Grab a Graphic Novel: Set Off on an Adventure!

We’re highlighting our graphic novel collection by exploring tried-and-true cartoon classics, as well as fresh-off-the-press new releases. Pick up a graphic novel today!

Our Grab a Graphic Novel blog series presents our latest reads from the aforementioned collection. Available at all five libraries, the collection encompasses comics, manga and, of course, graphic novels — anything that uses pictures as an intrinsic part of the storytelling process.

We’re kicking off this series with a selection of adventure tales for all ages! These gems all reside in our Junior Graphic Novels collection, but don’t let that stop you from checking out the intricate storylines and artistic flourishes of these authors. Let these young heroes inspire your own adventures, in reading and elsewhere!

Cleopatra in Space series by Mike Maihack

Start with Book 1: Target Practice

Description: When a young Cleopatra finds a mysterious tablet that zaps her to the far, REALLY far future, she learns of an ancient prophecy that says she is destined to save the galaxy from the tyrannical rule of the evil Xaius Octavian.

Recommended by NoveList for ages 9-12, this fast-paced science fiction series was completed back in 2017 and comes in six colorful installments. The fifteen-year-old protagonist is spunky and relatable for kids and young teenagers.

Bone series by Jeff Smith

Start with Book 1: Out from Boneville

Description: In this exciting, offbeat series, three cousins get kicked out of their home and wander into a strange wilderness filled with monsters, magic, farmers, and an exiled princess. Their mutual goal is to return home, but it won’t be an easy journey. A large supporting cast of fantastical creatures adds to this epic adventure in graphic novel form.

A classic series with plenty of twists and turns, Bone will appeal to fans of Sutherland’s Wings of Fire series. NoveList identifies this series as appropriate for ages 9-12.

Four Points series by Hope Larson

Start with Book 1: Compass South

Description: After escaping the Black Hook Gang in 1860 New York City, twelve-year-old twins Alexander and Cleopatra flee to New Orleans, become separated, and try to find each other in San Francisco, while being followed by pirates who think they hold the key to treasure.

If high-seas adventures and historical fiction are your thing, this might be the series for you. Pirates and a treasure hunt allow Four Points to fully embrace the trappings of middle-grade adventure without losing sight of the twins’ story.

Courageous Princess series by Rod Espinosa

Start with Book 1: Beyond the Hundred Kingdoms

Description: The plucky Mabelrose uses brains and bravery when she is kidnapped from her home by a greedy dragon. Rather than wait to be rescued, Mabelrose finds the courage to save herself.

Princess Mabelrose’s story offers a unique take on the standard fantasy storyline, and her antics will be delightful and relatable for readers of all ages, but particularly those ages 9-12.

Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi

Start with Book 1: The Stonekeeper

Description: After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids’ mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.

With elements of fantasy and science fiction, the Amulet series has something for readers of all ages. Protagonists Emily and Navin will prove resilient in the face of grave danger.

Nameless City trilogy by Faith Hicks

Start with Book 1: The Nameless City

Description: Every time it is invaded the City gets a new name, but to the natives in is the Nameless City, and they survive by not letting themselves get involved–but now the fate of the City rests in the hands of Rat, a native, and Kaidu, one of the Dao, the latest occupiers, and the two must somehow work together if the City is to survive.

Don’t be fooled by the dynamic and colorful art in this trilogy; the nuances and complexities of the Nameless City trilogy will appeal to fans of Avatar: the Last Airbender and other similar fantasy stories.

The Witch Boy series by Molly Knox Ostertag

Start with Book 1: The Witch Boy

Description: In thirteen-year-old Aster’s family, all the girls are raised to be witches, while boys grow up to be shapeshifters. Anyone who dares cross those lines is exiled. Unfortunately for Aster, he still hasn’t shifted… and he’s still fascinated by witchery, no matter how forbidden it might be. When a mysterious danger threatens the other boys, Aster knows he can help — as a witch.

Exploring gender roles in a magical society, The Witch Boy and its sequels combine an adorable art style with narratives that are both whimsical and serious. In addition to its overall plot, Ostertag delves into more relevant themes such as bullying and found family.

Cucumber Quest series by Gigi D. G.

Start with Book 1: The Doughnut Kingdom

Description: The seven kingdoms of Dreamside need a legendary hero. Instead, they’ll have to settle for Cucumber, a nerdy magician who just wants to go to school. As destiny would have it, he and his way more heroic sister, Almond, must now seek the Dream Sword, the only weapon powerful enough to defeat Queen Cordelia’s Nightmare Knight. Can these bunny siblings save the world in its darkest hour…?

With suitably adorable illustrations that sometimes deliberately contrast with the tone of the story, Cucumber Quest will keep younger readers entertained and older readers on the edges of their seats!

As we talk about different graphic novels, we can only feature a fraction of the awesome works within our collection. We’d love to hear from you as well! What is your favorite adventurous graphic novel? Leave a comment with your own recommendation!

For more reading suggestions, check out the posts in our Plano Reads tag. We also have several virtual Book Clubs to appeal to any kind of reader.