Weekly Book Recs 18-2025: Graphic Novels
- Apollo Imperium
- May 2
- 5 min read
WEEKLY BOOK RECS: 6 book reviews and suggestions every week
Graphic novels have come a long way since the days of superheroes punching bad guys in capes. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a good action panel or a dramatic monologue mid-battle. But the genre now covers everything from slice-of-life to political memoirs, fantasy sagas, and cozy romance stories. Whether you’re looking to get pulled into a wild space war or relive the awkward sweetness of your first crush, there’s something for everyone in this format.
This week, I picked six graphic novel book recs that bring something different to the table. Some are visually stunning. Others are quietly emotional. Some are just plain funny. If you’re new to the genre, think of this as a little sampler box. And if you’re already deep into comics, maybe one of these is a reminder to revisit an old favorite or pick up that volume you’ve been meaning to read.
1. “Monstress” by Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda
⭐ 4.7/5
Tropes/Genre: Dark fantasy, matriarchy, morally gray heroine, monsters-within
Description: In a war-torn, matriarchal world inspired by early 20th-century Asia, a teenage girl named Maika Halfwolf shares her body with an ancient monster. The story blends epic fantasy, intense action, and some truly heavy emotional themes, all set against the backdrop of Sana Takeda’s jaw-dropping art.
Review: This one is for readers who love dense worldbuilding and morally complex characters. The lore is rich, sometimes overwhelming, but always rewarding. The visuals are some of the best in the game, and every volume feels like you’re holding a dark fairytale in your hands. Not a light read, but if you like fantasy with teeth, Monstress delivers.
2. “Heartstopper” Vol. 1 by Alice Oseman
⭐ 4.5/5
Tropes/Genre: Friends to lovers, queer awakening, high school romance, soft boys
Description: This is the story of Charlie and Nick, two boys at an all-boys school who strike up a friendship that slowly starts turning into something more. The pacing is soft, the vibes are wholesome, and the emotional depth sneaks up on you.
Review: It’s one of those books that just makes you feel good. The art is simple, but that simplicity works perfectly for the story it tells. If you want something warm and affirming, or if you just need a break from high-stakes drama, this is a great one to grab. Not for readers looking for major twists, but if your heart could use a little softening, this one will do the trick.
3. “Saga” Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
⭐ 4.8/5
Tropes/Genre: Star-crossed lovers, war-torn universe, found family, space opera
Description: A fantasy-sci-fi hybrid that tells the story of two lovers from warring races who are just trying to raise their daughter in a chaotic galaxy. It’s weird in the best way, with bounty hunters, talking animals, and world politics woven in with deeply human moments.
Review: If you’ve never read a graphic novel before and want something that proves the medium can tell wild, emotional, expansive stories, this is it. The characters are easy to love, the art is phenomenal, and the series wastes no time getting intense. The only drawback? It goes on hiatus sometimes, so waiting between volumes can be rough. Still totally worth it.
4. “Blankets” by Craig Thompson
⭐ 4.3/5
Tropes/Genre: Coming of age, first love, religious trauma, indie memoir
Description: This one’s a reflective, emotional ride through a teenage boy’s first love and his struggles with religion and family. Craig Thompson’s black-and-white illustrations are fluid and expressive, and the story unfolds like a bittersweet memory.
Review: It’s beautifully done, quiet but powerful. If you’ve ever had a complicated relationship with belief systems or just remember how overwhelming first love can feel, this will resonate. Not action-packed by any means, but it’s heartfelt and honest in a way few graphic novels are. Definitely for readers who don’t mind taking it slow and sitting with the emotion.
5. “The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins” by Clint, Griffin, Justin, Travis McElroy & Carey Pietsch
⭐ 4.1/5
Tropes/Genre: Found family, fantasy quest, comedy, Dungeons & Dragons-inspired
Description: This graphic novel adaptation of the McElroys’ DnD podcast starts with a classic fantasy setup and leans hard into humor and chaos. The art brings the crew’s adventures to life with bright colors and a ton of visual gags, but it also has heart underneath the jokes.
Review: Great for fans of DnD, chaotic humor, or the podcast itself. If you’re not into nerd humor, the tone might be a little much, but it finds surprising emotional moments once it gets rolling. A solid pick if you want something lighter and laugh-out-loud funny. Perfect weekend read with snacks.
6. “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi
⭐ 4.6/5
Tropes/Genre: Memoir, history, political resistance, girlhood
Description: This autobiographical graphic novel tells the story of Satrapi’s youth during and after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Told in stark black-and-white panels, the story captures the fear, confusion, and resilience of growing up under political repression.
Review: This is one of those graphic novels that shows the power of the format. It’s educational, but never dry. It’s emotional, but never melodramatic. It’s the kind of book that sticks with you long after you finish it. Not the kind of read you’ll tear through in one sitting, but definitely one that deserves a spot on any serious reader’s shelf.
Got a favorite graphic novel that lives rent-free in your brain? Drop it in the comments. I’m always down to add to the TBR pile 👀💬
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