In honor of Portland’s vibrant graphic novel and comic book arts scene, we’re sharing some of the best reads of the year, including some by local artists and a couple of kid-friendly options.
‘Spent’ by Alison Bechdel
The new graphic novel from New York Times bestselling author — and inventor of the Bechdel test — Alison Bechdel is a bit of a shift from her memoirs, but filled with the personal queer themes she’s known for. It’s a lighthearted and charming meditation on late capitalism featuring fictional versions of Alison and her wife, both of whom run a pygmy goat farm in Vermont while facing climate change and the beginnings of civil war.
‘Cannon’ by Lee Lai
The Australian author’s sophomore book follows a woman who holds it together for everyone around her, but doesn’t quite feel held herself. It’s a masterclass in navigating complicated relationships with cutting humor.
A collection of DC Comics at Books with Pictures. (Photo by Elle Hygge)
‘And to Think We Started as a Book Club’ by Tom Toro
If you enjoy the witty humor of The New Yorker’s cartoons, you’ll love this collection from Portland cartoonist Tom Toro. It includes some of Toro’s published work during his 15-year magazine tenure, along with unpublished cartoons that will help you laugh your way through our modern world.
‘Absolute Wonder Woman’ by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman
Part of DC Comics’ new Absolute Universe, this take on the iconic Wonder Woman reimagines what her trajectory would be if she were ripped from paradise in childhood and instead grew up in the underworld. It’s written by local author Kelly Thompson and brilliantly illustrated by artist Hayden Sherman.
‘Agent Cupcake’ by Mel Hilario and Lauren Davis
For younger readers, this candy-colored spy story features a 12-year-old who loves mythical beasts and is tasked with uncovering why unicorns are losing their magical powers.
‘Flip’ by Ngozi Ukazu
There’s hardly anything more quintessential to young adulthood than the struggle to fit in. This lovely work by the author of “Check, Please!” is about a young Black girl who has a crush on the most popular white boy at their private school, even though he hardly notices her. That is until they switch bodies one day and are forced to walk in each other’s footsteps. The book takes the classic body-switching rom-com concept and weaves it into a tale of belonging and self acceptance.
