Be drawn into these graphic novels

By Isabella Purdy & Jennifer Trend, Staff Writers

The graphic novel section of the library is home to multiple volumes of comics, manga and adaptations of books, portraying heroes and villains in their comic counterparts. With the collaboration of a writer and an illustrator, these graphic novels have stood out for its popularity, uniqueness and creativity, bringing to life the author’s imagination.

Maximum Ride by James Patterson, illustrated by Narae Lee

Maximum Ride and her ‘flock,’ are anything but ordinary; they all have bird wings and odd powers from being genetically tested on and raised in cages. When Angel, the youngest of the flock, is captured and taken back to “The School,” Max, Fang and Nudge immediately leave the home they’ve never left and brave the real world in order to save her. They force Iggy and Gazzy to stay behind, later to be reunited after trouble at home arises. But what will happen to the group when faced with those who captured Angel? Or the Erasers, half wolf mutants? Can they find out what larger plan they’re a part of before it’s too late?

Illustrated into a manga, it gives new perspectives to the characters and how they look and act. It is interesting to see the way Lee interpreted the original book, with enough differences to give it it’s own style.

Fairy Tail by Hiro Mashima

“Lucy Heartfilia, a traveling Mage, meets Natsu Dragneel, a Mage looking for his foster parent, a Dragon named Igneel, with his best friend, Happy, a blue, talking and flying cat. Shortly after their meeting, Lucy is abducted by Bora of Prominence, who was posing as Salamander of Fairy Tail, to be sold as a slave. Natsu rescues her and reveals that he is the real Salamander of Fairy Tail and has the skills of a Dragon Slayer, a form of Lost Magic. He offers her membership into the guild, which she gladly accepts. They, along with the armored Mage Erza Scarlet, Ice-Make Mage Gray Fullbuster, and Happy, become a team performing various missions offered to the Fairy Tail Guild,”  (http://fairytail.wikia.com/wiki/Fairy_Tail_(Series))

This manga series has become quite popular due to it being published weekly and its long run from 2006 to 2017 has made it a big hit with fans.  The artwork in this series is incredible, with characters that will leave lasting impressions on you.

The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, illustrated by Hyekyung Baek

Taking place in 1878, Tessa Gray stumbles across Will Herondale and Jem Carstairs when she arrives in London, sparking trouble and mystery given the fact that she shouldn’t be able to see them. Introduced into a world where vampires, werewolves, fairies and nephellium are real, Tessa becomes a part of the London Institute, some welcoming her and others pushing her away. And then there are the two boys who seem to have fallen in love with her, Will, the one who pushes her away and Jem, who is dying of a drug meant to keep him alive. When an evil unknown to the Shadowhunters arrives, what will Tessa and her newfound allies do to stop it?

Based off of the series written by Cassandra Clare, this novel gives a new look at old and new characters and the world they live in. While things may seem different than what they appear, the art doesn’t disappoint, effectively conveying each character’s emotions.

Black Butler by Yana Toboso

This series of manga made into a popular anime show has gorgeous artwork that gets better which each issue.  Follow the story of Ciel Phantomhive, a young Earl that lost his whole family in a fire. When put in a situation that tests his limits and tortures him shortly after he makes a pact with a demon.  The demon goes by the name Sebastian and vows to serve the young Earl until the day he dies and in return, will devour his soul when he dies. Together Sebastian and the Earl help the queen with various issues in Great Britain and beyond while meeting a unique cast of characters.

This series has to be one of our favorites for the gorgeous and ever-improving art style of Toboso.  The plot is enticing and unveils more of the past with each issue, creating jaw dropping cliffhangers that make you want to go on to the next issue right away.  The characters are very likable  and all have unique quirks and characteristics that make them interesting to follow.

Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth by Grant Morrison, illustrated by Dave McKean

“In this groundbreaking, painted graphic novel, the inmates of Arkham Asylum have taken over Gotham’s detention center for the criminally insane on April Fools Day, demanding Batman in exchange for their hostages. Accepting their demented challenge, Batman is forced to live and endure the personal hells of the Joker, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Two-Face and many other sworn enemies in order to save the innocents and retake the prison. During his run through this absurd gauntlet, the Dark Knight’s own sanity is placed in jeopardy. This special anniversary edition trade paperback also reproduces the original script with annotations by Morrison and editor Karen Berger.”  (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22374.Batman)

This graphic novel is the Suicide Squad’s trip down memory lane with Batman himself. Putting the reader in the shoes of the villains, the novel shows us that the evil aren’t all evil and the good aren’t purely good.  The illustrations and twisted plot and story line contribute to an invoking read for DC comics lovers.

Wires and Nerve by Marissa Meyer, illustrated by Doug Holgate

Ever heard or read about The Lunar Chronicles? Wires and Nerve is the continuation of the series as a graphic novel, following Iko, an android, and her journey to stop the wolf-hybrid soldiers from upsetting the peace between Luna and Earth. She reluctantly joins with Liam Kinney to stop these forces and realizes that there might be something more sinister at play which could harm the past Rampion crew and the future of Earth.

It’s art and design are different than that of traditional comics or manga, giving a more cartoony vibe. It gave insight on how old characters and the planets are doing, answering questions fans want, yet introducing a new story further expanding a world well loved in a graphic novel form.

Wonder Woman: Volume 1, Blood by Brian Azzarello, illustrated by Cliff Chiang and Tony Akins

“Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, has kept a secret from her daughter all her life and when Wonder Woman learns who her father is, her life will shatter like brittle clay. The only one more shocked than Diana by this revelation? Bloodthirsty Hera. So why is her sinister daughter, Strife, so eager for the truth to be told?”  (https://books.google.com/books/about/Wonder_Woman_Blood.html?id=YHeQtgAACAAJ&hl=en)

Chances are if you loved the movie like we did, you’ll love its graphic novel counterpart.  With fascinating art work and as a continuation of the movie, this graphic novel is a must read for all of the DC fans out there.