Graphic Novels & Manga

Graphic novels and manga are always popular for teens — trends may change, but this format continues to be a hit.

 

TALES FROM THE INNER CITY, SHAUN TAN

ISBN: 9781338298406. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2018.

 

Plot Summary:

Told through short stories, Tan interweaves the realistic and the magical, even weird in this graphic novel. With short stories and poems mixed in with paintings, Tan explores the relationship between animals and humans, framed by the opening quote from Alice Walker: “the animals of the world exist for their own reasons.” We see crocodiles removed from their habitats, living in skyscrapers; butterflies filling the skies by the thousands; a missing cat secretly owned by dozens of humans; horses who have been forced off their pastures and lands that are only seen by children; isolated pigs that disappears “slice by slice” in every home; and fish that live in the skies. Some stories paint humans as abusive or damaging, while others show how humans and animals can be connected in deeper ways. While some stories do end in twists or reveals, the focus is on the deeper meanings behind the stories, and the accompanying paintings.

 

Critical Evaluation:

The art is this book is magical and beautiful, and paired well with the black on white text. Separating the text from the pictures helps the reader to focus on the two elements separately; the reader can imagine the scene as they read, and see Tan’s interpretation as the finish the story.

Providing short stories instead of a longer novel helps to keep the stories fresh; the reader can simply enjoy a story or two each reading session without the stories blending together. By using this format, Tan offers glimpses into this would without removing the magic — it is better to leave more to the imagination. This is also achieved by the variety of lengths; some are only a poem on a page, while others are more straight-forward prose that continue on for 5-6 pages.

Save for a few stories, most of the stories feature no names or identifiable characters. Tan uses a variety of POVs and writing, and in doing so, adds to the world-building; this is not just one character experiencing a magical world, but an entire city of people. The tone of the stories vary from sad, bittersweet, ironic, and happy, but they all add to the themes of human domination of animals, and the secret worlds in which animals live in this city.

 

Reader’s Annotation:

Crocodiles living in skyscrapers, fish swimming in the sky, businessmen turning into frogs . . . all just part of living in the city.

 

Author Biography:

Shaun Tan grew up in the northern suburbs of Perth, Western Australia. In school he became known as the 'good drawer' which partly compensated for always being the shortest kid in every class. He graduated from the University of WA in 1995 with joint honours in Fine Arts and English Literature, and currently works as an artist and author in Melbourne.

Shaun began drawing and painting images for science fiction and horror stories in small-press magazines as a teenager, and has since become best known for illustrated books that deal with social and historical subjects through dream-like imagery. The RabbitsThe Red TreeTales from Outer Suburbia, Rules of Summer and the acclaimed wordless novel The Arrival have been widely translated and enjoyed by readers of all ages. Shaun has also worked as a theatre designer, a concept artist for animated films including Pixar's WALL-E, and directed the Academy Award-winning short film The Lost Thing. In 2011 he received the presitgious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, honouring his contribution to international children's literature.

Source

 

Genre:

Magical Realism

 

Curriculum Ties:

N/A

 

Booktalk Ideas:

Ask teens to create their own short story and panel that depicts other animal and human relationships, through Tan’s magical realist style.

 

Age Range or Reading Level:

13+

 

Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:

This book deals with many issues and experiences teens can relate to that may be challenged, including:

-animal cruelty

Defense File:

Collection Development Policy

  1. Have readily available

  2. Have staff be familiar with the document

  3. Have staff know and be trained on how to use the policy in a conversation about a challenged book

  4. Have staff be familiar with the process of reporting challenged books

ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom

ALA Library Bill of Rights

ALA Document on the First Amendment & Censorship

ALA Challenge Support

ALA: How to Respond to Challenges and Concerns about Library Resources

Professional reviews, as published by Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Kirkus

  1. Staff should be familiar with these sites, and be able to explain why librarians use them

Rating and information found on Commonsense Media

Any applicable awards for the title or author

  

Why Included:

Many teens may be interested in reading in theory, but find themselves easily distracted or overwhelmed. While this book has text, the paintings add just as much to the experience. Teens can read a short story or two each reading session without getting overwhelmed, and be enchanted by Tan’s style and striking stories.

 

spill zone, scott westerfeld, Alex Puvilland

ISBN: 978-1596439368. First Second, 2017.

 

Plot Summary:

No one but the government enters the Spill Zone. Except Addison.

No one quite understands what happened, but everybody knows the same basic truth: the Spill Zone is dangerous and inhospitable. No one can enter, and all those who were there when it changed . . . well, they’re not leaving, either. Addison’s parents were lost in the Zone, and she must take care of her little sister. Just a few miles away from the Zone, Addison braves her fears and explores it, all for cash: some collectors will pay handsomely for her photographs of the creepy city. Full of zombified humans, warped buildings, and animal hybrids, the Spill Zone is nightmare-worthy, but taking pictures of it pays the bills. While she’s gone, her mute sister finds a friend who’s not quite . . . alive. When Addison gets an offer she can’t refuse, she’s forced to make a decision that could change her life. But will the risks be worth it?

There is another book in the series: The Broken Vow.

 

Critical Evaluation:

The art in this graphic novel is very visually pleasing, especially the scenes in the spill zone; the artist makes it easy to separate the two “worlds.” It is refreshing to have our main female character drawn as normal-looking: she is not perfect, or drawn in attractive clothing that would actually make it more inconvenient for her to explore. She is not drawn with the male gaze, but instead depicted as a normal teen. The art for Addison’s sister and her doll help to create the creepy tone of their relationship; as with the rest of the book, the narrative, dialogue, and art all work well together.

There is a thread of dark humor that pervades the novel; one excellent example are the role-playing kids who actually turn into zombies (pictured below). This humor makes the narrative more engaging, and supports Addison’s character development. She is a tough woman, forced to fend for herself and sister after losing her parents, but she manages to take care of herself and keep their family afloat. She is quick-witted and resourceful, and able to stand up for herself, making this easy to recommend to teen girls who are just entering the comics/graphic novel world.

 

Reader’s Annotation:

Zombified humans, warped buildings, hybrid animals, and government conspiracies. Come enter the Spill Zone.

 

Author Biography:

Scott Westerfeld is best known as the author of the Uglies series, a number-one New York Times bestseller, and the Leviathan and Zeroes trilogies, both NY Times bestsellers. His standalone novels include Evolution’s Darling, So Yesterday, and Afterworlds. His other works include the Midnighters trilogy, the Peeps and Risen Empire duologies, and the eponymous first book of the Horizon multiplatform series. His novels have won the Philip K Dick Special Citation, the Aurealis Award (twice), the Victorian Premier’s Award, and have been named NY Times Notable Books and BBYA Top Ten Children’s Books of the Year.

He co-wrote the Shay’s Story Uglies-based graphic novels with Devin Grayson. Spill Zone is his first solo-written comic.

Scott was born in Texas and lives in Sydney and New York. He is married to fellow YA author Justine Larbalestier.

New York Times best-selling artist Alex Puvilland was born in France and grew up reading his father’s collection of comic books. After having gone to study art and animation at the Gobelins School of Animation in Paris, he moved to California to work for Dreamworks Feature Animation.

Alex has worked on a number of their feature films, such as “Shrek 2”, “Mr. Peabody and Sherman”, and the upcoming “Boss Baby”, to name a few. Somewhere between the multiple “Madagascar” sequels, Alex finally realized that he wanted to make comics for a living, and began doing them on his free time.

In 2006, he and his wife LeUyen Pham illustrated “Prince of Persia, The Graphic Novel”, written by A.B. Sina. In the following years Alex teamed again with his wife to produce two amazing sons as well as ‘Templar’, written by Jordan Mechner.  Alex is now to be found living happily in Los Angeles with his family, as he continues to work for Dreamworks Animation and create comics on the side.  “Spill Zone” is his first book as a solo illustrator.

Source

 

Genre:

Science Fiction

 

Curriculum Ties:

N/A

 

Booktalk Ideas:

Have teens draw what they imagine would be in the Spill Zone.

Have teens challenge each other — how much money would they accept to enter the Spill Zone? Would it be worth it to risk your life?

Ask teens to come up with the most bizarre explanations for the Spill Zone. Winner gets candy!

 

Age Range or Reading Level:

14+

 

Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:

This book deals with many issues and experiences teens can relate to that may be challenged, including:

-violence

-death

-supernatural elements (possession?)

-dead bodies


Defense File:

Collection Development Policy

  1. Have readily available

  2. Have staff be familiar with the document

  3. Have staff know and be trained on how to use the policy in a conversation about a challenged book

  4. Have staff be familiar with the process of reporting challenged books

ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom

ALA Library Bill of Rights

ALA Document on the First Amendment & Censorship

ALA Challenge Support

ALA: How to Respond to Challenges and Concerns about Library Resources

Professional reviews, as published by Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Kirkus

  1. Staff should be familiar with these sites, and be able to explain why librarians use them

Rating and information found on Commonsense Media

Any applicable awards for the title or author

  

Why Included:

Fans of sci-fi will enjoy the creepy characters and settings, as well as the mystery about how the Spill Zone came to be. Fans of graphic novels will love the at-times psychedelic art; even when creepy, the coloring is beautiful. Those who simply enjoy interesting plots will be enthralled; it has been booktalked to reluctant readers to great success.


the ancient magus’ bride, kore yamazaki

ISBN: 978-1626921870. Seven Seas, 2015.

 

Plot Summary:

Chise Hatori is a poor orphan with nothing left — until she’s bought by a mage who’s not quite human. Taken from Japan to England, on a beautiful estate, Chise is told by Elias, her owner, that she will be his apprentice. She lives in his home and is introduced to a new world: although she’s long suffered from visions of otherworldly beings, she’s never understood them until now. She meets faeries who try to kidnap her to their world, mages who help her, and speaking dragons, and learns that English lore is real! She also encounters other beings who may not always be so benevolent. While she’s skeptical of her new life, she realizes that the only person who’s ever looked out for her is this mysterious Elias: her parents left her after her visions became so powerful that otherworldly creatures haunted her. This creature with a large animal-like skull for a head may be scarily powerful and secretive, but he protects her and makes her finally feel important and cared for.

But when Elias tells her the truth about her visions, how will she cope?

This is part of a manga series that currently has eight English volumes.

 

Critical Evaluation:

The art in this manga is fairly similar to contemporary shojo art, with the girls and women being small with large eyes, and often well-endowed. There are some scenes later in the series that seem to suggest a male gaze (a buxom female faery with little to no clothing), but it is not as common as in other manga. The drawing for landscape scenes is very detailed, and the demons and otherworldly creatures are creatively drawn, making them look both familiar and original.

Throughout this volume and later volumes, one of the themes is family and belonging. Chise, abandoned by her parents, feels completely alone in the world until Elias buys her. Other people and beings she meet encourage her to think of her own independence — in one volume she is forcibly turned into a fox so that she can choose to run away — but she continually chooses Elias. Elias provided her with a home and a found family, and Chise, regardless of the secrets he keeps, wants to stay with him. Some readers take issue with some of the things Elias says, such as noting that “she will be his bride,” but others have noted that in Japanese culture, age and consent are handled differently, and that the relationship does not progress in a slave/master or apprentice/student capacity, but to something deeper. When discussing this series with teens, it may be useful to discuss how this relationship would be problematic in real life: a teacher and minor student would not be a healthy or appropriate relationship.

 

Reader’s Annotation:

Bought by an inhuman mage and introduced to the world of faeries, Chise Hatori must learn to adapt to her new world . . . and her new powers.

Author Biography:

Kore Yamazaki (ヤマザキ・コレ Yamazaki Kore): is an author, manga artist, illustrator, writer and creator of the The Ancient Magus Bride series.

She was born in Hokkaido. She has published several volumes of manga, her best-known work being The Ancient Magus Bride series. She's also known as the creator of the following mangas: Frau Faust, Futari no Renai Shoka, Transparent Museum, and Denpatou.

Source 

Genre:

Fantasy 

Curriculum Ties:

N/A

Booktalk Ideas:

Present teens with a choice: would you live your life as Chise if you could have powers?

Age Range or Reading Level:

13+

 

Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:

This book deals with many issues and experiences teens can relate to that may be challenged, including:

-violence

-death

-supernatural elements

-suggestive clothing/poses (later in series)

Defense File:

Collection Development Policy

  1. Have readily available

  2. Have staff be familiar with the document

  3. Have staff know and be trained on how to use the policy in a conversation about a challenged book

  4. Have staff be familiar with the process of reporting challenged books

ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom

ALA Library Bill of Rights

ALA Document on the First Amendment & Censorship

ALA Challenge Support

ALA: How to Respond to Challenges and Concerns about Library Resources

Professional reviews, as published by Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Kirkus

  1. Staff should be familiar with these sites, and be able to explain why librarians use them

Rating and information found on Commonsense Media

Any applicable awards for the title or author

  

Why Included:

“Chosen One” plots are perpetually popular with teens; add manga to it, and you have a series that will be a hit. While there are fantastical elements, much of the focus is on Chise’s growth and Elias’ identity, as well as world-building.


strobe edge, Vol. 1, io sakisaka

ISBN: 978-1421550688. Viz Media, 2013.

 

Plot Summary:

Ninako Kinoshito has never been in love. She sees her friends and classmates confessing their love for one another, but can’t quite understand it. A lot of her classmates are in love with Ren, the mysterious and secretive boy in her school, but he turns down every girl. Her friends think she’s in love with Daiki, because he’s her best friend, but she doesn’t think she is . . . but then again, she doesn’t know what love is.

Until one day when Ren steps on a phone charm of hers, and they begin talking. As she gets to know Ren more and see his kindness, she begins to wonder what this strange feeling is . . . this heart-pounding, anxious feeling that still feels good. As she begins to wonder, Daiki confesses her feelings to her, and she’s forced to make a decision. Should she reject Daiki and go for Ren, who is unavailable, or try something with Daiki?

This is part of a manga series. 

Critical Evaluation:

This is a fairly typical shojo manga that does not push any boundaries or take any risks, but still adds to the genre with its characters. It is a quick read, but manages to introduce characters that are likable and sympathetic. Ninako is young and a bit naive, but she is sweet and cares about her friends; she does not want to lead Daiki on and is brave and tells him she will not be with him or lead him on. Daiki is sweet and thoughtful, even though he argues with Ren. Ren is the token mysterious boy, but he is also very kind and considerate to Ninako and strangers. While there is not much else to the manga, such as Ninako’s life or other interests besides boys, it is only the first volume, and the point of this series is likely to entice romance readers. The dialogue is believable, and Ninako’s inner thoughts aren’t as cheesy as that in other manga. The art is similar to that of other modern manga, where the girls have large eyes and expressive faces, but there is no fanservice.

 

Reader’s Annotation:

Ninako doesn’t know what love is . . . until she meets Ren. Does he feel same way for her?

 

Author Biography:

Io Sakisaka (Japanese: 咲坂伊緒 HepburnSakisaka Io) is a Japanese manga artist. She also designed the characters for the anime movie HAL.

Source

 

Genre:

Romance

 

Curriculum Ties:

N/A

 

Booktalk Ideas:

Challenge teens to draw themselves as anime characters.

Age Range or Reading Level:

13+

 

Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:

This book deals with many issues and experiences teens can relate to that may be challenged, including:

N/A

Defense File:

Collection Development Policy

  1. Have readily available

  2. Have staff be familiar with the document

  3. Have staff know and be trained on how to use the policy in a conversation about a challenged book

  4. Have staff be familiar with the process of reporting challenged books

ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom

ALA Library Bill of Rights

ALA Document on the First Amendment & Censorship

ALA Challenge Support

ALA: How to Respond to Challenges and Concerns about Library Resources

Professional reviews, as published by Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Kirkus

  1. Staff should be familiar with these sites, and be able to explain why librarians use them

Rating and information found on Commonsense Media

Any applicable awards for the title or author

  

Why Included:

Shojo manga is a popular subgenre, and this series was named a Great Graphic Novel for Teens by YALSA.

 


Deathnote: black edition, vol. 1, Tsugumi ohba, takeshi obata

ISBN: 9781421539645. Viz Media 2010.

 

Plot Summary:

If you could rid the world of criminals, of evil, would you?

That’s the question Light Yagami, a student, faces. Son of a police detective in Japan, and incredibly bored with his life, Light finds a Death Note dropped by a Shinigami (demon). By writing the name of a person on the notebook, Light can kill anyone, and by almost any means. Eager to test the notebook, Light executes his first criminal. What at first seemed like an impossibility – to play God – becomes an obsession for Light, as he kills more and more criminals by the day. As the world begins to notice the deaths, and name the serial killer (“Kira”), Light finds himself in a cat-and-mouse game with genius detective L. Light, wanting to stay updated on the case lest he be caught, inserts himself into the case with his father and L, and must play both Kira and Light, gifted aspiring detective. L, a brilliant but mysterious character, suspects Light and enters into a thrilling game with him . . . who will outsmart the other? As the series continues, we see the introduction of a second Kira, more Shinigami, government involvement, and shocking twists. Light, motivated by his desire to rid the world of crime, and his own ego, will do his best not to get caught . . . but will he?

 

Critical Evaluation:

Philosophy and ethics are central themes to this series; what at first seems like an excuse to deliver gore and violence soon becomes a much deeper exercise. While there is humor and relatable characters, and skilled artwork, the most interesting premise is the central conflict. Even if Light veers off the original path of saving the world from evil, was his motivation always wrong, or was it more morally ambiguous? Would it always be wrong to use the Death Note? As readers, should we root for L to solve the case, or should we root for Light, who has fans appreciating the work he does to rid the world of criminals? Teens can appreciate the fast-paced, thrilling elements while pondering these underlying themes. Although there are elements of the supernatural in the series, the books are more rooted in the human world, with its grittiness and selfishness: Light joins with the second Kira, a girl named Misa, and takes advantage of her admiration for him in order to keep himself safe. L, in order to solve the case, manipulates his team and takes risks that endanger others. Are their actions ever justified?

Readers will find themselves reading quickly through the pages, perhaps even skimming, just to find out what happens. Thus, this is the perfect pick for a reluctant reader who needs adventure to keep engaged. Although the vocabulary is not advanced, young readers can benefit from paying attention to the structure employed by the author, and pairing the art with the dialogue. Additionally, while not much of Japanese culture is explicitly mentioned, readers can still pick up on differences between Japan and the U.S. and use this manga as a starting point into their research.

 

Reader’s Annotation:

Light Yagami, brilliant but dangerous student vs. L., genius detective.

In this thrilling manga series, Light is armed with a Death Note that allows him to kill anyone, and a keen desire to remake the world in his vision. With the notorious L on the case, will he be able to control the world, or will he get caught?

 

Author Biography:

Tsugumi Ōba (Profile in Japanese: 大場 つぐみ), born in Tokyo, Japan, is a writer best known for the manga Death Note. His/her real identity is a closely guarded secret. As stated by the profile placed at the beginning of each Death Note manga, Ōba collects teacups and develops manga plots while holding his knees on a chair, similar to a habit of L, one of the main characters of the series.

There is speculation that Tsugumi Ōba is a pen name and that he is really Hiroshi Gamō. Pointing out that in Bakuman the main character's uncle was a one-hit wonder manga artist who worked on a gag super hero manga, very similar to Gamō and Tottemo! Luckyman in all aspects. Also that the storyboards drawn by Ōba greatly resemble Tottemo! Luckyman in style.

Source

 

Obata generally works as the artist in collaboration with an author. He has also mentored several mangaka, including Kentaro Yabuki of Black Cat fame, Nobuhiro Watsuki of Rurouni Kenshin, and Yusuke Murata of Eyeshield 21.

 

Obata was first noticed in 1985 when he took a prize in the Tezuka Award for his one shot 500 Kōnen no Kaiwa. Joining the Weekly Shōnen Jump staff, he mentored under Makoto Niwano before starting his first major series, Cyborg Jii-chan G in 1989. Having difficulty for several years in finding a hit, Obata began collaborating with other writers on their stories. He finally began the series that established his name when he teamed with Yumi Hotta on Hikaru no Go starting in 1998.

 

Obata is best known as the artist of Hikaru no Go, for which he received the Shogakukan Manga Award in 2000 and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2003, and for Death Note. His style is rare among shōnen artists, not only for the detail of his drawings, but in his penchant for fashion; the characters he draws often wear stylish clothes and trendy items like the latest fashionable scarf, tie, or handbag.

Source

 

Genre:

Mystery/Thriller/Horror Manga

 

Curriculum Ties:

Social Studies, Philosophy/Ethics 

Booktalk Ideas:

Roleplaying. Have teens separate into two groups, and have one choose a member to be lead detective (L), and one choose to be the criminal (Light/Kira). How can each side get what they want? How can each side outsmart the other?

 

Age Range or Reading Level:

16+

Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:

This book deals with many issues and experiences teens can relate to that may be challenged, including:

-violence

-language

-mild nudity/undressing

-demons/occult

-heavier ethics questions

Defense File:

Collection Development Policy

  1. Have readily available

  2. Have staff be familiar with the document

  3. Have staff know and be trained on how to use the policy in a conversation about a challenged book

  4. Have staff be familiar with the process of reporting challenged books

ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom

ALA Library Bill of Rights

ALA Document on the First Amendment & Censorship

ALA Challenge Support

ALA: How to Respond to Challenges and Concerns about Library Resources

Professional reviews, as published by Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Kirkus

  1. Staff should be familiar with these sites, and be able to explain why librarians use them

Rating and information found on Commonsense Media

Any applicable awards for the title or author

  

Why Included:

It’s a modern classic in anime and manga, and deals with heavier topics than one might expect, without devolving into senseless violence. Perfect for teens who crave fast-paced plotting, while still being suitable for those who want a bit more substance to their leisure reading.