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Genre Guide

Classic Graphic Novels & Manga - Christchurch City Libraries

By:

ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries

Staff-created list

While diverse in plot, theme, and illustration, these graphic novels and Manga, a mix of fiction and non-fiction, are united by being revolutionary examples of the medium. Whether conceptually or visually, these works have changed the way we think about what a graphic novel can be, challenging tropes and preconceptions to break new ground and become praised and celebrated icons. A Christchurch City Libraries list.

By:

ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries

19 items

19 items

The Absolute Sandman

The Absolute Sandman

Volume 1

by Gaiman, Neil, 1960-

Graphic Novel - 2006

The Sandman' is a sprawling tale that spans worlds as well as centuries. Written by Neil Gaiman, well known for his imaginative and darkly humorous fantas...Show more The Sandman' is a sprawling tale that spans worlds as well as centuries. Written by Neil Gaiman, well known for his imaginative and darkly humorous fantasy novels. Dream, one of the seven Endless, escapes his captivity only to find his kingdom in disrepair and his siblings indifferent to his reappearance. Given the opportunity to make amends for his past arrogance and cruelty, he starts a journey which teaches him that change is sometimes inevitable, even among the immortal. Often shifting focus and scope. Show less

The Sandman' is a sprawling tale that spans worlds as well as centuries. Written by Neil Gaiman, well known for his imaginative and darkly humorous fantas...Show more The Sandman' is a sprawling tale that spans worlds as well as centuries. Written by Neil Gaiman, well known for his imaginative and darkly humorous fantasy novels. Dream, one of the seven Endless, escapes his captivity only to find his kingdom in disrepair and his siblings indifferent to his reappearance. Given the opportunity to make amends for his past arrogance and cruelty, he starts a journey which teaches him that change is sometimes inevitable, even among the immortal. Often shifting focus and scope. Show less

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Watchmen

Watchmen

by Moore, Alan, 1953-

Graphic Novel - 1987

The highly lauded, Hugo award winning Watchmen series depicts a group of superheroes as they succumb to their human foibles and subsequently find themselv...Show more The highly lauded, Hugo award winning Watchmen series depicts a group of superheroes as they succumb to their human foibles and subsequently find themselves on the wrong side of public opinion. On their way down, they find themselves the targets of a mysterious assassin intent on picking them off one-by-one. A complex plot containing detailed unpacking of the superhero concept and how the fallible human mind deals with and responds to such enormous power and strength. Show less

The highly lauded, Hugo award winning Watchmen series depicts a group of superheroes as they succumb to their human foibles and subsequently find themselv...Show more The highly lauded, Hugo award winning Watchmen series depicts a group of superheroes as they succumb to their human foibles and subsequently find themselves on the wrong side of public opinion. On their way down, they find themselves the targets of a mysterious assassin intent on picking them off one-by-one. A complex plot containing detailed unpacking of the superhero concept and how the fallible human mind deals with and responds to such enormous power and strength. Show less

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Persepolis

Persepolis

by Satrapi, Marjane, 1969-

Graphic Novel - 2003

This fast-paced but touching and humorous story driven by strong female characters is a graphic novel about the Iranian Revolution, told from the perspect...Show more This fast-paced but touching and humorous story driven by strong female characters is a graphic novel about the Iranian Revolution, told from the perspective of a young girl, Marji. Marjane and her parents live in the Iran of the Shah and when he is overthrown and the new Islamic regime takes control, the family struggles to adapt to the contrasts imposed upon them. One day Marji returns to find that a ballistic missile has destroyed her best friend's house and is traumatised by this tragic event. Her parents decide to send her to Austria. Followed by a sequel. Show less

This fast-paced but touching and humorous story driven by strong female characters is a graphic novel about the Iranian Revolution, told from the perspect...Show more This fast-paced but touching and humorous story driven by strong female characters is a graphic novel about the Iranian Revolution, told from the perspective of a young girl, Marji. Marjane and her parents live in the Iran of the Shah and when he is overthrown and the new Islamic regime takes control, the family struggles to adapt to the contrasts imposed upon them. One day Marji returns to find that a ballistic missile has destroyed her best friend's house and is traumatised by this tragic event. Her parents decide to send her to Austria. Followed by a sequel. Show less

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Black Hole

Black Hole

by Burns, Charles, 1955-

Graphic Novel - 2005

Beautiful and terrifying, 'Black Hole' deftly captures the classic anxieties and struggles experienced by young adults. Set in the suburbs of Seattle in t...Show more Beautiful and terrifying, 'Black Hole' deftly captures the classic anxieties and struggles experienced by young adults. Set in the suburbs of Seattle in the 1970s. Grotesque mutations caused by a sexually-transmitted infection afflict a group of suburban teens in this exploration of body horror as a metaphor for the transition into adulthood and burgeoning sexuality. Show less

Beautiful and terrifying, 'Black Hole' deftly captures the classic anxieties and struggles experienced by young adults. Set in the suburbs of Seattle in t...Show more Beautiful and terrifying, 'Black Hole' deftly captures the classic anxieties and struggles experienced by young adults. Set in the suburbs of Seattle in the 1970s. Grotesque mutations caused by a sexually-transmitted infection afflict a group of suburban teens in this exploration of body horror as a metaphor for the transition into adulthood and burgeoning sexuality. Show less

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The Diary of A Teenage Girl

The Diary of A Teenage Girl

[an Account in Words and Pictures]

by Gloeckner, Phoebe

Book - 2015

Although it’s officially classed as a novel, this semi-autobiographical work uses a combination of diary entries and comic strip panels to follow Minnie G...Show more Although it’s officially classed as a novel, this semi-autobiographical work uses a combination of diary entries and comic strip panels to follow Minnie Goetze as she navigates her teen years in San Francisco in the 1970s. Not for the faint-hearted, Minnie’s coming-of-age is full of sex and drugs, but it’s also an evocative exploration of the damage that adults can unknowingly inflict on growing minds. Show less

Although it’s officially classed as a novel, this semi-autobiographical work uses a combination of diary entries and comic strip panels to follow Minnie G...Show more Although it’s officially classed as a novel, this semi-autobiographical work uses a combination of diary entries and comic strip panels to follow Minnie Goetze as she navigates her teen years in San Francisco in the 1970s. Not for the faint-hearted, Minnie’s coming-of-age is full of sex and drugs, but it’s also an evocative exploration of the damage that adults can unknowingly inflict on growing minds. Show less

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Batman

Batman

The Killing Joke

by Moore, Alan, 1953-

Graphic Novel - 2008

The Joker has always been Batman's greatest villain, but who was he before he became the Clown Prince of Crime? As the Joker enacts a horrifying plan to p...Show more The Joker has always been Batman's greatest villain, but who was he before he became the Clown Prince of Crime? As the Joker enacts a horrifying plan to prove a point to Batman, flashbacks reveal the dark and tragic origin story of the man behind the smile. Show less

The Joker has always been Batman's greatest villain, but who was he before he became the Clown Prince of Crime? As the Joker enacts a horrifying plan to p...Show more The Joker has always been Batman's greatest villain, but who was he before he became the Clown Prince of Crime? As the Joker enacts a horrifying plan to prove a point to Batman, flashbacks reveal the dark and tragic origin story of the man behind the smile. Show less

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Ant Colony

Ant Colony

by DeForge, Michael, 1987-

Graphic Novel - 2014

DeForge combines a heavy dose of deadpan humour with human-style relationships to explore themes of existentialism, sexuality, and inequality in this clas...Show more DeForge combines a heavy dose of deadpan humour with human-style relationships to explore themes of existentialism, sexuality, and inequality in this classic graphic novel. A colony of black ants happily go about their daily lives, making sure to avoid giant spiders and humans with magnifying glasses, when they're suddenly attacked by the neighbouring red ant colony. Show less

DeForge combines a heavy dose of deadpan humour with human-style relationships to explore themes of existentialism, sexuality, and inequality in this clas...Show more DeForge combines a heavy dose of deadpan humour with human-style relationships to explore themes of existentialism, sexuality, and inequality in this classic graphic novel. A colony of black ants happily go about their daily lives, making sure to avoid giant spiders and humans with magnifying glasses, when they're suddenly attacked by the neighbouring red ant colony. Show less

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The Book of Genesis

The Book of Genesis

Graphic Novel - 2009

Robert Crumb drew and lettered his graphic novel version of the first book of the Bible by hand. Featuring the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah's Ark, and more. Fair warning, some of the illustrations are quite explicit. Robert Crumb drew and lettered his graphic novel version of the first book of the Bible by hand. Featuring the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah's Ark, and more. Fair warning, some of the illustrations are quite explicit. Show less

Robert Crumb drew and lettered his graphic novel version of the first book of the Bible by hand. Featuring the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah's Ark, and more. Fair warning, some of the illustrations are quite explicit. Robert Crumb drew and lettered his graphic novel version of the first book of the Bible by hand. Featuring the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah's Ark, and more. Fair warning, some of the illustrations are quite explicit. Show less

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My New York Diary

My New York Diary

by Doucet, Julie, 1965-

Book - 2013

This iconic graphic novel follows the author as she makes a sudden decision to pack up her belongings and move to NYC in the early 1990s. Once there, she ...Show more This iconic graphic novel follows the author as she makes a sudden decision to pack up her belongings and move to NYC in the early 1990s. Once there, she finds she can't escape her past and must learn to deal with her jealous ex, a worsening medical condition, anxiety about her talents, and her increasing reliance on drugs and alcohol. An edgy take on real-life issues by acclaimed graphic artist, Julie Doucet. Show less

This iconic graphic novel follows the author as she makes a sudden decision to pack up her belongings and move to NYC in the early 1990s. Once there, she ...Show more This iconic graphic novel follows the author as she makes a sudden decision to pack up her belongings and move to NYC in the early 1990s. Once there, she finds she can't escape her past and must learn to deal with her jealous ex, a worsening medical condition, anxiety about her talents, and her increasing reliance on drugs and alcohol. An edgy take on real-life issues by acclaimed graphic artist, Julie Doucet. Show less

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Artichoke Tales

Artichoke Tales

by Kelso, Megan, 1968-

Graphic Novel - 2010

This modern classic tells the moving story of three generations of the Quicksand family, who are caught between the two sides of a civil war. With traditi...Show more This modern classic tells the moving story of three generations of the Quicksand family, who are caught between the two sides of a civil war. With traditional themes of forbidden love, conflict, loyalty, and coming-of-age, the characters' whimsical artichoke heads transform this into a saga with a difference. Show less

This modern classic tells the moving story of three generations of the Quicksand family, who are caught between the two sides of a civil war. With traditi...Show more This modern classic tells the moving story of three generations of the Quicksand family, who are caught between the two sides of a civil war. With traditional themes of forbidden love, conflict, loyalty, and coming-of-age, the characters' whimsical artichoke heads transform this into a saga with a difference. Show less

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Akira

Akira

Book 1

by Ōtomo, Katsuhiro, 1954-

Graphic Novel - 1984

A cyberpunk manga masterpiece. Several years ago, a powerful force known as 'Akira' ravaged Tokyo and triggered the third world war. In the wake of the ap...Show more A cyberpunk manga masterpiece. Several years ago, a powerful force known as 'Akira' ravaged Tokyo and triggered the third world war. In the wake of the apocalypse, charismatic leader Kaneda rules supreme over a teenage biker gang. When Kaneda's best friend Tetsuo develops mysterious and ever-growing telekinetic powers, he becomes targeted by the military who fear another Akira-like attack. Kaneda must fight to save Tetsuo before his powers take over and he loses the last of his humanity. Show less

A cyberpunk manga masterpiece. Several years ago, a powerful force known as 'Akira' ravaged Tokyo and triggered the third world war. In the wake of the ap...Show more A cyberpunk manga masterpiece. Several years ago, a powerful force known as 'Akira' ravaged Tokyo and triggered the third world war. In the wake of the apocalypse, charismatic leader Kaneda rules supreme over a teenage biker gang. When Kaneda's best friend Tetsuo develops mysterious and ever-growing telekinetic powers, he becomes targeted by the military who fear another Akira-like attack. Kaneda must fight to save Tetsuo before his powers take over and he loses the last of his humanity. Show less

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Frankenstein

Frankenstein

Junji Ito Story Collection

by Itō, Junji, 1963-

Graphic Novel - 2018

Junji Ito showcases his exceptional talent for manga horror stories in this faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', perfectly capturing the ...Show more Junji Ito showcases his exceptional talent for manga horror stories in this faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', perfectly capturing the moral conflicts of Dr Frankenstein and the lonely anguish of his monstrous creation. The volume also includes a number of shorter stories including some centered on Oshikiri, a school student who constantly finds himself in scary situations. Show less

Junji Ito showcases his exceptional talent for manga horror stories in this faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', perfectly capturing the ...Show more Junji Ito showcases his exceptional talent for manga horror stories in this faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', perfectly capturing the moral conflicts of Dr Frankenstein and the lonely anguish of his monstrous creation. The volume also includes a number of shorter stories including some centered on Oshikiri, a school student who constantly finds himself in scary situations. Show less

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Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal Edition

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal Edition

1

by Takeuchi, Naoko

Graphic Novel - 2018

This teen-friendly manga inspired the classic Sailor Moon anime TV series. Usagi is an average teenage girl whose whole world changes when she discovers t...Show more This teen-friendly manga inspired the classic Sailor Moon anime TV series. Usagi is an average teenage girl whose whole world changes when she discovers that her true identity is Sailor Moon, a magical princess. Together with Luna, her talking cat, and a band of Sailor Scouts, Usagi fights for justice against the evil Dark Kingdom, known as Negaverse. Teen Friendly. Show less

This teen-friendly manga inspired the classic Sailor Moon anime TV series. Usagi is an average teenage girl whose whole world changes when she discovers t...Show more This teen-friendly manga inspired the classic Sailor Moon anime TV series. Usagi is an average teenage girl whose whole world changes when she discovers that her true identity is Sailor Moon, a magical princess. Together with Luna, her talking cat, and a band of Sailor Scouts, Usagi fights for justice against the evil Dark Kingdom, known as Negaverse. Teen Friendly. Show less

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Cardcaptor Sakura [omnibus]

Cardcaptor Sakura [omnibus]

1

by CLAMP.

Graphic Novel - 2010

This feel-good teen-friendly manga series follows teenager Sakura Kinomoto as she finds herself on a mystical quest to capture a set of magical cards. Sak...Show more This feel-good teen-friendly manga series follows teenager Sakura Kinomoto as she finds herself on a mystical quest to capture a set of magical cards. Sakura is helped along on her adventures by Kero-chan, the charming guardian of the book from which the cards have escaped. A sweet mix of magical worlds and everyday teenage experiences, such as school life, friendships, and love. Teen Friendly. Show less

This feel-good teen-friendly manga series follows teenager Sakura Kinomoto as she finds herself on a mystical quest to capture a set of magical cards. Sak...Show more This feel-good teen-friendly manga series follows teenager Sakura Kinomoto as she finds herself on a mystical quest to capture a set of magical cards. Sakura is helped along on her adventures by Kero-chan, the charming guardian of the book from which the cards have escaped. A sweet mix of magical worlds and everyday teenage experiences, such as school life, friendships, and love. Teen Friendly. Show less

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Maus

Maus

A Survivor's Tale

by Spiegelman, Art, 1948-

Book - 1997

A fantastically illustrated and poignant story of the artist’s father’s experiences as a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor. Beautifully framed through dis...Show more A fantastically illustrated and poignant story of the artist’s father’s experiences as a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor. Beautifully framed through discussions between father and son, who have had a difficult relationship, and where all the characters are portrayed by animals– Nazis are cats, and Jews are mice, for example. The first graphic novel to win a Pulitzer Prize. Show less

A fantastically illustrated and poignant story of the artist’s father’s experiences as a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor. Beautifully framed through dis...Show more A fantastically illustrated and poignant story of the artist’s father’s experiences as a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor. Beautifully framed through discussions between father and son, who have had a difficult relationship, and where all the characters are portrayed by animals– Nazis are cats, and Jews are mice, for example. The first graphic novel to win a Pulitzer Prize. Show less

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Nimona

Nimona

by Stevenson, Noelle

Graphic Novel - 2015

A delightful teen-friendly adventure that is plain, good fun. Nimona is an impulsive shapeshifter who takes it upon herself to become the sidekick for Lor...Show more A delightful teen-friendly adventure that is plain, good fun. Nimona is an impulsive shapeshifter who takes it upon herself to become the sidekick for Lord Ballister Blackheart, the kingdom’s villain. Together they’re determined to prove to the kingdom that the darling hero, Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin, and the Institute of Law Enforcement and Heroics are the true villains.Teen Friendly. Show less

A delightful teen-friendly adventure that is plain, good fun. Nimona is an impulsive shapeshifter who takes it upon herself to become the sidekick for Lor...Show more A delightful teen-friendly adventure that is plain, good fun. Nimona is an impulsive shapeshifter who takes it upon herself to become the sidekick for Lord Ballister Blackheart, the kingdom’s villain. Together they’re determined to prove to the kingdom that the darling hero, Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin, and the Institute of Law Enforcement and Heroics are the true villains.Teen Friendly. Show less

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This One Summer

This One Summer

by Tamaki, Mariko

Graphic Novel - 2014

Rose spends every summer with her parents in their lake house in Awago Beach. Swimming, relaxing and exploring with her best friend Windy, it's a getaway ...Show more Rose spends every summer with her parents in their lake house in Awago Beach. Swimming, relaxing and exploring with her best friend Windy, it's a getaway she looks forward to every year. But this summer her refuge becomes a prison when her parents won't stop fighting, and as she seeks to escape with Windy, they find themselves falling into a whole new set of troubles. In a season of change, Rose learns that growing up is painful, but can also be hopeful too. Teen Friendly. Show less

Rose spends every summer with her parents in their lake house in Awago Beach. Swimming, relaxing and exploring with her best friend Windy, it's a getaway ...Show more Rose spends every summer with her parents in their lake house in Awago Beach. Swimming, relaxing and exploring with her best friend Windy, it's a getaway she looks forward to every year. But this summer her refuge becomes a prison when her parents won't stop fighting, and as she seeks to escape with Windy, they find themselves falling into a whole new set of troubles. In a season of change, Rose learns that growing up is painful, but can also be hopeful too. Teen Friendly. Show less

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Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket

1

by Takaya, Natsuki, 1973-

Graphic Novel - 2016

A well-loved series, Fruits Basket revolves around Tohru, an orphaned girl taken in by the Sohma family, who hold a secret magical curse - select members ...Show more A well-loved series, Fruits Basket revolves around Tohru, an orphaned girl taken in by the Sohma family, who hold a secret magical curse - select members of the family can turn into the zodiac animals. Difficult themes such as loss and identity are identified and packaged in an easy-to-read manner, and friendship and banter exists aplenty. Show less

A well-loved series, Fruits Basket revolves around Tohru, an orphaned girl taken in by the Sohma family, who hold a secret magical curse - select members ...Show more A well-loved series, Fruits Basket revolves around Tohru, an orphaned girl taken in by the Sohma family, who hold a secret magical curse - select members of the family can turn into the zodiac animals. Difficult themes such as loss and identity are identified and packaged in an easy-to-read manner, and friendship and banter exists aplenty. Show less

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Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan

1

by Isayama, Hajime, 1986-

Graphic Novel - 2012

This long-running manga series portrays a post-apocalyptic world in which man-eating giants known as Titans terrorised the human race. One hundred years l...Show more This long-running manga series portrays a post-apocalyptic world in which man-eating giants known as Titans terrorised the human race. One hundred years later, the few humans that survived are living safely in a barricaded city, when the Titans make a sudden return. This award-winning manga also inspired video game adaptations and an anime series. Show less

This long-running manga series portrays a post-apocalyptic world in which man-eating giants known as Titans terrorised the human race. One hundred years l...Show more This long-running manga series portrays a post-apocalyptic world in which man-eating giants known as Titans terrorised the human race. One hundred years later, the few humans that survived are living safely in a barricaded city, when the Titans make a sudden return. This award-winning manga also inspired video game adaptations and an anime series. Show less

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