Written by contributor Kajree Gautom
The world has truly plunged into a weird state and everything feels topsy-turvy right now. In such tough times, we surely do need something light and fun to keep us light-headed, and what better than graphic novels! Graphic novels are a true gem as they are so often quick and fun to read. Here are some really fun graphic novel recommendations that are sure to bring a smile to your face, and make you giddy with happiness!
Sheets by Brenna Thummler | Goodreads
A lonely girl? The cutest ghost? Messy decisions and funny little misunderstandings? SHEETS has it all and in the cutest way possible. Marjorie is over-burdened and sad and lonely, trying so hard to save her family laundromat business while her father grieves the loss of his wife. There is also the wicked neighbour to look out for, who is constantly trying to acquire the laundromat land for his own business. And then one day, a ghost suddenly appears in the laundromat – cute little Wendell – and it is one fun adventure that unravels! I loved this story so much and it had its fun as well as serious moments in a perfect balance. And the art, the colour palette was simply stunning, clad in pretty pastels. SHEETS is a fun little unique graphic novel that will surely bring a smile to your face.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman | Goodreads
I fell in love with Nick and Charlie and I know you will too when you read Heartstopper. Charlie is openly gay, and he meets Nick, a soft-hearted rugby player on a fateful day. Friendship soon blooms between the two boys as they understand and support each other while Charlie finds himself falling for Nick. Heartstopper is so heartwarming and so adorable that you will want to read all the volumes in one sitting. Nick and Charlie’s story has made my heart melt and swoon. It is one of the cutest graphic novels I’ve come across and has all the right amount of fluff while also glancing at important topics.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang | Goodreads
This graphic novel is going to give you all the feels! Prince Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret from the world, and especially his parents who are hellbent on finding him a wife. Sebastian, though, clad in gorgeous dresses, takes Paris by storm at night as the coveted Lady Crystallia, with his best friend Frances. Soon turning into a fashion icon, Sebastian finds his place but not Frances, who has to remain a secret. Frances, however, dreams of making it big in the industry, creating a name for herself. And she cannot do it if she wants to protect her friend. A colourful little story about finding yourself and not being afraid of who you are, The Prince and The Dressmaker is a hopeful and promising story about love without conditions. With a spectacular colourful palette, the story explores identity, art, young love, and family. And those beautiful dresses? Damn, I would love to own all of them!
Nimona by Noelle Stevenson | Goodreads
Nimona is the most adorable. Period. Nimona is an energetic and young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister, the villain in this story, takes in Nimona as his sidekick, and with their superpower they create havoc. But when a vicious battle erupts, Lord Ballister can only grasp how powerful and unpredictable Nimona and her past is. This story is full of love and hope and friendship, added with a dollop of villainy and mastery. Nimona is a goddamn precious bean and I loved the ending so much. It was simply beautiful and fun with all the needed wickedness and morally grey and notorious characters.
Fence by C. S. Pacat | Goodreads
One of my recent favourite books with the best set of characters is Fence. Illustrated by Johanna the Mad, Fence traces the story of Nicholas, a sloppy fencer with immense skills, who is also the illegitimate son of a retired fencing champion. Nicholas only dreams of getting a chance to prove himself as a worthy fencer, get the appropriate training to compete. As he is thrust into the world of fencing and Kings Row private school, he not only has to face his half-brother and #1 fencing champion, but also the mysterious Seiji. The Fencers are bound to give you all the #friendshipgoals, and I love Seiji and Nicholas so much. All the characters and players in the book play such important parts in the growth of each other, and I couldn’t help but be at amazed over each character arc. They made me laugh and giggle, Nicholas made me want to shake some sense into him, and Seiji simply made me swoon. When you read Fence, you will definitely fall in love with all these characters and go on a journey as they train and become better versions of themselves. Plus, the art is fun and the dialogues will simply crack you up!
The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill | Goodreads
These little tea dragons are going to bring a wide smile to your faces. First in The Tea Dragon series, we meet Greta who discovers a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, and then ends up in a teashop where she discovers more of them. As she takes a liking to these little creatures and spends more time with the teashop owners, Greta leans more about the art of tea-dragon care and makes a few friends in the way. The second book, The Tea Dragon Festival, explores the story of Rinn and Aedhan, a real dragon, as she helps him come to terms with his feelings of being lost in time while saving the village from an enchanted sleep spell. The third book, The Tea Dragon Tapestry, is the concluding story of Greta. Steeped in diversity and inclusiveness, this series surely has a cute little story aimed at making everyone happy and find their calling, while enjoying the art of creating. Colourful and vibrant, the art is truly eye-catching!
