Great Graphic Novels for Teens Nominations
Updated Dec. 2, 2008
Great Graphic Novels for Teens 2009
Abel, Jessica. Life Sucks. First Second. 2008. 978-1-59643-107-2. $19.95.
When a goth girl falls for a Dracula wannabe, what's a young vampire to do?
Abouet, Marguerite. Aya of Yop City. Drawn & Quarterly. 2008. 978-1-894937-90-0. $19.95.
Setting is Yop City on the Ivory Coast in the 1970's. In volume two, the story of four families continues with the question of paternity of Adjoua's baby, Bintou's romance with a "Parisian", Aya's fathers trysts, and Albert's secret night rendezvous.
Akino, Matsuri. Pet Shop of Horrors: Tokyo, v. 1. Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-4278-0607-9. $9.99
Akino, Matsuri. Pet Shop of Horrors: Tokyo, v. 2. Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-4278-0710-6. $9.99
The devious Count D is back, selling hapless Tokyo citizens his magical pets, the kind of pet that gives you what you deserve, not necessarily what you wish for.
Alexovich, Aaron. Kimmie66. Minx. 2007. 978-1-4012-0373-3. $9.99.
Telly is a 23rd century girl, living her life online. She and (everyone else) spends all free time in lairs. In her lair she meets her best friend Kimmie66. After getting a suicide note and confirming Kimmie66 real life death, she keeps seeing her show up online.
Ashihara, Hinako. Sand Chronicles, v. 1. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1477-2. $8.99.
Following her parents divorce, Ann and her mother move from Tokyo to the country. At first she is lonely but she quickly makes friends, crushing on her neighbor. When her mother commits suicide Ann must depend on her new friends more than she ever imagined she would need anyone.
Ashihara, Hinako. Sand Chronicles, v. 2. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1478-9. $8.99.
After her mother's suicide, Ann finds comfort in new boyfriend Daigo and her friends and family in rural Japan. The return of her absentee father forces her to choose between her happy life and reconnecting with a parent who failed the family.
Ashihara, Hinako. Sand Chronicles, v. 3. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1479-6. $8.99.
After a year in Tokyo, Anne is eager to return home to spend time with Daigo.
Azzarello, Brian. Joker. DC Comics. 2008. 978-1-4012-1581-1. $19.99.
When the Joker is mysteriously released from Arkham Asylum, he takes back what he thinks of rightfully as his as only the Joker can.
Bendis, Brian Michael. Ultimate Power. Marvel. 2008. 978-0-7851-2366-8. $34.99.
Ultimate Power sees all of the major players from the Ultimate Marvel universe duking it out with heroes with similar powers from an alternate universe bent on arresting Reed Richards for destroying their world!
Betten, Court. Harukaze Bitter Bop, v. 1. Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-4278-0328-3. $9.99.
Chiyoharu is not having a great day. Or year. Suspended for starting a fire at school with his friends that got out of control, he is now ostracized by students, teachers and his old cohorts. But then Chiyoharu unwillingly attracts two bizarre companions.
Bialik, Steve. Minister Jade. Cellar Door Publishing. 2008. 978-0-976683-13-1 . $14.99.
Khubilai Khan has conquered imperial China, and a demonic cult is on the way to spread death and destruction — can a civil servant who's not really much of a hero save the day?
Bilson, Danny. Red Menace. Wildstorm. 2007. 978-7-4012-1383-1. $17.99.
The Eagle, a wartime hero, is unmasked in front of congress during McCarthy's famous communist witch hunt. Labeled as a "commie," Steve Tremaine (a.k.a. The Hero) can no longer save the city of Los Angeles from crime because he is labeled as a traitor. But without his patrolling, L.A. is taken over by gangs.
Black, Holly. The Good Neighbors: Book One, Kin. 2008. Graphix. 978-0-4398-5562-4. $16.99.
Rue's world has been turned upside-down; her mother is missing, her father is accused of murder and she's beginning to see creatures that can only be faeries. Now it's up to her to find the answers that can save her family, and protect all she loves from a dark faerie.
Blackman, Hayden. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. 2008. Dark Horse. 978-1-59307-891-1. $15.95.
Tied in with the hit video game of the same name, follow the adventures of Darth Vader's secret apprentice as he tries to take down the remaining Jedi Knights that are scattered across the galaxy.
Briggs, Raymond. Gentleman Jim. 2008. Drawn & Quarterly. 978-1-897299-36-4 . $14.95.
Jim, a man who cleans "washrooms" dreams of a better life.
Brubaker, Ed. The Death of Captain America: The Death of the Dream, v. 1. 2008. Marvel. 978-0-785124-23-8. $14.99.
Brubaker, Ed. The Death of Captain America: The Burden of Dreams, v. 2. 2008. Marvel. 978-0-785124-24-5. $14.99.
In the aftermath of Captain America's murder, his allies attempt to recover from his death and figure out how to carry on his legacy while his enemies use the uproar to cover a worldwide attack.
Castellucci, Cecil. Janes in Love. 2008. Minx. 978-1-4012-1387-9. $9.99
In this sequel to Plain Janes, the Janes bravely continue to pursue their love of boys and their love of art, facing challenges from the police, their parents, and the community.
Clevinger, Brian. Atomic Robo: Atomic Robo and the Fightin' Scientists of Tesladyne. 2008. Red Five Comics. 978-0-9809302-0-7. $18.99
Atomic Robo, a robot invented by Nikolas Tesla in 1923, fights nefarious creatures and mad scientists armed with banter, a strong heart, and a swell pair of jodhpurs.
Cooke, Darwyn. The Spirit, v. 1. DC. 2008. 978-1-4012-1618-4. $19.99.
Reinventing Will Eisner's classic hero, Cooke keeps the retro look and feel of The Spirit and updates it for today. More about the characters than the action, each chapter looks at either a hero or a villain, examining the why of a crime as much as the how. Great fun!
Cosby, Andrew. Cover Girl. BOOM! Studios. 2008. 978-1-934506-27-1. $14.99
Alex Martin, C-list Hollywood actor, after an act of heroism, rockets to the A-list. But now someone is trying to kill him! Enter Rachel Dodd, kick-ass bodyguard to keep him safe. Now, if they can only not kill each other!
David, Peter. Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born, v. 1. Marvel. 2008. 978-0-785121-44-2. $14.99.
David, Peter. Dark Tower: The Long Road Home, v. 2. Marvel. 2008. 978-0-785127-09-3. $14.99.
This prequel of sorts to King's Dark Tower fantasy series portrays the coming of age of Roland Deschain, a young man determined to be a warrior (in his case, a legendary gunslinger) who's fate has far more darker turns in store for him.
Dawson, Mike. Freddie & Me: A Coming of Age (Bohemian) Rhapsody. Bloomsbury. 2008. 978-1-59691-476-6. $19.99.
A memoir of a boy who moves from the UK to the US. He is a huge fan of Queen and reflects upon his life through their music.
DeMatteis, J. M. The Stardust Kid. Boom! Studios. 2008. 978-1-934506-04-2. $14.99.
Cody DiMarco has to save the world from a hateful being bent on thotal destruction of all things human. Oh, and he has to be home by 8:30.
Diggle, Andy. Green Arrow: Year One. DC. 2008. 978-1-4012-1687-0. $24.99.
Oliver Queen was a layabout millionaire with little purpose until he is conned, left on a desert island to die, and embraces his greater calling as a defender and hero.
El Rassi, Toufic. Arab in America. Last Gasp. 2008. 978-0-345-50330-5. $14.95.
The eye-opening story of the life of an average Arab-American struggling with his identity in an increasingly hostile nation. Using the graphic novel as his medium, Lebanon-born Toufic El Rassi chronicles his experience growing up Arab in America.
Ellis, Warren. Ultimate Hulk Vs. Iron Man. Marvel Comics. 2008. 978-0-785120-15-5. $19.99.
When Bruce Banner seeks to get rid of the Hulk persona, he seeks aid with Tony Stark (AKA Iron Man), but when something goes horriby wrong, two powerhouses must face off.
Flight, v. 5. Villard. 2008. 978-0-345-50589-7. $25.00.
An anthology of stories all having to do with flight. This volume uses the word flight to mean fleeing away or towards something.
Flight Explorer, v. 1. Villard. 2008. 978-0345503138. $10.00
A collection of short stories from the editor of the Flight anthologies and others, geared toward the tween set.
Fujisawa, Yuki. Metro Survive, v. 1. DrMaster Publications. 2008. 978-1-59796-125-7. $9.95.
The massive earthquake was only the start of their troubles.
Fujisawa, Yuki. Metro Survive, v. 2. DrMaster Publications. 2008. 978-1-59796-126-4. $9.95.
Trapped underground with dangerous people!
Gaiman, Neil. Coraline. Harper Collins. 2008. 978-0-060-8254300. $18.99.
Adaptation of Neil Gaiman's prose story. After Coraline and her parents move into an old house, Coraline asks her mother about a mysterious locked door. Her mother unlocks it to reveal that it leads nowhere: "When they turned the house into flats, they simply bricked it up," her mother explains. But something about the door attracts the girl, and when she later unlocks it herself, the bricks have disappeared. Through the door, she travels a dark corridor (which smells "like something very old and very slow") into a world that eerily mimics her own, but with sinister differences. "I'm your other mother," announces a woman who looks like Coraline's mother, except "her eyes were big black buttons." Coraline eventually makes it back to her real home only to find that her parents are missing—they're trapped in the shadowy other world, of course, and it's up to their scrappy daughter to save them.
Gallardo, Adam. Gear School. Dark Horse. 2008. 1-59307-854-4. $7.95.
In the far future, mankind is under the constant threat of invasion by aliens. To combat the insect-like aliens, mankind has created a war machine called Gear. Thirteen-year-old Teresa Gottlieb's made her way to the most prestigious academy - Gear School - a training academy for the brightest and best pilots of Gear fighter planes. She's got the usual problems that a 7th grader needs to deal with - on top of flying an advanced warship and alien invasions, too.
Green, Michael. Batman: Lovers and Madmen. DC. 2008. 978-1-4012-1683-2. $24.99.
A new origin story for the Joker, driving Batman to cross a line he'd never expected, that is a solid complement to the latest film and the general Batman canon.
Hague, Michael. In the Small. Little, Brown. 2008. 978-0-316-01323-9. $19.99.
The day begins normal enough, until Mouse, working at his father's office, has one of his visions — soon after, a blue flash appears and all humans are suddenly shrunk to a mere six inches tall, realizing Mouse's horrible premonition.
Hakase, Mizuki. Demon Flowers, v. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 978-1-4278-0298-9. $9.99.
The Kuruizaki no Hana, half-human children of the gods, are being hunted and destroyed by Ushitora.Then he meets a little boy that he can't live without, and, betraying his own kind, leaves with the boy to start a new life and family knowing he will eventually have to pay a price.
Hakase, Mizuki. Demon Flowers, v. 2 . Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-4278-0299-6. $9.99.
The Kuruizaki no Hana, half-human children of the gods, are being hunted and destroyed by Ushitora.Then he meets a little boy that he can't live without, and, betraying his own kind, leaves with the boy to start a new life and family knowing he will eventually have to pay a price.
Hale, Shannon. Rapunzel’s Revenge. Bloomsbury. 2008. 978-0-345-50330-5. $18.99.
We all know the story — Rapunzel's stuck in a tower, destined to be saved by a prince. But the story's been skewed a bit, and Rapunzel wasn't exactly waiting to be rescued, and she's not looking for love—she's looking for revenge.
Hamada, Shoko. Flock of Angels, v. 1. Aurora. 2007. 978-1-934496-02-2. $10.95.
Hamada, Shoko. Flock of Angels, v. 2. Aurora. 2008. 978-1-934496-09-1 . $10.95.
Hamada, Shoko. Flock of Angels, v. 3. Aurora. 2008. 978-1-934496-21-3 . $10.95.
Thanks to the band Angelaid, the current fashion is to wear wings all the time, but when wings suddenly sprout from Shea's back, the young man discovers that he is not the only person whose wings are actually real.
Hennessey, Jonathan. The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation. Hill and Wang. 2008. 978-0-8090-9470-7. $16.95.
An adaptation of the U.S. Constitution.
Hicks, Faith Erin. The War at Ellsmere. Slave Labor Graphics. 2008. 978-1-59362-140-7. $12.95.
A scholarship student, Jun arrives at the elite Ellesmere boarding school expecting condescension and mean girls, but she didn't expect to gain a new friend and inspiration at the same place.
Higuchi, Tachibana. Gakuen Alice, v. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 978-1-4278-0319-1. $9.99.
Mikan desperately misses her best friend Hotaru, who's been whisked away to a government school for superpowered students. It turns out Mikan has a power too, but what if her power is to counteract everyone else's gift? What kind of skill is that?
Hinds, Gareth. The Merchant of Venice. Candlewick. 2008. 978-0-7636-3024-9. $21.99.
An adaptation of the Shakespearean play.
Hipp, Dan. Gyakushu!, v. 2. Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-59816-970-6. $9.99.
Tale of revenge as a former thief watches his family killed by Lord Drakin whom he stole a magical book from. This volume continues on his journey for revenge and more backstory as to how his world came to be.
Hosler, Jay. Optical Allusions. Active Synapse Comics. 2008. 978-0-9677255-2-9. $20.00.
Part graphic novel adventure, part scientific prose text, the book is an imaginative look at what makes the eye work. Join Wrinkles the Wonder Brain as he travels across imagination to find his
bosses' magic eye and learns a thing or two along the way.
Hotta, Yumi. Hikaru no Go, v. 12. VIZ Media. 2008. 978-1-4215-1508-3. $7.95.
Hotta, Yumi. Hikaru no Go, v. 13. VIZ Media. 2008. 978-1-4215-1509-0. $7.95.
Sai has the chance to play the Divine Move. With the whole world watching, will he be able to achieve his greatest dream?
In-Wan, Youn. Deja-Vu: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-4278-0318-4.
The first four stories of this anthology are a love story through time as a couple meets, falls in love, is separated, and then reunites after being reincarnated. Included are two bonus stories: one a dark social commentary and one a lighter brush-with-fame story.
Inoue, Takehiko. Real, v. 1. VIZ. 2008. 978-4215-1989-0. $12.99.
While visiting the hospital room of a girl paralyzed in a motorcycle accident he caused, Nomiya meets up with Togawa, a wheelchair-bound basketball player. Both crazy about the game, the two team up to avenge Nomiya against his former teammates.
Inoue, Takehiko. Real, v. 2. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1990-6. $12.99.
As Takahashi begins to come to grips with the accident and how it has changed his life, Togawa rejoins the Tigers and learns to become a team player.
Inoue, Takehiko. Slam Dunk, v. 1. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-0679-1. $7.99.
Hanamichi Sakuragi's attempt to win the girl of his dreams leads to his trying out for the basketball team. But now that he's shown a bit of natural talent, he has to actually learn to play.
Ito, Junki. Uzumaki, v.1. VIZ. 2007. 978-1-4215-1389-8. $9.99.
Kurôzu-cho, a small fogbound town on the coast of Japan, is cursed. According to Shuichi Saito, the withdrawn boyfriend of teenager Kirie Goshima, their town is haunted not by a person or being but by a pattern: uzumaki, the spiral, the hypnotic secret shape of the world. It manifests itself in small ways: seashells, ferns, whirlpools in water, whirlwinds in air. And in large ways: the spiral marks on people's bodies, the insane obsessions of Shuichi's father, the voice from the cochlea in your inner ear. As the madness spreads, the inhabitants of Kurôzu-cho are pulled ever deeper, as if into a whirlpool from which there is no return...
Jensen, Derrick. As the World Burns. Seven Stories Press. 2007. 978-58322-777-0. $14.95.
A bold and hilarious satire of modern environmental policy.
Johns, Geoff. Green Lantern: The Sinestro Corps War, v. 1. DC. 2008. 978-1-4012-1650-4. $24.99.
Johns, Geoff. Green Lantern: The Sinestro Corps War, v. 2. DC. 2008. 978-1-4012-1800-3. $24.99.
The fallen Green Lantern, Sinestro, has created his own corps based on fear. The yellow Sinestro corps plans to take control of the multiverse and destroy the Green Lanterns at the same time.
Johnson, Mat. Incognegro: A Graphic Mystery. Vertigo. 2008. 978-1-4012-1097-7. $19.99.
An African-American who lives in Harlem at the height of the Harlem Renaissance, Zane Pinchback frequently travels down south and brings back firsthand reports of lynchings there. How does he do this without getting lynched himself? He is so lightskinned that he is able to pass as a white man, and reports under the pseudonym Incognegro. Tired of his hidden, dangerous career, Zane wants to retire as Incognegro. But now his own brother has been wrongly accused of murdering a white woman, and is in jail in Mississippi. Zane must return to the south for his most harrowing assignment yet.
Jones, Sabrina. Isadora Duncan: A Graphic Biography. Hill and Wang. 2008. 978-0-809094-97-4. $19.95.
This biography of the scandalous, legendary dancer Isadora Duncan covers everything from her determination to change the world of dance to her flirtations with people, politics, and philosophy.
Kabei, Yukako. Kieli, v. 1. Yen Press. 2008. 978-0759528512. $9.99.
Long before Kieli is born a war is fought. One weapon of the war was the 'undying', an indistructable group of soldiers fashioned from the dead. When the war was over these soldiers were hunted down but a few still exist. Kieli, who can see spirits, meets up with one and joins him on his quest to return a spirit to it's final resting place.
Kabei, Yukako. Kieli, v. 2. Yen Press. 2008. 978-0759528529. $10.99.
In the concluding volume, Kieli and Harvey return the Colonel to his grave. He departs but Kieli and Harvey are caught by the church's army. Harvey lies to save Kieli's life and she is sent home. Still, they can't stay away from each other for too long. With the help of the Colonel they find a way to defeat the church. .
Kang, Kyungok. Two Will Come, v. 1. Netcomics. 2007. 978-1-60009-116-2. $9.99.
Thanks to a curse, Jina's family is doomed to lose one family member each generation. Murdered by two people close to them, Jina discovers it's her life that's due next.
Kang, Kyungok. Two Will Come, v. 2. Netcomics. 2008. 978-1-60009-117-9. $9.99.
In this volume Jina has several attempts made on her life. To find out more she, her cousin, and Lloyd (Yoojin) hee "lloyd". Anyway, they try to find out more about the curse. There are three mysteries going on: the curse, Jaesuke and Yoojin's dead girlfriend.
Kawahara, Kazune. High School Debut, v. 1. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1481-9. $8.99.
Haruna is determined to get a boyfriend in high school, the only problem is that she's a total tomboy. She convinces the ultra popular Yoh to be her coach in her search for love and he agrees on the condition that she not fall for him in any way.
Kawahara, Kazune. High School Debut, v. 2. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1482-6. $8.99.
Haruna, a high-school student, has switched her interest from sports and boys and convinces a popular fellow student, Yoh, to coach her in her search for a boyfriend. Yoh agrees, with the condition that Haruna promises not to fall in love with him.
Kibuishi, Kazu. Amulet: Book 1: The Stonekeeper. Graphix. 2008. 978-0-4398-4680-6. $21.99.
After losing her father in a pretty terrible car accident (!), Emily and her family move to their great grandfather's home. It's dusty and creepy. No one's lived there since the grandfather's disappearance. Emily discovers a talking amulet that warns her of danger minutes before her mom is eaten by a bit octopus thing. So she and her brother Navin journey into the basement and secret underworld to get her back.
Kirkman, Robert. Astounding Wolf-Man, v. 1. Image Comics. 2008. 978-1-58240-862-0. $9.99.
Gary Hampton was mauled and left for dead - but that's not the worst of it: he's now a wolfman! With his new lust for blood - he's now going to make it as the unlikeliest superhero in town.
Kirkman, Robert. Invincible, v. 9. Image Comics. 2008. 978-1-58240-827-9. $14.99.
Mark is dealing with saving the world while trying not to fail out of college, plus the reappearance of an old flame who might just become a new one. The inheritance from his father, once beloved superhero who betrayed the Earth, weighs heavily upon him, but a new conflict is starting, with Mark at the center of it.
Kirkman, Robert. Marvel Zombies, v. 2. Marvel Comics. 2008. 978-0-7851-2545-7. $19.99.
Following the smash hit series in which all of the Marvel U's biggest heroes became flesh eating zombies, Marvel Zombies 2 picks up 40 years later with the Galactus-powered zombie heroes returning to Earth to find a small pocket of the human race trying to survive.
Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, v. 28. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1864-0. $7.95.
After two years of training, Naruto returns just in time to use his new strength to help save his kidnapped friend.
Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, v. 29. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1865-7. $7.95.
Gaara has been kidnapped and Guy and Kakashi take their teams and go after them, ready to confront the Akatsuki
Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, v. 30. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1942-5. $7.95.
The two teams come together and find a way in to where Gaara is being held. But will they be able to get to him in time?
Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, v. 31. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1943-2. $7.95.
Sakura and Granny Chiyo fight to survive against a surprise foe, but will they survive? And will their struggle be enough to save the life of Gaara?
Kiyuduki, Satoko. Shoulder-a-Coffin Kuro, v. 1. Yen Press. 2008. 978-0-759528-9-7. $10.99.
Kuro travels with a coffin on her back, her talking bat and two mysterious, cat-like twin girls. She encounters many interesting characters along the way but not the person she is looking for.
Kiyuduki, Satoko. Shoulder-a-Coffin Kuro, v. 2. Yen Press. 2008. 978-0-759529-01-4. $10.99.
Kuro's travels continue but she takes a detour down memory lane as we learn a little more about her past.
Kusakawa, Nari.Two Flowers for the Dragon, v. 1. CMX Manga. 2008. 978-1-4012-1526-2. $9.99.
Kusakawa, Nari.Two Flowers for the Dragon, v. 2. CMX Manga. 2008. 978-1-4012-1527-9. $9.99.
Shakuya has two fiances and must choose between them. Good thing she has tattoos that reflect her changing feelings, or however would she decide?
Landowne, Youme. Pitch Black. Cinco Puntos Press. 2008. 978-1-9336-9306-4. $14.00
A young artist meets a homeless man in the NY subway. He takes her down into his secret and dangerous world underneath the tracks.
Larson, Hope. Chiggers. Aladdin. 2008. 978-1-4169-3587-2. $17.99
Abby is back at camp but this time her old friends are busy and she starts spending time with Shasta, the new girl. However, none of her other bunkmates like Shasta. Tensions rise when they find themselves going for the same boy.
Loeb, Jeph. Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America. Marvel. 2008. 978-0-7851-2842-7. $13.99.
Captain America has been killed and his friends reflect on his life and death.
Loeb, Jeph. Heroes, v. 1. DC/Wildstorm. 2008. 978-1-4012-1705-1. $29.99.
A tie-in to the hit NBC show of the same name, Heroes is a behind-the-scenes look at the characters from the series as well as new powered heroes never-before seen.
Luna, Joshua. The Sword, Volume 1: Fire. Image Comics. 2008. 978-1-58240-879-8. $14.99
Dara thought she was a normal student, until three strangers destroyed her life.
MacHale, D. J. The Merchant of Death: Pendragon Graphic Novel. Aladdin. 2008. 978-1-4169-5080-6. $9.99.
In this graphic novel version of the first volume of the popular Pendragon series, Bobby Pendragon is whisked off to another dimension to save the world. And he can't go home again: the people he called his family, and the house he grew up in, have vanished.
Mashima, Hiro. Fairy Tail, v. 1. Del Rey. 2008. 978-0-345-50133-2. $10.95.
When Lucy, a wanna-be wizard, gets involved with the wacky crew at the wizard's guild Fairy Tail, she's in for more excitement and adventure than she originally planned.
Mashima, Hiro. Fairy Tail, v. 2. Del Rey. 2008. 978-0-345-50330-5. $10.95.
When Lucy, a wanna-be wizard, gets involved with the wacky crew at the wizard's guild Fairy Tail, she's in for more excitement and adventure than she originally planned.
Matsumoto, Taiyo. Tekkon Kinkreet: Black and White. VIZ. 2007. 978-1-4215-1867-1. $24.99.
Black and White are orphans on the streets of Treasure Town, a place where corruption and purity mix to create a complex landscape of confusion and betrayal. Together, they must determine their destiny and find a way to escape with their lives and their sanity intact.
Michelinie, Frank. Iron Man: Legacy of Doom. Marvel. 2008. 978-0-785128-36-6. $19.99.
Iron Man and Doctor Doom have always been bitter enemies - but when the devil, Mephisto, has a plan to bring together the end of the world, the two rivals must join together to save the world.
Mignola, Mike. Hellboy, v. 8: Darkness Calls. Dark Horse Comics. 2008. 978-159307-896-6. $19.95.
Hellboy battles an immortal samurai in a dream-like Russian mythology inspired world.
Miller, Frank. All-Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder, v. 1. DC. 2008. 978-1-4012-1681-8. $25.00.
The story of Dick Grayson losing his family and becoming Robin. The story of Batman losing his mind and bumping up against the newly formed Justice League. The story of the Black Canary finding her way.
Mimori, Ao. B.O.D.Y., v. 1. VIZ. 978-1-4215-1802-2. $8.99.
Ryoko has a secret crush on the quiet, bespecled boy one seat over. He's so cute and mysterious! Her idealism is shot when she discovers Ryunosuke is a host (a boy who dates girls for money). He's also a terrible tease. She can't like a boy like that! The only problem is the Ryuno has made it his mission to have her love him. Again and again Ryoko falls for his ploys, like feeling sorry for him when he fakes a twisted ankle. Still, there's something genuine about him. He bravely steps in when her new crush isn't everything she thought.
Mitsuki, Ryoko. Doors of Chaos, v. 1. Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-4278-0734-2. $9.99.
Twin sisters Clarissa and Mizeria have lived sheltered lives being trained as Harmonizers. On their 16th birthday their tutor and friend kidnaps Clarissa and leave Mizeria to die at the hands of his monsters. Rescued by a cute but irritating boy she goes on a mission to find her sister and stop her tutor from opening all the doors of chaos.
Moore, Terry. Echo: Moon Lake. Abstract Studio. 2008. 978-1-892597-40-3. $15.95.
A flash of light. An explosion in the sky. One woman gone. One woman marked...forever?
Mori, Kaoru. Shirley. CMX Manga. 2008. 978-1-4012-1777-8. $9.99.
A compilation of short stories that follows three young maids in 19th century England. Shirley, the title character, is the 13-year-old maid of a young pub owner and is the hardest working maid in all of England...and also the youngest.
Nakaji, Yuki. Venus in Love, v. 1. DC Comics/CMX. 2007. 978-104012-1345-9. $9.99.
Freshman Suzuma has big plans for her time in college: make friends, join clubs, get a boyfriend, all the usual stuff. But when she finds out that her next door neighbor has a crush on the same guy she does, what's a girl to do — especially when her next door neighbor is a guy!
Nakaji, Yuki. Venus in Love, v. 2. DC Comics/CMX. 2007. 978-1-4012-1730-3. $9.99.
Fukami thinks there is something going on between Suzuma and Eichi, when actually they both like Fukami. But when Fukami catches sight of a beautiful girl on a train, all thoughts of his two friends fly right out the window.
Nakaji, Yuki. Venus in Love, v. 3. DC Comics/CMX. 2007. 978-1-4012-1772-3. $9.99.
Now that Fukami has a girlfriend, Suzuma finds herself spending more and more time with Eichi. They're getting to be pretty good friends, and maybe something more, when a new guy appears on the scene — and he's after Eichi, too!
O'Malley, Brian Lee. Scott Pilgrim 4: Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together. Oni Press. 2007. 978-1-9326-6449-2.
Canadian ne'er do well Scott Pilgrim gets a job, sees his band record, faces another of his girlfriend's evil exes and even makes peace with his ex's ninja father.
Pak, Greg. Planet Hulk. Marvel Comics. 2008. 978-0-785120-12-4. $34.99.
When the Hulk is banished from Earth, he finds himself on a War World reminiscent of the days of the Gladiators. Now battling for his life in an area of death against monsters and aliens, can the Hulk survive and will he ever find his way back home?
Park, Hee Jung. Fever, v. 1. Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-4278-0532-4. $9.99.
Park, Hee Jung. Fever, v. 2. Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-4278-0533-1. $9.99.
Hyung-in, Ah-in, and Ji-jin are three teenagers whose lives are about to intersect. One is running from the guilt of surviving her friend's suicide, one is nursing a hopeless crush, and one is determined to find the girl of his dreams. Outside the mainstream, they may just find what they need.
Peach-Pit. Zombie-Loan, v. 1. Yen Press. 2007. 978-0-7595-2353-1. $10.99.
A black ring around someone's neck warns of impending death. Michiru has the rare ability to see these rings. Two boys in her class have them, hmmm, what's a girl to do?
Pedrosa, Cyril. Three Shadows. First Second. 2008. 978-1-59643-239-0. $15.95.
Two young parents struggle when three mysterious figures arrive on the horizon, threatening their son.
Picoult, Jodi. Wonder Woman: Love and Murder. DC. 2007. 978-1-4012-1487-6. $19.99.
Diana Prince, aka Wonder Woman, a special agent for the Department of Metahuman Affairs, is given an assignment to apprehend....herself!
Pink, Daniel H. The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need. Riverhead Trade. 2008. 978-159448-291-5. $15.00.
Johnny is stuck in a dead end job, with no idea how to improve his situation, until he finds a magical guide to help him on the road to career fulfillment.
Realbuzz Studios. Goofyfoot Gurl: Let There Be Lighten Up. Realbuzz Studios. 2007. 978-1-5955-4389-9.
Suki and her friends love hanging out on the beach. They surf and discuss their lives.
Rich, Jamie. Love the Way You Love: Side A Songs of Faith, v. 1. Oni Press. 2007. 978-1932664-66-9. $11.95.
Tristan the lead singer of the Los Angeles band, Like A Dog, has just had his heart broken back from a trip. He then spots his dream girl at the airport. Is it their destiny to be together or a bad decision that could hurt his band? .
Rich, Jamie. Love the Way You Love: Side B, v. 2. Oni Press. 2008. 978-1-932664-95-9. $11.95.
Tristan and Isolde start their relationship together. Isolde's ex-fiancee still wants to get her back and to do that he tries to prevent Tristan's band "Like a Dog" play venues and make a record.
Sakai, Stan. Usagi Yojimbo: Tomoe's Story. Dark Horse Comics. 2008. 978-1-59307-947-5. $15.95.
Tomoe Ame and Miyamoto Usagi have been longtime friends - both on and off the battlefield. Told for the first time is a look back at Tomoe's life, as well as a poignant look at Japanese culture.
Schultz, Mark. The Stuff of Life: A Graphic Guide to Genetics and DNA. Hill and Wang. 2008. 978-0-809089-38-3. $18.98.
Mark Schultz has done the near-impossible. He has taken a complex subject, genetics and DNA, and turned it into a book that is both educational and entertaining.
Schweiger, Dirk. Moresukine: Updated Weekly from Tokyo. NBM. 2008. 978-1-56163-537-5. $18.98.
Dirk Schweiger lived in Tokyo for 6 months and accepted challenges from the Internet to do every week (whether he wanted to or not) and write comics about. Often funny, bizarre, and illuminating, every task says something about Japan as well as what it's like to be a fish out of water.
Sheinkin, Steve. Rabbi Harvey Rides Again: A Graphic Novel of Jewish Folktales Let Loose in the Wild West. Jewish Lights. 2008. 978-1-58023-347-7.
Rabbi Harvey, part sheriff/part King Solomon for his Wild West town, offers advice and humor in ten stories adapted from Jewish folktales.
Shitou, Kyoko. Key to the Kingdom, v. 1. CMX. 2007. 978-1-4012-1393-0. $9.99.
After a king and his eldest son die, the kingdom of Laudere is left without a ruler. Asta, the last surviving member of the royal family, stands in line for the throne. But before he can claim it, he must fulfill a quest: find the legendary "Key to the Kingdom."
Simone, Gail. Welcome to Tranquility, v. 1. Wildstorm. 2007. 978-1-4012-1516-3. $19.99.
Tranquility is where superheros retire, have children and relive the glory days. They are usually a peaceful bunch but when one of their own is murdered they have to put back on the masks and fight along side their troubled teenagers.
Simone, Gail. Welcome to Tranquility, v. 2. Wildstorm. 2008. 978-1-4012-1773-0. $14.99.
In this volume, a group of zombies and satan himself threaten the town of Tranquility.
Sina, A. B. Prince of Persia. First Second. 2008.978-1-59643-207-9. $16.95.
We must remember the future for the future remembers us.
Sizer, Paul. B.P.M.: Beats Per Minute. Cafe Digital. 2008. 978-0-9768565-6-6. $15.99.
Roxy has to choose between her relationship and her career as she works toward being the best DJ in New York City.
Smith, Mark. Aqua Leung. Image Comics. 2008. 978-1-58240-863-7. $17.99.
Adam Leung is on a quest to discover his true nature.
Soo, Kean. Jellaby. Hyperion. 2008. 978-1-4231-0337-0. $18.95.
Quiet, brilliant Portia has just moved to a new neighborhood with her mom. Adjusting to life without a father is hard enough, but school is boring and her classmates are standoffish — and even Portia's mom is strangely distant. But things start looking up when Portia mounts a late-night excursion into the woods behind her house and discovers a shy, sweet-natured purple monster. Life with Jellaby is a lot more exciting, but Portia's purple friend has secrets of his own; secrets that may even lead to the mystery of Portia's father's disappearance.
Steinberger, Aimee Major. Japan Ai: A Tall Girl’s Adventures in Japan. Go Comi. 2007. 978-1-933617-83-1. $16.99.
Manga, anime, ball-jointed doll, and japanese fan (and cartoonist) Aimee Major Steinberger travels on a dream trip to Japan, full of traditional vistas and pure pop culture dreams.
Straczynski, J. Michael. Silver Surfer: Requiem. Marvel. 2007. 978-0-7851-2848-9. $19.99.
The latest offering from the Marvel Knights line. Guest-starring the Fantastic Four! For untold years Norrin Radd has surfed the galaxy, exploring the darkness between stars, witnessing the rise and fall of vast civilizations. Now his ride is about to come to an end. It starts with a small spot — a blemish that will spread until he is no more. Until then, the Silver Surfer would undertake his final voyage — to the one destination that has always eluded him. His journey starts where it began.
Sturm, James. Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow. Hyperion. 2007. 978-0-7868-3901-8. $9.99.
Sturm uses the inspiring story of one of the greatest baseball players ever as a device to show the cruelty and hardships under the Jim Crow days in the South.
Takaya, Natsuki. Fruits Basket, v. 20. Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-4278-0009-1. $9.99.
Akito begins to come to terms with the curse and the bond that ties the zodiac to him just as some of those bonds begin to break.
Takaya, Natsuki. Fruits Basket, v. 21. Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-4278-0682-6. $9.99.
Will Akira go so far as killing Tohru to keep the zodiac from leaving her?
Tamaki, Mariko. Skim. Groundwood Books. 2008. 978-0-8889-9753-1. $18.95.
Kimberly Keiko Cameron ("Skim") is a chubby, sixteen-year-old, sort-of-Wiccan goth girl who is dealing with her schoolmates' reaction to a fellow classmate's suicide, feelings for her English teacher, and the growing rift between her and her best friend.
Tamaki, Mariko. Emiko Superstar. Minx. 2008. 978-1-4012-1536-1. $9.99.
Using her grandmother's clothes and the stolen diary of her employer, Emi becomes an urban street performer.
TenNapel, Doug. Monster Zoo. Image Comics. 2008. 978-1-58240-911-5. $14.99.
Tells the story of a teen, who along with his friends, must survive a night at his local zoo where the animals have mutated into hideous creatures.
Tezuka, Osamu. Black Jack, v. 1. Vertical. 2008. 978-1934287-27-9. $16.95.
Black Jack is a mysterious surgeon-for-hire, who will perform any operation — for a price.
Tezuka, Osamu. Dororo, v. 1. Vertical. 2008. 978-1-934287-16-3. $13.95.
Tezuka, Osamu. Dororo, v. 2. Vertical. 2008. 978-1-934287-17-0. $13.95.
Tezuka, Osamu. Dororo, v. 3. Vertical. 2008. 978-1-934287-18-7. $13.95.
Dororo is a thriller manga featuring a boy who has been robbed of 48 body parts by demons. The story depicts his travels to destroy the demons and win back his body parts to become whole.
Trondheim, Lewis. Kaput & Zosky. First Second. 2008. 978-1-59643-132-4. $13.95.
Kaput and Zosky are alien invaders that travel from planet to planet with the intent to pillage, vaporize and conquer, but something always seems to go wrong.
Umino, Chica. Honey and Clover, v. 1. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1504-5. $8.99.
Art college becomes an even more interesting place for Takamoto when a new girl enrolls in the freshman class.
Umino, Chica. Honey and Clover, v. 2. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1505-2. $9.99.
The group continues to negotiate life in at a Tokyo art college. In this volume Takemoto grows up a bit and Ayu pines for Mayama.
Umino, Chica. Honey and Clover, v. 3. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1505-2. $9.99.
Professor Hanamoto is off in Mongolia on a research trip, and Hagu is having a hard time coping. The gang do their best to help her out, especially Takemoto. But as graduation threatens to alter their friendships forever, Hagu begins to turn toward Morita....
Vaughan, Brian K. The Escapists. Dark Horse. 2007. 978-1-5930-7831-7. $19.95.
Based on fictional comic creators, Kavelier and Clays' the Escapist, Vaughn pulls the superhero into the 21st century via three idealistic young Ohiohians. With little money, they set out to bring the Escapist (literally) back to life.
Way, Gerard. Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite. Dark Horse. 2008. 978-1-59307-978-9. $17.95.
The remaining siblings of the original seven from the Umbrella Academy are bickering superheroes who have to work together to save the planet from one of their own.
Whedon, Joss. Runaways: Dead End Kids. Marvel. 2008. 978-0-7851-2853-3. $19.99.
Teen runaways find a new direction to run — 100 years in the past.
Wilson, G. Willow. Cairo. Vertigo. 2007. 978-1-4012-1140-0. $24.99.
When two young Americans fly to Cairo in search of something other than what they've known, they get more than they bargained for at the hands of a djinn.
Wood, Brian. Local. 2008. Oni Press. 978-1-934964-00-2 . $29.99.
From Brian Wood (Demo, DMZ, Northlanders) and Ryan Kelly (Lucifer, American Virgin) comes Local, a collection of twelve interconnected short stories. Crossing genres as it crosses the country, Local examines Megan McKeenan, a young woman who sets off with nothing but a backpack and a bad case of wanderlust. Each emotional vignette is a self-contained story that represents one year in the life of this young vagabond as she struggles to find a place to call home, both physically and spiritually. Set in twelve real life cities across North America, this deluxe hardcover edition collects for the first time the entire critically acclaimed series.
Wood, Don. Into the Volcano. 2008. Scholastic. 978-0-439-72671-9. $18.99.
Two boys go on the adventure of a lifetime when their mysterious "cousin" shows up at their school.
Yagami, Yu. Hikkatsu! Strike a Blow to Vivify!, v. 1. Go Comi. 2007. 978-1-933617-57-2. $10.99.
Yagami, Yu. Hikkatsu! Strike a Blow to Vivify!, v. 2. Go Comi. 2007. 978-1-933617-58-9. $10.99.
Yagami, Yu. Hikkatsu! Strike a Blow to Vivify!, v. 3. Go Comi. 2007. 978-1-933617-59-6. $10.99.
Shota has decided that if he just practices enough, he can fix appliances...with karate! Not only that, he can save the world. He gathers companions as he goes, from a love-struck girl raised by pigeons to a con-man, but will his determination win the day?
Yazawa, Ai. Nana, v. 8. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1539-7. $8.99.
The beginning of the "pregnancy arc," this volume shows Hachi's agony as she tries to come to grips with her pregnancy without telling her friends what is going on.
azawa, Ai. Nana, v. 9. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1745-2. $8.99.
Takumi and Hachi are getting married, but it's far from a joyous announcement. Nobu and Nana are devastated, and even Takumi's bandmates take the news hard. With paparazzi skulking around for a new scandal to exploit and tensions between Trapnest and Blast on high alert, will Hachi ever get her happily ever after?
Yazawa, Ai. Nana, v. 10. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1746-9. $8.99.
Scandal! The paparazzi have discovered that Nana O. and Ren are a couple and Trapnest sends Ren off to Europe to weather the storm. Will Nana's and Hachi's friendship survive the angstfest that's brewing?
Yazawa, Ai. Nana, v. 11. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1745-2. $8.99.
Ren, who has turned back to drugs, realizes he's at his best with Nana, so decides to propose.
Yazawa, Ai. Nana, v. 12. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1879-4. $8.99.
Now that Nana and Ren are getting married, Takumi decides that his and Hachi's marriage has to be postponed. With more time to think about Nobu, will Hachi change her mind?
Yoshinaga, Fumi. Garden Dreams. Digital Manga Publishing. 2007. 978-1-56970-763-0. $12.95.
Two brothers, traveling bards, disrupt the life of a lonely baron, forcing him to face the losses he has suffered.
Yuki, Kaori. Fairy Cube, V. 1. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1668-4. $8.99.
Ian is known for being a liar. He claims to see fairies and the only one to ever believe him is his friend Rin. She has seen the fairies too. When Rin returns to his school, things start getting weird. People are getting murdered in a gruesome way. After discovering a murder, Ian meets a strange antique owner then loses his body to Tokage (a wing person). In order to save Rin, He must become a wing person himself and play a part in the battle of fairy vs. human. He'll stop at nothing to get his revenge.
Zinn, Howard. A People’s History of American Empire. Henry Holt. 2008. 978-0-8050-8744-4. $17.00.
It's a graphic adaptation from Howard Zinn's best selling book, A People's History of the United States.
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