Book Buzz: Graphic Novels

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August 2026

Written by Jessica

Graphic Novels

Graphic novels and comics are popular for combining the written word with phenomenal artwork. But don’t let the term “comic” mislead you: this format can tackle stories about serious subjects.

Memoirs

Graphic memoirs combine the appeal of learning more about people’s recollections and lived experience with the comic art form. They are a great way of seeing the world through another person’s eyes, from momentous historical moments to deep reflections on day-to-day life. Check out this list of memoirs, as well as our list of memoirs for children.

March: Book One

By John Lewis

Civil rights movement

Family Style

By Thien Pham

Vietnamese refugee experience

I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together

By Maurice Vellekoop

1970s Toronto

Coming of age

Fun Home

By Alison Bechdel

Family secrets

Coming of age

All Our Ordinary Stories

By Teresa Wong

Family dynamics

Child of immigrants

Bad Kid

By Sofia Szamosi

The "troubled teen" industry

Did You Know?

In 2024 and 2025, Canada Post celebrated several Canadian graphic novelists like Chester Brown, Michel Rabagliati, Seth, Jimmy Beaulieu, Jillian and Mariko Tamaki, Kate Beaton, Guy Delisle, Julie Doucet, Bryan Lee O’Malley and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas with their own stamps.

Graphic Novels about War and Conflict

People have long used the comic format to explore experiences of conflict and war. In Maus, Art Spiegelman recounts his father’s experiences during the Holocaust. In Persepolis, Margane Satrapi tells the story of her childhood in the late 70s and early 80s in Iran. Joe Sacco is known for comics journalism, and his work Palestine was rushed back into print in 2023. Comics depicting conflict and war often rely on lived experiences, primary sources like letters, diaries and interviews, and extensive research. Check out our booklist for more.

Invisible Wounds

By Jess Ruliffson

Veteran experiences and reflections

They Called Us Enemy

By George Takei

Internment camps

Two Generals

By Scott Chantler

Normandy

Canadian

Barefoot Gen

By Keiji Nakazawa

Bombing of Hiroshima

The Harlem Hellfighters

By Max Brooks

WWI

Black regiment

Grass

By Keum Suk

Gendry-Kim

Slavery

Survival

Manga

Manga refers to comic books and graphic novels originally published in Japan. While it is an incredibly popular format, its long series runs and right-to-left reading design can be intimidating for newbies. If you would like to try manga, and aren’t sure where to start, check out our Manga Book Club in a Bag. You can sample 10 different manga titles and dive into a discussion guide with author biographies, read-alikes, and discussion questions.

Graphic Medicine

The term graphic medicine refers to comics concerning medicine and healthcare, which are often used in medical education and patient care. Graphic medicine can take the form of information sharing, memoir, fiction, and more. It's an important genre that can make often intimidating information accessible while also building empathy and a greater understanding of different lived experiences. With this in mind, many university libraries are expanding their graphic medicine collections to serve students entering healthcare professions. Check out our booklist for more titles.

Something, Not Nothing

By Sarah Leavitt

MAID

Canadian

Sensory: Life on the Spectrum

Edited by Bex Ollerton

Anthology

Neurodivergence

Proxy Mom

By Sophie Adriansen

Postpartum depression

Go With the Flow

By Lily Williams

Menstruation

Inequality

Stitches

By David Small

Surgery

Trauma

Dying for Attention

By Susan MacLeod

Long-term care

Did You Know?

Central Library is home to over 5,000 graphic novels and comics. Manga, major comic imprints, independent comics – you can find it all at Central!