Books Like...

The Nameless City is a children's graphic novel suitable for 4th grade and up, set in a diverse and realistic fantasy series. The story follows the unlikely alliance between Kaidu, a young soldier from the conquering nation, and Rat, a native street girl in the constantly renamed Nameless City. Together, they uncover an assassination plot and must work together to save the city from new invaders. The book is praised for its beautiful artwork, extensive world-building, and engaging plot that touches on themes of colonialism, friendship, and cultural tensions.

Black Science #1 by Rick Remender, Matteo Scalera, and Dean White follows Grant McKay and his team who have discovered a way to travel to alternate dimensions in search of vital resources. The story begins with McKay trying to escape aliens and return to their device, The Pillar, before the next jump. As the narrative progresses, readers uncover the reasons behind McKay's family being with him, the absence of his wife, the unpreparedness of the team, the presence of a mistress, and the accompanying corporate representatives. The book combines elements of science fiction, dimension hopping, and family dynamics, all portrayed through stunning artwork and engaging storytelling.

'Paper Girls, Vol. 1' in the series 'Paper Girls' by Brian K. Vaughan, Cliff Chiang, and Matthew Wilson follows a group of 13-year-old girls set in the 1980s who embark on a mysterious and thrilling adventure involving time travel, alien creatures, and a touch of horror. The story is reminiscent of 'Stranger Things' but from a female perspective, offering a blend of 80s nostalgia, sci-fi mystery, and engaging character dynamics. The comic series captures the essence of suburban America in the 80s with its detailed artwork and intriguing storyline that keeps readers hooked from the first issue.

The writing style of 'Paper Girls' is praised for its smooth flow, minimal dialogue, and fresh-looking artwork that effectively sets the tone and atmosphere of the 1980s setting. The series is commended for its gripping narrative, well-developed characters, and a cliffhanger that leaves readers eager to delve deeper into the story. With elements of time travel, alien encounters, and a touch of horror, 'Paper Girls' offers a unique and captivating reading experience that appeals to fans of graphic novels and sci-fi mysteries.

David Smith, a struggling artist, makes a deal with Death to trade his life for 200 days of unbridled creativity. As he navigates his final days, he meets Meg, a free-spirited woman who changes his perspective on life and death. The book beautifully portrays the themes of suffering, loss, and the importance of living fully despite limitations. The story follows David's journey in the New York art scene, exploring his quest for artistic success and the complexities of his relationship with Meg.

'The Sculptor' by Scott McCloud is a graphic novel that delves into the themes of creativity, mortality, and love. Through David's Faustian pact with Death, the book explores the price of artistic genius and the fleeting nature of life. The narrative weaves together elements of fantasy, tragedy, and romance, culminating in a poignant exploration of the human experience and the pursuit of meaning.

'Check, Please! Book 1' by Ngozi Ukazu is a heartwarming graphic novel that follows Eric Bittle, an openly gay college freshman and former figure skating champion, as he navigates life on the Samwell University hockey team. The story beautifully highlights the importance of friendship, growth, and positive LGBT representation, all while incorporating elements of sports, baking, and camaraderie. Through Eric's vlogs, readers are given a glimpse into the ups and downs of competitive hockey, the challenges of young adulthood, and the joy of finding one's place among a diverse and supportive group of teammates.

The book combines humor, light-heartedness, and subtle romance to create a genuinely feel-good story that resonates with readers. With lovable characters, relatable themes, and a delightful mix of absurdity and charm, 'Check, Please! Book 1' offers a refreshing take on LGBT media by showcasing a happy and uplifting narrative that captures the essence of youth, friendship, and self-discovery.

Saga, Vol. 1 by Fiona Staples and Brian K. Vaughan is a graphic novel series that follows the story of two lovers from different worlds who are caught in the middle of a galactic war. The narrative is narrated by their baby, as they navigate through a universe where both of their governments are after them. The book features stunning artwork, relateable characters, and a mix of space opera, star-crossed love, magic, and high-tech elements.

The plot of Saga, Vol. 1 introduces readers to a world filled with unique characters, interplanetary travel, and a mix of genres including romance, adventure, and humor. The story unfolds with action, suspense, and surprises on every page, keeping readers engaged and eager to explore more of the universe created by Staples and Vaughan.

'Relish: My Life in the Kitchen' by Lucy Knisley is a heartwarming graphic novel memoir that revolves around the author's life experiences with food. Through colorful illustrations and anecdotes, Lucy Knisley takes the readers on a journey through her life, exploring the significant role that food has played in shaping her identity and memories. The book is a delightful blend of food memoir, cookbook, and graphic novel, where each chapter ends with illustrated recipes that reflect the moments of her life tied to food.

The stories in 'Relish' are funny, heartwarming, and relatable, making it an enjoyable read for both graphic novel fans and foodies alike. Lucy Knisley's vivid and expressive artwork brings to life the tastes and smells of the kitchen, creating a charming narrative that celebrates the joy of cooking, eating, and sharing meals. The book offers a unique perspective on how food can be a central enjoyment in one's life, weaving together personal history, culinary adventures, and life lessons through the lens of food memories.

In the series 'Fables' by author Bill Willingham, 'Legends in Exile' introduces readers to Fabletown, a community of fairy tale characters who have been forced to flee their homelands and now live clandestinely in New York City. The plot revolves around Sheriff Bigby investigating the murder of Rose Red, Snow White's sister, leading to a classic murder mystery that unveils a world filled with organic connections between various fairy tale characters. The writing style combines elements of nostalgia, humor, and intricate character relationships, providing a fresh take on well-known fairy tale archetypes.

'Good Talk' by Mira Jacob is a graphic memoir that delves into the author's life experiences, from her parents' arranged marriage to navigating through significant events like 9/11 and the Trump election. Through conversations with her son, Jacob explores themes of race, identity, and belonging in America, offering a personal and perceptive account of being considered 'other' in society. The book features a unique storytelling format, combining black and white pencil comics with photographic backgrounds, creating a visually engaging narrative that resonates with readers.

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol is a graphic novel about a teenage girl named Anya who is struggling to fit in at school while dealing with issues like weight, fitting in, and falling down a well where she meets a ghost named Emily. Initially, Emily helps Anya with school and boys, making her life seem perfect, but as the story unfolds, Anya realizes that things may not be as they seem, and she must navigate the complexities of friendship, identity, and fitting in.

The book beautifully captures the themes of adolescent struggles, the immigrant experience, and the desire to belong while incorporating elements of suspense, humor, and insight. Through expressive storytelling and engaging illustrations, Vera Brosgol weaves a tale that explores the challenges of growing up, the importance of cultural heritage, and the complexities of teenage relationships.