Adventures in Graphic Novels by Evie.
There is something incredibly exciting about the independence that comes with reading graphic novels and illustrated tales – whether you decide to let the words guide you through its pages or if the images grasp your attention first.
The growing intrigue surrounding this form of novel is one that we share and has since inspired us to expand our collection. There are so many new titles that have arrived in store (many of which I am eager to read), from some well-loved classics brought to life with new illustrations to some terrifying stories that will haunt your shelves. Selfishly, I am going to talk to you about my favourites (though it is very hard to narrow it down to only 3). So, whether you are someone who already loves graphic novels or someone looking for a place to start, there is something for you tucked in our shelves.
The Strange Tales of Oscar Zahn: Vol 1 by Tri Vuong
Now don’t be fooled by the dark and somewhat sinister front cover that lays before you. This book holds a collection of tales which follows a paranormal investigator and all the strange and troubled spirits he meets. Oscar himself is a rather peculiar character – by that I mean he’s a floating skull dressed in a tailored suit.
As someone who frequently (or almost always) reads novels, I can whole heartedly say the world and the characters within each of these pages certainly wouldn’t have looked as good in my imagination.
This is just the start of a new and exciting series, and it is safe to say Oscar and his spooky adventures have won me over. Let’s just say it’s been added to my ever growing list of books to read.
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
This beautiful book illustrates the life of Peter Wohlleben, a forester of 30 years and a man eager to protect our forests and the wildlife that inhabits them. It is Wohlleben’s genuine passion and contagious enthusiasm for trees that makes this book so wonderful. I have to say one of my favourite parts of this book is that each change of season is announced by an incredible double page spread of a tree as it blossoms and eventually sheds its leaves.
I rarely venture out of my bubble of fictional reading but if there was anything that stood a chance of coaxing me out – it would be a book as intriguing and magnificent as this. With its beautiful illustrations, Wohlleben ensures the hidden life of trees are seen and certainly makes non-fiction even more approachable for fiction lovers like me!
The Outsider by Albert Camus
This adaption brings together the works of two incredible minds to create a masterpiece. This manga edition of ‘The Outsider’ combines the writing of French author, Albert Camus, alongside Japanese illustrator, Ryota Kurumado eerie drawings.
What makes this collaboration even more extraordinary (and makes me feel even more keen to read it) is that it was Camus’ family that asked Kurumado to bring this well-loved (and extremely dark) classic to life. This novel examines the mind of an outcast and asks, what is it that drives him to commit this violent and unprovoked act of defiance?
It is often a misconception that the images of a graphic novel can only support the text it accompanies. They can bring light to something you may have never noticed before or may have otherwise missed. This is the power of a graphic novel – the ability to depict an otherwise invisible existence. Despite already knowing this story all too well, I am still itching to read this new edition.
There is a graphic novel for all readers. So please come and explore the shelves of our new collection and if you see me loitering around it, looking longingly at its stacks of books – then pretend you didn’t.