by Sara Smith
Do you have a friend or family member who avidly reads graphic novels, and you're not sure what to buy them for the holidays? Check out this buying guide of top books from 2020 that would be perfect as gifts. In the titles of each, I have indicated whether these would be good purchases by audience level: Elementary (Grades 3-5) = EL Middle School (Grades 6-8) = MS High School (Grades 9-12) = HS Adult = AD These age ranges are suggestions - there's nothing that says a high schooler or an adult wouldn't love a book I've tagged as elementary, but often the higher age ratings means there's something mature or inappropriate for younger audiences. I have also included my genre tags and noted read-alikes in the hopes that this helps you find the perfect books for your friends and family. Nostalgia-Inducing titles
This year has been a big year for milestones and re-publishings. Several amazing series have hit their 20th, 25th, or 30th anniversaries, and have been rebound and published into beautiful collectors editions. These would be great purchases for adults who grew up with the series, but they can also be awesome for young ones just getting into the series.
Chobits - HS/AD
Hideki is a poor college student who wants a Persocom, a sentient personal computer in the form of a humanoid, but they're expensive. When he finds Chi in the dumpster, his dreams come true! But, Chi isn't a normal Persocom. This 20th anniversary edition is two of the original volumes in one hardback book. There are currently 4 planned novels with 2 published.
Great for fans of: Fruits Basket, Ceres: Celestial Angel, Ouran High Host Club, Kamisama Kiss, Sailor Moon Series Reviews: vol 1 Tags: Manga, Science Fiction, Romance Fullmetal Alchemist, Fullmetal Edition - MS/HS/AD
The Elric brothers travel across Amestris trying to restore their bodies from an alchemy accident, but uncover a more sinister plot. These are collector's editions of the classic manga that would be great gifts for the Fullmetal fan, or for first time readers. The hardback binding makes it pretty durable, unlike a normal manga. These are also quite a bit bigger - 22 cm, and generally between 300-400 pages. Currently, there are 11 volumes published with a total of 18 planned for the series.
Great for fans of: Naruto, Deathnote, InuYasha, Bleach, Demon Slayer, Blue Exorcist, Black Clover Series Reviews: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3, vol 4, vol 5, vol 6, vol 7, vol 8, vol 9, vol 10 Tags: Manga, Action Adventure Magic Knight Rayearth - MS/HS/AD
Three junior high students are transported to the fantastical world of Cephiro, and given magical abilities in order to save the world. These collector's edition boxed sets will definitely put a hole in your wallet, so I suggest these only for the nostalgia factor, not as an entry into this series. These beautiful hardcover editions are oversized, and the set comes with an art book. There are 2 boxed sets for a total of 6 volumes and 2 art books.
Great for fans of: InuYasha, Fushigi Yugi, Sailor Moon, Series Reviews: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3 Tags: Manga, Fantasy, Magical Girl, Isekai Sailor Moon Eternal Series - Ms/HS/AD
Middle-schooler and professional crybaby Usagi awakens as the legendary protector of Earth, Sailor Moon, and gathers other Sailor soldiers who help her battle against dark forces who would take the Earth for their own. Sailor Moon Eternal Edition is perfect for mega-fans of Sailor Moon, especially adults who may have grown up with the series. This are a little more pricy than the normal manga, but right around the price of a prose book. These books are also quite a bit larger than the normal manga - 25 cm tall instead of 19 cm, and between 250-400 pages instead of the standard 200. Currently, there are 10 volumes out, with 2 more planned in the main series, and a few side story books.
Great for fans of: Cardcaptor Sakura, Noragami, Marvel Rising, Fushigi Yugi, Tokyo Mew Mew, Fruits Basket, Witch Hat Atelier Series Reviews: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3, vol 4, vol 5 Tags: Manga, Magical Girl, Romance, School-Age 2020's Hot Titles
These are books I thoroughly enjoyed that either gained popularity or were published in 2020.
Adventureman - EL/MS/HS
This a great superhero adventure story staring a mom and her young son, where reality and superhero fiction begin to blend together. There is also a special hardcover edition coming out in December.
Great for fans of: Marvel superheroes, Batman titles, Fire Power, Jeff Lemire's works, other Matt Fraction comics Series Reviews: vol 1 Tags: Comicbooks, Action Adventure Canto - EL/MS
Canto is a charming fantasy that is 1 part Labyrinth, 1 part Wizard of Oz, and 2 parts entertaining hero's journey. It's a beautiful, sweet story of a small being trying to rescue the heart of the being he loves. Currently, there is 1 trade paperback published with another planned in 2021.
Great for fans of: The Wizard of Oz, Sea of Stars, Middlewest Series Reviews: vol 1 Tags: Comicbooks, Fantasy Daughters of Ys - HS/AD
This story is based off of an old Celtic folktale and is about two princess sisters who both try to save their kingdom in their own ways. It gets a little risqué, so this is a princess title better suited for high school or adult audiences.
Great for fans of: The Magic Fish, Neil Gaiman fantasies, Prince Freya, Monstress, Yona of the Dawn, Review: Daughters of Ys Tags: Graphic Literature, Fantasy, Folklore Displacement - MS/HS
Displacement involves time travel back to just before Kiku's grandmother is sent to a Japanese incarceration camp. Kiku is stuck in the past, so she becomes incarcerated alongside her family members. Time travel may be a turn off for some, but I personally like it as a premise for getting modern audiences pulled into historical settings.
Great for fans of: They Called us Enemy, DC's Bombshells, We Are Not Free, historical fiction Review: Displacement Tags: Graphic Literature, Historical Fiction, Autobiography, War Fire Power - HS
Owen is seeking any leads on who his parents might have been, and his search leads him to the Temple of the Flaming Fist. This is the newest series from the creator/writer of The Walking Dead, but this story isn't scary at all (yet). Judging by the way the next issues are going, Prelude is going to be very different from the rest of the series, but it's still a fantastic opening hook to get readers into this story.
Great for fans of: Iron Fist, Doctor Strange Series Reviews: vol 1 Tags: Comicbooks, Superheroes, Magic The Magic Fish - MS/HS
This story is an absolutely gorgeous blend of fairy tale, memory, and real life, capturing the complexity of one immigrant story, and a beautiful relationship between a son and his mother.
Great for fans of: American Born Chinese, Flamer, fairy tale retellings Review: The Magic Fish Tags: Graphic Literature, Folklore, School-Age, LGBTQ+, Family Primer - EL/MS
Primer is about a new superhero on the scene who uses pants infused with super powers to give her the combination necessary for whatever job that's in front of her. This cute story is part of DC's efforts to write stories for younger girls to get them into superheroes.
Great for fans of: DC Superhero Girls, Teen Titans, Marvel Rising, Superman Smashes the Klan Review: Primer Tags: Comicbooks, Humor, Superheroes, School-Age Prince Freya - HS/aD
This series is a female version of Man in the Iron Mask, where Freya, a simple country girl, has to pretend to be the prince of her kingdom in order to keep the country stable. It's a really entertaining, action-packed high fantasy adventure with a smidge of romance on top. There are 3 published volumes currently with 3 more planned for 2021.
Great for fans of: Game of Thrones (with much less risqué content), Yona of the Dawn, RWBY, Fushigi Yugi Series Reviews: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3, vol 4 Tags: Manga, Fantasy, War Spy X Family - HS
This hilarious series has a really interesting premise - super spy Twilight has to find a wife and child so that he can infiltrate his next target. He inadvertently chooses a telepath for a child and an assassin for a wife. The only one who knows what's going on is the four-year-old telepath, Anya, and, of course, the audience. it's very cute, super funny, and very well written and illustrated. Currently, there are only 3 volumes published with a 4th coming out early 2021, and several more planned. This is a good time to get into the series while there's a small number of volumes.
Great for fans of: The Way of the Househusband, Dr. Stone, James Bond movies Reviews are forthcoming on No Flying No Tights and this site on 12/7 Tags: Manga, Action Adventure, Humor, Family Supergirl: Being Super - MS/HS
This is part of the DC Ink Imprint that aims to bring superheroes to a new generation of fans. Stories are in the Young Adult category, and have superheroes facing issues that are probably very familiar to many teens. In Supergirl: Being Super, Supergirl deals with grieving the death of a friend and depression, while trying to figure out the strange abilities that are manifesting.
Great for fans of: Teen Titans: Beast Boy & Raven, Black Canary, Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass, Review: Supergirl: Being Super Tags: Comicbooks, Superheroes, School-Age, Grief Superman Smashes the klan - MS/HS
In this story, Superman has to help out the children of a Chinese American family. The local chapter of the Klan of the Fiery Cross starts demonstrating as soon as the Lee family moves in because they do not agree with the Lees' presence. This is a really cool mix of immigrant story and superhero story.
Great for fans of: DC Superhero Girls, Teen Titans, Marvel Rising, Primer Review: Superman Smashes the Klan Tags: Graphic Literature, Superheroes Teen Titans: Beast Boy, Raven - MS/HS
Technically, Raven came out in 2019, but the hot 2020 title, Beast Boy, is part of this series. Coming out in 2021 is Beast Boy Loves Raven, which ties the two books together in what is assuredly going to be a series dedicated to each of the five members of Teen Titans. In both titles, the heroes are teens struggling with some familiar problems - fitting in, peer pressure, finding themselves - and have to also figure out super abilities in the process.
Great for fans of: Supergirl: Being Super, Black Canary, Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass Series Reviews: Raven, Beast Boy Tags: Graphic Literature, Superheroes, School-Age Witch Hat Atelier - EL/MS
Coco becomes a witch's apprentice after accidentally turning her mother to stone. She has to train alongside three other apprentices who have been learning magic since the beginning of their lives. It's one of the most beautifully drawn manga I have ever read. Currently, there are 6 volumes out with 2 more promised, and possibly more after that given the series' popularity and awards it is winning.
Great for fans of: Magus of the Library, The Ancient Magus' Bride, Beyond the Clouds, Konosuba, Ran and the Gray World Series Reviews: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3, vol 4, vol 5 Tags: Manga, Fantasy, Magical Girl Witches of Brooklyn
This story follows Effie, a recent orphan who is foisted off on an elderly aunt, who claims to be an herbalist and acupuncturist. Effie soon discovers that her aunt and live-in friend are not JUST herbalists and acupuncturists. It's a pretty cute story about family, magic, and helping people. There's only one volume out so far, but there are going to be a few more books in this series.
Great for fans of: Twins, The Weirn Books, Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer, One Year at Ellsmere, Raina Telgemeier books Review: vol 1 Tags: Graphic Literature, Fantasy, Magical Girl, Family Top Picks
Below are some titles that may have been published previously, had a latest volume published this year, or are just among my favorites that I've come across in my recent readings of graphic novels.
The Backstagers - MS/HS
Jory is a transfer student who finds a new family among the Backstagers, the crew of the Drama Department. But, there's also magic backstage, and the Backstagers have to help contain it so that it doesn't leak out into the theater and the rest of the world. There's also a really positive LGBTQ+ and being-your-authentic-self vibe from the entire storyline that makes this title really sweet and cozy.
Great for fans of: Lumberjanes, Goldie Vance, The Avant-Guards, Moonstruck, Moon cakes, Check Please! Series Reviews: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3 Tags: Comicbooks, Friendship, LGBTQ+, Magic, Theater Dr. Stone - MS/HS
For unknown reasons, a substance covers the Earth and turns all living things to stone. Thousands of years in the future, Senku awakens and is determined to rebuild the world based on science. Lots of scientific information included, and fairly accurately as well. There is some humor, and lots of action and high-stakes chemical experimentation. There are 14 volumes published currently, with five more in the works, and no end in sight for this popular series.
Great for fans of: Assassination Classroom, One-Punch Man Series Reviews: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3 Tags: Manga, Science Erased - HS/AD
Erased is one of those time-travel stories that just does it so well. Satoru experiences episodes he calls "revival" where he is thrown into the past, up to five minutes, to stop someone from dying. When a murder takes someone he loves, he's thrown back much farther than five minutes to prevent it. It's a bit of a mind trip and an excellently told story. There are 5 collected omnibus volumes in this series.
Great for fans of: A Silent Voice, The Promised Neverland, time travel narratives, murder mysteries Series Reviews: vol 1 Tags: Manga, Surrealism, Mystery, Fantasy Kindred - HS/AD
This adaptation of Octavia E. Butler's classic novel is a wonderful way to introduce new fans to the work of one of Science Fiction's greats. Dana gets pulled back in time to her ancestral plantation in the American South before the Civil War, and she becomes part of the enslaved population there. This is a powerful, violent depiction of the realities of slavery that many people don't really think about when they study the topic in History class.
Great for fans of: Parable of the Sower, Bitter Root, Incognegro, Displacement Review: Kindred Tags: Graphic Literature, Historical Fiction Locke & Key - HS/Ad
This series follows the adventures of the Locke children: Bode, Lindsey, and Tyler. The Lockes move across the country to their family home to escape the memories of their murdered patriarch, and they instead find a house steeped in his memories and littered with magical keys, plagued by an evil force desperate to possess all the keys. There are 6 main volumes and a few side story volumes. It can be gory and frightening at times, so best suited for more mature audiences.
Great for fans of: Saga, The Walking Dead, The Sandman, The Wicked + The Divine, Fables, Monstress, Paper Girls Series Reviews: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3, vol 4, vol 5, vol 6 Tags: Comicbooks, Horror, Magic Monstress - HS/AD
This is a really complex fantasy that is one of the most beautifully illustrated comics I've read ever. The main heroine is not your typical hero, and she's surrounded by a colorful cast of friends, foes and deities. There are 5 current trade paperbacks, and this series is published very slowly, so hand these to a patient reader.
Great for fans of: Locke & Key, The Promised Neverland, The Wicked + The Divine, Paper Girls, Saga, Locke & Key, Fables, The Sandman, Robert Jordan, Neil Gaiman, Terry Goodkind, A Game of Thrones Series Reviews: vols 1-4, vol 5 Tags: Comicbooks, Fantasy, Magic, LGBTQ+ Persephone - MS/HS
This beautiful retelling of the Greek myth places Persephone and her family in the Kingdom of Elesius, a more modern kingdom than ancient Greece. Some of the favorites are present, like Demeter (who's a witch), and Rhadamanthus (a prince), and there's still a Fruit of the Damned, but there are plenty of fresh takes in this interpretation.
Great for fans of: Witchy, Grimoire Noir, mythology retellings Review: Persephone Tags: Graphic Literature, Fantasy, Deities The Promised Neverland
Children at an orphanage are being raised for a dark purpose, and they turn all their efforts to escaping. What they find challenges them mentally and physically, but they just might change the world. There are 17 currently published volumes, with many more in the works for this popular series.
Great for fans of: Fullmetal Alchemist, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, Tokyo Ghoul, Black Butler, Blue Exorcist, Beastars Series Reviews: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3, vol 4, vol 5, vol 6, vol 7, vol 8, vol 9 Tags: Manga, Dystopian, Horror, Demons The Rose of Versailles - MS/HS/AD
This is a classic manga that was never fully was translated into English when it was super popular in Japan in the 1970s. It follows the life of Marie Antionette, and the illustrations are gorgeous. There are currently 5 planned hardcover omnibus volumes, with 3 published already. They are a bit pricier - the hardcover and length of the volumes (this is about two and a half of the original paperback volumes), as well as the collector's mentality, is what contributes to the price tag.
Great for fans of: Historical fiction, tales of monarchy, Marvel 1602 Series Reviews: vol 1, vol 2 Tags: Manga, Historical Fiction, Romance The Way of the Househusband - HS/AD
This hilarious series follows a former Yakuza hitman as he battles with everyday life tasks. He's now a househusband who does the shopping, the laundry, and the cooking, all in hitman fashion. There are some absolutely hysterical moments in each volume, of which only 4 are published as of now.
Great for fans of: Spy x Family, One-Punch Man, My Love Story!!, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Series Reviews: vol 1, vol 2 Tags: Manga, Slice Of Life, Humor The Wicked + The Divine - AD
The Wicked + The Divine is one of the most intricate stories in comics. It is definitely one you'd want to buy the whole series, or at least a significant chunk, to be able to satisfy the reader and all the myriad of questions they will have. The entire series consists of 9 volumes. This series is definitely for a fan who has some reading stamina. Fun fact - I just realized the descent into darkness on the cover colors as I was putting the collage together. It goes well with the story!
Great for fans of: Monstress, The Sandman, Locke & Key, anything Joe Hill, Saga, Y the Last Man, Watchman, Loki Agent of Asgard, Runaways, American Gods, Lucifer, Spawn, Deadpool, Batman Series Reviews: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3, vol 4, vol 5 Tags: Comicbooks, Deities, Magic Staples
These series have established popularity and would be a great place to start. Lots of graphic novel readers have probably seen or read these before, so I'm only going to link to my reviews just to give you some more ideas if you need them.
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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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