The Top 10 Must-Read Literary Graphic Novels

Once, it would have been unimaginable for comic books to be recognized as serious literature. However, times have changed, and modern historians now embrace comics and graphic novels as legitimate forms of art, praising several works as significant contributions to literature as a whole. This shift in perception has led to the widespread acceptance of these mediums in Hollywood, classrooms, libraries, and bookstores across the nation.

While there is an abundance of remarkable, high-quality literature out there, we’ve compiled a top ten list (in no particular order) for those who are new to graphic novels or looking for an excellent starting point. This list offers a glimpse into some of the finest examples of storytelling, regardless of format, that any literary enthusiast will appreciate.

10. Maus by Art Spiegelman

The Premise – a compelling biographical narrative recounting the life of Vladek Spiegelman, the father of the author. The story traces Vladek's journey as a Jewish man in 1930s Europe, his capture by the Nazis during World War II, and his time in a concentration camp amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. The narrative, both gripping and poignant, highlights the dark aspects of human nature. Spiegelman demonstrates creative brilliance by using anthropomorphic animals to represent different ethnicities—Jews as mice, Germans as cats, Americans as dogs, and so on. These animal representations are rich in hidden meanings, adding depth to the story. The honesty in Spiegelman’s portrayal of his father as a flawed yet real person makes this a truly impactful read.

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The Premise – A bold and captivating detective, The Spirit, was created by Will Eisner in 1940. Initially launched as a newspaper strip, The Spirit quickly gained popularity and continues to be admired today, mostly through reprints of Eisner’s original works from the 1940s to the 1960s. Numerous collections of The Spirit have been released, such as the “The Spirit Archives,” which now includes over 20 volumes. What truly sets The Spirit apart is its role as a defining influence on many comic books that followed, not so much because of the character itself, but due to the groundbreaking storytelling and creativity of Will Eisner. He was a pioneer in shaping the conventions of comic storytelling that are still in use today. For me, it’s Eisner’s remarkable ability to communicate a story visually, without relying solely on words, that draws me into this work. Eisner was a true master of visual storytelling, and The Spirit is one of his finest demonstrations of this art. His artwork doesn’t just illustrate the story—it enhances it, and at times, is visually stunning.

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The Premise – The world is under lockdown. Many former heroes are either dead or have retired. The few who dare to wear their costumes are being hunted. However, the Earth’s greatest remaining heroes are slowly emerging from the shadows, only to find themselves being hunted down one by one. This story stands out because it challenges the very concept of moral judgment, flipping the idea of right versus wrong on its head. The core question is: is a hero someone who stops wrongdoings simply because they’re wrong, or is it the hero who allows harm to one person in order to protect the greater good? The cast of characters makes this book exceptional. Each hero is unique, vivid, and deeply flawed. Despite their imperfections, readers find themselves rooting for these rebellious figures as they attempt to catch a killer and overthrow the established order. As the truth is revealed, the story compels readers to question not only which side is correct, but also their own moral beliefs and sense of right and wrong.

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The Premise – For those familiar with the movie, this may be quite familiar, but in the 1980s, Alan Moore became renowned for his depiction of a dystopian future under martial law, where the only hope lies in the hands of individuals who choose to fight for the greater good. This story is no different. Here, the enigmatic V throws the United Kingdom into chaos, hoping to spur the citizens into resisting a tyrannical government. Much like Watchmen, this work holds a special place for me because of Moore’s ability to make readers reflect on their own beliefs while being completely immersed in the narrative. Although set in the future, the story contains striking parallels to our present reality. For over 20 years, its relevance has endured, which is rare for many comics. This book will undoubtedly leave you questioning, 'How far is too far in the name of freedom?'

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The Premise – A deeply personal autobiographical account of the author’s younger years and experiences with love. It’s a poignant and emotional exploration of what it feels like to share a bed with someone for the first time. The author also examines the difficult relationship with his parents and the yearning for independence and autonomy in making life choices. Anyone who has experienced the tumult of adolescence, the rollercoaster of puberty, and the intensity of first love will find themselves relating to this story. Every time I read it, I find myself emotionally invested, especially in Craig’s interactions with his parents, brother, and his girlfriend, Raina.

This book is available for purchase on Amazon.

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The Premise – The Bone family has been forced out of their hometown and ends up wandering through a mysterious valley, where they encounter talking animals, former princesses, dragons, giant rat creatures, and sinister cloaked figures. This captivating tale keeps readers engaged through the entirety of its vast edition. Widely recognized by educators and praised for its family-friendly content, it has become a valuable resource in many school systems to promote literacy. Jeff Smith has crafted a group of characters that readers can easily invest in, becoming concerned not just with the grand narrative, but with the smaller moments in the characters’ daily lives and antics. The characters, including the rat creatures, are so endearing that readers often find themselves sympathizing with even the antagonists. A standout feature of this comic is that it is a book that both parents and children can enjoy together, a rarity among many other titles on this list with higher age ratings like PG-13 or R.

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The Premise – David Collier’s works dive into a wide range of captivating and diverse topics within the world of comics. Collier rarely ventures into fiction, instead focusing on autobiographical accounts of significant moments in his own life, as well as biographical stories about notable historical figures. One of his works masterfully combines the tale of Grey Owl, a famous figure who impersonated a Native American, with Collier’s own adventure to track down the cabin where Grey Owl once lived, long after his death. I selected this book because of Collier’s remarkable ability to make readers deeply interested in subjects they may never have considered before. Before reading this, I never imagined I’d be intrigued by the story of a retired female Olympian from the 1930s or a man who lived in the wilderness while pretending to be Native American. Collier’s storytelling skill pulls readers in and makes them experience things they never expected.

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The Premise – These are the comics that Dr. Fredric Wertham helped to ban in the 1950s, which nearly drove Warren Publishing out of business. Today, these works are celebrated as some of the finest examples of their era. Once deemed too graphic and violent for the public, they are now recognized as some of the greatest achievements in comic book literature, having influenced countless creators over the years. I have a special fondness for these books because they once terrified me as a child. I remember having a collection of them and trading with older comic collectors for gentler stories. I often wish I could relive those moments. These books are not just frightening, though; now that I’m an adult, I can see they are also excellent examples of well-crafted fiction and proof that stories can be deeply unsettling, not just because of the horror elements, but through their storytelling itself.

The Premise – Another highly respected comic within the comic book industry, this one was first created in 1953 for Disney comics. Barks was ahead of his time, seamlessly combining the ability to tell engaging, all-ages stories with the charming animated animal art that Disney is known for. Fans of his work should check out the new series, Carl Barks Greatest DuckTales Stories, currently being published by Gemstone Publishing. It’s Barks’ portrayal of Scrooge McDuck that has made both the character and the creator beloved by many. Scrooge may come across as a grumpy, irritable old man, but at his core, he is a character you can’t help but love. This book may appeal to fans of TV shows like House, as the characters share a number of surprising similarities. Buy this book at Amazon

The Premise – A deeply emotional, autobiographical account of Brian Fies’ own mother’s battle with terminal cancer. Through his own eyes, Fies shares the heart-wrenching journey of his mother’s fight against the illness. This powerful and moving book will not only alter the way you view comics, but it may also inspire you to share it with someone close to you who smokes. I can honestly say this book made me cry, and I have no shame in admitting that. It made me realize how easy it is to let those around you make choices that could ultimately harm them, and the desperate urge to try to intervene. After reading this, I passed it on to my own mother, a long-time smoker, and encouraged her to read it. Since then, we’ve had conversations about strategies to help her quit smoking.

While there are many fantastic works that didn’t make it onto this list due to limitations in space and time, I encourage anyone who doubts the legitimacy of comics as a form of literature, or any comic fan who hasn’t yet encountered these books, to read even a handful of them. You may just find that they challenge and expand your perceptions and opinions on the medium.

Buy this book at AmazonContributor: Mike Gagnon