For some people, reading is something they wish to do, but they don’t have the time to bury themselves in a long book. Graphic novels allow for that itch to be scratched while also providing another way of seeing stories. The art itself pushes these stories along and allows an individual to rest on a panel as short or as long as they wish. Words are only a part of the stories being told. Here are some of the new graphic novels that Peter White Public Library has in house.

Adult Graphic Novels

The Werewolf at Dusk and Other Stories by David Small

The Werewolf at Dusk and Other Stories is an anthology of fiction stories. The titular story is about an old man trying to come to terms with his body no longer being spry and youthful, but still having the urges of the beast within. The second story, A Walk in the Old City, follows a man who has lost his way in the back alleys of his city. He gets saved by a local of the city only to place himself in a situation he thinks he understands. Lastly, The Tiger in Vogue is a graphical adaptation of the short story of the same name by Jean Ferry. All of these stories have amazing art and they read more like a children’s picture book rather than the normal graphic novel panels. The images add so much to the story and the monotone blue with hints of color make you focus on what Small wishes you to focus on. This book is a fantastic and short read.

But You Have Friends by Emilia McKenzie

But You Have Friends is an autobiographical graphic novel that reflects upon Emilia McKenzie’s actions and events that led up and extend pass her friend Charlotte’s suicide. It’s a book about remembering not just the good times, but all the times you spend with someone you care about. The first part of the book is about how they met and the difficulties Charlotte was going through with her mental illness. The second half is about Emilia reflecting upon the grief over Charlotte’s death. While Emilia’s situation involves a friend, this book is a great insight into the effects of grief upon anyone who has lost someone for any reason. At the end of the book, Emilia shares resources for the UK and North America to help those struggling with mental illness. 

Teen Graphic Novels

Asgardians: Odin by George O’Connor

Asgardians: Odin is a retelling of the Norse myths that pertain to the All-Father Odin. The book is a good introduction to the Norse Pantheon if you are not familiar with it. It doesn’t cut corners like some retellings of the stories. The art is fantastic and gritty which is great for the violent nature of these stories. In the back of the book is also a quick reference guide for characters, words and explanations. O’Connor also has a series about the 12 Olympians that follows a similar pattern. Asgardians: Odin ends in a cliffhanger which, despite knowing what comes next, makes me wish for the next one to come sooner.

Tomie by Junji Ito

Tomie is a horror manga by Japanese Writer and Illustrator Junji Ito. Ito is known for his surreal art style and has multiple popular horror manga including Uzumaki and the manga adaptation of Japan’s infamous No Longer Human. Tomie is about a young girl with the titular name, who is more of a virus than a human. People become infatuated with her in many different ways. Girls become obsessed with her beauty while boys become overwhelmed by “love.” In these cases, they become so obsessed with her that it usually ends in those individuals either dying suddenly or Tomie becoming the victim. The twist is that Tomie never dies. She always comes back. Throughout the book are an anthology of loosely connected stories that describe all the different and strange scenarios that become of the different individuals. 

Children’s Graphic Novels

Unico Awakening by Samuel Sattin and Osamu Tezuka

Unico Awakening is what you’d call a reboot if it were a movie or video game. It was originally released in Japan in 1976 and was published by Sanrio who is the company behind Hello Kitty. It was one of the few Japanese comics to follow the western style of reading from left to right instead of the eastern right to left. Unico Awakening keeps the essence of the original with more modern and unique designs for the cast. It follows the story of a unicorn named Unico who is supposedly the last of his kind. Venus, the Goddess of Beauty and the antagonist, wants the world to worship her alone and the love between Unico and Psyche, goddess of soul, makes her jealous. She tells the West Wind to dispose of him, but the West Wind takes pity on Unico and hides him throughout time with every change making Unico lose his memories. However, the most recent switch made Venus aware of his presence. From there, Unico must traverse the modern day with the help of neighborhood watch cat Chloe, while only knowing his name.

Guardians of Horsa by Roan Black

Guardians of Horsa is a Glass House Graphics book which is the same illustrators that draw the popular Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly. So, if you like Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly, Guardians of Horsa might be something to try to tide you over till the new one comes out. Guardians of Horsa follows four horses from different elemental herds who are forced to team up in order to find the legendary Yearling. The basic elements of water, earth, fire and air are present and their homes and designs are incredibly detailed. Each herd has its own special characteristics as well as secrets that the main characters aren’t aware of no matter how important they are. There are currently 5 books out in the series with the fifth adding more incredible designs and clues to where the mysterious Yearling might be. Guardians of Horsa is a fantastical adventure with interesting world building that makes the world come alive on the page.

By Emily Couts

Circulation Aide