7 Graphic Novels That Crush the Genre’s Reputation as Being ‘Childish’

You mention you’re reading a graphic novel, and you hear “Aren’t those for kids?” in return. Sounds familiar? It probably does – too many people continue to think that graphic novels can’t be a worthy read for serious adults.

But once you pick up an engaging graphic novel yourself, you instantly realize that no, not all books with pictures and speech bubbles are for kids.

Looking for such a graphic novel, to read yourself or to recommend to someone else? Consider these seven acclaimed, fan-favorite titles below.

Academic workload won’t let you dive into the world of graphic novels? You can always turn to a research paper writing service to make time for your new hobby! Once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the graphic novels without worrying about homework.

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Watchmen

Created by: Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, John Higgins
Date: 1986-1987
Publisher: DC Comics

You might know about Watchmen thanks to its so-so 2008 film adaptation or the 2019 HBO series, both of the same name. But the graphic novel itself deserves your attention, too. It redefined the superhero genre, and that’s why it’s hailed as one of the greatest graphic novels of all time.

In Watchmen, it’s an alternate-history 1985. Superheroes emerged in the 1940s and helped the U.S. win the Vietnam War, but were banned later on. The retired protagonists are drawn back into that life once one of their own is murdered. The novel, however, isn’t a simple whodunit; it focuses heavily on the characters’ moral struggles and personal development.

Maus

Created by: Art Spiegelman
Date: 1991
Publisher: Pantheon Books

Maus is a tale of the horrors of the Holocaust, and, of course, it’s not an easy, upbeat read. In Maus, Art Spiegelman’s father recounts his experiences as a Polish Jew, from pre-war Poland to liberation from Nazi concentration camps.

Maus is the first in its genre to win a Pulitzer, and this graphic novel absolutely deserved it. From its postmodern storytelling techniques to mixed genres, this non-fiction work will make you clutch the pages as you read them.

March: Book One

Created by: John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell
Date: 2013
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions

Along with gamification and tech, this graphic novel deserves to be included in any school’s curriculum. March is a trilogy that details the struggle of the civil rights movement. But it’s more than just a historical account. March is a story of how one person can make a difference in a social justice movement.

The first entry in the trilogy, or Book One, is told from the perspective of John Lewis, from his childhood to the Selma to Montgomery marches to the present day. It details racial discrimination, the civil rights struggle, and the achievements of the movement, all from Lewis’ standpoint.

Arkham Asylum – A Serious House on Serious Earth

Created by: Grant Morrison, Dave McKean
Date: 1989
Publisher: DC Comics

If you’re not a fan of Batman, consider this graphic novel – it may just change your opinion of the character and the world he inhabits. From the outstanding visual style to a gripping story and psychologically-driven, horror-like narrative, Arkham Asylum is one of the best Batman stories out there.

The graphic novel follows the vigilante on his quest to take care of a riot in Arkham Asylum, Gotham’s psychiatric hospital – and home to the most dangerous individuals. Throughout the story, Batman has to face its inhabitants and uncover the story behind the hospital itself.

Daytripper

Created by: Fábio Moon, Gabriel Bá
Date: 2010
Publisher: Vertigo

Another critically acclaimed work from the brothers Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá, Daytripper tackles one of the most complicated philosophical questions: the meaning of life. Originally published in 10 issues, every beat of the story ends with the protagonist dying, leaving you to wonder what you want to do with your life.

The story follows Brás de Oliva Domingos throughout his life. From his childhood to becoming a father himself, readers are privy to the challenges he is facing. As a cherry on top, Daytripper is infused with Brazilian influences in the use of language, literature, and culture.

Saga

Created by: Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples
Date: 2012-ongoing
Publisher: Image Comics

In the mood for a space opera? Then Saga is for you. This graphic novel redefined sci-fi graphic novels, all while relying on familiar archetypes and story beats. Thanks to Staples’ amazing visual style and Vaughan’s captivating narrative, Saga is already a classic that stands out with its unique “flavor”.

Saga follows Alana and Marko, cross-starred lovers and new parents, who flee from the authorities on both sides of a galactic war. Once you pick up the first volume of the series, prepare to be immersed in a new, bizarre sci-fi world, waiting for you to explore it.

They Called Us Enemy

Created by: George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott, Harmony Becker
Date: 2019
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions

They Called Us Enemy is a firsthand account of the unsavory page in U.S. history: “relocation centers” that Japanese Americans were forcibly moved to during World War II.

Before George Takei became a beloved Star Trek icon, he went through such a relocation center himself as a child. The graphic novel details the years George Takei spent behind the barbed wire, as well as his parents’ struggles, their faith in democracy, and the hard choices they had to make. This is a captivating story of courage, love, and loyalty that won’t leave you indifferent.

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In Conclusion: 10 Runners-Up

Above are just seven graphic novels that bash the genre’s ‘it’s-for-kids’ reputation. There are many, many more out there.

So, if all these titles look familiar to you and you’d love to have more options to choose from, here are 10 runners-up that didn’t make the list above – but that are still a worthy read:

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller;
Shoplifter by Michael Cho;
V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd;
Guantanamo Voices by Sarah Mirk;
My Depression by Elizabeth Swados;
The Sandman by Neil Gaiman;
Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band by Christain Staebler and Sonia Paoloni;
Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall;
Y: The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan;
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi.