by Ian Esquivel

 

The following list of texts is a jumping off point, not a definitive selection, for teachers to consider when using graphic novels in the English/Language classroom. Each school population/community is unique and therefore teachers first should read the books to see whether they are suitable or not for their own particular academic, social and cultural contexts, and the teachers’ desired outcomes. Some of these graphic novels were recommended by students; some by teachers and teacher-librarians; a couple by parents, and a handful by bookstore staff. I have read them all, used several in teaching, recommended them to colleagues who have had success (and a failure or two) in using them. I have chosen them from dozens of others; the selection reflects my personal and professional values, tastes and biases as an educator. A few seminal texts, such as Watchmen, Maus, Batman: The Dark Knight  Returns, and Bone are not on this list because they have been cited elsewhere and often as exemplary comics. Librarians, in particular, have done an exceptional job of finding and recommending graphic novels for eager readers. A few graphic novels that I think are well worth reading are not on this list because they’re not appropriate for most school contexts. They include Black Hole,  As The World Burns, and Zero Girl, among others, and while they could be used with mature students, they only should be recommended with a caution about content. I update this list every few months, as time allows. So, it is incomplete but somewhat up-to-date with current developments.

Books/Articles About Graphic Novels and Comic Books

AutobioGraphic Novels by David Silverberg, and Mariko Tamaki Shows Some Skim by Erin Kobayashi in Broken Pencil, Issue 39, June 2008.

– In general, Broken Pencil publishes interesting articles by independent writers, often relating to comic books, ‘zines and other forms of alternative writing. It’s a window into a world with which many educators aren’t familiar: self-publishing and small press. The two articles cited here are topical, relevant and related: Skim is a graphic novel by a Montreal-based, Toronto-raised writer that is a type of memoir, and Silverberg’s article is about those types of graphic novels he refers to Skim and other texts as part of a subset autobiography — within the larger scene.

Bad Girls, Naked Ladies, & Other Threats to the Nation: A Political History of Comic Books in Mexico by Anne Rubenstein. North Carolina: Duke University Press. 1998. ISBN: 0-82232141-6.

– Almost all the information in this text was new to me, which was exciting. I had no idea that comics as a medium had such a place in the political, social and cultural history of Mexico and obviously no clue about their form or content. Rubenstein’s book is recursive, intended no doubt as a series of potentially shorter essays that blend into a comprehensive and fascinating history. She brings to bear a keen and curious intellect on a cultural phenomenon.

From Girls to Grrrlz by Trina Robbins. San Francisco: Chronicle Books. 1999. ISBN: 0-81182199-4.

– As the name implies, this is an examination of comics and graphic novels from a female perspective. Robbins is both a talented creator of comics and a well-respected academic who writes about the important role of women in the development of the form. Excerpts/chapters from this text worked well with senior students.

Flat and Glad by Aimee Bender and The Clear Line by Luc Sante in Give Our Regards to The Atomsmashers!, edited by Sean Howe. Toronto: Random House of Canada Ltd. 2004. ISBN: 0-37542256-0 (Hardcover).

– This anthology of essays about comic books and their creators by a range of contemporary writers is worth reading for the diversity of their voices more than for the range of topics they cover, many of which weren’t particularly related to my work as an educator. No doubt, other teachers will find essays other than the ones I selected relevant to them, which is the whole point of an anthology. The two pieces I found most useful gave me new insights into two familiar texts: Tintin by Herge (Georges Remi) and Yummy Fur by Chester Brown.

Graphic Novels: Everything You Need To Know by Paul Gravett. New York: HarperCollins. 2005.
ISBN: 0-06082425-5.

– Gravett’s knowledge of the history and social impact of graphic novels and the artists who were involved is extensive. His writing is very accessible and coherent, and he gives lots of examples. Nonetheless, he doesn’t seem to be as much a fan of comics as he is a researcher, which makes the book more useful than engaging.

Invaders from the North: How Canada Conquered the Comic Book Universe by John Bell. Toronto: Dundurn Press. 2006. ISBN: 1-55002659-3.

– Bell has written a wonderful book about comics in Canada. He frames their history through a lens of political economy, identifying periods of convergence and divergence with what was happening in the United States.

JapanAmerica by Roland Kelts. New York: Palgrave MacMillan. ISBN:  1-40398476-0. 2007.

– Kelts is a writer of fiction and non-fiction, and editor of a literary journal those skills are evident in this book.  He takes the reader on an interesting journey into the world of Anime and Manga, tracing its roots and assessing its impact on global, and particularly American, markets. Along the way, he illuminates many fascinating aspects of Japanese culture, and speculates about why North Americans are embracing it at this point in history. This is the book to which the WIRED article below refers.

Japan, Ink and How Manga Conquered the US in WIRED, November 2007. New York: Conde Nast Publications.

– Although this article focuses on the impact of Manga (Japanese comics) on American popular culture, it is still highly relevant for us north of the border. Manga culture resonates not only in the reading experiences of young Canadians but also in the pages of our homegrown graphic novelists, such as Svetlana Chmakova.

More than Words: Comics as a Means of Teaching Multiple Literacies by Dale Jacobs in the English Journal, Vol. 96, No. 3, January 2007.

– Many educators are situating comics as a teaching resource for encouraging and promoting other types of literacy such as media and critical literacy. Jacob’s article is a thoughtful and practical expression of that trend.

Reading Comics: How Graphic Novels Work and What They Mean by Douglas Wolk. Cambridge MA: Da Capo Press. 2007. ISBN: 1-30681509-5 (Hardcover).

– What has been missing from all the published material about comics (in North America) has been a volume of true comics criticism as in literary or film criticism — which is what Wolk provides. His analyses are penetrating and his opinions are at times piercing, in the spirit of Pauline Kael. His intellectual rigour is filtered through an obvious love of the medium he’s a fan. And although at times I found the language and ideas challenging, I think the writing is tilted towards the populist. Chapter 5, for example, should be mandatory reading for anyone really interested in comics, especially those who have read Scott McCloud’s work.

Reinventing Comics by Scott McCloud. New York: Paradox Press. 2000. ISBN: 1-56389695-8.

– McCloud is considered the authority on the sequential art of comics, having experienced success as an writer/cartoonist himself. The three books in his series on comics, each a kind of field guide, are presented using comic form and conventions. In addition, McCloud appears in his books as an animated ‘avatar’, an approach that adds humour and brings the content to life. In this book, he details various directions the twelve revolutions — that comics have taken over the years, citing the key influences and suggesting where the art form might be heading given social, financial and political pressures. The second part of the book is all about the digital revolution web comics that McCloud believes will invigorate a moribund scene.

The Ten-Cent Plague: The Great Comic-Book Scare and How It Changed America by David Hajdu. New York: Farrar, Sraus and Giroux. 2008. ISBN: 0-37418767-3.

– This is a very detailed and engaging examination of the way in which the Red Scare of the 1950s played out in the world of comics. Hajdu takes us back in time into the lives of the artists, publishers, and readers of comic books as politicians and the public swung or were pushed far to the right in the United States. Popular culture texts have often been cited as the source of social corruption and moral decay, but when linked to the spread of communist ideas and values, comics were particularly easy targets in the crusade because of their association with children. The purge of the comics industry almost destroyed it, but for the efforts of its most ardent defenders.

Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud. New York: HarperPerennial. 1993. ISBN: 0-06097625-X.

– Anyone who wants to know about comics and graphic novels should read this book. And anyone who does, will thoroughly appreciate the thorough examination and depth of analysis that it provides. McCloud is witty, provocative and passionate about his topic, providing a convincing argument that sequential art, when rendered thoughtfully, is of great artistic and literary merit. See also Making Comics by Scott McCloud.

Note: The retail chain BMV (Books, Music, Video) in Toronto regularly has copies of McCloud’s Understanding Comics on sale at a reasonable price. His other texts are harder to find. Check out his website, also, which is a resource unto itself and has links to his online comics: www.scottmccloud.com.

Graphic Novels/Comics: Elementary (2-8)

Agnes Quill: An Anthology of Mystery by Dave Roman. San Jose: SLG Publishing. 2006.  ISBN: 1-59362052-7.

– While recommended for use with middle school students this anthology could be used in Grade 9.  Agnes Quill comes from a cursed family, the members of which can see and speak to ghosts. She makes use of the curse to become a private investigator of supernatural phenomena, which takes her into many gruesome adult situations. This is a remarkable multi-genre text that contains a range of illustration styles, engaging stories, a cool protagonist, and big themes. It addresses issues/topics such as justice and mercy, revenge and redemption, loss and longing, and human dignity, among others. A compelling read.

Artemis Fowl, The Graphic Novel by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. 2007. ISBN: 0-78684882-9

– This adaptation of the very popular series works well. In this first graphic novel, the child prodigy/criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl tries to restore his family fortune and in doing so, is taken into a world of fairies, goblins, trolls, and dwarves who are engaged in a turf war of sorts. Artemis meets Captain Holly Short, who works for Recon, an elite branch of the police force of Haven City, the last bastion of non-human civilization. Fans of the original novels will enjoy this adaptation, no doubt, but it also will appeal to a broader audience because of the good balance between engaging text and appealing visual imagery.

BabyMouse Rock Star by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm. New York: Random House. 2006.
ISBN; 0-37583232-7.

– At first, I hesitated to include this book or more accurately this series — but decided to because I can well imagine younger students (Grades 2-4), enjoying it immensely, especially girls. The visual characterizations, rendered in black-and-white line drawings with coloured shading (depending on the theme of the book), are primitive, but that’s the intention. The cartooning adds flavour but doesn’t compete with the stories, which are imaginative, clever and uplifting. Unlike some mainstream texts produced to capitalize on this younger audience, I sense that the creators of this series were out to have fun and plug some of the gaps in the comic book scene rather than just exploit the market. As the series develops, the books seem more sophisticated and more relevant as classroom texts. For example, BabyMouse Monster Mash (2008) introduces ideas that challenge gender stereotypes.

Biker Girl by Misako Rocks. New York: Hyperion. 2006. ISBN; 0-78683676-8.

– The story is fresh and compelling, even if the illustration seems a bit crude or pedestrian. Some adults can’t get past the style of cartooning, but for some young readers, that’s part of its charm. A girl inherits a bike that comes to life and gives her special powers. A nice fit for Grade 6, it deals with bullying and belonging, and could be used as a template for how to draw simple animated characters.

Bram Stoker: Dracula adapted by Michael Mucci, Ban Caldwell and Bill Halliar. New York: Sterling. 2008.
ISBN: 1-40273152-3.

– This adaptation is a highly stylized, colourful, lively, and delightful rendering of the classic. It strikes me as far more compelling than the other versions currently on the market, of which there are several. The illustrations are vivid but not lurid; the violence is neither glamorized nor sanitized, but appropriate to the grim tale. The visual design is fresh and contemporary but not in the Manga style which has become commonplace. It seems reminiscent of French cartooning, although some of the elements of Japanese comics are evident large eyes, angular bodies and faces.

City of Light, City of Dark by AVI and B. Floca. Toronto: Scholastic Inc. 1993. ISBN: 0-53107058.

– While recommended for use in Grades 7-8, this text has enough complexity to be used in Grade 9, depending on the reader and context. Two adolescents race against the clock and a crazed adult to save the metropolis in which they live from being engulfed in eternal darkness. The protagonist, a young girl, discovers her father has been hiding from her a secret past. But her destiny as the bearer of a magic light token catches up to her, and the girl is forced to turn for help to a classmate whose dreams of flying pay off for both of them. This graphic novel is a bit old but not dated, and students still enjoy it.

Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things. Volumes One – Three by Ted Naifeh. Portland, OR: Oni Press. 2002.
ISBN: 1-9299986-0.

– Courtney is a slightly surly, streetwise, smart, and misunderstood tween whose parents are flaky and self-absorbed. The family is forced to move from its cozy urban home into a creaky rural mansion owned by an idiosyncratic great uncle. It turns out well for Courtney, who has latent sorcery skills. A great read for younger students, but it is about the dark arts so parents may need convincing that it has merit in the classroom. The comic certainly deals with issues of bullying, outsiderness, awkwardness, and alienation.

Dramacon Vol. 1 by Svetlana Chmakova. Los Angeles: TOKYOPOP Inc. 2005. ISBN: 1-59816129-6.

– This series is very popular among girls for various reasons: interesting art in the Manga style, universal themes, engaging characters, and believable conflicts. It’s about a Caucasian girl in her teens who is living in Japan. She wants to be a Manga writer but encounters obstacles, including discrimination based on her race. Born in Russia, Chmakova emigrated to Canada when she was sixteen, which adds a dimension of authenticity to her work as an outsider and objective observer of cultural practices.

Flight Explorer, Volume 1 edited by Kazu Kibuishi. 2008. New York: Villard Books (Random House Publishing Group/Flight Comics LLC). ISBN: 0-34550313-8.

– This anthology from the creators of the excellent Flight series is intended for a younger audience although as an adult, I found most of the tales wondrous and inspiring. These are smart, joyful stories full of visual and narrative energy, hope and innocence. I especially love the wordless comic that closes the book.

Houdini, The Handcuff King by Jason Lutes and Nick Bertozzi. New York: Hyperion Books for Children (Presented by The Centre for Cartoon Studies). 2007. ISBN: 0-78683902-3.

– This is a simple account of one period in the life of magician Houdini. It hints at the complex and at times arrogant and demanding person that he was, and shows the important role that his wife played in both his public and private life. Neither the narrative nor the art is very layered, but it is still worth reading and will engage younger readers. This text also could be used in Grade 9 with less developed or confident readers.

Jellaby, Volume 1 by Kean Soo. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. 2008. ISBN: 1-142310303-3.

– First published in Flight and then in Flight Explorer, this story is delightful and has garnered international acclaim from the likes of Jeff Smith and Scott McCloud and rightfully so. It’s a tale of a young girl, Portia, who meets an alien that she names Jellaby. Wisely choosing to keep the purple monster a secret, she nonetheless has to enlist the help of a schoolmate Jason. Eventually, all three embark on a journey to Toronto, where this novel leaves off.

Kat and Mouse. Vol. 2: Tripped by Alex de Campi & Federica Manfredi. 2006. ISBN: 1-59816549-4.

– A catchy story about two female friends, one of whom is very savvy and the other extremely smart, particularly in science. When a new teacher arrives in class, one of the girls develops a crush on him, which causes her to become jealous of her friend. In the end, they work things out by solving a crime together through scientific methods. This is probably aimed at Grade 6 students but could be read in Grade 5. The female protagonists seem realistic and act as role models, without being too perfect, preachy or polished. All five volumes are enjoyable.

Laika by Nick Abadzis. 2007. New York; First Second. ISBN: 1-59643101-6.

– Abadzis has woven fact and fiction together in this wonderfully appealing historical account of Laika, the dog that was sent into space aboard Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite, and who perished in flight. At once a tale of trust and betrayal, as well as a critique of scientific arrogance, the text portrays the protagonist as noble and heroic. The story is layered and symbolic despite the simple plot and uncluttered illustration. It’s essentially a Grade 6-8 text but could easily be used in Grade 9, and also in a Children’s Literature course.

Mouse Guard, Fall 1152 by David Petersen. Fort Lee NJ: Asp Comics. 2007. ISBN: 1-93238657-2.

– True, it’s about mice. However, the art in this book is remarkable, and the narrative is intelligent and compelling, in the tradition of chivalrous tales like Redwall, The Secret of NIMH or even the Arthurian legends. A classic story of betrayal, honour and bravery and the three Guards who risk their lives to defend the common good.
(Note: A soft cover version is now available but I haven’t read it.)

Owly: The Way Home and The Bittersweet Summer by Andy Runton. Marietta GA: Top Shelf Productions. 2004. ISBN:1-89183062-4.

– Owly is well known to children and parents this is the first graphic novel in the series. The protagonist is an innocent and sweet young owl who befriends a worm and then two hummingbirds in these two stories. Largely wordless except for the written text in Owly’s photo album and in a book about birds, the tale unfolds through charming black and white line drawings and thought bubbles. For younger children, certainly, but not simplistic.

Re-Gifters by Mike Carey. New York: DC Comics. 2007.  ISBN: 1-40120371-9.

The artists for this black-and-white text, Sonny Liew and Marc Hempel, use a simple, familiar and lively style that suits the content and audience. It’s a comic for Grades 6-8 with a clear message about integrity and perseverance. The protagonist is a female Korean-American who gets into competitive martial arts. It has a somewhat predictable happy ending, but it works.

Shazam! by Jeff Smith. New York: DC Comics. 2007. ISBN: 1-40121466-1 (Hardcover).

– As soon as it’s available in soft cover, buy this book for your students, your librarian. Until then, you’ll have to settle for the more expensive hardcover version, which is worth the price. From Jeff Smith, whose magic made Bone a phenomenon, this comic is everything a superhero comic for kids should be: colourful, stimulating relevant, fun, insightful, and fast-paced. Through images and words, Smith reinvents Captain Marvel as an orphaned boy, Billy, with a too-smart little sister. Billy battles evil while coming to grips with a split existence the man inside the boy. A masterful adaptation of an original tale. Who would have thought that a dead superhero could be revived?

The Dead Boy Detectives by Jill Thompson. New York: Vertigo (DC Comics). 2005. ISBN:1-40120313-2

– Two British school boys, Edwin and Charles, separated by sixty years in life are brought together in death through their common experience of having been bullied — and their love of sleuthing. They unite to solve crimes, battle injustice, and as dead boy detectives, have adventures in the world of the living. These characters first appeared in Neil Gaiman’s Season of Mists. Created by Thompson in a Manga style, they are endearing, witty and charming, and so is this graphic novel. But it is about two dead boys and Death, a Sandman character, does make an appearance, so it’s not all fun and games. Use this text selectively with younger students.

The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg. New York: DC Comics/MINX. 2007. ISBN: 1-40121115-8.

– This text could work with Grade 9 students even though middle school students are reading it. It’s definitely for adolescent not juvenile readers.

– After a bomb explodes in an urban centre injuring the protagonist Jane (MainJane), her parents — not knowing she has formed an attachment to the young man she rescued but who is in a coma — decide to move to a smaller town. As the new kid in high school, she is invited to join the cool girls but instead decides to hang out with a group of outsiders, all of whom are named Jane, and who at first want nothing to do with her. To gain acceptance, she proposes they form a covert culture jamming club called People Loving Arts In Neighbourhoods ( P.L.A.I.N. ). Predictably, their activities anger the authorities but invigorate their peers. The Plain Janes is quite compelling and offers some complexity in its characters, plot developments and themes.

The Strongest Man in the World: Louis Cyr by Nicolas Debon. Toronto: Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press. ISBN: 0-88899731-9. 2007.

– Based on the true story of Quebec strongman and circus performer Louis Cyr, this graphic novel is delightful. Rendered in a visually appealing style, the story is deceptively simple. On the one hand, it reads like historical fiction and on the other, like a parable. What comes across clearly in this work, is that Louis Cyr was remarkable not only for his physical stamina but for his moral strength.

Thieves & Kings, Volume 1 by Mark Oakley. Toronto: I Box Publishing. 1998. ISBN: 0-96810250-6.

– Canadian Oakley has had tremendous success with this story. A young thief befriends and rescues a princess whose evil brother is determined to become King. The tale contains traditional elements of this genre, such as a sorceress, magical creatures, castles and a forest, etc. But it also offers some innovations. As well, the way the relationship between the male and female protagonists plays out is refreshing, and speaks to progressive gender politics. Black and white with lengthy prose passages, which also makes it unique. For Grade 7/8’s probably.

Wild Ride: A Graphic Guide Adventure by Liam O’Donnell and Mike Deas. Victoria: ORCA Book Publishers. 2007. ISBN: 1-55143756-9.

– This colourful graphic novel has an environmental theme that focuses on ecological forestry. The novel also serves as a guide for those who trek in the woods, providing tips about packing for emergencies, building shelters and fires, confronting bears, and crossing rivers safely, among others. The story centers around three kids whose parents are scientists fighting to stop clear-cutting by a logging company in Northern British Columbia. They are on their way to meet their parents when their plane goes down. They soon uncover and foil a plot by their adult travel companion, a government official, to undermine their parents’ work. It’s a well-paced adventure that’s not preachy.

Graphic Novels/Comics: Secondary (9-12)

Agnes Quill: An Anthology of Mystery by Dave Roman. San Jose: SLG Publishing. 2006.  ISBN: 1-59362052-7.

– While recommended for use with middle school students this anthology could be used in Grade 9. See the entry in the Elementary section of this list.

Aya by Marguerite Abouet and Clement Oubrerie. Vancouver: Raincoast Books. 2007. ISBN: 1-89493790-2.

– A young girl from the Ivory Coast wants to become a doctor rather than be married off, as is commonly the case. An interesting window into a different but familiar world, where the consequences both good and bad – for one’s actions are rendered very clearly. The vibrant but muted colour and shading seem appropriate for the story, which is somewhat understated. Every student (and adult) I have loaned this to so far has enjoyed it, and a few have compared it to Persepolis in spirit. This text was originally written in French, and is available to order as such.

Aya of Yop City by Marguerite Abouet and Clement Oubrerie. Montreal: Drawn & Quarterly. 2008.
ISBN: 1-89729941-8 (Hardcover).

– This graphic novel continues the story established in Aya. Students enjoy and relate to the story and its array of characters, including the female protagonist who is inspiring and authentic. Overall, even though it’s set in Africa, the story is appropriate to certain kinds of North American experiences. It’s one of those graphic novels that really lends itself to study in a classroom context, either through a reading circle or whole class novel study. It might not be one to which students would gravitate on their own, but it’s worth introducing them to it.

Avril Lavigne’s Make 5 Wishes , Volumes 1 and 2 by Camilla d’Errico and Joshua Dysart New York: Ballantine Books. 2007. ISBN: 0-34550058-8; 0-34550079-3.

– An intriguing story with compelling writing and visuals about a young girl, Hana, whose anger stems in part from being an outsider at her school, and also from witnessing the breakdown of her parents’ marriage. She is a huge fan of Avril Lavigne and takes refuge in her music, going so far as to invent Lavigne as an imaginary friend who tries but fails to talk the girl out of making bad choices. Hana also escapes reality by communicating with strangers on the Internet. In the first volume, she becomes obsessed with a website where she can purchase five wishes, granted by her own little diabolical Genie in the form of a living doll. The second volume is darker as the demon doll turns Hana’s dreams upside down, twisting her wishes and bringing tragedy but also triumph to the girl’s life. Not a happy ending but somehow a satisfying one that rings true. Given Lavigne’s audience, this is probably for Grade 9.

Batman: Snow by Dan Cutis Johnson, J. H. Williams III and Seth Fisher. 2007. New York: DC Comics.
ISBN: 1-40121265-4.

– Batman assembles a team of highly skilled non-superheroes to help him fight crime, but he loses their respect and trust when he allows his desire for vengeance to cloud his judgment. A modern morality tale, with lively illustrations although they are a little old school.

Black Panther by Reginald Hudlin. New York: Marvel. 2006. ISBN: 0-78512048-3.

– This collection is based on an original story that started out under Stan Lee and Jack Kirby as a critique of U.S. foreign policy but lost its edge. This version refocuses the political lens on T’Challa, the hereditary ruler of the small African nation Wakanda, who also is the internationally known superhero Black Panther. He first appeared in Captain American and Fantastic Four comics in the 1960s. In this book, he confronts a covert force of American super villains and a cyborg army sent by the U.S. to help T’Challa fend off the invaders which he does, both sets. Given current U.S. geopolitics, Black Panther is a refreshing take on superheroes, ideal for young readers.

Burnout by Rebecca Donner. New York: DC Comics/MINX. ISBN: 1-40121537-8.

– This is an appealing story about a young high school student trying to get by despite some serious personal struggles. Her life will resonate with many students. She’s a bit of an outsider but manages to make a close female friend who encourages her to be more outgoing and take risks. As a result, she gets involved with a guy who is an environmental activist with tragic consequences. The ending is hopeful, nonetheless. The black-and-white art is not especially unique but at times it is highly photographic, which makes some scenes powerful.

Clubbing by Andi Watson and Josh Howard. New York: DC Comics/MINX. 2007. ISBN: 1-40120370-2.

– Set in England, this tale is about a young girl who gets caught using fake ID at a pub; her parents send her to her grandparents’ estate in the country to “straighten out”. While there, a murder occurs and she decides to track down the killer(s), who happen to be a circle of elderly women, including her grandmother. Witty, interesting and nothing too violent. Grade 9 students like the main character Charlotte who’s smart, funny, feisty, and self-deprecating.

Dark Goodbye by Frank Marrafino. Los Angeles: TOKYOPOP Inc. 2007. ISBN: 1-59816972-0.

– A cross between Film Noir and Horror, this lighthearted text is very engaging. At times the story is gruesome and violent, but the satirical tone keeps it from becoming too dark, and the highly stylized illustration, which is somewhat reminiscent of MAD Magazine, reinforces the parody. This text would be a good launching point for the reading and viewing of classic and contemporary film noir texts; essentially, it’s a post-modern take on the genre, with humour. The follow-up, Dark Goodbye 2 — is just as appealing.

Death Note: Volume 1 by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. San Francisco: VIZ LLC Media. 2003 (ongoing). ISBN: 1-42150168-0.

– This is a highly original, engaging and provocative series. The graphic novel is a Manga that uses black and white to good effect, but the lack of colour could deter some students. It’s the tale of a straight ‘A’ student, Light Yagami, who finds a death note that accidentally has been dropped by a death god. The note gives the young man the power to kill without being detected. He decides to use it in the service of justice by bringing death to murderers, rapists and child molesters. In the process, he becomes somewhat corrupted by power. After Volume 3, the story goes off the rails a bit, but it gets back on track by Volume 7 and ends with renewed energy.

Deogratias: A Tale of Rwanda by J.P. Stassen. New York/London: First Second. 2006. ISBN: 1-596431032.

– A dark and disturbing look at the Rwandan genocide that focuses on the experiences of a boy whose friends are murdered. Is he complicit because of his failure to act to save them, or is he powerless — a pawn, an inevitable casualty himself of the larger machinations of geopolitics? Not recommended for younger students. Fits very well with Shake Hands with The Devil, especially as it treats the topic of post-traumatic stress brought on by military conflict. This graphic novel was brought to my attention by a Grade 12 student interested in the topic/issues.

Essex County Vol 1: Tales from the Farm by Jeff Lemire. Mariette, GA: Top Shelf Productions. 2007.
ISBN: 1-89183088-4.

– This award-winning graphic novel by Canadian Lemire and its sequel, Ghost Stories, uses stark drawings in black and white to deliver an equally stark story about a young adolescent boy who has to move onto his uncle’s farm after his mother dies. The tension between the bachelor uncle and boy is palpable. Hockey provides a backdrop and metaphor for the interactions of the characters. Tales from the Farm is sad but offers redemption and hope. Ghost Stories is darker and would appeal to slightly older adolescents.

Fallout by Jim Ottaviani, et al. Ann Arbor: GT Labs. 2001.

– Ottaviani is a scientist who, with a team of talented writers and illustrators, has created several graphic novels that tell stories about science. These tales cover topics such as inventors, scientific  phenomena and key historical developments in science, as is the case in Fallout, the story of the development of the atomic bomb and the politics that surrounded the project, and that eventually led to the unjust treatment of J. Robert Oppenheimer as a spy.

Flight, Volume 4. Anthology compiled by Flight Comics, LLC. New York: Random House (Villard Books Trade Paperbacks Edition). 2007. ISBN: 0-34549040-7.

– All four volumes in this series are excellent and can be used in English/Language, Social Studies, and/or Art courses. From wordless tales to text-dependent stories, the range of comics in the four volumes is very wide — and the topics equally so, from friendship to war to reincarnation, etc.

Garage Band by Gipi. New York/London: First Second. 2005. ISBN: 1-59643206-3.

– Students in Grades 10 and 11 seem to appreciate this story of four guys who are in a rock group, and the tensions and conflicts that arise as a result, within and outside the band. A very authentic and not-condescending view of a particular type of contemporary adolescent. Note: some bookstores have placed it in the young teens section

Good As Lily by Derek Kirk Kim and Jesse Hamm. New York: DC Comics. 2007. ISBN: 1-40121381-7.

– On some levels, this could be used with Grade 8 students because of the dialogue, romantic (crush-on-teacher) subplot, popular-yet-mean girl theme, and style of illustration. However, the complexity and adult nature of the central theme, and the complexity of the relationship issues elevates it to secondary. A young girl, Grace, is knocked unconscious by a piata on her birthday and awakens to discover that she now exists as four people: eight-year-old, twenty-nine-year-old and senior citizen, plus her adolescent self. Clever, fast-paced, fresh, and layered in the spirit of Clubbing, The Plain Janes and Kimmie 66.

Go with Grace by George Alexopoulos. Los Angeles: TOKYOPOP Inc. 2005. ISBN: 1-59816709-X.

– Students find this to be a very original and compelling story about a young woman, Grace, whose mother committed suicide; Grace seems similarly inclined. This story is daring in how it treats the topic of suicide, but some might see the ending as problematic. It’s certainly not a happy story, per se, but it does somehow ring true and validate those for whom suicide is not a whim or a call for help but rather an escape from agony. At the same time, it shows the devastating impact on Grace’s sister who is an innocent victim, and for whom we feel empathy and sorrow. In contrast, their father is a bit of a monster and we perhaps understand Grace’s decision.

Hello, Me Pretty the Graphic Novel by Line Gamache. Montreal: Conundrum Press. 2007. ISBN: 1-89499423-1.

– This is a graphic novel adaptation of a decades-old Quebec folktale about a young girl with a mental disability. Drawn in a unique black and white style that won’t appeal to everyone, it nonetheless is a very appropriate artistic form for the narrative. The story is rich with nuances and layers of meaning, and infused with hope.

House of Sugar by Rebecca Kraatz. Halifax: Tulip Tree Press. 2006. ISBN: 0-97812420-0.

– Each page by this Canadian comic artist presents an episode or anecdote like a series of vignettes, some of which are directly connected through the character or plot, but most of which are only loosely linked through the narrator. Full of satire and wry observations about family, identity and modern relationships, the book would largely appeal to older or more mature students.

It’s A Bird by Steven T. Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen. New York: DC Comics. ISBN: 1-40120109-1. 2004.

– If the question arises of whether or not graphic novels are literary, this is the text that demonstrates that they certainly can be. Essentially, it’s the tale of a writer who is forced to confront his own fears and shame — which are based on the fact that Huntington’s disease runs in his family when he is offered the job of creating a Superman comic. The writing runs deep and the artwork is stunning. A Post-Modernism sensibility informs the story, in the best possible way. Critically acclaimed and incredibly popular, Seagle and Kristiansen have set the bar very high.

Let That Bad Air Out: Buddy Bolden’s Last Parade by Stefan Berg. Toronto: The Porcupine’s Quill. 2007.
ISBN: 0-88984296-0.

– Technically, I suppose this isn’t a graphic novel. It’s a series of linocut images that tell the tale of Buddy Bolden, considered to be the first jazz trumpeter, who blew his instrument so hard he gave himself a brain hemorrhage. No words are needed in this stylish, stark story. Berg is a multi-faceted visual artist, and this book reflects a masterful command of the language of traditional printmaking applied skillfully in a contemporary medium.

King: A Comic Book Biography by Ho Che Anderson. Seattle: Fantagraphics Books. 2004. ISBN: 1-56097622-5.

– The artwork in this text, representing a range of styles and schools, is stunning and brings to the Martin Luther King story new layers of meaning for a younger generation. Students find it quite gripping, more so than most textbook accounts. This graphic novel is somewhat expensive but worth the investment, especially by librarians, because it can be used in Art, Law, English, Media, and Politics, and in various ways.

Martha Washington Goes To War by Frank Miller and Dave Gibbons. Milwaukie OR: Dark Horse Books. 1995. ISBN: 1-56971090-2.

– The protagonist of this book is female, African-American, and a Marine. The illustrations are colourful and vibrant. The story is quite engaging a David and Goliath tale set in a post-apocalyptic United States. Martha is definitely a cool role model. Two sequels were written but are hard to find because they were published as limited editions.

9-11: Artists Respond, Volume One. By various artists/writers. Milwaukie, Oregon: Dark Horse Comics Inc. 2002. ISBN: 1-56389881-0.

– At last check, this was out of print. If you come across a copy, buy it. As the title suggest, it’s a collection of comics by American artists in response to the destruction of the twin trade towers on September 11, 2001, and the ensuing reactions. The comics represent a spectrum of responses, from sadness to surprise to regret. This text is a contrast to those patriotic comics that have emerged since, in which the United States is the victim of unbridled terrorism.

Persepolis: The Story of A Childhood by Marjane Satrapi. New York: Pantheon (Toronto: Random House of Canada). 2003. ISBN: 0-37571457-X.

– Enough has been written about this graphic novel memoir already that you’ve probably read it. If not, you should. It follows the story of a young Iranian girl at the time of the 1979 revolution. In addition to the regime change, the Iran-Iraq war soon breaks out. At first, the girl’s family perseveres under increasingly difficult financial, social and political conditions. Eventually the parents decide their daughter would be safer out of the country. She is sent to Vienna when she is fourteen, ostensibly to pursue a university education, and has to learn to cope with feelings of being isolated and foreign/different. Mature students (and adults) find the story engrossing.

Pride of Baghdad by Brian K. Vaughan. New York: DC Comics (Vertigo). 2006. ISBN: 1-40120314-0.

– At the onset of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, the bombing of Baghdad blows the zoo apart, leaving the animals who survive to take care of themselves. The rich, full-colour drawings are excellent, and the text avoids moral heavy-handedness and heightens the tragic sense of loss by telling the story from the point of view of a pride of lions that is seeking safety.  Recommended for older students some scenes are violent and graphic, which is appropriate given the subject matter and context. Pride of Baghdad is powerful social commentary. (Note: This text was reviewed by Lorne Kulak, an English teacher at Jarvis Collegiate in Toronto.)

Portus by Jun Abe. San Francisco: VIZ LLC Media. 2007. ISBN: 1-42151383-6.

– This Manga comic is about a video game that sucks real people into it. This is a post-modern horror story that gets at issues of ethics and morality. It strikes me as a bit gruesome in parts, but I shared it with a small group of students male and female — who liked it and thought it was original and gripping. It is visually compelling and also dense at times. The cover art is very intriguing it’s too bad the comic itself isn’t also in colour.

Same Difference and Other Stories by Derek Kirk Kim. Marietta, Georgia: Top Shelf Productions. 2004.
ISBN: 1-89183057-0.

– Kim writes about issues and situations common to those who are first generation children born to immigrant parents. In this case, the characters are Korean living in the U. S. The stories contain universal truths and ring particularly true for older adolescents, regardless of racial background, because they address what it means to be an outsider. Kim is an up-and-coming writer whose work clearly stands out. This is not a mainstream comic but it has populist appeal, through the clear line illustration, deft characterization and authentic dialogue.

Safe Area Gorazde: The War in Eastern Bosnia 1992-95 by Joe Sacco.. Seattle: Fantagraphics Books. 2001. ISBN: 1-56097470-2.

– Joe Sacco is an award-wining journalist/foreign correspondent who has decided to file his reports by means of sequential art. Using simple black and white line drawings against textured backgrounds of varying shades of grey, his graphic novels and comics vividly capture the tone and mood of the mostly tragic stories he explores and convey information in an authentic, riveting way. This particular text provides an insider’s account of the siege of a United Nations safe area during the height of the Serbian military’s program of ethnic cleansing. Sacco’s version of events, like all reportage, reflects a bias and should be used in conjunction with other versions. However, his point of view, that of the average person involved in a conflict over which s/he has no control, merits attention.

Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life, Vol. 1 by Bryan Lee O’Malley. Portland OR: Oni Press. 2004.
ISBN: 1-93266408-4.

– Scott is a bit of an idiot, self-absorbed and clueless. But his band mates and friends are okay, and he starts to date Ramona Flowers, who is hip, fearless and very smart. She also has seven evil past-boyfriends whom Scott has to face and defeat if he wants to survive. Intelligent, slightly edgy adolescent content delivered through a Manga style. Extremely engaging for many students, but it also turns other right off because of its choppy, campy style and absence of diverse characters. I must admit that I lost interest after Volume 3 but have regained it in Volume 4. The story is being adapted into a film. O’Malley briefly lived in Toronto but is American.

The Black Diamond Detective Agency by Eddie Campbell. New York: First Second. 2007. ISBN: 1-59643142-3.

– Great imagery and compelling historical fiction about an ex-outlaw who is wrongfully framed for a train bombing in which his daughter dies. He sets out to clear his name and in the process, winds up working for the detective agency that is hunting him down. The story ends at midnight, as the 20th century dawns, but it is clearly relevant to our contemporary society. A (very) little bit of graphic violence and sex. The style of cartooning is quite fresh, albeit reminiscent of some French comics I’ve read.

The Lost Colony, Book #1 by Grady Klein. New York/London: First Second. 2006. ISBN: 1-59643097-4.

– The visual style in this graphic novel is appealing and unique. The story is set against a backdrop of slavery and takes place in a colony where it doesn’t exist. An outsider arrives and not long after, outsiders try to take over the colony. The tale is humorous because of the interactions of the central characters, even though the topic is taken seriously. Pretty open to interpretation, which means it will work for some students (and adults) and not for others.

The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam by Ann Marie Fleming. New York: Penguin (Riverhead Books). 2007. ISBN: 1-59448264-9.

– Ann Marie Fleming is an award-winning documentarian whose parents were Chinese and Australian. She lives and works in Vancouver as an artist, writer and independent filmmaker. In this text, self-titled a graphic memoir, Fleming uncovers the rather surprising story of her great-grandfather, Long Tack Sam. He was a famous stage magician who was heralded in Europe, China and in the United States throughout the Vaudeville era, but whose story, and that of his daughters who became an integral part of his act, was not told within the family circle, nor in history books. In tracking down her heritage, Fleming explores the past in a unique way, pushing the boundaries of narrative. This isn’t just a graphic novel. It’s a graphic novel adaptation of documentary form the text is based on a film Fleming made — and is a great example of a multi-genre, multimodal text, and of a research/inquiry process. It’s suitable for older students, especially those who can relate directly to the immigrant experience of identity.

The 9/11 Report by Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colon.  New York: Hill and Wang (in Canada: Douglas & McIntyre Ltd.). 2006. ISBN: 0-80905739-5.

– This is a comic book adaptation of the report of the National Commission on Terrorists Attacks Upon The United States. It’s a pretty literal retelling of what happened leading up to the events of the bombing, according to the commission investigation. It’s quite interesting although at times a bit information-driven. An attempt has been made to make it visually engaging, but it’s not the art that will appeal to students, it’s the story and how it’s told.

The Squirrel Mother Stories by Megan Kelso. Seattle: Fantagraphics Books. 2004. ISBN: 1-56097746-9.

– A charming collection of stories that are thematically linked but not overtly connected through plot, setting or character. The stories resonate as real and relevant for young women, according to many reviews and also my older students’ responses. The only caution is that late in the text, quite unexpectedly, a female protagonist is seen (at a distance) giving oral sex it’s appropriate to the story but obviously could be problematic a teacher, since we are supposedly guardians of good taste and appropriate behaviour.

White Rapids by Pascal Blanchet (in translation). Montreal: Drawn & Quarterly. 2006/7. ISBN: 1-89729924-1.

– This text is historical fiction with style. Written and rendered by well-known Quebecois illustrator and cartoonist Blanchet, it tells the story of the town of Rapide Blanc, which was founded in 1928 in an isolated region of Quebec by the Shawinigan Water and Power Company to service its newly built dam. The community of approximately 300 people was self-contained, self-sufficient, and highly urbanized, keeping in step with the latest commodities, technological innovations and cultural trends in cities like Montreal. The company made sure to keep its members happy. In 1963, the provincial government bought out all private hydro-electricity companies as part of its program of nationalization. A decade later, it shut down Rapide Blanc, bringing to an end the unique life of a remarkable town. The combination of Modernist and Art Deco design elements is a perfect match for the retro story.

(These lesson ideas can be adapted to both Elementary and Secondary classrooms – ed.)