Best of 2016 – Graphic Novel/Manga
Welcome to the 3rd post in my “Best of 2016” series. These are the graphic novels/manga that I read in 2016 and really loved. There are quite a few of them. I have really been enjoying the graphic novel genre and read a lot of really great ones this year!
Click on the image to go to Goodreads to read more about the book. Or you can click on the link below the image to see my review of that book.
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The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell
This was a beautifully done graphic novel depicting a new twist on some classic fairy tales. I really loved it and enjoyed the attention to detail as well as the captivating story.
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All You Need is Kill by Ryosuke Takeuchi, Hiroshi Sakurazaka, Yoshitoshi Abe, Takeshi Obata
This was a fantastic science fiction manga that had some really neat ideas in it. The characters and the way they evolved through the story was incredibly engaging. The story is also action-packed and breathtaking.
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Flight Series by Kazu Kabuishi
I read volumes 2 and 3 of Kabuishi’s Flight series this year and enjoyed them even more than the first volume. These are such eclectic and interesting stories; all of them having to do with flight in some way (flights of imagination, actual flight, etc). This anthology of graphic novel stories is just consistently awesome. Each story is unique and intriguing.
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Black Butler by Yana Toboso
I love this series! It is incredibly fun and entertaining to read. I love the characters and the mystery. The drawing is incredibly intricate and amazing as well. This is my favorite manga/graphic novel after Rat Queens. This is the 2nd year in a row Black Butler has appeared on this list. Below I have linked to my favorite Black Butler volumes of the year.
Black Butler, Vol. 12
Black Butler, Vol. 14
Black Butler, Vol. 15
Black Butler, Vol. 20
Black Butler, Vol. 21
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Amulet Series by Kazu Kibuishi
It took a couple years for the 7th volume in this series, Firelight, to come out. However, it was worth the wait. The illustration is amazing and the story is epic. This is one of my favorite fantasy graphic novel series of all time.
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Habibi by Craig Thompson
This was an amazing graphic novel that is just so…well…amazing. The book itself is beautiful, the illustration is beautiful, the way the words are woven into works are art is beautiful. The story is broad and epic feeling but still very engaging and heartwarming. This was an amazing graphic novel about a young woman and young man’s struggle in the Middle East and I loved it!
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Brody’s Ghost Collected Edition by Mark Crilley
This was a fantastic supernatural mystery graphic novel. I loved that I could read all the mini-books in this one edition. I would recommend to fans of ghosts and thrillers.
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Saga series by Brian K Vaughan and Fiona Staples
I finally got around to starting the Saga graphic novel series this year. This is a science fiction (space opera) graphic novel series that I am absolutely loving. The story is engaging, there is a lot of action, a lot of humor, and I love the family dynamics and unique alien races. I would definitely recommend if you haven’t started reading it yet; but only for adults and older.
Saga Vol 1
Saga Vol 2
Saga Vol 3
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Rat Queens by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch
This graphic novel series was on the list last year as well. I am still really loving this classic fantasy graphic novel series. It’s violent and crude but oh so delightful!
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Ravine by Stjepan Sejic and Ron Marz
Another series that was on the list last year as well. This has been an amazing fantasy graphic novel series. I continue to be impressed with the world, characters, and story. Additionally the illustration and color are amazing!
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Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura
This is another manga series I have been reading for years that just keeps getting better and better. These are epic historical mangas that are not only fascinating and entertaining but also pay close attention to detail and are beautifully illustrated. I love this manga series; it is definitely one of the most well put together manga series I have ever read.
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The Bird Boy by Anne Szabla
This is a new middle grade graphic novel series that I really enjoyed this year. I loved the art style throughout and enjoyed the blending of tribal and mythological themes. The story is adventurous, cute, and magical.
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Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama
I finally got around to starting the Attack on Titan series. This has been a well done post-apocalyptic/dystopia series. I think the earlier books were the best, the more recent ones I have read (vol 9 to 12) have been a bit slow. However, this is a very well done sci-fi manga series and I have been enjoying it a lot.
Attack on Titan Vol 1
Attack on Titan Vol 2
Attack on Titan Vol 3
Attack on Titan Vol 5