Enjoyable comics perfect for family bonding during the hot summer days
In the realm of graphic novels, there's a wealth of stories that captivate, educate, and inspire readers of all ages. Here's a selection of some remarkable titles that stand out for their unique narratives and themes.
"The World of Lost Animals" is a poignant graphic novel that sensitively explores the concept of grief in a relatable and emotional manner, using the bond between humans and their pets as a backdrop.
Another noteworthy comic is "The Draw Club", a collaborative work by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud. It serves as a guide for children on the secrets of comic creation, offering insights into managing emotions, building relationships, and having fun while creating their own stories and drawings.
Tom King, Bilquis Evely, and Matheus Lopes team up for "Helen de Wyndhorn", a captivating tale about growing up, maturing, parent-child relationships, overcoming loss, finding a purpose in our lives, second chances, and forgiveness. The story revolves around the relationship between a grandfather and his granddaughter after the tragic suicide of her father.
"Helen de Wyndhorn" is also a tribute to the power of stories and the fables that make us dream. It has been nominated for two Eisner Awards in the categories Best Limited Series and Best Writing.
"The Department Store Concierge", a manga by Tsuchika Nishimura, offers a unique cast of animals, some of which are extinct species, and serves as a call for attention to respect for the environment and care of the planet. The story has been adapted into a prize-winning anime film.
"Uncle Scrooge's Fate" is a classic story in which Uncle Scrooge loses all his fortune due to a bet with the Beagle Boys and has to start from scratch, earning his first dollar again with the help of Donald Duck and his nephews.
"Valentina and True Love" is a beautiful anthem to multiculturalism and empathy for others. The story revolves around the search for true love, the transition from adolescence to adulthood, family secrets, friendship, dreams, and diversity. It has been nominated for four Eisner Awards, including Best Publication for Teens, Best Graphic Album, Best Writer, and Best Artist.
"Dr. Vertigo" is considered one of the ten best comics in the history of Spanish comics and won the grand prize at the Comic Barcelona in 1990.
"Lunar New Year Love Story" by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham swept the 2025 Eisner Awards, winning in both the categories Best Publication for Teens and Best Graphic Album—New.
"DC Archives: Superman in the Fifties" delves into the origins of Superman's mythology, featuring characters like Supergirl, Bizarro, and Brainiac, and iconic locations like his Fortress of Solitude and Kandor's bottled city.
"Detox" is a thought-provoking comic about a Parisian businessman who goes to the countryside to take a DETOX course, reflecting on the modern world's urgency to constantly be doing things and connected to the internet.
"Heretic" takes us back to Belgium in 1529, when the arrival of a powerful inquisitor, Bernard Eymerich, coincides with a series of mysterious ritual murders. The graphic novel stars two real historical characters, Cornelius Agrippa and Johann Weyer.
"Insectopolis" recreates the 400 million years of insect history and the scientists who have studied them, with a focus on the importance of preserving insect species and the environment.
"World War II in Comic" reproduces some of the most decisive moments of World War II and offers a complete analysis of why it occurred and the keys to its development and conclusion.
Lastly, "Peppino Impastato. The Satire Against the Mafia" is a comic about a Sicilian fighter against the Mafia who was born into a family with strong connections to the Cosa Nostra. Peppino Impastato began to approach socialism, politics, and journalism at a young age, creating a newspaper to expose the dirty laundry of the Mafia, which caused his father to throw him out of the house.
- The average reader may find themselves diving into various genres after reading these graphic novels, such as fiction, education, environmental consciousness, and historical accounts.
- For those with a keen interest in fashion-and-beauty, multiculturalism, and the search for true love, the graphic novel "Valentina and True Love" is a must-read.
- Food-and-drink enthusiasts might appreciate the heartwarming tale of Uncle Scrooge losing his fortune and starting afresh, learning valuable lessons about perseverance and teamwork.
- Travelers and history buffs would likely be drawn to graphic novels like "World War II in Comic" and "Heretic", which delve into the incidents and key figures of historical periods, offering a unique perspective on these events.
