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Updated on December 10, 2021
The year’s winding down, so it’s time once again to look at my favorite 2019 graphic novel picks, based on what I’ve read. I’ll note that not all of these graphic novels were published in 2019.
(Disclosure: The blog is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and will earn a commission for purchases made through Bookshop links.)
Scooby-Doo Team-Up, vols. 6 and 7
Written and art by: Various
Volume 6: Amazon, Indiebound
“Scooby-Doo Team-Up” came to an end this year, but not without 2019 giving us numerous fun team-ups. See my earlier reviews for both of these trade paperbacks.
Dear Justice League
Written by: Michael Northrop; art by: Gustavo Duarte
“Dear Justice League” is a part of DC’s new line of kids graphic novels. This one’s premise is the Justice League members answering questions sent in by various kids. Besides Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, we also get Aquaman, Flash, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern (the Simon Baz version). The responses to the kids’ questions are all pretty funny.
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, vol. 10: Life is Too Short, Squirrel
Written by: Ryan North; art by: Various
Another volume in the recently-ended “The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl” series. This trade paperback sees our hero deal with her supposed “death,” and all the superhero comic cliches that go with such.
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, vol. 7
Written by: Brandon Montclare; art by: Natacha Bustos, Gustavo Duarte
Yet another series that’s been quietly ended by Marvel. This volume of “Moon Girl” sees her and Devil Dinosaur venture into the dream realm, as well as deal with the holidays on Yancy Street.
Long Distance
Written and art by: Thom Zahler
“Long Distance” is about a man from Columbus, Ohio and a woman from Chicago who meet at an airport, and attempt a long-distance relationship. Probably the only graphic novel where Indiana’s prominently featured on the cover.
Fence, vol. 1
Written by: C.S. Pacat; art by: Johanna the Mad
“Fence” features the drama involved among a boarding school’s fencing team. The comic also features some drama of the romantic variety, including same-sex dating.
The Prince and the Dressmaker
Written and art by: Jen Wang
A graphic novel about a dressmaker in 19th century France, and the prince interested in her fashions, while trying to hide from everyone else his own interest in wearing dresses.
The Cardboard Kingdom
Written and art by: Chad Sell
A group of imaginative neighborhood kids turn their toys and cardboard boxes into a medieval fantasy play setting, while dealing with growing up.
The Witch Boy
Written and art by: Molly Knox Ostertag
“The Witch Boy” focuses on a boy in a family of witches and shapeshifters; all of the former are female, while all of the latter are male. Any “deviation” is strictly forbidden. Said boy, however, is much more interested in witchcraft than shape-shifting.
Webcomics and comic strips
I’ve written an earlier post about my favorite webcomics in 2019. But along with that list, there’s a few newer strips I’ve read:
- “Sarah’s Scribbles” by Sarah Anderson
- “Valley Ghouls” by Kate Leth
Conclusion
Do you have any favorite graphic novel picks for 2019? Feel free to list them in the comments below.
Photo by Classroom Camera (Cascade Canyon School) (Flickr / CC BY / cropped from original)
(Updated 7/12/20)
