Graphic novels are the long form of a comic. Some graphic novels are standalone — you can read them and form a complete story or novel. Others are a collection of issues — say comic #1-#10, all collected together, form an easy-to-read longer story. Either way, you can read them to explore new topics, ideas, and formats.

I love the addition of art and design to a novel. The line work, color choices, layout, and the art style all greatly influence how you feel as you read a graphic novel. Can you pick out which elements work and don’t work for you? How do the image choices change the story?

Using Hoopla for graphic novelsWhile the library does have a large collection of physical graphic novels you can browse at any location, we also have a great app option. You can find Hoopla in the app store or access online at hoopladigital.com. With the magic of your library card you’ll be logged on in no time. Look for “comics” under the browse menu.

You can read on your phone in a pinch, but for a graphic novel, iPads or tablet work great. You can also try a nice big monitor so you can really enjoy the text and graphics. If you are on a computer try pressing F11 to go full screen without any annoying menu options hanging about – it’s the perfect way to read.

picks from Hoopla’s collectionAdult’s might like:

“The Walking Dead’” by Robert Kirkman, illustrated by Tony Moore

Yes, the famous zombie TV series started out as a comic and there are a lot of issues to read. Start at the beginning, “The Walking Dead – Days Gone By,” which has episodes 1–6 in one book. The pace is much quicker than the later parts of the TV series. Action and character development happen fast!

“March Book One” by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell

March Book One tells the story of former U.S. representative John Lewis when he was a young man in rural Alabama. Following a meeting with Martin Luther King, Jr. we see the student movement born and witness nonviolence, lunch sit-ins, and more. “March Book One” is a great example of how a graphic novel can transform and bring to life a story.

“They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei, illustrated by Harmony Becker

This biography is another example of how the graphic novel form can transform a story. George Takei, of internet and Star Trek fame, tells us his life’s story in this moving graphic novel. When Takei was young his father, mother, and family was forced into concentration camps at the start of World War II along with all Japanese living on the west coast. The graphic novel format brings us along with Takei as he tells his haunting tale — and how he views it now as an adult.

“Saga: Compendium One” by Brian K. Vaughan, illustrated by Fiona Staples

One of the most popular adult comics in the world, Saga is an epic space opera mixed with soap opera. Otherworldly, lush illustrations bring us the story of a warring moon and planet who have outsourced their conflict to other worlds and systems. The moon and planet enjoy peace while the conflict continues, destroying hundreds of civilizations. When two soldiers on opposite sides of the conflict fall in love, have a baby and run away together, they are hunted throughout the galaxy. Moving, violent, and at times shocking, this is an R-rated adult read that matches up with the best novels or movies. “Compendium One” includes episodes 1–54. After a three-year break, new issues are now being published.

Graphic novels for teens“Paper Girls: Deluxe Edition Book One” by Brian K. Vaughan, illustrated by Cliff Chiang and Matt Wilson

Now out as a TV series on Amazon Prime, this teen graphic novel features 4 paper girls transported into another world. Is it the past, present, future or a completely different reality? Find out in this mind bending story of friendship and firsts.

“Mooncakes” by Suzanne Walker, illustrated by Wendy Xu

Nova Huang works in her family’s bookstore and coffee shop, “The Black Cat”. Her duties include loaning out spell books and investigating supernatural mysteries in New England. A tale of families, werewolves, demon horses, danger, and more. This cute teen graphic novel will sweep you away!

Graphic novels for kids“Hazardous Tales” by Nathan Hale, author and illustrator

Hugely popular with kids and adults of all ages, Salt Lake City native Nathan Hale writes and illustrates amazing historical stories. Underground railroads, airplane raids, the Alamo, Ironclads, the Donner Dinner Party, spies, and the gross and amazing fill these pages. If you have a reluctant reader in your house this is a great way to get them back into reading. I’ve recommended these titles to many middle schoolers and they always come back for more.

“Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters Vol. 1”

Giant otherworldly monsters, a girl who soars through the land and sky with ease, a lost sister who punches those monsters right in the mouth, and growing up all come together in this great kids read. The adventures are, yes you got it, unpossible and the monsters giant yet strangely cute!

Hoopla HintsYou get 15 checkouts per month, so don’t borrow single issues unless you have to. Look for compendiums and collections When you find a title, look for the publisher, author, and series links. Clicking on them will take you further into Hoopla for in-depth exploration Look for the collections. Hoopla groups like types of comics together.

More Hoopla Recommendations, “The Sandman” by Neil Gaiman et al. (adult, fantasy, Superhero) “The Delicacy” by James Albon (adult, drama, kitchen, yes chef) “Monstress” by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda (adult, action, monsters) “ An Age of License” by Lucy Knisley (teen, non-fiction, travel biography)Umbrella Academy” by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba (teen, action, superhero) “Black Hammer” by Jeff Lemire and Dean Ormston (teen, fantasy, action) “Ms. Marvel” by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona (teen, superhero) “Nimona” by N.D. Stevenson (teen, fantasy, humor) “Backstagers” by James Tynion IV and Rian Sygh (children, fantasy, humor).