Great Graphic Novels for Teens: 2009.
FEATURE.
First published March 15, 2009 (Booklist).
The Great Graphic Novels for Teens list is compiled annually by a committee of the Young Adult Library Services Association and comprises recommended graphic novels for readers ages 12 to 18. Titles published in late 2007 are noted; all others were published in 2008. The committee’s top 10 choices are identified with a star (*).
Nonfiction
The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You’ll Ever Need. By Daniel H. Pink. Illus. by Rob Ten Pas. Riverhead, paper, $15 (9781594482915).
Great advice from the career fairy.
Isadora Duncan: A Graphic Biography. By Paul Buhle. Illus. by Sabrina Jones. Hill and Wang, $19.95 (9780809094974).
Dance, scandal, politics, and passion.
* Japan Ai: A Tall Girl’s Adventures in Japan. By Aimee Major Steinberger. Illus. by the author. Go! Comi, paper, $16.99 (9781933617831).
An American otaku does Japan. A 2009 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.
* Pitch Black. By Youme Landowne and Anthony Horton. Illus. by Youme Landowne. Cinco Puntos, $14 (9781933693064).
Art can survive, even underground.
The Stuff of Life: A Graphic Guide to Genetics and DNA. By Mark Schultz. Illus. by Zander Cannon and Kevin Cannon. Hill and Wang, paper, $14.95 (9780809089383).
If only science textbooks were this interesting.
The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation. By Jonathan Hennessey. Illus. by Aaron McConnell. Hill and Wang, paper, $16.95 (9780809094707).
Not only will you finally understand the electoral college but you’ll have a lot of fun along the way.
Fiction
Astounding Wolf-Man, v.1. By Robert Kirkman. Illus. by Jason Howard. Image Comics, paper, $9.99 (9781582408620).
Gary Hampton was mauled and left for dead—but that’s not the worst of it.
* Atomic Robo, v.1: Atomic Robo and the Fightin’ Scientists of Tesladyne. By Brian Clevinger. Illus. by Steve Wegener. Red Five Comics, paper, $18.99 (9780980930207).
Atomic Robo fights nefarious creatures and mad scientists armed with banter, a strong heart, and a swell pair of jodhpurs.
Black Jack, v.1. By Osamu Tezuka. Illus. by the author. Vertical, paper, $16.95 (9781934287279).
A mysterious surgeon-for-hire who will perform any operation—for a price.
* Cairo. By G. Willow Wilson. Illus. by M. K. Perker. 2007. Vertigo, $24.99 (9781401211400).
In this modern fable, a stolen hookah unleashes a genie who changes five lives forever.
Dark Tower. By David Peter. Illus. by Jae Lee.
• v.1: The Gunslinger Born. Marvel, $24.99 (9780785121442).
• v.2: The Long Road Home. Marvel, $24.99 (9780785127093).
Love, magic, and murder—a gunslinger’s grim coming-of-age.
The Death of Captain America. By Ed Brubaker. Illus. by Steve Epting.
• v.1: The Death of the Dream. Marvel, paper, $14.99 (9780785124238).
• v.2: The Burden of Dreams. Marvel, paper, $14.99 (9780785124245).
How do you continue your best-friend’s legacy when you haven’t had time to mourn?
Deja-Vu: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. By Youn In-Wan. Illus. by Yang Kyung-Il and others. Tokyopop, paper, $9.99 (9781427803184).
Some people are destined to be together, but it may take a few lifetimes to get there.
Dororo. By Osamu Tezuka. Illus. by the author.
• v.1. Vertical, paper, $13.95 (9781934287163).
• v.2. Vertical, paper, $13.95 (9781934287170).
• v.3. Vertical, paper, $13.95 (9781934287187).
Forty-eight demons. Stolen body parts. A fight to become whole.
Echo: Moon Lake. By Terry Moore. Illus. by the author. Abstract Studio, $15.95 (9781892597403).
A flash of light. An explosion in the sky. One woman gone. One woman marked . . . forever?
Emiko Superstar. By Mariko Tamaki. Illus. by Steve Rolston. DC Comics/Minx, paper, $9.99 (9781401215361).
A stolen diary turns a wallflower into a superstar.
Fever, v.1. By Hee Jung Park. Illus. by the author. Tokyopop, paper, $9.99 (9781427805324).
Outside the mainstream, they may find just what they need.
Flight, v.5. Ed. by Kazu Kibuishi. illus.Villard, paper, $25 (9780345505897).
This collection of short stories, whether about fleeing toward something or away, transports readers.
Fruits Basket. By Natsuki Takaya. Illus. by the author.
• v.20. Tokyopop, paper, $9.99 (9781427800091).
• v.21. Tokyopop, paper, $9.99 (9781427806826).
What you’ve been waiting for—the climax of an enduring series.
The Good Neighbors: Kin. By Holly Black. Illus. by Ted Naifeh. Scholastic/Graphix, paper, $16.99 (9780439855624).
Even faeries can be the stuff of nightmares. A 2009 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.
Green Arrow: Year One. By Andy Diggle. Illus. by Jock. DC Comics, $24.99 (9781401216870).
Arrows versus guns—guess what wins?
Green Lantern: The Sinestro Corps War. By Geoff Johns. Illus. by Dave Gibbons.
• v.1. DC Comics, $24.99 (9781401216504).
• v.2. DC Comics, $24.99 (9781401218003).
Thousands of green lanterns, one epic intergalactic war.
High School Debut. By Kazune Kawahara. Illus. by the author.
• v.1. VIZ Media, paper, $8.99 (9781421514819).
• v.2. VIZ Media, paper, $8.99 (9781421514826).
The hottest guy in school will teach Haruna how to attract a boyfriend—as long as it’s not him.
Hikaru no Go. By Yumi Hotta. Illus. by Takeshi Obata.
• v.12. VIZ Media, paper, $7.95 (9781421515083).
• v.13. VIZ Media, paper, $7.95 (9781421515090).
Hikaru’s ready to turn pro, but will he leave Sai behind?
Hikkatsu! Strike a Blow to Vivify! By Yu Yagami. Illus. by the author.
• v.1. 2007. Go! Comi, paper, $10.99 (9781933617572).
• v.2. Go! Comi, paper, $10.99 (9781933617589).
• v.3. Go! Comi, paper, $10.99 (9781933617596).
Shota can fix appliances . . . with karate! But can he fix the world?
Honey and Clover. By Chica Umino. Illus. by the author.
• v.1. VIZ Media, paper, $8.99 (9781421515045).
• v.2. VIZ Media, paper, $8.99 (9781421515052).
• v.3. VIZ Media, paper, $8.99 (9781421515069).
Starving art students may not win at love, but they always have each other.
Incognegro. By Mat Johnson. Illus. by Warren Pleece. Vertigo, $19.99 (9781401210977).
Sometimes the best way to expose a deadly secret is by hiding in plain sight.
Invincible, v.9. By Robert Kirkman. Illus. by Ryan Ottley. Image Comics, paper, $14.99 (9781582408279).
He is invincible . . . but his mom still does his laundry.
Key to the Kingdom, v.1. By Kyoko Shitou. Illus. by the author. 2007. DC Comics/CMX, paper, $9.99 (9781401213930).
A reluctant heir. A fierce warrior. A race for the throne.
Kieli. By Yukako Kabei. Illus. by Shiori Teshirogi.
• v.1. Yen Press, paper, $10.99 (9780759528512).
• v.2. Yen Press, paper, $10.99 (9780759528529).
Putting spirits to rest doesn’t prevent you from being haunted.
* Life Sucks. By Jessica Abel and Gabriel Soria. Illus. by Warren Pleece. First Second, paper, $19.95 (9781596431072).
When a goth girl falls for a Dracula wannabe, what’s a young vampire to do? A 2009 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.
Love the Way You Love. By Jaime S. Rich. Illus. by Marc Ellerby.
• v.1: Side A. 2007. Oni, paper, $11.95 (9781932664669).
• v.2: Side B. Oni, paper, $11.95 (9781932664959).
A rock ’n’ roll Tristan and Isolde.
Metro Survive. By Yuki Fujisawa. Illus. by the author.
• v.1. DrMaster, paper, $9.95 (9781597961257).
• v.2. DrMaster, paper, $9.95 (9781597961264).
The massive earthquake was only the start of their troubles.Minister Jade. By Steve Bialik. Illus. by the author. Cellar Door, paper, $14.99 (9780976683131).
If stepping out of line destroys your family’s honor, can you still save the day?
Monster Zoo. By Doug TenNapel. Illus. by the author. Image Comics, paper, $14.99 (9781582409115).
A day at the zoo: peanuts, the girl of your dreams, and killer pandas.
Nana. By Ai Yazawa. Illus. by the author.
• v.8. VIZ Media, paper, $8.99 (9781421515397).
• v.9. VIZ Media, paper, $8.99 (9781421517452).
• v.10. VIZ Media, paper, $8.99 (9781421517469).
• v.11. VIZ Media, paper, $8.99 (9781421517452).
• v.12. VIZ Media, paper, $8.99 (9781421518794).
Sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll. Dating a rock star isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Naruto. By Masashi Kishimoto. Illus. by the author.
• v.28. VIZ Media, paper, $7.95 (9781421518640).
• v.29. VIZ Media, paper, $7.95 (9781421518657).
• v.30. VIZ Media, paper, $7.95 (9781421519425).
• v.31. VIZ Media, paper, $7.95 (9781421519432).
Naruto . . . older, wiser, a brand-new mission.
Planet Hulk. By Greg Pak. Illus. by Carlo Pagulayan. Marvel Comics, paper, $34.99 (9780785120124).
The Hulk is this world’s greatest gladiator, but can he be its hero?
Rapunzel’s Revenge. By Shannon Hale and Dean Hale. Illus. by Nathan Hale. Bloomsbury, $18.99 (9781599900704).
When your handsome prince never arrives, it’s time to save yourself. A 2009 Notable Children’s Book.
* Real. By Takehiko Inoue. Illus. by the author.
• v.1. VIZ Media, paper, $12.99 (9781421519890).
• v.2. VIZ Media, paper, $12.99 (9781421519906).
If basketball is the best game on two feet, imagine how great it is on wheels.
Runaways: Dead End Kids. By Joss Whedon. Illus. by Michael Ryan. Marvel, $19.99 (9780785128533).
Teen runaways find a new direction to run—100 years in the past.
* Sand Chronicles. By Hinako Ashihara. Illus. by the author.
• v.1. VIZ Media, paper, $8.99 (9781421514772).
• v.2. VIZ Media, paper, $8.99 (9781421514789).
• v.3. VIZ Media, paper, $8.99 (9781421514796).
Time changes everything . . . even love.
Shoulder-a-Coffin Kuro. By Satoko Kiyuduki. Illus. by the author.
• v.1. Yen, paper, $10.99 (9780759528970).
• v.2. Yen, paper, $10.99 (9780759529014).
A small girl, a large coffin, a long journey.
Silver Surfer: Requiem. By J. Michael Straczynski. Illus. by Esad Ribic. 2007. Marvel, $19.99 (9780785128489).
His final journey takes him home.
* Skim. By Mariko Tamaki. Illus. by Jillian Tamaki. Groundwood, $18.95 (9780888997531).
Love and loss make you who you are. A 2009 Best Book for Young Adults and a 2009 Rainbow Project book.
Slam Dunk, v.1. By Takehiko Inoue. Illus. by the author. VIZ Media, paper, $7.99 (9781421506791).
Got game, get girls . . . or not.
Two Flowers for the Dragon. By Nari Kusakawa. Illus. by the author.
• v.1. DC Comics/CMX, paper, $9.99 (9781401215262).
• v.2. DC Comics/CMX, paper, $9.99 (9781401215279).
Redefines wearing your heart on your sleeve.
* The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite. By Gerard Way. Illus. by Gabriel Ba. Dark Horse, paper, $17.95 (9781593079789).
When you come from a family of superheroes, don’t piss off your sister.
Usagi Yojimbo: Tomoe’s Story. By Stan Sakai. Illus. by the author. Dark Horse, paper, $15.95 (9781593079475).
A female samurai may not be traditional, but sometimes she is the best person to have at your back.
* Uzumaki, v.1. By Junki Ito. Illus. by the author. 2007. VIZ Media, paper, $9.99 (9781421513898).
You’ll never look at spirals the same way again.
Venus in Love. By Yuki Nakaji. Illus. by the author.
• v.1. 2007. DC Comics/CMX, paper, $9.99 (9781401213459).
• v.2. DC Comics/CMX, paper, $9.99 (9781401217303).
• v.3. DC Comics/CMX, paper, $9.99 (9781401217723).
Girl meets boy. Boy meets boy. If only love were that simple.
The War at Ellsmere. By Faith Erin Hicks. Illus. by the author. SLG, paper, $12.95 (9781593621407).
Bad food, bullies, and killer homework . . . just another day at an all-girls boarding school?
Welcome to Tranquility. By Gail Simone. Illus. by Neil Googe.
• v.1. 2007. DC Comics/Wildstorm, paper, $19.99 (9781401215163).
• v.2. DC Comics/Wildstorm, paper, $19.99 (9781401217730).
Being a hero doesn’t stop at retirement.
Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2009, committee members: Robin Brenner, chair, Brookline Public Library (MA); Rachel Kay Aronowitz, San Francisco Public Library (CA); Marea Black, Burton Barr Central Library, Phoenix (AZ); Sarah Couri, Donnell Library Center, New York Public Library (NY); Christi Showman Farrar, Woburn Public Library (MA); Lisa Goldstein, Stone Avenue Branch, Brooklyn Public Library (NY); Michael Jara, South Pasadena Public Library (CA); Sadie Mattox, Oklahoma Dept. of Libraries, Oklahoma City (OK); Barbara Moon, Suffolk Coop Library System, Bellport (NY); Michael Pawuk, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn (OH); Eva Volin, Alameda Free Library (CA); Ian Chipman, Booklist consultant, Chicago (IL).