This Tuesday we’re talking graphic novels. Scary words, especially to the sci-fi half of the Sci-Fi & Scary duo. Graphic novels are defined as ‘a novel in comic strip format’. In the past ten years or so, the graphic novel industry has fairly exploded. Something that’s evident by the varied offerings now being displayed.
Graphic novels are also good for starting debates with people. For example, just lean over and whisper to someone reading one: “But, well, they’re not really books are they?” and then… run. Running is good. Probably the only question about books that would raise greater insult would be to insist that listening to an audiobook isn’t really ‘reading’.
The Top Ten Tuesday weekly prompt is brought to you courtesy of Broke and Bookish. (PS: Covers go to Goodreads.)
Lilyn’s 5 3 Sci-Fi Graphic Novels to Read
Alright, I’d like to remind everyone yet again that I don’t do graphic novels. Well, unless they’re kids books. Those are okay. I’ve found one, maybe two, graphic novels for adults that I’ve enjoyed. So, for me to say I want to read these actually means something because I look at most of them and go “Eugh”.
Faith is on my list because it’s not some slim, svelte chick with perfect hair who is a seductress by day on the cover. Instead, Faith looks happy and like she genuinely enjoys life. Plus, who can’t empathize with just wanting to post cat videos and snark online?
Author: Jody Houser
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur‘s cover caught my attention immediately. Then I read the description, eyeballed a preview, and decided I needed to read this. Bright colors, dinosaurs, and a diverse MC. What’s not to like?
Author: Amy Reeder
I’ve seen Saga everywhere! After a while, it just sort of seeps into your head that “you really oughtta read that one”. Plus, I mean, multiracial couple with the chick nursing on the cover. I really need to know what the deal with the rams horns and odd wings. Actually, now I’m really curious. Hmm.
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
GracieKat’s 5 Horror Graphic Novels to Read
I like the story of Tomie in Museum of Terror and the art style looks appealing. Sometimes that’s all it takes.
Author: Junji Ito
The art style looks cool in Le Portrait de Petite Cossett, the story looks very interesting and I’m a sucker for haunted/cursed paintings! (Who isn’t? Except for Dorian Grey. That’s just…creepy.)
Author: Asuka Katsura
Silent Hill: Sinner’s Reward is one of the few Silent Hill comics I don’t have. Even though they’re not really considered canon with the series they’re still interesting stories.
Authors: Steph Stamb, Tom Waltz
I actually do have this one but I haven’t gotten a chance to read it yet. I wanted it because I’ve liked other books by Joe Hill and…Lovecraft!
(Side note from Lilyn: I actually have the audible dramatised version of this. I haven’t got very far through it because I get distracted by other things, but it’s creepy as all beat!)
Authors: Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez
I love the movie From Hell but, as always, I’ve heard the book is better.
Authors: Alan Moore, Eddie Campbell
Lilyn G is the founder of Sci-Fi & Scary, and leader of the Coolthulhu Crew. She does book and film reviews for both genres the site focuses on. Her tastes run towards creature features, hard science fiction, and lots and lots of action. She also has a soft spot for middle-grade fiction that rears its head frequently.
She is also a co-founder of Ladies of Horror Fiction, though she has stepped down to regular crew level.
Feel free to chat her up on Twitter as long as you aren’t hitting her up to review your book.
Faith, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Saga, and Locke & Key all have great art. I highly recommend Saga because there’s a great story there and suggest Locke & Key because it’s fun. Monstress by Marjorie Liu would be a great one for you both to check out too. It leans more to epic fantasy but certain aspects of it might appeal to you. It also has great art.
I actually eyeballed Monstress a few times while making this list.
Yeah, I don’t read a lot of graphic novels but Saga has also had me intrigued and I will definitely pick it up at some point.
Lynn 😀
This is the second time I’ve seen Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and I’m convinced I have to get a copy. It looks awesome. I like the Saga books and totally forget about reading Locke and Key – although I think I still need the last book!
I see some that I would find interesting. 🙂 Great list.
Stormi
You know, for some reason I can never visit your site by clicking on your site link that comes beside your name. Argh,