As I mentioned in my post reflecting on my 2015 goals and resolutions that, while it wasn’t one of my actual goals or resolutions, I was really proud of myself for branching out and giving graphic novels and comics a try! I’m always about trying new things and on a whim I picked up this first one at the library this Fall and got pretty hooked! I can’t wait to read more comics and graphic novels in 2016 but I wanted to share the 3 I read in the past couple of months!
Wytches Volume 1 by Scott Snyder: This was my first comic I’ve ever read (saw it at the library and picked it up on a whim) and I enjoyed it! It was dark, disturbing and a cool take on witches! I can’t wait to dive deeper into the lore of the witches in this comic. The ending was of the “OMG” variety and I loved the relationship between the father and daughter. If you like horror, check this one out!
Will I continue on? YES! Especially after that cliffhanger of an ending I’m dying to find out what will happen next!
Rating: 
Nimona by Noelle Stevenson: I had heard a lot about this graphic novel all over the YA book world and it was as good as everyone said. Very cool superhero story that makes you question who is a hero and who is a villain and people are too complex for such labels. I had heard things like “subversive!” and “irreverant!” to describe it and that’s pretty apt! It’s snarky, sassy and I giggled quite a few times. The characters are endearing and their relationships, and what they bring out in the individual characters, is full of emotion and feelings. The art is incredible!!! Just an all around delightful and thought-provoking read! Can’t wait to start Lumberjanes!
Rating: 
Saga Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staple: I LOOOVED this space opera comic! My friend Lindsey (she blogs here and here) was devouring these and obsessing over them so clearly I had to check them out. I read it after our Christmas festivities and ran to my computer to reserve Volume 2. Planning to read it soon! The story is so epic and I love the plot of two soliders from opposite sides of this space war falling in love, having a baby and being pursued by those trying to destroy them and their baby. It’s action packed and the ending leaves you clamoring for the next volume because WILL THEY FIND SAFETY?!? Plus there is so much I want to know! I loved some of the side characters and will be curious to see how their storylines come together even more.
Will I continue on? Oh yes! I have volume 2 in front of me!
Rating:
Are you into comics? Graphic novels? Tell me which ones you like! I am still working my way through these recs from you all but would love any more!!
Wendy @ Book Scents says
I actually just started reading some more graphic novels! I hadn’t read them really in the past. I read Watchmen ages ago (back in college?) and really liked it but that was about it. Then I picked up the Serenity comics because I looooved the show Firefly and it was a continuation so I simply had to read it. And then since so many people have been raving about graphic novels more, I recently read Saga and the Wicked + the divine! REALLY liked Saga as well! I have vol 2 on hold at the library too 🙂
Jamie says
YAY us trying new things and branching out! Watchmen is one I want to get to because I remember hearing a lot about it. YES so likely we will be reading Vol 2 together!! Some others I want to try: Lumberjanes, Alex & Adi and Alias (it’s the Jessica Jones one and I LOVED Jessica Jones when Will and I watched it recently on Netflix!)
Emmah says
I’ve only read a couple! I just finished “Operation S.I.N.: Agent Carter” last night. And that was pretty good.
But I REALLY want to read the Ms. Marvel collection (I have the first one, but there’s 4 more), Thor (the girl version), and the Mind The Gap collection!
Jamie says
The Ms. Marvel collection sounds great!!
Josephine says
I really want to get into the genre of graphic novels! The only one I’ve read so far is The Walking Dead because I’m a crazy fan of zombies and such. I tried reading Saga but didn’t really get into it because I was so bombarded with other reading necessities at the time!
Jamie says
I SO want to read The Walking Dead comics because I’m a huge fan of the show but I’ll probably wait! Like I know they differ (and I’ve heard spoilers from the comics) but it does seem like a lot of big plot points are similar so maybe one day when TWD is over I’ll get into the comics!!
I really want to read Lumberjanes!! And also, I think maybe you should check out Wytches if you like TWD. They aren’t zombies but they are hella scary witches like I’ve never seen!
Rachel Lightwood @ Isytria says
I did exactly the same thing last year, Jamie! I hadn’t read a graphic novel before Jan of last year, and as of Jan this year? I’ve read close to 40 – I love them! Saga was definitely a stand out for me. I read the first four volumes and fell in love with the world (& Marko!). Vol 4 is really, really good.
Jamie says
That is so going to be me THIS year…continuing on with that comic/graphic novel love! I can’t wait to continue on with Saga! Any other recs out of the ones you’ve read??
Rachel Lightwood @ Isytria says
Depends on what you like – I read a middle grade fantasy series called Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi that artwork was indescribably beautiful so I’d recommend that if you don’t mind a mild plot and somewhat juvenile character. I also enjoyed Brian K. Vauaghan’s other series, Ex Machina (what I’ve read of it so far) that’s about an ex-superhero/vigilante that became the mayor of NY because he wasn’t good at being a suerphero! It’s set in a alternate NY in 2002 – the MC helped stopped some of the 9/11 attacks. It’s a little politically heavy but I found it intriguing and I love the MC. Emily Wood’s Through the Woods is haunting yet beautiful, if you love horror and fairytales – the author does webseries so they’re a good place to start (try Out of her Skin – or something like, links on her GR page). Morning Glories by Nick Spencer will knock your socks of if you want something surprising and thrilling – I’ve only read the first two volumes though.
^Sorry for the long comment, but I hope you find something else to love!
Stormy says
I think both of us started branching into graphic novels around the same time! I’ve heard so many good things about Saga. I haven’t read it yet, but I did order it with a Christmas gift card so I’me excited to dive into it, and I LOVED Nimona. I’ve been curious about Wytches, but not enough to buy it new and my library doesn’t have a graphic novel/comic collection, so hopefully in a few months it will start appearing at the used book store. I also read Through the Woods, a short story collection in graphic novel format, and LOVED that. I read it back in October and it was perfect to read around Halloween.
Jamie says
YEAY I will be excited to hear what you think about Saga! And I think Wytches (IMO) is definitely a borrow or buy cheap one. Like I enjoyed it but not like SUPER enough to want to own it…who knows..that may change as I continue on with it..but as of right now I think your decision is good! That’s a shame your library doesn’t have a section for comics and graphic novels. We have one but it’s pretty small though I am able to get a lot of them through the interloan library with the county! I will def be checking out Through the Woods.
Lindsey says
Yay!! So happy you’ve gone into the deep end ;D and FYI, Saga just keeps getting better so you’ve got some good stuff to look forward to!
Jamie says
I BLAME YOU. IT IS YOUR FAULT FOR THIS NEW COMIC INTEREST. You talked about Saga and it wasn’t there at my library because someone had it out and then I couldn’t wait so I picked up Wytches and Nimona!! ALL THE BLAME ON YOU. And omg I was going to text you about Saga but it was Christmas day when I finished and I was like YEAH PROBS SHOULDN’T. But next time I see you we must discuss particularly because I will likely have read volume 2.
Reno @ Falling Letters says
These are ALL on my comics TBR! Glad to hear you enjoyed them. Maybe I’ll finally get around to them this year 😛
Annalisse says
I read so many comics and graphic novels now and the switch came probably two years ago from one to a ton. A lot of them are Marvel comics, superheroes and Star Wars. I read Nimona and Saga and loved both of them. Some of my favorite series are Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, Black Widow, and Lumberjanes.
Trina (Between Chapters) says
Oooo, glad to hear your review of Wytches. I haven’t read it yet! LOOOOOOVED Nimona! Saga is a story I enjoy but I can’t unsee some of the nude scenes (not the sex scenes, at least it’s fitting during those). I did not need to know the anatomy of trolls, k thanks.
Trina (Between Chapters) says
Oh! Have you read Blankets by Craig Thompson? It’s a contemporary graphic novel about first love! Really impactful.
Beth W says
Saga is my crack (as Y: The Last Man was, before it). I’ll definitely check out Wytches…thanks!
Emma @ Emma Likes Books says
I read Nimona and Lumberjanes in 2015 and loved them both. The artwork, stories, and characters all are so good. Sometimes I feel like the artwork is really pretty but I can’t get into the story. Sometimes the story is good, but the artwork isn’t for me. Saga was really good too. I’ve only read the first two volumes though.
Tamara @ Gone with the Words says
I started reading graphic novels last year and totally fell in love with them. I just got Saga Vol 2 and 3 because I just couldn’t handle not knowing what happens next either! I also recommend The Wicked + the Divine and Lazarus if you’re looking for some more titles to read. I haven’t read Nimona yet but I’ve heard a lot of great things about it and it’s definitely on my list. Wythces was interesting but I think I’ll borrow the next vol instead of buying it. It just didn’t draw me in like Saga did.
Kristin | My Life as a Teacup says
So glad you enjoyed all of these (They’re all some of my favorites!) Rat Queens is like an R-rated, high fantasy/RPG Lumberjanes that’s lots of fun. And Scott Snyder’s Batman is always a treat (especially if you liked Wytches!)
Lindsay says
I’m proud of myself for branching out to graphic novels last year too! I read the first three volumes of “Saga” at the end of 2015 and loved them. It’s amazing how much story can be packed into those drawings and a few words. I’m deciding whether I want to go ahead and blow through the volumes 4 ad 5 or spread the excitement out a little. The next graphic novel series I’m planning to try is “Rat Queens.” And I’ve heard good things about Brian K. Vaughn’s other series, “The Last Man.”
Jenn @ Give a Hoot Read a Book says
Yes, graphic novels!! Wytches sounds interesting and I have heard all the hype about Nimona too, so I want to try it soon. I LOOOOVE Saga, I just got the newest one for Christmas.
Some of my favorites lately: Jem & the Holograms (yes, like the cartoon but updated and surprisingly good!); Locke & Key (horror-Joe Hill); My Little Pony (because I got addicted to the cartoon last summer lol); Gotham Academy; Groot.
And my absolute favorite series ever that I always recommend to everyone I meet: Strangers in Paradise by Terry Moore. One of the first comics I read around age 15 per my dad’s insistence and I still reread the entire series every few years. Terry Moore has a knack for getting into your heart and twisting it all up. He is a master storyteller of relationships, love, hate, women, revenge, deceit, and so much more.
Samantha says
Graphic Novels are my new kryptonite. My husband got me hooked on Batman and I’ve been a long time fan of Teen Titans. I’m looking forward to the Poison Ivy series coming out and Bombshells. Plus the New 52 Harley Quinn is off the chain. I’ve I given it away that I’m a huge D.C. Comic fan?
Lisa @ Bookish Broads says
I read NIMONA in like a sitting. That’s the BEST part of Graphic Novels for me! Loved her complexity and ferocity.
Maeghan says
Jamie! I just finished reading Giant Days, Vol. 1 by John Allison. As soon as I was down reading the first one I just HAD to tell someone and you came to mind. Have you read Giant Days? It’s soooooooo good! It’s girly in a way but makes you love having friends that are girls. It’s hard to explain. I didn’t think I would like it when I looked at it. I was SO WRONG! Add it to your TBR list. 🙂
Jamie says
Ooooh haven’t even heard of this but you have sold me!!! Thank you! Adding this to my library list!