Tag: great graphic novels for teens

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: Absolute Wonder Woman, Volume 1, by Kelly Thompson and Art by Hayden Sherman

  • Absolute Wonder Woman Volume 1
  • by Kelly Thompson
  • Art by Hayden Sherman
  • DC Comics
  • Publication Date: August, 12, 2025
  • ISBN-13: 9781799505303

Absolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson takes a spin on the traditional Wonder Woman comics. Diana of Themyscira, Wonder Woman, did not grow up in Themyscira, but was instead exiled to the underworld when she was a baby. There, Diana was able to hone her skills and learn magic for the day she would emerge into the world stronger than ever. When she returns to the world, right away she must save Gateway City with her trusty steed Pegasus from monsters.

This story provides an action packed storyline, while also setting the stage for future installments of the comic. Absolute Wonder Woman still provides a familiar character for current fans, and has the potential to draw in new fans with its new darker storyline. It is a quick moving story that will keep readers engaged and wanting to learn more about this new Wonder Woman. The art and colors do an excellent job of amplifying the darker world. Also, the comic provides a great mix of mythology, superheroes, and just an overall fun story.

Absolute Wonder Woman would be great for readers, who have enjoyed the other DC Comic Absolute Series such as Absolute Superman and Absolute Batman. Fans of Spirit World by Alyssa Wong will enjoy this title because of the beautiful artwork, and fast paced storyline. Finally, for readers who enjoyed Teen Titans: Raven this would be a great fit for them because it takes a different spin from the original tale, and has some darker undertones.

– Jessica Duong

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: We Could Be Magic by Marissa Meyer, illustrated by Joelle Murray

Tabi lands her dream job as an intern at Sommerland, her favorite theme park that comforted her during her parent’s divorce. Hoping to be a princess character, she soon learns that the part has strict beauty standards, mainly that all the princesses are thin. With the help of her new crush, Tabi courageously tries to defy the standards, keep her magic alive, and show that not all princesses are one size and all can be beautiful.

Meyer brings vulnerability and humor together to show how Tabi and her fellow co-workers confront real struggles, like body image, self-worth, and societal expectations. The dialogue in the story between Tabi and others shows resilience as she challenges the very real appearance issues that teens struggle with today. While the story discusses a heavy topic, the bright colors and contrasts help to bring the magic of theme parks alive and make any theme park lover smile. Murray is able to show the emotions on the characters’ faces, so teens can see when Tabi is happy or frustrated. 

Teens who love theme parks, magic, and summer love would enjoy this book. Teens who enjoyed books that explore body image like Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier or hara’s Embrace Your Size: My Own Body Positivity would find this read enjoyable. Teens that want more of the new romance, new place, and self discovery like Roaming by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki would also like this read.

– Jessica Duong

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: Love, Misha by Askel Adan

  • Love, Misha
  • by Askel Adan
  • First Second
  • Publication Date: June 10, 2025
  • ISBN-13: 978-1250866219

When non-binary teen Misha reluctantly agrees to a road trip with their estranged mother Audrey, they are not sure what to expect. Things quickly spiral from awkward bonding attempts, to full-on magical misadventure when a wrong turn lands them in the enchanting but dangerous Realm of Spirits. In this new fantasy town, mystical creatures and dreamlike landscapes become the backdrop to a much deeper journey. As Misha and their mom try to find a way home, they slowly begin to trust each other and come to a mutual understanding of their relationship.

Aden’s storytelling is rich and nuanced. This is especially true in the depiction of the dynamic between Audrey, a mother who still sees Misha as their daughter, and Misha, a young adult learning to stand firm in their identity. Alongside the emotional stakes, the fantastical adventure the characters go on is fun, exciting and full of well developed side characters. Visually, the novel stuns with earthy oranges and browns, evoking a world that feels both magical and intense. This is a poignant, spellbinding read filled with heart, magic, and the bittersweet truths of growing up.

Those looking for more graphic novels that mix elements of fantasy with identity might try, The Girl from the Sea by Lee Knox Ostertag and The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen. If you want more adventure in a magical, semi dangerous world then read, The Well by Jake Wyatt and Choo. 

—Rachel Adams

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho and Deb J.J. Lee

Two young North Korean teens’ lives become intertwined, when they meet crossing the river into China. Yunhu plans to reunite with his mother who crossed earlier, while Myunghee is an orphan traveling alone. Both hope for a better life and a chance at real freedom. But to achieve that they will have to cross the borders of at least two countries and face numerous dangers, including swimming across crocodile infested waters and enduring a harsh prison camp.

The story alternates between Yunhu and Myunghee, giving voice to each of their unique perspectives, while revealing the indoctrination and oppression they experienced in their native country. Lee’s muted but expressive illustrations match the lyrical tone of the text. Readers will be inspired by the perseverance needed to successfully traverse the difficult journey of the Asian Underground Railroad. An author’s note provides additional background information about the North Korean government and life north of the DMZ.

Teens who enjoyed Hyun Sook Kim’s memoir Banned Book Club may be interested in this story about her northern neighbors. Give this to readers who find inspiration in books like Eoin Colfer’s Illegal or Jenny Sanchez Torres’ We Are Not From Here, which feature the arduous journey faced by many refugees seeking a better future.

—Heather Christensen

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: A Bite of Pepper by Balazs Lorinczi

  • A Bite of Pepper
  • by Balazs Lorinczi
  • Margaret K. McElderry Books
  • Publication Date: August 26, 2025
  • ISBN-13: 978-1665970464

Much to the disdain of her mother, young vampire Pepper Mint has not yet earned her immortality and vampire wings by settling down with a partner. To Pepper that’s not much of a problem, she’d rather grab her board and do kickflips on a halfpipe than experiencing the banality of immortality at endless dinner parties. That is, until she meets an artsy young lady named Ana at the local cafe. Now the two of them have to navigate parental expectations, gnarly skateboard tricks, and a business plan to launch a skate brand. Would you rather live forever or live it up now with your new crush? 

A Bite of Pepper is a funny, unique, fresh-feeling graphic novel. The limited but colorful palette of blacks, greys, and pinks really pop off the page. The plot has the pleasant familiarity of young romance and growing up, then takes a left turn with a surprisingly in-depth (and entertaining!) B plot about launching a skate business. It lives up to all the fun that a book about a queer skateboarding vampire promises. 

Get this in the hands of any teens who love a humorous queer love story with a little sportiness mixed in such as Heartstopper, Check, Please!, or Blades of Furry. 

–Nick Taylor

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: Soma by Fernando Llor and Carles Dalmau

  • Soma
  • by Fernando Llor and Carles Dalmau
  • Simon & Schuster – Oni Press
  • Publication Date: February 25, 2025
  • ISBN-13: 978-1637156124

Maya, a comic book artist, is struggling to find joy in her life, personally and professionally. She’s found herself in the middle of a creative block and is constantly feeling stressed about deadlines, feeling like she is no longer doing the work she loves, and trying to navigate advice to her best friend on how to get a date. In the mix of all of this, Maya gets a surprise visit from an extraterrestrial visitor, Soma, who is searching for her help in stopping a life-altering alien invasion. Maya must decide how to save the work and how to rewrite her own story. 

Soma is a funny, action-packed science-fiction explosion with intergalactic visitors and space-made weapons. While this book is marketed as an adult title, it holds strong teen appeal with a relatable main character who is struggling with a creative crisis and, especially, with the alien invasion being stopped by a rather lovable alien and his human sidekick. In partnership with the unique storytelling from Fernando Llor, the vibrant colorways created by Carles Dalmau help support the emotions within scenes and expand the plot as the characters progress through the story. 

Soma will likely find home in the hands of teen readers who are craving their next sci-fi adventure. Hand this graphic novel to readers who enjoy the space battles of Star Wars and Star Trek. If you have readers looking for the apocalyptic alien invasion vibes, consider giving them Why on Earth: An Alien Invasion Anthology edited by Rosiee Thor and Vania Stoyanova, Undergrowth by Ricky Lima, or We Light Up the Sky by Lilliam Rivera. Readers who enjoy the pure science-fiction aspect of this book would likely enjoy watching or reading Ready Player One, Stranger Things, or The Darkest Minds.

–Abbey Pignatari

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: Family Force V: Book One by Matt Braly, Illustrated by Ainsworth Lin

  • Family Force V: Book One
  • by Matt Braly, Illustrated by Ainsworth Lin
  • Image Comics
  • Publication Date: June 10, 2025
  • ISBN: 978-1534340336

Family Force V by Matt Braly and illustrated by Ainsworth Lin is about a family known as The Moon Troopers, who fight off kaiju attacks. Moon Trooper, Maise, has to balance being part of the family team and being a teenager, which includes school work and impressing her crush. The kaiju evolve to the tactics of the troopers, and tragedy strikes the family. Maise must learn be there for her family, and balance a regular life.

This graphic novel has an action-packed storyline that will make the reader want to keep reading. Additionally, there are plenty of aliens fights to keep readers interested, and readers will continue to be engrossed by the storyline with Maise’s struggle with balancing family and school life. The detailed and dynamic illustrations make the story pop off the page, and make the action scenes even better. 

Family Force Five is great for readers, who have enjoyed the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comics or shows because both include action packed sequences, and alien fights.  This title is also perfect for fans of Ms. Marvel Vol. 1 No Normal by Wilson Willow because it depicts a teenage with superheroes also struggling to balance helping her community and regular life. Readers of the manga, Shy, would also enjoy this graphic novel due to the similar storyline, and superhero dynamic. 

–Kyler Wesner

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: Family Force V: Book One by Matt Braly, Illustrated by Ainsworth Lin

  • Family Force V: Book One
  • by Matt Braly, Illustrated by Ainsworth Lin
  • Image Comics
  • Publication Date: June 10, 2025
  • ISBN: 978-1534340336

Family Force V by Matt Braly and illustrated by Ainsworth Lin is about a family known as The Moon Troopers, who fight off kaiju attacks. Moon Trooper, Maise, has to balance being part of the family team and being a teenager, which includes school work and impressing her crush. The kaiju evolve to the tactics of the troopers, and tragedy strikes the family. Maise must learn be there for her family, and balance a regular life.

This graphic novel has an action-packed storyline that will make the reader want to keep reading. Additionally, there are plenty of aliens fights to keep readers interested, and readers will continue to be engrossed by the storyline with Maise’s struggle with balancing family and school life. The detailed and dynamic illustrations make the story pop off the page, and make the action scenes even better. 

Family Force Five is great for readers, who have enjoyed the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comics or shows because both include action packed sequences, and alien fights.  This title is also perfect for fans of Ms. Marvel Vol. 1 No Normal by Wilson Willow because it depicts a teenage with superheroes also struggling to balance helping her community and regular life. Readers of the manga, Shy, would also enjoy this graphic novel due to the similar storyline, and superhero dynamic.  

–Kyler Wesner

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamaki, Illustrated by Nicole Go

When Abby transferred to the elite Wilberton Academy, she never expected she would be pulled into a murder mystery. But after the school’s beloved theater star Elizabeth is found dead in the woods, Abby feels compelled to investigate. She was the last person to see Elizabeth alive, and something about their final conversation doesn’t sit right. Though authorities rule the death a suicide, Abby isn’t convinced. With the help of her roommate, she begins to dig into the secrets lurking beneath Wilberton’s polished surface. What she finds is a disturbing web of drugs, manipulation, and abuse of power. A suspenseful, stylish exploration of truth, power, and the masks we wear to protect ourselves.

Told through a mix of comics, letters, diary entries, and news clippings, the story unfolds with tension and a cinematic flair. Tamaki’s writing is razor-sharp, blending emotional depth with biting commentary on privilege and performance. Goux’s illustrations elevate every twist, capturing both the haunting beauty of Wilberton and the creeping dread that something is very wrong beneath the surface.

Those looking for more stylish, atmospheric mystery graphic novels should try Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall; illustrated by Lisa Sterle, and The Faint of Heart by Kerilynn Wilson. Another graphic novel that centers an enemy-to-friend’s plot with stark illustrations is Pixels of You by Ananth Hirsh and Yuko Ota; illustrated by J.R. Doyle.

—Rachel Adams

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: Space Punch, Vol 1 by ZD

  • Space Punch, vol. 1
  • by ZD
  • Kana / Abrams Books
  • Publication Date: January 07, 2025
  • ISBN-13: 9781419777943

Space Punch is a debut manga series opener that is fast-paced and action-packed, taking readers to a mafia-governed city where crime, violence, and corruption are the ways of life. Zack, a confident police sergeant, and younger brother Joe, a noodle delivery boy, live two very different lives. But conflict arises with the governing mafia group, and Joe and Zack must prepare themselves to fight back with everything they have. While training and strengthening their plan, the brothers find mysterious artifacts left behind by their late father that shake up their lives and change the fate of everything.  

Space Punch takes on superhuman, science-fiction elements while still being set in a realistic world with high-stakes conflict and crime. Drawing readers in from the start, this story begins with a high-speed police chase involving slightly-cocky older brother Zack and a mafia gangster. The art style is edgy and draws readers in with dramatic facial expressions, fun hand-to-hand boxing, and lots of explosions. Classic manga artwork paired with the dynamic storytelling from author ZD bring this superhuman story to life. 

Hand off Space Punch to readers who like sci-fi influenced manga and anime series, like My Hero Academia and One-Punch Man. If you have readers who are looking to dive more into the science-fiction manga/graphic novel realm like this one, consider handing them Cosmos by Ryuhei Tamura, Family Force V by Matt Braly, or Sword Art Online by Kiseki Himura. Readers wanting more of the boxing plot line might be interested in checking out Chasing Pacquiao by Rod Pulido.

– Abbey Pignatari