FIVE GRAPHIC NOVELS/COMIC BOOKS TO PICK UP DURING A READATHON

Readathons can be hard when it comes to figuring out how much you want to read and how to balance that load. You may find yourself asking, “Do I want to read a few bigger books or a lot of smaller books? Or a mixture of big and small books?? Or maybe I want to read a lot of books, period???” If you fall into that last category, then allow me to recommend picking up a fair number of comics and graphic novels. They’re generally short—typically under 300 pages—and cover every genre under the sun, providing a great experience for anyone willing to try it! So, with that in mind, here are five recommendations to get you into the format!

Saga Vol. 1 by Brian K Vaughan and Fiona Staples

When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe.

From bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan, Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.

Collecting: Saga 1-6

Saga is undeniably one of the most popular graphic novel series out there that isn’t published by Marvel or DC Comics. A raunchy, sci fi, space opera romp, Saga has it all—the action, the adventure, the romance, everything! Reminiscent of the classic Romeo and Juliet, Saga tells the story of two star-crossed lovers from warring alien species and their child, as they go on the run from their respective governments and the galactic space chase which ensues. The characters are endearing and the plot is intriguing, fun, and fast-paced—the perfect read for a readathon! As a note, though, Saga is a very mature series, full of a ton of graphic violence and explicit sexual situation, so definitely be careful when reading and/or recommending it.

Spell on Wheels by Kate Leth

A road trip story. A magical revenge fantasy. A sisters-over-misters tale of three witches out to get back what was taken fom them.

Andy, Jolene, and Claire aren’t your average twenty-somethings. They’re legacy witches making their way through a modern world. When a jealous nonmagical ex breaks into their home and steals a spell that could awaken potentials with magical powers, the witches plan their revenge. Traveling down the East Coast, they must retrieve their powerful stolen artifacts and strengthen their friendship… the big bad is even worse than they imagined.

Collects Spell on Wheels #1–#5.

Spell on Wheels is a fun filled graphic novel following three witches who go on a road trip to recover their stolen magical artifacts. I’m actually surprised I didn’t hear about this graphic novel sooner. I mean, the story is fast paced and easy to read and the art is amazing! All ingredients for an AWESOME pick for readathons! Also, Spell on Wheels is chock full of witchy antics, making it the perfect read for any readathon taking place in autumn.

Gotham Academy Vol. 1: Welcome to Gotham Academy by Becky Cloonan and Brendan Fletcher

A new teen drama set in the shadow of Batman and the craziness of Gotham City!

Welcome to Gotham Academy, the most prestigious school in Gotham City. Only the best and brightest students may enter its halls, study in its classrooms, explore its secret passages, summon its terrifying spirits…

Okay, so Gotham Academy isn’t like other schools. But Olive Silverlock isn’t like other students. After a mysterious incident over summer break, she’s back at school with a bad case of amnesia, an even worse attitude… and an unexplained fear of bats.

Olive’s supposed to show new student Maps Mizoguchi the ropes. Problem: Maps is kid sister of Kyle, Olive’s ex. Then there’s the ghost haunting the campus…the secret society conducting bizarre rituals…and Bruce Wayne, the weirdo billionaire who funds the Academy – and may know the secret to Olive’s big mystery.

Find out in GOTHAM ACADEMY VOL. 1, the acclaimed new series from co-writers Becky Cloonan (DEMO) and Brendan Fletcher (BATGIRL) and artist Karl Kerschl (TEEN TITANS: YEAR ONE)!

Collects: Gotham Academy #1-6

I will forever stand by that Gotham Academy is one of the most underrated DC series and that it is an absolute TRAVESTY that it was cut short, PERIODT! What exactly is Gotham Academy? It’s basically a super neat teen detective story with a hint of superhero that’s set in the world of Gotham (yes, that Gotham). The great thing about the series is that is requires the bare minimum in terms of prior knowledge of the world of DC Comics! Full to bursting with mysteries and fun and a lovable cast of characters, along with cameos by Gotham’s finest (and not-so-finest), Gotham Academy is about a teen girl with a mysterious past and her gang of quirky friends as they attempt to solve the spoopiest of spoopy mysteries at their boarding school, Gotham Academy. A great choice for readathons when you’re looking to get a little spoopy, Gotham Academy will make you laugh and gasp plenty!

Ms. Marvel Vol. 1: New Normal by G. Willow Wilson

Marvel Comics presents the new Ms. Marvel, the groundbreaking heroine that has become an international sensation!

Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City — until she’s suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them, as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to bear? Kamala has no idea, either. But she’s comin’ for you, Jersey!

It’s history in the making from acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson (Air, Cairo) and beloved artist Adrian Alphona (RUNAWAYS)! Collecting MS. MARVEL (2014) #1-5 and material from ALL-NEW MARVEL NOW! POINT ONE #1.

Maybe you’re more of a Marvel fan? No worries—I have the perfect comic series for you as well! It’s Ms. Marvel, of course! Starring Marvel’s first ever Muslim and Pakistani superheroine, Kamala Khan, Ms. Marvel is an amazing and adorkable read that’s a great choice for any readathon! Gifted with the ability to shapeshift, as well as enhanced self-healing powers, Kamala can transform from average Jersey City teen by day to superhero in a *snap*! Full of endearing antics and plenty of kick-butt superhero moments, Ms. Marvel is sure to win you over and have you speeding through issues!

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Vol. 1: High School Is Hell by Dan Mora and Jordie Bellaire

Go back to the beginning as the critically acclaimed pop culture phenomenon Buffy The Vampire Slayer is reimagined under the guidance of series creator Joss Whedon!

This is the Buffy Summers you know, who wants what every average teenager wants: friends at her new school, decent grades, and to escape her imposed destiny as the next in a long line of vampire slayers tasked with defeating the forces of evil…only this time around, her world looks a lot more like the one outside your window.

Eisner Award winner Jordie Bellaire (Redlands) and Russ Manning Award winner Dan Mora (Go Go Power Rangers, Hexed), along with series creator Joss Whedon (Marvel’s The Avengers), bring Buffy into a new era with new challenges, new friends, and a few enemies you might already recognize. But the more things change, the more they stay the same as the Gang faces brand-new Big Bads, and the threat lurking beneath the perfectly manicured exterior of Sunnydale High confirms what every teenager has always known: high school truly is hell.

I’ve never watched Buffy The Vampire Slayer (although I know the basic gist of the show), so I’m just as surprised as you are to find this new run of Buffy graphic novels on my list of favorites! I knew there were Buffy graphic novels, but what I didn’t know was that this latest run was Buffy retold in the modern world, making it a great entry point for newbies like me. And whadya know—I ended up falling in love with the series! First off, the art is top notch! And I’m sure I don’t have to tell most of you just how endearing the characters are…but I will anyway: they’re very endearing! The plot also kept me hanging on all the way! By now I’m guessing you can’t tell how hooked I am so I’m gonna cut the gushing short, but bottom line is this series run is a great one!

So that’s all for today, friends! I hope you found a new graphic novel or comic series to include in your next readathon TBR. Readathons are such a great excuse to catch up on graphic novels/comics, whether your a tried and ture fan of the medium or a total newb. I know I just might add a few to my current readathon TBR (for the Clear UR Shit Readathon) as we approach the end of the event! Speaking of that event, though, I better hop off of here and get back to the books! Until next time, dear friends…

• Do you like graphic novels/comics?
• What types of books do you like to pick up for readathons?