Best Comics & Graphic Novels in 2023

"They Called Us Enemy" is a graphic memoir written by George Takei, a Japanese American actor and social justice advocate, who was imprisoned in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II. The book tells the story of Takei's experience of being forced to leave his home and community in Los Angeles and being imprisoned in a camp in Arkansas, along with his family and other Japanese Americans. The book also explores the broader history of Japanese American internment during World War II and the lasting impact of this dark chapter in American history. "They Called Us Enemy" was published in 2019 and has received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful and poignant storytelling.

Sometimes a song can save your life.

Love of music unites the four members of the band Given: hotheaded guitarist Uenoyama, playboy drummer Akihiko, gentle bassist Haruki, and Mafuyu, a singer gifted with great talent and burdened by past tragedy. Their struggles and conflicts may drive them apart, but their bond to the music—and to one another—always brings them back together again.

Ritsuka Uenoyama is bored with it all—with school, with his basketball club, and even with his one true passion: playing the guitar. That is, until the day he finds his favourite hidden napping spot occupied by a strange boy cradling a broken-stringed guitar. At first, Uenoyama is nonplussed by Mafuyu Sato and his slightly odd behaviour, but when, on a whim, he asks Mafuyu to sing, the power of that song pierces him to the core.

Nakamura loves a boy in his class--now he just has to keep himself together!

Nakamura is a shy boy who falls in love at first sight with another boy--his dreamy high school classmate Hirose. But there's a problem: they haven’t met yet. And Nakamura is a total klutz who might bungle things before they even begin! This endearing Boy’s Love comedy about the trials of high school, follow Nakamura’s hilarious attempts to cling to happiness.

Sometimes a song can save your life.

Love of music unites the four members of the band Given: hotheaded guitarist Uenoyama, playboy drummer Akihiko, gentle bassist Haruki, and Mafuyu, a singer gifted with great talent and burdened by past tragedy. Their struggles and conflicts may drive them apart, but their bond to the music—and to each other—always brings them back together again.

As the band races toward their first live concert, Mafuyu struggles to write lyrics for their new song but can’t find the words to express the emotions burning within him. Meanwhile, Uenoyama hears rumours about Mafuyu’s past and is bewildered by his own feelings. The tension builds until the night of the show when the band explodes into a raging, life-changing performance.

"The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars Library Edition" is a graphic novel that is part of a series based on the television show "The Legend of Korra." The book was written by Michael Dante DiMartino and illustrated by Irene Koh. It is a continuation of the "Legend of Korra" story that picks up where the television show left off and follows Korra and Asami as they navigate their relationship and the challenges that arise in their new life together. The library edition of the book includes all three parts of the "Turf Wars" trilogy in a single hardcover volume.

"Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic" is a graphic memoir written and illustrated by Alison Bechdel. It tells the story of Alison's relationship with her father, a high school English teacher and funeral home director, and how his homosexuality and eventual suicide affected her own identity and understanding of her family. The book has received widespread critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album. It was also adapted into a successful Broadway musical.

"Avatar: The Last Airbender Imbalance Library Edition" is a graphic novel that is part of a series based on the television show "Avatar: The Last Airbender." The book was written by Faith Erin Hicks and drawn by Peter Wartman. It is set in the fantasy world of Avatar, where some people have the ability to manipulate the elements and are known as "benders." The story follows Aang, the last surviving Airbender, and his friends as they try to bring balance to the world and defeat the evil Fire Nation. The library edition of the book includes all three parts of the "Imbalance" trilogy in a single hardcover volume.

"Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku 1" is a manga series written and illustrated by Fujita. It follows the romantic relationships of four otaku, or people with obsessive interests in specific areas, such as anime, manga, and video games. The series explores the challenges and joys of dating and being in a relationship as an otaku, and the ways in which their interests intersect with and affect their personal lives. The first volume of the series was published in Japan in 2014, and it has since been licensed for English-language release in various countries.

"Star Spinner Tarot: (Inclusive, Diverse, LGBTQ Deck of Tarot Cards, Modern Version of Classic Tarot Mysticism)" is a deck of tarot cards designed to be inclusive, diverse, and LGBTQ-friendly. It is a modern interpretation of classic tarot mysticism, with artwork and symbolism that reflects a wide range of cultures, experiences, and identities. The deck includes 78 cards, each with its own unique design and meaning, as well as a guidebook to help users interpret and work with the cards. It is intended for use in tarot readings, self-exploration, and personal growth.

Out of all LGBT comics and graphics novel I love this one very much. Kasumi and Kyousuke are polar opposites when it comes to personality. Kasumi is reserved, soft-spoken and shy; Kyousuke is energetic and has always been popular among their peers. As the saying goes though, opposites have a tendency to attract, and these two have been fast friends since elementary school. To Kasumi, Kyousuke has always been a hero to look up to, someone who supports him and saves him from the bullies. But now, school is over; their relationship suddenly becomes a lot less simple to describe. Facing the world — and one another — as adults, both men find there are things they struggle to say out loud, even to each other. 

"Katie the Catsitter" is a children's book written and illustrated by Colleen Venable. It tells the story of Katie, a young girl who loves cats and dreams of becoming a professional catsitter. When her neighbour asks her to take care of her cats while she is away, Katie jumps at the chance to put her skills to the test. However, things don't go as smoothly as Katie hoped, and she learns that taking care of cats can be harder than it looks. The book is aimed at young readers and is meant to teach lessons about responsibility and the rewards of hard work.

"Cat Kid Comic Club: Collaborations: A Graphic Novel (Cat Kid Comic Club #4): From the Creator of Dog Man" is the fourth book in the "Cat Kid Comic Club" series, written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey, the creator of the "Dog Man" series. The book follows the adventures of a group of young cats who form a comic club and learn to create their own comics. In this instalment, the club members team up with their hero, Cat Man, to create a special comic book. Along the way, they learn about the importance of collaboration, creativity, and teamwork. The "Cat Kid Comic Club" series is aimed at middle-grade readers and is known for its humour, engaging characters, and positive messages.

"The Far Side® 2023 Off-the-Wall Calendar" is a calendar featuring the work of cartoonist Gary Larson, creator of the popular comic strip "The Far Side." The calendar includes a selection of "The Far Side" cartoons for each month of the year, as well as ample space for writing appointments and notes. "The Far Side" is known for its offbeat sense of humour and unconventional panel layouts and has been a favourite of many readers for decades.

"Stranger Things: The Other Side" is a graphic novel based on the popular Netflix television series "Stranger Things." The book was written by Jody Houser and illustrated by Stefano Martino, Keith Champagne, Lauren Affe, and Nate Piekos. It follows the story of Will Byers, a young boy who becomes trapped in an alternate dimension called the Upside Down, and the efforts of his friends and family to rescue him. The graphic novel expands on the events of the television show and offers new insights into the characters and their motivations. It is part of a larger "Stranger Things" media franchise that includes other books, video games, and merchandise.