Some people say they 'don't read comics' because they have only seen superheroes. These books are a way to change their mind. They are true stories, history, a science fiction classic and some very funny books about literature, and none of them needs any experience with comics.
Every book here won or was nominated for an Eisner or Hugo Award.
Winner2020
George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott, and Harmony Becker
Great for a Star Trek fan or history reader
George Takei, Sulu from Star Trek, tells of his childhood in the camps where the United States imprisoned Japanese American families during the Second World War. Clear, moving and often taught in schools.
2020 Eisner Award for Best Reality-Based Work winner
Nominee2008
Shaun Tan
Great for someone who loves art
A man leaves his family to find work in a strange new country, with its own language, food and creatures. Told entirely in pictures, without a single word, by Shaun Tan. A book about every immigrant's journey.
2008 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album: New nominee
Winner2021
Derf Backderf
Great for a history buff
On May 4, 1970, National Guard soldiers opened fire on students at Kent State University in Ohio, killing four. Derf Backderf reconstructs the days leading up to it, minute by minute. Journalism in comics form.
2021 Eisner Award for Best Reality-Based Work winner
Winner2010
Emmanuel Guibert, Didier Lefèvre, and Frédéric Lemercier
Great for a travel or photography lover
In 1986 the photographer Didier Lefèvre joined a Doctors Without Borders mission into war-torn Afghanistan. His own photographs and Emmanuel Guibert's drawings tell the story together. Unlike any other book.
2010 Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material winner
Winner2021
Octavia E. Butler and Damian Duffy
Great for a novel reader
Octavia E. Butler's prophetic novel about a teenager, Lauren Olamina, surviving the collapse of society in a near-future California, adapted into comics. It won the Hugo Award.
2021 Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story or Comic winner
Winner2019
Pénélope Bagieu
Great for a reader who likes short chapters
Short, funny and sharp portraits of dozens of women who did things their own way, from famous names to women history forgot, by the French cartoonist Pénélope Bagieu.
2019 Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material winner
Winner2021
Adrian Tomine
Great for anyone in a creative job
Adrian Tomine, a successful cartoonist, collects the most awkward and humiliating moments of his career, drawn like a sketchbook. Very funny and surprisingly moving.
2021 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Memoir winner
Winner2016
Kate Beaton
Great for an English or history graduate
Kate Beaton's comic strips about history and classic literature: Brontë sisters, Napoleon, Nancy Drew and many more, all very silly. Perfect for dipping into.
2016 Eisner Award for Best Humor Publication winner
Winner2018
Tom Gauld
Great for a book lover
Tom Gauld's one-page cartoons about books, writers, libraries and publishing, many first published in The Guardian. Dry, clever and quick to read.
2018 Eisner Award for Best Humor Publication winner
A true story is often the easiest start. They Called Us Enemy, Kent State and Ducks are all good choices.
A graphic novel is a book-length comic, usually with one complete story. Many are memoirs, history or literary fiction.
For more, browse every award-winning graphic novel for adults.