Graphic novels with the special vibes
Graphic novels and comics have captivated me since I was young. The pop of hand-drawn art combined with easy-to-read speech bubbles makes these books unlike any other literature. I could go on and on about the many graphic novels that have inspired me throughout the years.
But what, you ask, are the special vibes? It’s hard to describe. The graphic novel usually has these qualities:
- Digitally drawn art in a non-realistic style
- Cohesive character designs and intricate, detail-focused backgrounds
- Tons of LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and neurodiversity rep as well as other diverse characters
- Whimsical, with at least some fantasy genre
- Simple, classic themes such as kindness and cooperation presented in an exciting way
- Hilarious, clueless villains and lovable (though often annoying) characters
As I talk about the five graphic novels I’ve found that share these exact traits, you will get a better sense of the special vibes. I have ranked the five books from least favorite to most (although it’s hard to say anything is my “least favorite.” Let’s get started!
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Other authors and books to check out.
5. Dungeon Critters by Natalie Riess & Sara Goetter
I put Dungeon Critters fifth on the list NOT because it is, in any way, a bad book (it’s the opposite), simply because the other books are more fitting of the special vibes. I highly recommend this book to anyone!
It started as a web comic and was redone as a beautiful graphic novel. Starring a pyromaniac cat, a buff snake, a frog prince and an exhausted golden retriever, Dungeon Critters will have you laughing at any age. The ragtag adventurers go on a hilarious quest to uncover secrets about a strange plant and an even stranger Baron (frog prince Chirp’s sworn nemesis). Relatable characters and wonderful color palettes set the scene. Riess and Goetter are genius authors that you can’t miss in the world of graphic novels.
This is the Dungeon Critters website. You can order Dungeon Critters on Amazon, at your local library, or wherever books are sold.
4. Cucumber Quest series by Gigi D. G.
Vibrant, lineless art and startling humor make this series an absolute gem. Cucumber, the not-hero, goes on an epic journey to save Dreamside from the Nightmare Knight. He’s joined by his sister Almond, who is considerably more heroish but who is always dismissed as a “little sister” (which infuriates her)! Along the way, Cucumber and Almond meet friends and enemies and encounter… weird dads. Kids will especially enjoy this fantastic, wholesome adventure!
The series is currently 4 books long, but the printing of the later books was canceled. But don’t fret: Gigi Digi, the author, explains the discontinuation and offers an illustrated script format to complete the story. This is the Cucumber Quest website. You can order Cucumber Quest volumes on Amazon, at your local library, or wherever books are sold.
3. Beetle & the Hollowbones by Aliza Lane
This book is so magical. Not only does it have LGBTQ+ rep, and for the main character, no less, it’s a hilarous slice-of-life-meets-fantasy story that I couldn’t put down. Beetle & the Hollowbones is the comfort food of books.
The author’s website has this to say about Beetle: “An enchanting, riotous, and playfully illustrated debut graphic novel following a young goblin trying to save her best friend from the haunted mall—perfect for fans of Steven Universe and Adventure Time.”
Also, I need to shoutout Aliza Layne because she is an absolutely INCREDIBLE artist – it’s a beautiful use of color and shapes that mmake her art so enticing. Anyway, you can order/buy Beetle wherever books are sold.
2. Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
Snapdragon is a work of genius that’s impossible to ignore. Snap investigates her town’s “witch,” only to find a grumpy but lovable lady that collects roadkill and sells their skeletons online. Through connecting with Jacks the witch, Snap discovers her passions and the strange magic inside herself. Special twists include a wholesome trans coming out story, an unlikely connection to a family past, and forming lasting friendships! I cannot wait for you to read Snapdragon. It is truly a joy to read.
Snapdragon is a single book. It doesn’t have its own website, but the author does. (Funny story: I met Kat Leyh at a Comic Con once!) You can find Snapdragon on Amazon, your local library, or wherever books are sold!
1. The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell
This is by far my favorite graphic novel. As soon as I saw this book, I was absolutely spellbound. As an artist, it’s hard not to be jealous of the jaw-dropping art style and the powerful messages packed into easy-to-digest pages. The power of friendship and make-believe may seem cheesy, but it really resonates when you read The Cardboard Kingdom.
A group of neighborhood kids bring an imaginary kingdom to life as they take on their dream identities: superheroes, scholars, scientists, and so many more. Hint: a Sorceress, a Mad Scientist, and a fierce lemonade entrepreneur! One boring summer turns into a vast product of the human imagination. The art style (consistent though worked on by a variety of artists), the plot, and the characters intertwine to create a cohesive, beautiful story. Kids will be inspired to create their own fantasy characters; adults will feel nostalgic for elementary school summers.
The Cardboard Kingdom just released Book 2: Roar of the Beast! I read it— and I won’t spoil, but it’s just as charming as the first. And Book 3: Snow and Sorcery is coming out November 7, 2023. You can order Cardboard Kingdom books at Penguin Random House Publishing or wherever else books are sold.
Other authors and books to check out
- The Space Boy series by Stephen McCranie has so many books, I haven’t even read them all. An interesting, heartwarming sci-fi genre comic series.
- One book I have to shout out for its gorgeous artwork and creative landscapes isTwig by Skottie Young. It’s a masterpiece. Almost made me cry.
- Hocus & Pocus by Manuro is a fascinating choose-your-own-adventure-style comic with whimsical art. It’s really interesting because there are elements to the story that allow you to be a different character, have magical pets, and play games inside the book!
- Speak Up by Rebecca Burgess is a charming, beautiful, incredible graphic novel about a kid with autism (secret identity: famous pop singer) who learns to find her voice and self-advocate.
- A beautiful, fluffy graphic novel with detailed illustration is Taproot by Keezy Young.
From here…
…enjoy all the incredible graphic novels! Please, try at least one. If you’re a fan of the special vibes as well, hit me up in the comments! Quera out.
Note
The cover images and page images are used under the terms of copyright fair use laws (they are educational, only a part of the work, and will not affect the market or make me money).