Graphic Novels of 2013

This was intended to be a best of 2013 graphic novels. but I didn't get to finish reading until after the new year. So here is a list of the graphic novels I've read over the last month.

Saints and Boxers by Gene Yang
People always save the "best" for last, but I think you should start with your best foot forward. Hands down, Saints and Boxers was the best graphic novel I've read recently and there has been some really stiff competition. Saints and Boxers is actually two books and is historical fiction. It covers the events of the Boxer Rebellion in the late 1800's. The two books each take a different perspective of the rebellion. Each side has its own beliefs and convictions. Its hard to tell who was right in this conflict because of the extremes both sides take to get their beliefs across. If you read any graphic novel, read these two books. The art may look a bit young, but the story and emotion definitely outshines the drawing.

Sweet Tooth Vol. 6 - Wild Game by Jeff Lemire
This was a very weird book, but not the most odd book on the list. The description was a cross between Cormac McCarthy's The Road and Bambi, so naturally I had to give it a read. Sweet Tooth follows Gus, a human deer hybrid. There has been an apocalyptic event, and Gus and his group are trying to find the origin of human/ animal hybrids. I wish I started at volume 1 because I had a few questions. Volume six was very good though and it wrapped up the story really nicely. The characters are likeable and the villains are heinous. I will be reading the first five volumes very soon.

Walking Dead Vol. 19 - March to War by Robert Kirkman
I've been reading the Walking Dead since day one and loved every moment of it. Volume 18 had some excitement but 19 kind of lulled for the most part. I really like the villain and where they are going, but it has taken too long to get there. It's kind of like season 2 of the Walking Dead on AMC. Usually the comic is very fast paced. I am definitely looking forward to volume 20.

The March - Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell
The March is another historical fiction graphic novel, but a much more modern book compared to Boxers and Saints. The March is the story of Congressman John Lewis and his first hand experience of the Civil Rights Movement. Its presented in current time, with flashbacks to his childhood and young adulthood. I would recommend this book to any history teacher looking to explore the Civil Rights Movement in a different way. The art is fantastic and the message of non-violent resistance comes through in volumes.



Batman by Scott Snyder
The two volumes of Batman released in 2013 are incredible. I was worried when DC completely rebooted their universe and started the New 52. You can tell they pooled their resources and hired the right guy for Batman. The City of Owls and Death of the family are some of the best Batman stories ever told. The Talons are a new group of villains that really push Batman to be his best. The newest Joker story is haunting and truly psychotic. READ THEM ALL!

My Dirty Dumb Eyes by Lisa Hanawalt
My Dirty Dumb eyes was the weirdest book I've read, graphic or not. It has some pretty hilarious sections, namely the movie reviews done in drawings. My favorite being watching the Rise of the Planet of the Apes if you aren't a fan of monkeys. It gets a little odd after that. A lot of  "adult" sketches, some of them being hilarious with others being utterly ridiculous. Not a book for the kiddies.

Dark Tower: Last Shots by Robin Furth and Stephen King
The Dark Tower series by Stephen King is my favorite series of all time. Marvel and Robin Furth have done an amazing job bringing King's tale to the comics arena. This book is a collection of one shots and just fills in some gaps in the series. Some questions are answered, but nothing really happens to further the story. I hope they keep releasing the books in comic version, only the Gunslinger has a graphic adaptation. If you haven't read the books or comics, this book will make very little sense to you.



Honorable Mention:

Locke and Key: Volume 5 - Clockworks by Joe Hill
This was technically released in 2012, but I love this series so much I can't not not mention it. Joe Hill has really come into his own in this series. Locke and Key is the most original series in a long time, and has nothing to do with superheroes. I would recommend starting with volume one and working your way all the way through five. You will not regret it.