Why Read a Graphic Novel?

Graphic novels? Aren’t those Japanese comic books? And, I’m a grown-up now. I’m too old for comics.

While some still think of graphic novels as only manga or Japanese comics, there are now graphic novels with sophisticated themes like the Holocaust, the revolution in Iran, and all types of memoirs. Graphic novels regularly show up on best book lists and win book awards, even the Pulitzer Prize.

If you haven’t yet, you owe it to yourself to read some of these outstanding works of literature and art. Avid readers all have their favorites, but here a few to get you started.

Maus by Art Spiegelman

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Nonfiction in 1992.

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

The author’s childhood in revolutionary Iran.

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel.

A musical adaptation of this story is now on Broadway.

Blankets by Craig Thompson

A beautiful story of love and loss.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

The problems of three young Chinese Americans

Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant 

by Roz Chast

A portrayal of Chast’s aging parents in their final years.