is up for grabs. Most people consider Ami to be the First Lady, since her mother died, but Ami's aunt, Bi-Na, wants the job for herself and will do whatever it takes to step in, including ruining Ami's life in the process. Ami Won is a klutzy yet innocent girl who thinks she's just average. Her late mother always expected her to become an exemplary woman. Amy gets the chance to shine when her father is elected president of Korea. subjects: Children of presidents--Korea (South), Daughters--Korea (South), Graphic Novels |
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Tokyo Mew Mew The top secret "Mew Project" comes alive when 11 year-old Ichigo and four of her friends are involved in an incident where each of their DNA is merged with that of an almost extinct animal. There are currently volumes in this ongoing series. subjects: Graphic Novels, Heroes-Comic Books-Strips-etc., Girls |
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Yotsuba&! From the nutty mind of Kiyohiko Azuma, creator of the hit manga Azumanga Daioh comes the story of the new kid in town - little Yotsuba, a green-haired and wide-eyed girl who doesn't have a clue... about anything! With no knowledge of the world around her, and an unnatural fear of air conditioners, Yotsuba has her new neighbors' heads spinning. Join the hilarious exploits of an out-of-this-world schoolgirl as her befuddled friends attempt to uncover the secrets behind this strange child in Yotsubato. subjects: Graphic Novels |
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Section updated August 2007— Joanna Nigrelli & Michele Gorman |
Manga (Teen Readers)
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Azumanga Daioh Created by the iconoclastic Kiyohiko Azuma, Azumanga Daioh is strongly character driven, taking the reader through the daily tribulations of Miss Kurosawa, Miss Yukari, the wild Tomo, hair-triggered Yomi, ditzy Osaka, brash Kagura, cute Chiyo-chan and athletic (but girly) Sakaki. There are 4 volumes in this series. subjects: Girls, Graphic Novels |
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Case Closed Precocious high school student Jimmy Kudo uses his keen powers of observation and astute intuition to solve mysteries that have left law enforcement officials baffled. subjects: Murder, High school students, Crime, Mystery, Graphic novels-Japan |
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Cowboy Bebop Cowboy Bebop, the television show, is one of the most popular anime series of all time. Similar in style and content, the manga series features all original stories with the same sci-fi action, humor, and hip cool characters. There are three volumes in this manga series. subjects: Graphic Novels-Japan |
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Cromartie High School There are several volumes in this manga series about life in a boys reformatory. A boys reformatory with Russian wrestlers, robots, gorillas... and more! subjects: Reformatories, Graphic Novels-Japan |
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Hack//Legends of the Twilight Welcome to The World, the most advanced online game ever created. In The World you can be anyone you want to be, act out your adventure fantasies and through teamwork and determination, you can even become a hero. 14-year-old twins Shugo and Rena just won a contest that lets them play as the legendary avatars 'Kite' and 'Black Rose.' Armed with the power of the Twilight Bracelet, the two must discover what is causing rogue monsters to infect The World and carry on the legend of the .hackers. subjects: Fantasy Comic Books, Strips, Etc., Graphic Novels-Japan |
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Harlem Beat In this charming sports manga, Nate Torres is a semi-nerdy kid whose desire to be a star on the basketball court is overshadowed only by his clumsiness and lack of agility with the ball. There are 9 volumes in this series. Also, where this series leaves off, Rebound begins with Volume 1. subjects: Basketball, Graphic Novels |
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Initial D From zero to legend in 60 seconds... Delivery boy Tak unexpectedly discovers that the skills he has acquired on the treacherous mountain roads of Mt. Akina have made him a street racing master. Urged on by friends and driving a rundown Toyota, he shames the best racers in town. But, Tak discovers there's more to life, and to himself, than he thought. APL more than 20 volumes of this extensive series. subjects: Teenagers-Japan, Automobile racing, Graphic Novels |
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Juline In a faraway village, in a magical land, live Juline, Bakuya, and Seika, daughters of the top three martial-arts schools. Join them on a quest to uncover the mystery of the Black Pearl, a new clan shrouded in shadows. subjects: Comic Books, Strips, Etc., Graphic Novels |
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Kare Kano Yukina and Soichiro are two high school students who fall in love and vow to be true to themselves…and to stop pretending to be so perfect all the time. There are over 20 volumes of this series. subjects: Teenagers-Comic Books, Strips, Etc., Graphic Novels |
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Kindaichi Case Files: The Opera House Murders The school production of The Phantom of the Opera gets off to a shaky start, but when cast members start dying in ways mimicking events in the play, things get downright grisly. While everyone worries about being snuffed out, this is young Kindaichi's moment to shine. With his amazing deductive reasoning and the ability to keep his cool in the face of death, he's a regular Sherlock Holmes. Now the class slacker must put on a class act investigation before the 'Phantom' strikes again! subjects: Teenagers-Japan-Comic Books, Strips, Etc., Graphic Novels |
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Mars There are currently 15 volumes available in this ongoing saga of teen romance in which a boy and girl from different worlds battle the odds, each other, and their peers in the pursuit of love. subjects: Teenagers, Love, Interpersonal Relations, Graphic Novels |
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Neon Genesis Evangelion It is the year 2015 and massive alien machines (nicknamed "Angels") have returned to Earth after a 15-year hiatus to initiate another attack on the human race in this manga series is based on the very popular anime series Evangelion. subjects: Graphic Novels |
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The One I Love Combining CLAMP's legendary storytelling, color artwork, and elegant prose, The One I Love is a wonderfully unique and romantic 12-story anthology. The volume opens with a special eight-page full-color feature before diving into the single subject CLAMP seems to know best... love. subjects: Love, Man-woman relationships, Marriage, Graphic Novels |
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One Piece As a kid, Monkey D. Luffy vowed to become King of the Pirates and find the legendary treasure called the "One Piece." subjects: Pirates, Graphic Novels |
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PhD : Phantasy degree Sang is a fearlessly spunky young girl in search of the Demon School Hades. Fortunately for her, she comes across a group of misfit monsters that are ditching class across a group of misfit monsters that are ditching class from the Demon school. She convinces them to sneak her into the class that normally only allows monsters to attend. Mystery, intrigue and high jinks unfold as Sang finds a way to become a monster--and begins a fantastic adventure in a devilish domain! award: ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers-2006 subjects: Monsters, Demonology, Witches, Graphic Novels |
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Ranma 1/2 There are currently 34 volumes in this ongoing series that tells about the continuing adventures, trials, and tribulations of a girl who is really a boy, and his (or her, depending on the chapter) panda. subjects: Graphic Novels |
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Rebound This basketball manga series begin where the Harlem Beat series left off. There are 12 volumes in this series. This series is the continuation of Harlem Beat. subjects: Basketball, High Schools, Graphic Novels |
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Tsubasa Sakura and Syaoran return! But they're not the people you know. Sakura is the princess of Clow and possessor of a mysterious, misunderstood power that promises to change the world. Syaoran is her childhood friend and leader of the archaeological dig that took his father's life. They reside in an alternate reality . . . where whatever you least expect can happen--and does. When Sakura ventures to the dig site to declare her love for Syaoran, a puzzling symbol is uncovered--which triggers a remarkable quest. Now Syaoran embarks upon a desperate journey through other worlds--all in the name of saving Sakura. Read this series with its companion series XXXholic. subjects: Graphic Novels |
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Usagi Yojimbo All of the volumes in the Usagi Yojimbo series offer young readers a kid-friendly introduction to Japanese mythology that describes the adventurous recovery of Kusanagi, the Grasscutter, the lost sword of the gods. subjects: Graphic Novels |
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Wish "What would you wish for if you already had everything you've ever wanted?" That's the question that Shuichiro faces in the latest series from CLAMP, creators of Cardcaptor Sakura, CLOVER, and Chobits. subjects: Graphic Novels-Japan |
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XXXHolic Watanuki Kimihiro is haunted by visions of ghosts and spirits. Seemingly by chance, he encounters a mysterious witch named Yuuko, who claims she can help. In desperation, he accepts, but realizes that he’s just been tricked into working for Yuuko in order to pay off the cost of her services. Soon he’s employed in her little shop—a job which turns out to be nothing like his previous work experience! Read this series with its companion series Tsubasa. subjects: Witches, Graphic Novels |
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Section updated August 2007— Joanna Nigrelli & Michele Gorman |
Fantasy/Science Fiction
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Agnes Quill: an anthology of mystery Agnes Quill is the story of a teenage detective, the haunted city she lives in, the strange cases she solves and the ghosts who help, hinder or just plain annoy her. Set in Legerdemain - a congested, fog-filled, cobblestone-paved Victorian city built around a cemetery the size of Central Park - Agnes' adventures include confrontations with trapped spirits, cursed souls, possessed relatives, disappearing pets, decapitated scientists, ambitious zombies and a mess of other supernatural oddities. subjects: Horror Comic Books, Strips, Etc. |
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Akira, Book 1 A masterwork of science fiction, this is the introductory tale of a five part manga series set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo metropolis that has been raised from the ashes of a city torn apart by a catastrophic, top-secret weapons project that triggered World War III. subjects: Graphic Novels, Science Fiction Comic Books, Strips, Etc. |
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Castle Waiting This graphic novel is an excellent combination of traditional fantasy and folklore, with a mythical castle and some terrifically eccentric characters. awards: Great Graphic Novels for Teens-Top 10-2007 subjects: Fantasy Comic Books-Strips-Etc., Graphic Novels |
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The Clouds Above On their way through the city to school, Simon and his cat Jack keep taking shortcuts that lead them through fantasy worlds of wooden monsters and insatiable appetites, just for starters. Will they make back home safely? subjects: Graphic Novels |
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Conan: The Frost Giant's Daughter and Other Stories Catch all the action and savagery as Conan wars with the murderous Vanir, meets the Frost Giant's Daughter, and is taken as a slave by the ancient sorcerers of Hyperborea! subjects: Conan (Fictitious character), Fantasy Comic Books-Strips-Etc., Graphic Novels |
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Elfquest Another "modern classic", the Elfquest series has been around longer than most of you reading this list! However, this series has stood the test of time and the legend of the wolfriders is as exciting, passionate, and adventurous today as it was twenty years ago! subjects: Graphic Novels |
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Fray Hundreds of years in the future, Manhattan has become a deadly slum, run by mutant crime-lords and disinterested cops. Stuck in the middle is a young girl who thought she had no future, but learns she has a great destiny. In a world so poisoned that it doesn't notice the monsters on its streets, how can a street kid like Fray unite a fallen city against a demonic plot to consume mankind? subjects: Street children, Women heroes, Dystopias, Manhattan (NY), Graphic Novels |
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Grease Monkey Caught in the crossfire of an interstellar war, our Earth was bombed to flinders--and then repaired. The mysterious alien Benefactors who healed the planet also offered "uplift" to our dolphins and gorillas. The dolphins turned them down. The gorillas said yes. As a result, we're now sharing our world with language-using, tool-making simians. Tensions are inevitable, in both directions, but it's gradually working out. Decades later, teenage cadet Robin Plotnik has been assigned to Fist of Earth, a defense station high above Earth, keeping watch against further attacks by the interstellar Horde. Robin's a spacecraft mechanic-in-training, apprenticed to Chief "Mac" Gimbensky, a cranky but basically benign gorilla with issues of his own. award: ALA Best Books for Young Adults-2007 subjects: Science Fiction Comic Books-Strips, |
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Mai, the Psychic Girl Mai is the last of a line of women with incredible psychic powers who have used their extraordinary abilities to preserve peace. Volume 2, Volume 3 award: ALA Popular Paperbacks: 2002 subjects: Psychokinesis -- Fiction, Graphic Novels |
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Orbiter When a space shuttle crash lands on Earth after being missing for a decade, it unlocks a mystery that will unfold deep in outer space. Can a team of three specialists cheated out of their dream of spaceflight discover the nature of this bizarre space-borne anomaly? subjects: Interplanetary Voyages, Space Shuttles, Science Fiction Comic Books-Strips, Etc. Graphic Novels |
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Rebirth Three hundred years ago, a once noble warrior now tainted with a Vampire curse was banished to a prison. He would have remained there for eternity had fate not intervened. Resurrected to the present day, he now seeks revenge. subjects: Vampires, Magicians, Reincarnation, Pre-existence, Magic, Good and evil, Graphic Novels |
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Red Star Vol. 2: Nokgorka A futuristic retelling of the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, this graphic novel is epic mythology at its best, combining sorcery and science fiction, in a visually engrossing tale. subjects: Graphic Novels, Comic Books-Strips-etc. |
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Scary Book Volume 1, Reflections "Reflections offers two feature-length tales of terror: "The mirror," in which a narcissistic girl's reflection begins to take ruthless command of her life; and "Demon of vengeance," where a sadistic warlord bent on seeking retribution for his selfish and reckless son's injuries find the tables of revenge turned against him" Sequel: Volume 2, Insects subjects: Horror Comic Books-Strips-etc., Graphic Novels |
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Star wars : X-wing Rogue Squadron, Battleground, Tatooine The crime and death caused by Jabba the Hutt nothing compared to the chaos created in the wake of his demise! in the ensuing scramble for power, a secret Imperial weapons cache could be the key to victory. Whoever finds the treasure will have enough firepower to rule the planet -- perhaps even the sector! But only one being alive knows the location of the cache -- Firith Olan. While that makes Firith a very powerful being, it also makes him a prime target. In a desperate race to uncover the missing weapons, as the criminals converge to fill the role of the dead Hutt, Wedge and Rogue Squadron find themselves smack in the middle of Battleground: Tatooine! The hot desert sands really heat up as Wedge and crew attempt to take back the galaxy, one planet at a time! Sequels: In the Empire's Service, Mandatory Retirement, Masquerade See also: Star Wars Tales and Star Wars: Clone Wars subjects: Star Wars, Science fiction, Graphic novels |
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Vögelein: Clockwork Faerie When Jakob, Vögelein's Guardian of fifty years, dies quietly in his sleep one night, her life is thrown into utter turmoil. Left without someone to wind her, the tiny clockwork faerie has less than five hours to live - unless she can find someone to trust. award: ALA Popular Paperbacks-2005 subjects: Fantasy, Graphic novels |
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Section updated August 2007— Joanna Nigrelli & Michele Gorman |
Non-Fiction/Historical Fiction
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300 This graphic novel about a famous battle between the Spartans and the Persians is an amalgamation of historical fact and fantasy. subjects: Graphic Novels |
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Age of Bronze: A Thousand Ships Drawn from the myths and legends of centuries, A thousand ships presents a new for the twenty-first century the complete prelude to the Trojan war- each sensual touch, every savage blow, the smiles and tear, the lust and betrayal, the entire tapestry of drama and action. subjects: Comic Books-Strips-etc., Trojan War, Graphic Novels |
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Azteca: La Historia de un Guerrero Jaguar/The Story of a Jaguar
Warrior In the Aztec year 13, an Aztec baby and his twin sister were born. Forty years later, as a Jaguar Warrior of the highest rank, Tlilcoatl meets the Spanish conquistadors and fights for his family, his culture, and his empire. subjects: Aztecs, Indians of Mexico |
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Cartoon History of the Universe Who says history has to be boring? Gonic makes it fun, and he also has cartoon books about the environment, sex, physics, the history of the United States, statistics, and more. Search the library catalog to find out more Gonick titles you can check out from your local library! subjects: World History-Caricatures and Cartoons, Graphic Novels |
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Days Like This J. Torres, who used memory to great effect in The Copybook Tales, now casts his eye back to the early '60s, when pop music ruled the airwaves. Days Like This follows the formation of "Tina & the Tiaras," a new girl group, as they rise up the charts and overcome personal obstacles to become stars. award: ALA/YALSA Popular Paperbacks: 2004 subjects: Girl Groups (Musical Groups), Women Musicians, Sound Recording Executives and Producers, Graphic Novels |
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Fallout: J. Robert Oppenheimer, Leo Szilard, and the Political
Science of the Atomic Bomb History comes alive in this comic autobiography about the man who created the Atom Bomb subjects: Oppenheimer J. Robert-1904-1967, Szilard Leo, Manhattan Project (U.S.) Graphic Novels, Atomic Bomb-History |
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Fax From Sarajevo: A Story of Survival This true story chronicles one family's daily struggle with the violence, destruction, and "ethnic cleansing" that took place in Sarajevo during the Serbian invasion of Bosnia during the 1990s. subjects: Rustemagic Ervin, Sarajevo (Bosnia and Hercegovina), Genocide (Bosnia and Hercegovina)-Sarajevo |
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The Golem's Mighty Swing The Stars of David, a barnstorming Jewish baseball team, travel from town to town earning a living by playing local squads. They all sport beards, a gimmick to attract patrons but when financial difficulties threaten to end their season they cast their lot with a Chicago promoter who has just seen the hugely successful German silent film Der Golem... With the golem, a baseball game is transformed into a mythical pageant. Fear and curiosity fills the stadium, but it also stokes the flames of anti-Semitism. Winning the game for the Stars of David becomes less important then surviving it. With a sepia-tinted cinematic style, this compelling book reminds us that making it home is at the heart of baseball. subjects: Baseball Players-United States, Jews-United States, Graphic Novels |
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Graphic Classics Series: Volume 1, Edgar Allan Poe APL owns this collection of graphic novels which illustrate various works
of literature. subjects: Graphic novels |
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In the Shadow of No Towers Created by one of the most famous graphic novelists of all time, this oversize graphic novel is Spiegelman's personalized account of how he saw the catastrophe of September 11, 2001 (9-11) unfold before his eyes. subjects: September 11 Terrorist Attacks-2001 |
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Maus: A Survivor's Tale and Here My Troubles Began This Pulitzer Prize winning graphic novel is an allegorical tale about the Holocaust. Considered by many to be one of the greatest graphic novels ever created, the bestselling Maus received both critical acclaim and commercial success. award: Pulitzer Prize-2002 subjects: Vladek Spiegelman, Art Spiegelman, Jewish Holocaust (1939-1945) - Poland, Holocaust Survivors - United States, Children of Holocaust Survivors, Graphic Novels |
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Pedro and Me: Friendship, Loss and What I Learned In graphic art format, describes the friendship between two roommates on the MTV show "Real World," one of whom died of AIDS. awards: ALA Popular Paperbacks-2002, Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor-2001, ALA Best Books for Young Adults-2001, ALA Notable Children's Books-2001, ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers-2001, Texas: Tayshas Reading List-2002 subjects: Pedro Zamora, Judd Winick, AIDS (Disease) - Patients, AIDS Activists - United States, Real World (Television Program: United States), Graphic Novels |
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Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood Often compared to Maus, Satrapi's award-winning autobiography is the tale of a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic revolution. Sequel: Persepolis, Volume 2: The Story of a Return. awards: Alex Awards-2004, ALA Best Books for Young Adults-2004, SLJ Best Adult Books for High School Students-2003 subjects: Marjane Satrapi, Comic Books-Strips-etc. Graphic Novels |
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Pride of Baghdad From one of America's most acclaimed comics writers a startlingly original look at life on the streets of Baghdad during the Iraq War inspired by true events. In the spring of 2003, a pride of lions escaped from the Baghdad Zoo during an American bombing raid. Lost and confused, hungry but finally free, the four lions roamed the decimated streets of Baghdad in a desperate struggle for their lives. awards: Great Graphic Novels for Teens-Top 10-2007 subjects: Yugoslav War 1991-1995 Bosnia and Hercegovina, Gorazde (Bosnia and Hercegovina), Graphic Novels |
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Safe Area Gorazde: The War in Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995 This work of comic nonfiction created by cartoonist/reporter Joe Sacco is a graphic account of life during the Bosnian War. If you like this one, check out Palestine, Notes from a Defeatist, and The Fixer by Joe Sacco. subjects: Yugoslav War 1991-1995 Bosnia and Hercegovina, Gorazde (Bosnia and Hercegovina), Graphic Novels |
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Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art Considered by many to be the best guide ever published about the process of graphic storytelling, this graphic novel and its follow-up title, Reinventing Comics, shed a light of the process of creating a story in a graphic, or comic, format. subjects: Cartooning - Technique, Comic Books-Strips-etc. |
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Section updated August 2007— Joanna Nigrelli & Michele Gorman |
Realistic (Teen Readers)
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American Born Chinese Alternates three interrelated stories about the problems of young Chinese Americans trying to participate in the popular culture. awards: National Book Award Finalist-2006, Printz Award Winner-2007, Eisner Award 2007, Great Graphic Novels for Teens-Top 10-2007 subjects: Chinese Americans, Identity, Schools, Graphic Novels |
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Blankets Wrapped in the landscape of a blustery Wisconsin winter, Blankets explores the sibling rivalry of two brothers growing up in the isolated country, and the budding romance of two coming-of-age lovers. A tale of security and discovery, of playfulness and tragedy, of a fall from grace and the origins of faith. awards: ALA Popular Paperbacks-2005, ALA Best Books for Young Adults-2004, Will Eisner Best Graphic Album: New-2004 subjects: Family, First Loves, Graphic Novels |
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Blue Monday, Vol. 1: The Kids Are Alright Adolescence is painful, as is evident in this comic tale of Bleu Finnigan,
the lovable yet angst-ridden teen whose soap-opera like life is filled
with the trials and tribulations that can only take place during those
dreaded teenage years. Sequels: Inbetween
Days, Painted
Moon. subjects: Teenagers, Comic Books-Strips-Etc., Graphic Novels |
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The Complete Geisha Geisha is the futuristic tale of Jomi Sohoda, an android with a knack for painting. Adopted early in her development by the Kami family, Jomi has been assimilated into regular human life - except society sees her as an outcast, something less than human. This makes it rather difficult for her to sell her paintings, so to make money, she joins the family bodyguard business, launching herself into a world of action and intrigue, complete with supermodels, jealous ex-husbands, maniacal moguls, robotic armor, and the twisted double-cross of art fakery. subjects: Bodyguards, Androids, Artists, Graphic Novels |
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Ghost World This graphic novel is filled with the angst that only two recent high school graduates can exhibit while attempting to hang on to their friendship while rushing headfirst into adulthood. Some of you may be familiar with the movie of the same name that was made long after this comic book was published. subjects: Teenage Girls-United States, Graphic Novels |
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Hopeless Savages Family ties are the earliest ties that bind, setting the tone for the paths we will take in our future. So what if your father is Dirk Hopeless and your mother Nikki Savage, a superstar couple from the days of punk rock? When you're born a rebel, what can you possibly do to make yourself stand apart? Sequels: Ground Zero, Too Much Hopeless Savages subjects: Family, Graphic Novels |
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My Faith in Frankie MY FAITH IN FRANKIE tells the story of a girl who discovers that having your own personal deity isn't all it's cracked up to be - particularly when you're trying to get a boyfriend and your god turns out to be jealous! But as Frankie moves precariously into adulthood and her god Jeriven tries to win her back, sinister forces are at work that could spell disaster far beyond a broken heart, and Frankie and Jeriven will both have to do some fast growing-up if they're going to survive. subjects: Man-woman relationships, Graphic Novels |
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Night Fisher Loren Foster was handed an island paradise when he moved to Hawaii with his father six years ago. But, with the end of high school just around the corner, his best friend Shane has grown distant. Their friendship is put to the test when they get mixed up in a frivolous crime that leads to an arrest. award: Great Graphic Novels for Teens-2007 subjects: Youth, Hawaii, Graphic Novels |
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The P.L.A.I.N. Janes When a transfer student named Jane is forced to move from the cool confines of Metro City to Suburbia, she thinks her life is over. But there in the lunch room at the reject table she finds her tribe: three other girls named Jane. Main Jane encourages them to form a secret art gang and paint the town P.L.A.I.N. --People Loving Art In Neighborhoods. subjects: Street Art, Graphic Novels |
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Sloth Troubled teenager Miguel Serra becomes a walking urban legend after he wills himself into a coma and wakes up one year later virtually unchanged --except for his sloth-like pace. --Discover how a haunted lemon orchard, a mysterious goatman and murder collide as Miguel, his girlfriend Lita and their friend Romeo take on the teenage wasteland of suburbia. Will it be love or rock-and-roll suicide? award: Great Graphic Novels for Teens-Top 10-2007 subjects: Love stories, Graphic Novels |
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Strangers in Paradise Katchoo is a beautiful young woman living a quiet life with everything going for her. She's smart, independent and very much in love with her best friend, Francine. Then Katchoo meets David, a gentle but persistent young man who is determined to win Katchoo's heart. The resulting love triangle is a touching comedy of romantic errors until Katchoo's former employer comes looking for her and $850,000 in missing mob money. subjects: Man-Woman Relationships, Lesbians, Graphic Novels |
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Summer Blond: Four Stories Adrian Tomine’s cult comix series Optic Nerve is finally collected into one sharp-looking hardcover volume. Described as the Raymond Carver of comix, Tomine constructs tales of emotional disconnection with an ear for painfully real dialogue. Combined with his deft black and white depictions of urbane lifestyles, Tomine’s fans have often accused him of eavesdropping in on their most intimate moments and, with forensic skill, laying their lives bare. subjects: City and Town Life, Graphic Novels |
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Steady Beat "Love Jessica"--That's what Leah finds on the back of a love letter to her sister--but who is this Jessica? When more letters, flowers and gifts start popping up, Leah goes undercover to discover her sister's secret. What she doesn't expect is to find is love of her own, and in some very unexpected places! Sequel: Volume 2 subjects: Lesbians, Sisters, Graphic Novels |
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The Tale of One Bad Rat This sadly realistic tale about sexual abuse is a beautifully drawn story that takes readers along on one girl's healing journey. subjects: Sexually Abused Teenagers, Child Sexual Abuse, Runaway Teenagers, Graphic Novels |
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Section updated August 2007— Joanna Nigrelli & Michele Gorman |
Superheroes
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Araña Feisty teenager Anya Corazon is saved from death by a mysterious mage named Miguel. Now, Anya is pledged to fight alongside Miguel and the Spider Society. First, she must prove herself to the society--and go to school, and keep her father and her friends from discovering her new secret. subjects: Women heroes, Magic, Good and evil, Fantasy, Graphic Novels |
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Astro City: Life in the Big City Astro City could be any city in America with one exception, the large number of super-powered human beings who inhabit the place. This is the first of four Astro City graphic novels available. award: ALA/YALSA Popular Paperbacks-2002 subjects: Graphic Novels, Science Fiction Comic Books-Strips-Etc. |
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Batgirl: a Knight Alone Casssandra Cain is the new Batgirl. Rejecting her evil upbringing, she's the new power in the quest for justice in Gotham City. Death Wish, Fists of Fury subjects: Graphic Novels |
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Batman: The Dark Knight Returns This grim tale set in the future documents Batman's return to action ten years after his retirement. This title is considered by many to be a "modern classic" in the superhero genre of graphic novels. subjects: Batman (Fictitious Character) |
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Catwoman: Selina's Big Score If Selina (Catwoman) Kyle is going to fight crime and corruption instead of causing it, from where will she get the money to finance her new lifestyle--without compromising the creature comforts she takes for granted? The Dark End of the Street, Crooked Little Town subjects: Science fiction, Graphic novels |
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Daredevil Visionaries Longtime fans of Matt Murdock (a.k.a. Daredevil) will recognize this graphic novel as the original story of the "man without fear", created by the legendary Frank Miller. If you like this one, go back and read the next two volumes in this series. subjects: Daredevil (Fictitious Character), Heroes, Graphic Novels |
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JLA/JSA: Virtue and Vice Members of the Justice League of America and members of the Justice Society of America meet head to head in this graphic novel! subjects: Justice League of America (Fictitious Characters), Justice Society of America (Fictitious Characters), Science Fiction Comic Books-Strips-Etc. |
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Green Lantern: Brother's Keeper This is one of four modern Green Lantern graphic novels written by Judd Winick, creator of The Adventures of Barry Ween, Boy Genius! subjects: Green Lantern (Fictitious Character), Superhero Comic Books-Strips-etc., Graphic Novels |
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Impulse: Reckless Youth Impulse, grandson of the superhero, super speedster The Flash, has traveled back in time from the 30th to the 20th century; and, living up to his name, he's notorious for his recklessness and impulsive behavior in this graphic novel for readers of all ages. subjects: Superhero Comic Books-Strips-etc., Graphic Novels |
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Kingdom Come Set in the future, this is the story of an aging generation of superheroes from the DC Comic Universe, including Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, and The Flash. Readers who like this will also like Watchmen by Alan Moore. subjects: Superman (Fictitious Character), Heroes Comic Books-Strips-etc. |
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Marvels Written from the perspective of a photojournalist from the local newspaper covering the daily happenings of the "Marvels", the journalist's name for the superheroes who inhabit the city, this story gives readers a chance to see inside the world of costumed heroes and villains from a different point of view: that of the common man. subjects: Heroes Comic Books-Strips-etc., Graphic Novels |
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Runaways Vol. 1: Pride and Joy The teenage years are hard enough, but what do you do when you find out your parents are secret villains in disguise? You run away and band together with the rest of the kids who belong to your parents' fellow rogue friends. This is the first of 6 volumes in one of the best superhero series to come along in a long time! award: ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers-2007 subjects: Runaway Teenagers, Teenagers, Good and Evil, Cartoons and Comics, Superhero Comic books-Strips-Etc., Graphic Novels |
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Superman For All Seasons This is basically the graphic novel version of the television show "Smallville". If you like the show you'll love the graphic novel. subjects: Superman (Fictitious Character), Graphic Novels |
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Teen Titans: A Kid's Game Cyborg, a former teen hero, realizes that the adolescent sidekicks of the world's most powerful heroes need to be guided and trained, so he recruits the young adventurers Robin, Superboy, Wonder Girl, and Impulse into the new Teen Titans. Sequels: Family Lost, Beast Boys & Girls, The Future Is Now award: ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers-2005 subjects: Graphic Novels |
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Ultimate Spider-Man, Vol. 1: Power and Responsibility An outsider even amongst his own peers, high school student Peter Parker is a young man at the crossroads of destiny. Orphaned as a youth and raised by his Uncle Ben and Aunt May, Peter finds himself the target of a constant barrage of pranks perpetrated by school jock Flash Thompson and his burly bud, nicknamed Kong. After Peter is bitten by an experimental spider from the laboratory of Osborn Industries, industrialist Norman Osborn takes a deadly interest in this development. subjects: Spider-Man (Fictitious Character), Science Fiction - American, Comic Books-Strips-Etc., Graphic Novels |
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Ultimate X-Men, Vol. 1: The Tomorrow People Modern X-Men at its best, this is the "Ultimate" story of a bunch of outcasts searching for a place to belong! This is the first volume in an ongoing series. subjects: X-Men (Fictitious Characters), Graphic Novels |
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Watchmen This critically acclaimed graphic novel takes the reader into the last era of living superheroes, who now live in a world where superheroes and vigilante justice no longer exist. subjects: Comic Books-Strips-Etc., Graphic Novels |
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Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia When Wonder Woman partakes in an ancient ritual called the Hiketeia, she is honor bound to eternally protect and care for a young girl named Danielle Wellys. But when the Amazon Princess learns that Danielle has killed the drug dealers who murdered her sister, she suddenly finds herself in battle with Batman, who is searching for the female fugitive. Caught in a no-win situation, Wonder Woman must choose between breaking a sacred oath and turning her back on justice. subjects: Graphic Novels, Wonder Woman (Fictitious Character), Batman (Fictitious Character), Cartoons and Comics, Superhero Comic Books-Strips-Etc. |
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Section updated August 2007— Joanna Nigrelli & Michele Gorman |
