Comics and graphic novels are beloved by many! They’ve been praised widely for their accessibility, imagery, and unique format. In fact, the medium is becoming increasingly popular, with more and more storytellers choosing to use comics to present their stories in a more visual way. Whether you’re new to the genre or are a longtime comic reader looking for your next book, here are some BC-published comics and graphic novels for readers of all ages!
And, if you’re looking to get out and explore some of BC’s local comic and game shops, here are a few favourites to check out!
- The Comic Shop (Vancouver)
- Lucky’s Comics (Vancouver)
- Pulp Fiction Books (Vancouver)
- Tasmanian Comics (Vancouver)
- Legends Comics and Books (Victoria)
- Yellowjacket Comics and Toys (Victoria)
- Ebenezer’s (Vernon)
- Ted’s Paperbacks and Comics (Kelowna)
- Curious Comics (Nanaimo)
It’s no secret that comics and graphic novels have proven to be both an effective and enjoyable teaching tool for young readers. The Washington Post has said “comics give young readers training in visual literacy — helping them read and interpret images — an essential skill in our highly visual world.” Here are some exciting options for you and your family to enjoy.
Hermit Hill: Sueño Bay Adventures by Nancy Deas and Mike Deas (Orca Book Publishers)
Coming May 17, 2022!
We love this author duo’s Sueño Bay Adventures series and can’t wait to get our hands on this third volume! This time, best friends Ollie, Jenna, Sleeves and Kay learn about the importance of respecting and restoring ecosystems when they encounter tiny moon creatures known as the Hivers who play a crucial role in the health of the local crops.
Seeking Refuge by Irene Watts, illustrated by Kathryn Shoemaker (Tradewind Books)
This touching story centres around eleven-year-old Marianne, one of the first two hundred Jewish children involved in the rescue operation known as the Kindertransport during World War II.
Kunoichi Bunny by Sara Cassidy, illustrated by Brayden Sato (Orca Book Publishers)
This early graphic novel is entirely wordless, perfect for introducing youngsters to the idea of reading independently. The book stars Saya, her dad and her well-loved stuffed bunny, Kunoichi, who spend the day together at the park.
Non-fiction graphic novels are becoming increasingly popular. They are a powerful tool to help add new dimensions to an author’s often personal story. Here are some of our favourite non-fiction stories and memoirs from graphic novel writers and artists.
Special Topics in Being a Human: A Queer and Tender Guide to Things I’ve Learned the Hard Way about Caring For People, Including Myself by S. Bear Bergman, illustrated by Saul Freedman-Lawson (Arsenal Pulp Press)
S. Bear Bergman has documented his experience as a member of the queer community and a trans parent in this practical book of advice for the modern age.
Tower 25: The Graphic Memoir by PJ Patten (Cloudscape Comics)
A moving memoir that follows the author’s journey through homelessness, addiction, trauma and recovery. This affecting story showcases the challenges and stigma facing those who try to get off the streets, as well as the author’s healing process.
Feast of Fields by Sean Karemaker (Cloudscape Comics)
A powerful comic featuring the life story of the author’s mother. The story follows her early years in a Denmark orphanage where she cared for her mentally ill mother and her three young siblings. It is accompanied by beautiful black and white illustrations.
History comes to life in these visual stories about our past! History buffs will delight in learning about different figures and time periods in these fascinating accounts.
The Rooming House: The West Coast in the Seventies by Michael Kluckner (Midtown Press)
Coming March 20, 2022!
A fascinating portrait of West Coast life in the 1970s, set in Kitsilano, Vancouver! This graphic novel traces the stories of youth on the road, hitchhiking across the country.
A Boy Named Tommy Douglas by Beryl Young, illustrated by Joan Steacy (Midtown Press)
Tommy Douglas is known as the Father of Medicare. In this story, we learn about his childhood in Winnipeg, where a knee injury escalated to potential amputation. After his leg was saved by a specialist who performed surgery at no cost, Tommy became a tireless activist for affordable medical care.
Canada at War: A Graphic History of World War Two by Paul Keery, illustrated by Michael Wyatt (Douglas & McIntyre)
A beautiful graphic novel, which chronicles the achievements of the Canadian Forces in the Second World War. Perfect for young adult and grown-up readers, this graphic novel received wide acclaim and was short-listed for the Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award.
Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas is a visual artist, storyteller and public speaker, raised on Haida Gwaii. He is known for his unique Haida Mangas, which combine his experiences as an Indigenous person with contemporary graphic literary styles and Japanese manga art.
Red: A Haida Manga by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas (Douglas & McIntyre)
This graphic novel was nominated for the B.C. Bookseller’s Choice Award, a Doug Wright Award for Best Book and a 2010 Joe Shuster Award for Outstanding Canadian Cartoonist. It was also an Amazon Top 100 book of 2009.
Carpe Fin: A Haida Manga by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas (Douglas & McIntyre)
Set in a small community in the near-future community where a series of disasters is taking a heavy toll on the local harvest, this graphic novel blends Asian manhwa/manga with the Haida artistic and oral tradition.