The Greatest Canadian, American "Fiction, Comics & Graphic Novels" Books Since 2010

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Fiction

Comics & Graphic Novels

"Comics & Graphic Novels" is a diverse and dynamic category of books that encompasses a wide range of visual storytelling forms. This genre is characterized by sequential art—a series of illustrations which, when combined with text, narrate a story or bring to life complex ideas and emotions. Comics can range from brief strips to serialized stories in magazines, while graphic novels are typically longer, bound works that often tell a complete narrative in one volume. The content can vary from superhero adventures, fantasy, and science fiction to autobiographical works, historical drama, and profound explorations of social and political themes. This category is known for its ability to transcend age barriers, appealing to children, teens, and adults alike, and is celebrated for its unique blend of literary and artistic expression that can convey intricate stories with both depth and visual impact.

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  1. 1. Saga Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan

    In a war-torn galaxy, two soldiers from opposite sides fall in love and have a child, igniting a dangerous pursuit by various factions who seek to control the child's extraordinary powers. With a mix of fantasy, science fiction, and romance, "Saga Vol. 1" takes readers on a thrilling and visually stunning journey through a vast and imaginative universe.

  2. 2. Building Stories by Chris Ware

    "Building Stories" is a unique graphic novel that explores the lives of the residents of a three-story Chicago apartment building, including a lonely single woman, a couple embroiled in a failing marriage, and the building's elderly landlady. The narrative is presented in a box containing 14 different printed works including books, newspapers, and pamphlets, each offering a different perspective on the characters' lives, struggles, and dreams. The innovative format allows readers to choose their own path through the interwoven stories, resulting in a deeply immersive and interactive reading experience.

  3. 3. Habibi by Craig Thompson

    "Habibi" is a graphic novel that tells the story of Dodola and Zam, refugee child slaves who escape to the desert, where they rely on each other for survival. The story is a complex interweaving of themes including love, religion, exploitation, and the clash of cultures, told through a blend of Islamic folklore, the Qur'an, and contemporary issues. The novel explores the strength of human resilience and the deep bonds that can form even in the face of unimaginable hardship.

  4. 4. Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast

    "Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?" is a graphic memoir by Roz Chast that explores her relationship with her aging parents as they approach the end of their lives. Chast uses her signature humor and illustrations to navigate the difficult topics of illness, death, and family dynamics. The book captures the universal experience of caring for aging parents and the emotional toll it can take on adult children.

  5. 5. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated Rosemary Valero-O’Connell

    The graphic novel centers around a high school student named Freddy who is grappling with her tumultuous relationship with the charismatic Laura Dean. Despite Laura's repeated infidelities and breakups, Freddy finds herself drawn back to Laura time and again. As Freddy navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery, she begins to understand the importance of healthy relationships and self-respect. With the help of her friends, particularly her best friend Doodle, Freddy learns to set boundaries and recognize her own worth, ultimately confronting the cycle of toxic behavior and seeking a path toward personal growth and fulfillment.

  6. 6. Hawkeye by Matt Fraction

    "Hawkeye" by Matt Fraction is a graphic novel that follows the life of Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye, a skilled archer and member of the Avengers. The story focuses on Clint's adventures outside of his superhero persona, showcasing his everyday struggles, relationships, and attempts to protect his neighborhood from crime. With a mix of action, humor, and heart, the book delves into the complexities of being a hero both on and off the battlefield.

  7. 7. Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson

    "Lumberjanes" is a graphic novel that follows a group of five diverse and adventurous girls at a summer camp, who stumble upon supernatural creatures and mysterious happenings in the nearby forest. As they work together to uncover the secrets of the camp, they also navigate themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery. With its charming illustrations and empowering narrative, "Lumberjanes" is a delightful and captivating read for all ages.

  8. 8. Monstress Vol. 1: Awakening by Marjorie Liu

    In a war-torn world where humans and magical creatures coexist, a young girl named Maika struggles to control the monstrous power within her. Haunted by her past and driven by vengeance, she embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth about her mother's death. Along the way, she allies with a talking cat and encounters a secret society of powerful witches. With stunning artwork and a gripping storyline, this dark and immersive graphic novel explores themes of identity, trauma, and the price of power.

  9. 9. Black Panther By Ta Nehisi Coates Vol. 1: A Nation Under Our Feet Book One by Ta-Nehisi Coates

    In this thought-provoking graphic novel, the Black Panther faces the immense challenge of ruling the technologically advanced nation of Wakanda while also addressing the growing unrest among its citizens. As he grapples with political intrigue and an uprising led by a mysterious figure, the Black Panther must confront the complexities of power, identity, and the responsibilities that come with being a leader. With stunning artwork and a compelling narrative, this volume explores themes of social justice, cultural heritage, and the struggle to protect one's people.

  10. 10. My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Vol. 1 by Emil Ferris

    "My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Vol. 1" is a graphic novel that follows the story of Karen Reyes, a ten-year-old girl living in 1960s Chicago. Through her vivid imagination and artistic talent, Karen transforms herself into a monster to navigate the complexities of her life, including her brother's mysterious death and her mother's illness. As she uncovers secrets and delves into the dark underbelly of her neighborhood, Karen's journey becomes a poignant exploration of identity, family, and the power of art.

  11. 11. House Of X Powers Of X by Jonathan Hickman

    The graphic novel intertwines two interconnected stories that redefine the X-Men's place in the Marvel Universe. It explores a transformative era for mutantkind, where the X-Men, led by Charles Xavier, enact a bold new plan to protect and advance mutant interests. The narrative oscillates between the present day, where mutants establish a sovereign nation on the living island of Krakoa, and various points in a possible future, revealing the long-term ramifications of their actions. As the X-Men grapple with complex moral dilemmas, political intrigue, and existential threats, the series reimagines their mythology, introducing new concepts, characters, and a radical shift in the status quo for mutants in a world that has always feared and hated them.

  12. 12. On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

    The graphic novel is a beautifully illustrated tale that weaves together two timelines, following the journey of a young woman named Mia. In one timeline, we see her navigate the challenges of boarding school, where she falls in love with a mysterious girl named Grace. In the other, we follow her as a member of a diverse crew aboard a spaceship that restores ancient structures throughout the galaxy. As the story unfolds, Mia's past and present converge, leading her on a quest to find her lost love amidst a backdrop of space exploration, found family, and a richly imagined universe that defies the boundaries of time and space.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download