Ryan North
Ryan North is a Canadian writer known for his work on webcomics, including 'Dinosaur Comics,' and for writing for comic series such as 'Adventure Time' and 'The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl.' He is also the author of the 'To Be or Not To Be' choose-your-own-path book and has contributed to various other creative projects.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Slaughterhouse Five, Or The Children's Crusade
A Duty-Dance with Death
The book is a satirical science fiction novel that follows the life of Billy Pilgrim, an optometrist who becomes "unstuck in time" and experiences different moments of his life non-linearly, including his time as a soldier during World War II, his abduction by aliens from the planet Tralfamadore, and his post-war life. Through these fragmented experiences, the narrative explores themes of free will, the destructiveness of war, and the nature of time. The novel's dark humor and unconventional structure underscore the absurdity and tragedy of human existence, particularly in the context of the bombing of Dresden, which serves as a central event in Billy's life.
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2. Slaughter House Five
In this inventive and thought-provoking narrative, readers are taken on a journey through time and space with Billy Pilgrim, an unconventional protagonist who becomes "unstuck in time." As he experiences the horrors of World War II, including the devastating bombing of Dresden, Billy's life unfolds in a non-linear fashion, interspersed with moments of absurdity and dark humor. The story explores themes of fate, free will, and the nature of human existence, all while challenging traditional storytelling conventions and offering a poignant commentary on the senselessness of war.
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3. The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 2
Squirrel You Know It's True
In this delightful continuation of the adventures of a college student with the powers of a squirrel, the protagonist faces off against an array of quirky villains, including the mischievous Ratatoskr, a Norse squirrel deity causing chaos. Alongside her trusty squirrel sidekick, Tippy-Toe, and her tech-savvy roommate, Nancy, she navigates the challenges of balancing superhero duties with her academic life. With humor, heart, and a unique approach to conflict resolution, the story explores themes of friendship, empowerment, and the importance of understanding one's adversaries.
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4. The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1
Squirrel Power
In this delightful and humorous graphic novel, a seemingly ordinary college student named Doreen Green leads a double life as the spirited and unstoppable superhero, Squirrel Girl. With her unique ability to communicate with squirrels and her infectious optimism, she tackles villains both big and small, proving that brains, heart, and a little bit of squirrel power can overcome any challenge. As she balances her academic life with her superhero duties, she befriends an eclectic group of characters, including her roommate Nancy and the ever-loyal Tippy-Toe, her squirrel sidekick, all while delivering a fresh and witty take on the superhero genre.
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5. Romeo And/Or Juliet
A Chooseable-Path Adventure
This innovative and interactive take on the classic Shakespearean tale offers readers a unique experience by allowing them to choose their own adventure. Set in the familiar world of star-crossed lovers, the narrative branches out into countless possibilities, blending humor, romance, and absurdity. With over a hundred different endings, readers can explore various paths, from traditional storylines to unexpected twists, all while encountering quirky characters and engaging in playful scenarios. The book celebrates creativity and the joy of storytelling, making each read-through a fresh and entertaining journey.
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6. How To Invent Everything
A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler
This engaging and humorous guide serves as a time traveler's handbook for rebuilding civilization from scratch. It provides a comprehensive blueprint for inventing essential technologies and concepts, from agriculture and writing to electricity and computers, using only the resources available in the distant past. The book cleverly combines scientific knowledge with wit, offering readers a unique perspective on human innovation and the interconnectedness of technological advancements throughout history. With its playful tone and informative content, it encourages a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity that has shaped our modern world.
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7. Adventure Time, Vol. 2
Finn and Jake embark on a series of whimsical, offbeat adventures across the Land of Ooo, confronting bizarre monsters, awkward social dilemmas, and absurd quests while teaming up with familiar friends and facing oddball villains; the stories blend sharp humor and unexpected heart to explore friendship, responsibility, and the strange charm of their world.
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8. Adventure Time, Vol. 1
Playing with Fire
A whimsical comic collection follows a heroic human boy and his magical dog as they embark on fast-paced, surreal quests across a post-apocalyptic fantasy land, battling bizarre villains, rescuing royalty, and encountering oddball allies; the stories blend slapstick humor, heartfelt moments, and pop-culture riffs while expanding the show’s mythology in playful, illustrated short adventures.
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11. Fantastic Four, Vol. 1
The iconic superhero family—Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm—reunites to balance world-saving science with the messy realities of family life, facing bizarre experiments, cosmic mysteries, and unexpected threats while blending sharp humor, heartfelt character moments, and inventive science-fiction concepts that refresh their dynamic for a modern audience.
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