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Last updated on May 16th, 2023
It’s time for my look at my 10 favorite graphic novels of 2022. Like in last year’s edition, these were graphic novels I read in 2022, but weren’t necessarily published this year.
If you’re interested in my favorite webcomics and comic strips for 2022, see my previous post on the subject.
Sonic the Hedgehog (vols. 9-12)
Written by: Evan Stanley; art by: Adam Bryce Thomas
IDW’s “Sonic the Hedgehog” series continues to be entertaining. Since IDW gained the series from Archie, it’s introduced some entertaining new characters. These include the villainous Dr. Starline (an obsessed Eggman fan), as well as Sonic and company’s excitable new friend Tangle the Lemur. (Who’s apparently now canon to the video games, based on a “Sonic Frontiers” comic tie-in?)
The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries (vols. 1 and 2)
Written by: Ivan Cohen, Sholly Fisch; art by: Dario Brizuela, Scott Jeralds
“Scooby-Doo Team-Up” did so well, it got a successor 12-issue miniseries, featuring the Mystery Inc. gang teaming up with the Batman family. Apparently, this series also did well enough that DC launched a second 12-issue miniseries featuring the Caped Crusader and Great Dane.
One of the best issues in the run: the flashback to Bruce’s teen years when he was still in (bat-)training… and teamed up with Scooby and company in their “Pup Named Scooby-Doo” incarnations!
The Black Mage
Written by: Daniel Barnes; art by: DJ Kirkland
“The Black Mage” is a graphic novel that puts a spin on “Harry Potter”-style magical boarding school stories. Here, a Black student is accepted at an until-now all-White wizarding school, where he discovers disturbing goings-on (besides just racism). The book puts its take on the Civil War, micro-aggressions, and more.
Let’s Get Burgers
Written and art by: ash s.
“Let’s Get Burgers” is a webcomic compilation about two best friends, Cheddar (a dog) and Knife (a cat), who try to get through life as broke twentysomethings. Both of them love burgers and hate their dead-end, low-paying jobs. Their love lives also get some attention (both characters fall on the LGBTQ spectrum).
Moriarty the Patriot (vols. 8 and 9)
Written by: Ryosuke Takeuchi; art by: Hikaru Miyoshi
The latest volumes of this manga series’ Moriarty-centered take on Sherlock Holmes finds the characters dealing with Jack the Ripper.
Agents of S.L.A.M.
Written by: Dave Scheidt; art by: Scoot McMahon
Oni Press
This middle-grade comic features a world where professional wrestlers become Earth’s mightiest heroes instead of the Avengers or the Justice League. A young girl, who runs a wrestling vlog, gets caught up in the wrestlers’ latest adventure.
Princess Princess Ever After
Written and art by: K. O’Neill
“Princess Princess Ever After” puts a queer spin on fairy tales, featuring a variation of the “princess is rescued from a tower” cliche… in this case, she’s rescued by another princess.
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Place in the World
Written by: Brandon Montclare; art by: Gustavo Duarte, Natacha Bustos, Ray-Anthony Height, and Alitha Martinez
This is the final volume collecting Marvel’s “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” series, which is getting its own animated adaptation on Disney Channel/Disney+. In this volume, Lunella “Moon Girl” Lafayette has an adventure in the Dream Dimension, as well as an adventure with Spider-Man.
The Tea Dragon Society
Written and art by: K. O’Neill
The creator of “Princess Princess Ever After” created “The Tea Dragon Society” as well, the first in a three-volume series. Here, a blacksmith’s apprentice gets caught up in the world of “tea dragons,” small pet-sized dragons whose caretaking is considered a waning art.
Poorcraft: Wish You Were Here
Written by: Ryan Estrada; art by: Diana Nock
A follow-up to the original “Poorcraft” graphic novel (about how to live frugally), this volume explores how to travel on a budget. It covers everything from buying airfare to finding a place to stay to finding things to do. The characters from the original, Penny and Mil (and Penny’s dog, Nickel), return. The book was published in 2015, but most of the advice still stands, even after several years of pandemic-impacted travel.
Conclusion
What do you consider the best graphic novels of 2022? Feel free to list them in the comments below.
Image by tunechick83 from Pixabay
