5 Non-Big Two Selections by Jacqui

If you’re big into superheroes, the library has a range DC and Marvel comics (both serials and trade paperbacks) – BUT if you’re looking to try something different, this is the list for you!

Want to review/recommend a book, DVD or LP record? Email us at msa-library@monash.edu – all reviews will go into the draw for a $20 MSA voucher each month!

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

A really cute fantasy story about a shapeshifting teenage girl who wants to be a sidekick to the world’s most notorious supervillain. Two problems: she’s actually better at being a villain than he is, and he’s got a mysterious past with the captain of the royal guard. Also she can turn into a shark.

Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Waters, Brooke Allen, Faith Hicks & Kat Leyh

Another really cute one about kids solving mysteries and going on adventures at a Girl Scouts camp. Lumberjanes is chock-full of paranormal conspiracy theories, arts and crafts, baby feminists, and the power of friendship! If you know any kids who like comics this is a great one for ages 8 and older.

To be or not to be and Romeo and/or Juliet by Ryan North

Shakespeare’s classic plays done in a truly superior format: the choose-your-own-adventure graphic novel. These books are hours of fun with dozens of different plotlines, and illustrations by a different artist on every page.

Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Saga is about as close to “gritty” as this list gets (but check out the Walking Dead graphic novels if that’s what you’re looking for….). A family is torn apart by an intergalactic war, and must cross the universe to be reunited. Space politics, pop culture, and outlandish violence are standard fare in this one.

Hellboy by Mike Mignola

If you liked Gueillermo Del Toro’s Hellboy movies, check out the original paranormal detective comic series that they’re based on. They’re weird, they’re sad, they’re funny, and the art is stunning.

Honourable Mentions:

• Trees by Warren Ellis
• Papergirls by Brian K Vaughan and Cliff Chiang
• The Wicked + The Divine by Kieron Gillen & Jamie McKelvie
• Outcast by Robert Kirkman and Paul Azaceta

I’ll level with you – oneof my favourite artists, Noelle Stevenson, worked on at least three of these titles. So yes the list is biased, but these are just my favourites!