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by Sara Smith
In 2020, I challenged myself to read a graphic novel a day, and since 2020 was a Leap Year, that meant reading 366 books. I'm happy to say that I made it! I've read so many different stories this year, and I still feel like I've only scratched the surface of what's out there. Here are my favorite titles I found this year - some published in 2020, and some new-to-me this year.
So that multiple volumes don't clog up this list, I have included all volumes of a series as one item. To be fair to all series involved, I haven't included my favorites that were re-released this year, which include Fullmetal Alchemist, Sailor Moon, and Magic Knight Rayearth.
#10 - Rose of Versailles![]()
Three published volumes, two more planned
The first two volumes of this story was originally released in North American in the 1980s, so this hardcover omnibus is the first chance for English and modern audiences to read this story. This classic shōjo manga follows the life of Marie Antionette from her childhood to her ascent to the Throne of France, and Oscar Francois de Jarjayes, a fictional captain of the royal guard. Oscar is a woman who has been raised as a male heir to her father's estate, and she is assigned as the personal guard for Marie Antionette. The art for this series is still really detailed and beautiful. All of the lady's dresses are unique and lavish. Ikeda's illustrations include sparkles in her characters eyes, which adds an extra layer of beauty. Read the full reviews here: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3 #9 - Locke & Key![]()
Written by Joe Hill, illustrated by Gabríel Rodriguez
Six published volumes, two published side stories, one side story currently in publication This series follows the Locke children as the explore their late father's home and find many keys that unlock magical things. Within the Lovecraft property, there are vengeful spirits working against the kids to unleash evil forces into the world. The story is adventurous and full of haunting moments. Rodríguez' artwork is masterful with gorgeous detail in the mansion, and a true haunting look to all the characters. Read the full reviews here: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3, vol 4, vol 5, vol 6 #8 - Kindred![]()
Originally written by Octavia E. Butler, adapted by Damian Duffy, illustrated by John Jennings
Dana and her husband Kevin are unpacking into their new home in 1970s Los Angeles. Suddenly, she is inexplicably transported to pre-Civil War South, where she is integrated into the plantation of her ancestors. The illustrations by John Jennings truly make the reader feel the savagery of slavery. I read this book in one sitting because I was riveted and had to see how Dana would survive. This graphic novel is a wonderful and faithful adaptation that brings this important story into a new medium, stretching its influence and power to more audiences. Read the full review here. #7 - Adventureman![]()
Vol 1: The End and Everything After. Written by Matt Fraction, illustrated by Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson; one published volume, series ongoing
Former cop Claire and her son Tommy are big fans of the stories of Adventureman and his squad of superhero friends, who protect their city. One day, a mysterious customer comes in and leaves an older, possibly first edition copy of Adventureman with Claire, and the fiction starts to bleed into her reality. The Dodsons' illustrations are masterfully crafted. Each of the super heroes are beautifully designed with interwoven old pulp comic theme. This is a truly beautifully designed comic. Read the full review here. #6 - Adventure Zone![]()
Written by Clint McElroy, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Travis McElroy, illustrated by Carey Pietsch; three published volumes, series ongoing
Based on a popular podcast, Adventure Zone follows three heroes as they quest and roll for initiative. Mix in a dungeon master who keeps everyone on the straight and narrow by breaking through the top corner of panels periodically, you’ve got a recipe for hilarity! The storytelling in this series is enjoyable and wonderfully paced. The illustrations are brightly colored and full of detailed scenes, and the character designs are wonderfully crafted. Read the full reviews of what I've read so far: vol 1, vol 2 #5 - Erased![]()
Written by Kei Sanbe; five published volumes.
Satoru is a 29-year-old man trying to make it as a manga artist but stuck delivering pizza instead. Satoru has these inexplicable occurrences he calls “revival” - he relives a moment 1-5 minutes prior and has to figure out who he’s supposed to save. When someone close to him is murdered, he begs Revival to send him back far enough to save her, and he finds himself sent back to his twelve-year-old self! Throughout the series, Satoru moves back and forth in time in order to solve several murders. The illustrations make use of heavy lines, and Satoru's twelve-year-old self has much of the "chibi" art style elements, like large eyes and short limbs, to distinguish him from his adult self. Read the full reviews of what I've read so far: vol 1, vol 2 #4 - Witch Hat Atelier![]()
Written by Kamome Shirahama; six published volumes, series ongoing
Coco, a young seamstress who always wanted to be a witch, wasn't born with the power. When she accidentally discovers her magical abilities, she freezes her mother and gets swept away by a witch who vows to train her so that she can undo the damage she's done to her mom. The illustrations in this manga are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen. There are several two-page spreads that make me want to jump into the page and live in the world. The covers are so colorful and vibrant that I often wish the manga was in full color. Read the full reviews here: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3, vol 4, vol 5. vol 6 #3 - Canto![]()
Vol 1, If I Only Had a Heart. Written by David M. Booher, illustrated by Drew Zucker
Canto is a charming fantasy that is 1 part Labyrinth, 1 part Wizard of Oz, and 2 parts entertaining hero's journey. Canto certainly tugs at the heartstrings (pun intended). He is small but mighty, and his courage is certainly inspirational. Though he faces many set backs, he continues to persevere to save the one he loves. The art of this book is whimsical and perfectly complements the fantasy elements throughout. The colors are mainly soft and often pastel, which also lends itself perfectly to the story. Read the full review here. #2 - Spy x Family![]()
Written by Tatsuya Endo; three published volumes, series ongoing
Loid, AKA Twilight, is the best spy there is, and his next mission is to get close to a foreign secretary. The only catch? He'll need a family to do it! Loid adopts a daugther, Anya, who just happens to be telepathic. The woman who agrees to marry Loid? Yor, an elite assassin. And her brother, Yuri, is part of the country's secret police. Their dog may have some special abilities too (but you'll have to wait until the fourth volume comes out to find that out)! This series is absolutely hilarious, and has some great action scenes as well. Anya is by far the most animated character, and Endo's illustrations of her are amazing. Read the full reviews here: vol 1, vol 2. vol 3 #1 - The Magic Fish![]()
Written and illustrated by Trung Le Nguyễn
Thirteen-year-old Tiến reads fairy tales to his mother, Helen. Woven through the fairy tales are memories Helen has of immigrating with her husband from Vietnam, and Tiến's daily life. Tiến struggles to find the words in Vietnamese in order to tell his parents that he believes he's gay. The fairytales are Vietnamese versions of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella, and they are intriguingly different from the Western versions. Nguyễn's illustrations are absolutely beautiful, some of the most detailed and fantastical of everything I've read this year. The character designs are lush and inspiring, and the use of different color palettes to denote narration is a wonderful design element. The story and art together make this my top pick for everything I've read in 2020. Read the full review here.
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About MeI've been reading Manga and comicbooks for years. Now, it's time to share my knowledge with you.
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