Throughout the summer, there's nothing I love more than reading a great graphic novel and escaping the heat. Whether lounging by the beach or just hanging out at home, here are 11 great graphic novels worth checking out for their fantastic characters, intriguing plots and amazing artwork.
1. "Brain Camp" by Susan Kim, Laurence Klavan and Faith Erin Hicks.
Lucas and Jenna are already suspicious when their parents send them to a summer camp meant to change problem children into geniuses. A transformation like that comes at a price though, and Jenna and Lucas have to outsmart this sinister force if they want to save the campers and themselves.
2. "Seconds" by Bryan Lee O'Malley.
What would you do with the power to undo any of your actions however many times you want? Katie wanted to open a restaurant and get the guy of her dreams, but the consequences of her actions keep piling up and the time-space continuum is crumbling around her.
3. "Smile" by Raina Telgemeier.
Raina Telgemeier gives us a glimpse into her life and unique dental situations through this self-empowering memoir that reminds you to always smile, no matter what.
4. "Awkward" by Svetlana Chmakova.
After tripping over Jamie in the school hallway, Peppi shoves him away and runs off in embarrassment. Once she reaches the Art Club room, she becomes determined to apologize to Jamie for what happened. Of course, that's easier said than done when Jamie is a member of the Science Club, the Art Club's greatest rival. Will Peppi and Jamie be able to reconcile and bring the clubs together or will both groups be disbanded?
5. "Roller Girl" by Victoria Jamieson.
Astrid and Nicole used to be inseparable, but that abruptly changed when they went to different summer camps and Nicole started hanging out with Astrid's nemesis. Now Astrid has to make new friends while following her dream of becoming a roller derby girl, but that's going to be tricky because she can hardly stay up on her feet long enough to skate.
6. "Friends With Boys" by Faith Erin Hicks.
Going from being home-schooled to attending high school is hard enough as it is, but Maggie has to make the transition while being haunted by a ghost. Fortunately, she has three great older brothers and two new friends to help her tackle the supernatural challenges ahead and make school feel a bit less lonely.
7. "The Cute Girl Network" by Greg Means, MK Reed, and Joe Flood.
After Jane falls off her skateboard in front of Jack's soup cart, they discover that they are a great match. Of course, with the start of any new relationship, the cute girl network weighs in on whether or not they think that the couple should stay together, and all of Jack's ex-girlfriends are brought to Jane to tell her their horror stories. Will Jane and Jack stay together against the cute girl network that wants Jane to dump Jack as soon as possible?
8. "Tomboy" by Liz Prince.
This graphic memoir takes the readers through the life of Liz Prince with all its awkwardness and charm while "telling gender norms to eat dirt."
9. "Drama" by Raina Telgemeier.
When putting on a school play, the drama isn't contained to just the stage. Callie and her friends work behind the scenes as the stage crew so that the show can go on, but quickly find out that most of the drama is in their love lives.
10. "Anya's Ghost" by Vera Brosgol.
Embarrassed about her family, heritage and body, Anya goes to the park to escape it all rather than go to school and falls down a well. While trapped, she becomes friends with a ghost that she keeps with her after being pulled out of the well. Things seem to be taking a turn for the better in Anya's life with a ghost by her side, but this ghost has her own agenda that might spell Anya's doom.
11. "The Scott Pilgrim Series" by Bryan Lee O'Malley.
What would you do to be with the girl of your dreams? For Scott Pilgrim, that means fighting with Ramona's seven evil exes in a world where reality isn't too far off from a video game.
