Have you ever had one of those months where it feels like you’re on a hamster wheel, just trying to keep up? That’s what April felt like for me. So much happened, including moving Super ELA! to a new server (not fun) and going to my first comic convention (lots of fun!). All of this is to say, I fell behind with my graphic novel reading challenge, but I’m finally ready to share my picks for May.
May Graphic Novel & Comic Recommendations
This month’s picks are an eclectic mix of graphic novels and comics. Compared to March and April, the titles skew far more adult than my previous choices. Thus, I would not recommend most of these titles for anyone younger than 14 or 15.
Slaughterhouse-Five: The Graphic Novel
By Kurt Vonnegut with Ryan North and Albert Monteys
Many people are familiar with the sci-fi, anti-war classic Slaughterhouse-Five. The original is infinitely re-readable, but I suggest that the next time you reach for Vonnegut, you pick up the graphic novel adaptation by Ryan North and Albert Monteys. They have masterfully translated Billy Pilgrim’s experiences traveling through time and space into a visually stunning text that stays close to Vonnegut’s original telling. There are some ways in which the graphic novel actually enhances the original, like the panels that show the visual experience of Tralfamadorian literature. If I ever teach this book, I will definitely have the graphic novel available for my struggling readers. Poo-tee-weet!
Three Shadows
By Cyril Pedrosa
Three Shadows by Cyril Pedrosa has minimal dialogue but maximum emotion. Inspired by the death of a friend’s child, Pedrosa created Three Shadows as a kind of fable that captures the incredible pain a parent experiences when a child dies. Pedrosa’s background in animation on films like Hercules is evident in the dynamic illustrations that are so full of energy they practically leap off the page. Don’t expect to make it to the end of this book without shedding a few tears.
Shortcomings
By Adrian Tomine
Shortcomings by Adrian Tomine is the most adult of the installments for this month, as it deals with mature relationships and themes. The story follows Ben Tanaka, a Japanese-American protagonist who lives in San Francisco. Ben’s most salient characteristics are his anger and negativity, and they function as his hamartia, or tragic flaw. While readers don’t get a very satisfying conclusion (don’t expect any major epiphanies), they do get to watch Ben in this slice of life telling, enjoy the colorful cast of characters, and contemplate the ways in which one’s shortcomings can act as barriers to personal happiness and fulfillment.
Action Pack and Action Pack-2
By Salvador Raga
I had the pleasure of meeting artist and writer Salvador Raga at the Suncoast Comic-Con. He is not only a talented artist, but also a friendly and encouraging guy who will take the time to have a genuine conversation with you. I ended up picking up two of his comics: Action Pack and Action Pack-2.
- Action Pack tells the story of two assassins. One is a master of disguise, while the other conceals her identity with a panda mask. Both stories feature mysterious women, each with a different motive for killing.
- Action Pack-2 also tells two stories. The first shows the relationship between a master swordsman and his protégé, while the second focuses on vicious coyotes who target doers of misdeeds.
As the titles suggest, these comics are packed with action that is as masterfully drawn as it is brutal. You can connect with Raga about these titles and explore his other work via Instagram.
Recommendation Wrap-up
Challenges are so-called because they are not easy to do, which is what I experienced with this reading challenge when April filled up with events. However, I’m still enjoying the experience, and I can’t wait to read and share more titles for June!
Know any graphic novels or comics that you’d like to see featured? Send the title to maskedmotif@super-ela.com, and they could appear in upcoming posts!
Why Graphic Novels?
Graphic novels are great for reluctant readers! They support reading comprehension by chunking texts and providing picture support. Want to know more? Check out this article from Brightly that details the many ways the comic genre can help make bookworms of us all.