Recommendations

Being in College Lit, it's safe to assume you like books. Maybe such stories as Persepolis caused some head scratching and general displeasure, but whether you loved it or hated it, there are graphic novels out there for every niche--romance, comedy, slice of life, action, horror, fantasy, etc etc etc. Just like "normal" books.

Here are a couple recommendations.

1) Bayou

"Lee Wagstaff is the daughter of a black sharecropper in the depression-era town of Charon, Mississippi. When Lily Westmoreland, her white playmate, is snatched by agents of an evil creature known as Bog, Lee's father is accused of kidnapping. Lee's only hope is to follow Lily's trail into this fantastic and frightening alternate world. Along the way she enlists the help of a benevolent, blues singing, swamp monster called Bayou. Together, Lee and Bayou trek across a hauntingly familiar Southern Neverland, confronting creatures both benign and malevolent, in an effort to rescue Lily and save Lee's father from being lynched." -- a la Amazon.com

I read it and loved it and felt slightly disturbed. Don't read if you're squeamish.



2) Emiko Superstar

"Emi was always kind of a geek by default,
but this summer her geeky friends have headed off to a “young executives retreat.” Emi decides that’s not her scene, so she’s stuck at home in the Toronto ‘burbs, baby-sitting for her American neighbors, the Cutheberts. (The dad is big and blond; his grin is too broad, he talks too loud, and he plays lots of tennis. Hee.) Her whole summer changes when she sees a dreadlocked girl start dancing and singing in the middle of the mall. She’s advertising the “Freak Show” at a place called the Factory, downtown. Even though the art is black and white, you can just see all the bright colors and glitter in her outfit.

"Emi goes, of course, and is caught up in the performance art world of the Freaks. As she discovers, “not being noteworthy at the Factory was kind of like not existing.” And Emi wants to exist, to be noticed. So she reinvents herself as a performance artist, using her grandmother’s clothes from her career as a dancer, and Mrs. Cuthebert’s diary of her miserable marriage. Emi’s act is wildly successful, but there’s only so long before her deceptions — and those of all the other characters — unravel." --a la here

One of my absolute faves! The story is rich and real, freaky or no.



3) Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

"Scott Pilgrim is 23 years old, living in the big city with his gay roommate, just trying to get by in this crazy world. He's in a band. He's lazy. He likes video games.

"Scott Pilgrim likes the new girl in town, Ramona Flowers, but to win her heart, he has to defeat her seven evil ex-boyfriends. Seven! Evil! Ex! Boyfriends! Lucas has muscles! Todd plays bass with his psychic powers! The Twins are twins! Matthew Patel is an Indian guy! AND MORE!" --Check It

Yeah, the graphic novel came before the movie--surprise, surprise! Actually, lots of movies have been made out of or inspired by "picture books", such as Kill Bill, Watchmen, V for Vendetta, etc.



There are many, many more to recommend, like Maus or Regifters, but I'll end for now. When ever you get a chance, pick up a book and read.