Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2022) Nominations Round-Up, Winter

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Each quarter, the Selected Lists teams compile the titles that have been officially nominated to date. These books have been suggested by the team or through the title suggestion form, read by multiple members of the team, and received approval to be designated an official nomination. At the end of the year, the final list of nominations and each Selected List’s Top Ten will be chosen from these titles.

The Apothecary Diaries, v.2. By Natsu Hyuuga. Art by Nekokurage. Square Enix Manga, $10.99 (9781646090716). 

Maomao’s adventures as the official royal test taster continue! In this volume, Maomao faces the intrigues of the royal court while dealing with poisoning attempts against the Emperor’s wives.

Asadora! v.4. By Naoki Urasawa. VIZ Media / VIZ Signature, $14.99 (9781974722969). 

A lighthouse has been attacked by something resembling a giant creature, and Asa is called in by the government to find the monster before the Tokyo Olympics. With the monster’s reappearance, Asa continues the search for her family.

Blue Flag, v.8. By KAITO. VIZ Media, $12.99 (9781974720941). 

The conclusion of Blue Flag sees almost everyone’s secrets revealed and concludes the main characters’ romantic arcs.

Blue Giant Omnibus, v.1-2. By Shinichi Ishizuka. 2020. Seven Seas Entertainment, $19.99 (9781645058649). 

Dai is graduating soon, and while his friends are all cramming for exams, he spends every day playing his sax. Dai is going to be the world’s greatest jazz musician, and to be the best, he will need more than just passion.

Continue reading Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2022) Nominations Round-Up, Winter

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2022) Featured Review of Run: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, L. Fury, and Nate Powell

Run: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, L. Fury, and Nate Powell
Abrams ComicArts / Abrams Books
Publication Date: August 3, 2021
ISBN: 9781419730696

The song “We Shall Overcome” comes to mind as you read the graphic novel memoir of the great John Lewis. His memoir centers on illuminating the reality of our country’s battle with racism. From sharing the history of the Vietnam War to showing the challenges of voting as Black Americans—and the brutal treatment that Black people endure just to advocate for equality—each moment can be felt, seen, and heard as you turn the pages of this memoir. This nonfiction graphic novel is a great tool to supplement textbooks.

Continue reading Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2022) Featured Review of Run: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, L. Fury, and Nate Powell

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2021) Nominees Round Up, July 2 Edition

Click here to see all of the current Great Graphic Novels nominees along with more information about the list and past years’ selections.

Teen Titans: Beast Boy by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo
DC Comics
Publication Date: September 1, 2020
ISBN: 9781401287191

Garfield Logan just wants to be bigger, muscled, and noticeable, but no matter how much he eats or exercises, he just can’t seem to get any bigger or even gain weight. But, after Gar realizes the “supplements” his parents are giving him are impeding his growth, he throws them away, and that’s when everyone starts noticing him—including his crush. One unexpected result that Gar wasn’t prepared for is, now that he’s off his meds, he can morph into animal form. He’s also noticed a shadowy figure stalking him—a figure who promises to answer all of his questions.

Continue reading Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2021) Nominees Round Up, July 2 Edition

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2020) Nominees Round Up, November 5 Edition

Click here to see all of the current Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers nominees along with more information about the list and past years’ selections.

Teen Titans Raven Book CoverTeen Titans: Raven (Teen Titans #1) by Kami Garcia, illustrated by Gabriel Picolo
DC Ink
Publication Date: July 2, 2019
ISBN: 978-1401286231

An origin story of DC’s Raven, this graphic novel opens on a scene between Raven and her adoptive mother discussing what appears to be a recent shocking revelation when their car is hit.  Her mother dies and Raven is left with amnesia. Raven is taken in by her mother’s estranged sister and cousin. Raven has to re-learn who she is while navigating high school while being pursued by a demon.

Teen Titans: Raven stars a well-known character.  The excellent artwork, and intriguing characters make this a quick read.

Those who like YA DC graphic novels such as Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale by Lauren Myracle will like this.  Also a great entry book for those wanting to check out YA graphic novels starring women. Continue reading Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2020) Nominees Round Up, November 5 Edition

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2020) Nominees Round Up, June 27 Edition

Click here to see all of the current Great Graphic Novels nominees along with more information about the list and past years’ selections. 

Quincredible, Vol. 1: Quest to Be the Best! by Rodney Barnes and Selina Espiritu
Roar / Lion Forge
Publication Date: June 4, 2019
ISBN: 9781549302824

Quinton West is a seemingly normal high school kid, trying to fit in while dealing with crushes, parental pressure, and neighborhood bullies. But normalcy is not an option because Quin is Enhanced, invulnerable to physical harm. After witnessing a riot, Quin decides to take action to help his community. However, his career as a crime-stopping superhero is quickly derailed as his identity becomes known and his parents are taken hostage. With the help of other Enhanced heroes, Quin must work quickly to save his parents and their community.

Continue reading Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2020) Nominees Round Up, June 27 Edition