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Graphic Novels and Manga Books: Comics, Superheroes and Japanese Manga

Graphic novels are not just for children, and they never really were. The best of them tell stories as rich and moving as any novel, using pictures to do things that words alone cannot. Graphic novels and manga books on this shelf cover superhero epics, Japanese series, horror, fantasy, literary comics and real life stories, for teenagers and adults alike.

You will find Marvel and DC favourites, The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman, popular manga such as Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura, Yona of the Dawn by Mizuho Kusanagi and Delicious in Dungeon by Ryoko Kui, and Indian graphic work such as Shaheen Bagh by Ita Mehrotra.

What Is a Graphic Novel?

A graphic novel is a book length story told in comic form, with panels, speech bubbles and artwork working together. Some are complete in one volume. Others collect a run of monthly comics into a single book. Manga is the Japanese tradition of comics, usually printed in black and white and read from right to left, and often published in long series of numbered volumes.

Manga Series to Start or Continue

Manga has a huge following among Indian teenagers and young adults, partly thanks to anime on streaming platforms. Here are some series on this shelf:

Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura: a powerful Viking story about revenge, war and finding a better way to live.
Yona of the Dawn by Mizuho Kusanagi: a princess forced from her palace who gathers loyal companions on a long adventure.
Delicious in Dungeon by Ryoko Kui: a funny and clever fantasy in which adventurers cook the monsters they defeat.
Classroom of the Elite by Syougo Kinugasa: a school drama full of strategy and hidden ranks.
Last Quarter by Ai Yazawa, from the creator of Nana.
Fullmetal Alchemist fans and readers of Initial D, Kaiji, Saint Young Men, A Galaxy Next Door and Witchcraft Works will find volumes here too.

If you are new to manga, begin with volume one of a series and read a few chapters before deciding. Most series take a little time to find their rhythm.

Superhero Graphic Novels

Marvel and DC have produced some of the best loved stories in popular culture. On this shelf you will find Spider-Man: Ben Reilly Omnibus, Amazing Spider-Man, Batman/Superman by Joshua Williamson, Jay Garrick: The Flash by Jeremy Adams, Deathstroke: The Terminator by Marv Wolfman, DCeased, and Shuri: The Search for Black Panther by Nnedi Okorafor. Omnibus editions collect many issues in one heavy volume, which is great value for keen fans.

Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy Comics

The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman is one of the most successful comics of all time, a long running story of survival after a zombie outbreak that is really about people and the choices they make. Oblivion Song by Kirkman and De Felici offers another strong premise. Dune: Tales from Arrakeen by Brian Herbert expands the famous science fiction world, and Rick and Morty: Pocket Like You Stole It brings the cartoon to the page. Fans of fantasy fiction can explore more on our young adult fiction shelf.

Literary and Real Life Graphic Novels

Some of the most interesting graphic novels deal with real life. Smile by Raina Telgemeier, a memoir about teeth, braces and growing up, is a modern classic for middle grade readers. Shaheen Bagh by Ita Mehrotra tells the story of the Delhi protest in graphic form. As a Cartoonist by Noah Van Sciver and Blood of the Virgin by Sammy Harkham show the comic form at its most personal and artistic. In Search of Lost Time: Mahler after Proust by Nicolas Mahler even adapts one of the longest novels ever written. European classics are represented by Franquin's The Butterfly and the Treetop Squid and McCay by Thierry Smolderen.

Graphic Novels for Younger Readers

Parents often worry that comics are not real reading. In fact, graphic novels build vocabulary, help reluctant readers enjoy books and teach children to follow complex stories. Smile, Maximum Ride: The Manga by James Patterson, Living with Mochi by Gene Gemma and Good Dog, Whiskey by K. Kobi are gentle choices. Check the age guidance on each title, as many manga and superhero books are written for older teens and adults. For more ideas, see our post on how to develop a reading habit in a child.

How to Read Graphic Novels Well

Slow down. Look at the art as well as the words. The pictures often carry details the text leaves out.
Notice the panels. Large panels slow the story down, small ones speed it up.
Read manga right to left. Start at what looks like the back cover and read each page from the top right.
Follow a series in order. Volume numbers matter, especially in manga.
Try different styles. Black and white manga, full colour superhero comics and European albums each feel quite different.

Building a Comic Collection

Collecting graphic novels is a rewarding hobby. Store books upright, away from damp and direct sunlight, and keep series together on the shelf. Many readers start with one favourite series and slowly branch into new artists and genres. Our post on creating a small library corner at home has tips for organising your shelves.

Popular Manga Genres Explained

Manga uses its own genre labels, and knowing them helps you choose.

Shonen: action and adventure aimed at teenage boys, though read by everyone.
Shojo: stories aimed at teenage girls, often about relationships and growing up, such as Yona of the Dawn.
Seinen: manga for adult readers, with darker or more complex themes, such as Vinland Saga.
Isekai: a character is transported to another world, a very popular modern trend.
Slice of life: gentle everyday stories, often funny and warm.

Try one title from a genre you have never read. Many readers discover a new favourite this way. Reading a few chapters of a long running series is also the easiest way to decide whether it is worth collecting every volume.

Where to Go Next

If you enjoy storytelling in pictures, you might also like modern fiction for novels that share the same themes, or our design and illustration books if you want to learn to draw comics yourself. Pick one series, settle in, and let the panels pull you into another world.

Graphic novels now cover everything from romance and history to serious journalism, so there is something for adult readers too. Check the age suitability first, as many manga and comics are written for older readers.

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