ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE
Article Published on: 06TH APR 2023 | www.demodemagazine.com
Graphic novels have become an increasingly popular medium for storytelling in recent years. They offer a unique way to tell stories, combining vivid illustrations with rich storytelling, and are capable of tackling complex themes and issues in a way that is both accessible and visually compelling. In this article, we will explore the five best graphic novels of the year, each of which showcases the power of this medium to tell stories in a new and innovative way.
The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
The Magic Fish is a poignant and beautifully illustrated graphic novel that tells the story of Tiến, a young Vietnamese boy growing up in America. Tiến loves reading fairy tales with his mother but struggles to find the words to tell her that he is gay. The Magic Fish explores themes of identity, family, and the immigrant experience, and is both heartfelt and beautifully rendered. Trung Le Nguyen's artwork is a particular highlight, with delicate linework and muted colors that perfectly capture the dreamlike quality of the fairy tales that Tiến and his mother share.
The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist by Adrian Tomine
Adrian Tomine is a master of the graphic novel medium, and his latest work, The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist, is a testament to his skill. The book is a memoir of Tomine's life as a cartoonist, chronicling his struggles with loneliness, self-doubt, and the ups and downs of the creative process. The book is both hilarious and deeply moving, with Tomine's spare linework perfectly capturing the absurdity and pathos of his experiences.
Pulp by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips
Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips are one of the most acclaimed creative teams in the graphic novel world, and their latest work, Pulp, is a tour de force of crime fiction. The book tells the story of Max Winters, a pulp writer in 1930s New York who finds himself embroiled in a dangerous plot involving Nazi spies, femme fatales, and corrupt cops. The book is a love letter to the pulp fiction of the era, with Brubaker's sharp dialogue and Phillips' moody, noirish artwork perfectly capturing the tone and atmosphere of the genre.
The Sandman: The Lockdown Sessions by Neil Gaiman and a Host of Artists
Neil Gaiman's Sandman series is one of the most beloved and influential works in the history of graphic novels, and this year saw the release of a special lockdown edition featuring new stories by Gaiman and a host of talented artists. The Lockdown Sessions explores the world of the Sandman in new and innovative ways, with each story taking on a different theme or approach. From tales of love and loss to examinations of the creative process, The Lockdown Sessions is a must-read for any fan of the Sandman series.
Blue in Green by Ram V and Anand RK
Blue in Green is a haunting and beautifully illustrated graphic novel that tells the story of a jazz pianist struggling to find his voice. The book explores themes of art, identity, and the search for meaning, with Ram V's lyrical writing and Anand RK's evocative artwork perfectly capturing the mood and atmosphere of the jazz world. The book is a masterclass in how to tell a story through images and is a testament to the power of the graphic novel medium.
In conclusion, these five graphic novels represent the best of the medium, each showcasing the power of graphic novels to tell stories in a new and innovative way. From memoirs to crime fiction, and from fairy tales to jazz, these books offer something for everyone and are a testament to the richness and diversity of the graphic novel medium.