What’s that? You’re bored and you need something to read? OH, WELL THEN! I’ve gotchu!
I’ve already made a few blog posts where I roundup some good reads, specifically graphic novels here and here. But if you’re looking for even more suggestions keep on readin’!
1. Squee! by Jhonen Vasquez
This series features familiar faces from Johnny, the Homicidal Maniac, but focuses on poor little Squee, Johnny’s little trauma magnet neighbor. Squee reminds us all of what childhood was all about: witnessing vicious dog attacks, being abducted by aliens, and having dinner at Satan’s house. – Amazon.com
Oh, Squee. This is probably one of my oldest Graphic Novels I own. As if you can’t tell by how banged up it is. I’ve had this baby since I picked it up at Fan Expo in like what, ’06? ’07? Something like that. My buddies had introduced me to Johnny the Homicidal Maniac by Jhonen Vasquez, but I wasn’t SUPER into it, but Squee… he’s just cute as hell. He’s just an innocent lil’ dude who has crazy things happen to him. Also, the “Meanwhiles” are HILARIOUS.
It’s only in black and white which isn’t my favorite, but I still dig the artwork. There’s a good amount of panels, he never overdoes it. The style is super Tim Burton-esque. Also, if you’re a fan of Invader Zim you’ll be a fan of this cause if you haven’t connected the dots yet, Jhonen Vasquez created that too! He just did this first. I’d highly suggest reading this if you’re into anything Tim Burton-y and if you dig dark humor.
Squee! by Jhonen Vasquez [$14.68, Amazon.com]
2. Skin & Earth: Volume 1 by Lights
Skin & Earth is a story of a girl looking for hope in a hopeless world. Caught between romance and cults, gods and mortals, and just trying to find a good borscht, Enaia Jin is lead down a dark path by new lovers that reveal a twisted fantasy world and her own true nature. Set in a post-apocalyptic future where corporations rule, this adventurous tale of loneliness, deceit and self-discovery begins here!
Written and drawn by alt-pop phenomenon Lights, Skin & Earth ties directly into her next full length album, released in Fall 2017 on Warner Bros Records. – Amazon.com
Shoutout to my fellow Canadian girl, Lights! This is actually a pretty sick post-apocalyptic story, and the artwork is super rad! She has varying color themes throughout each chapter that coincides with a matching song to really let the vibe of each song show through the artwork. Like, what?! If that’s not the coolest thing ever I don’t know what is. I’ve never heard of someone creating a comic book to go along with their album, and now that she has… well hot damn. The bar is set, and it’s set high. How talented can one person be though, for real? It’s bananas. I was super impressed with this and I can’t wait to read what she comes up with next!
She had just the right amount of panels on each page, and the colors she uses are beautiful. I really like the vibe that the muted jewel tones give. I think it really speaks to her character En, and how she’s always trying to see the beauty in the damaged world. Such a good job! I definitely highly suggest this one!
Skin & Earth: Volume One by Lights [$13.95, Amazon.com]
3. Boogily Heads #2 by Gus Fink (Author) and Laura Pendl (Artwork)
The all ages series from rising Instagram star Gus Fink (@gusfink) is back just in time for the new school year with Boogily Heads#2! Gus and the Boogily Heads come together as they’re being attacked. Meanwhile Jef is doing all he can to bring Gus back as he regrettably helped send him to Boogilyville. Issue #2 is packed with boogily action and laughs! – Amazon.com
I stumbled across Gus Fink on Instagram. He’s an artist who creates super creepy-weird, Tim Burtonesque artwork and figurines. I didn’t even know he had a comic book series until I was watching my Instagram stories and he posted that he had one! It looked like the kinda thing I’d be into so I went looking for it online. MAN. It is damn near IMPOSSIBLE to find a solid copy of the first issue. That’s why I’m starting out here with #2. I ended up walking down to my local comic book shop (I went there mid-Feb, not recently) and they ordered #2 for me to test out. THEY couldn’t even get #1. It’s so weird. Anyway, I read it. Honestly? I didn’t love it like I thought I would, which was a bummer. BUT, I also didn’t hate it either. It just didn’t seem to be the kind of story I could really see myself getting into. But then again, I still haven’t read #1.
On a positive note, I do dig the colors they used! They’re super bright and high contrast, which is always my jam. Also, it has a very Tim Burton vibe to it, so I do like that. The weird thing for me was that I found out he wasn’t the artist for it? Like, what? Lol. I don’t get it. Anyway, overall I don’t think I’ll be continuing on with this one, but I’m still glad I got to check it out.
Boogily Heads #2 by Gus Fink (Author) and Laura Pendl (Artist)
4. I Hate Fairyland Volume Two: Fluff My Life by Skottie Young
All hail Gertrude, the new Queen of Fairyland. After thirty years of wreaking havoc across this magical world to find her way back home, she must now overcome her biggest challenge yet… ruling the place she hates most. Join Gert as she continues her never-ending quest to get the FLUFF out of Fairyland. The hilariously brutal Fairytale adventure continues by superstar cartoonist SKOTTIE YOUNG. – Amazon.com
I’ve already reviewed I Hate Fairyland: Volume One here and I gotta say, I still love the series. The dialogue is hilarious and brutal. Even though the color scheme is super bright and vibrant, the storyline is dark as hell, which is a hilarious paradox. I love it.
Skottie Young still remains to be my favorite Artist, and someone who’s artwork I could only wish to emulate one day. I definitely recommend reading this series! Or anything by Skottie Young, really.
I Hate Fairyland Volume Two: Fluff My Life by Skottie Young [$8.99, Amazon.com]
5. Super Chill: A Year of Living Anxiously by Adam Ellis
From former Buzzfeed illustrator Adam Ellis comes a collection of autobiographical comics that follows a year in the artist’s life. Adam’s comics deal with weightier topics like seasonal affective disorder and struggles with self-esteem, while also touching on the silly and absurd—like his brief, but intense obsession with crystals. With a bright, positive outlook and a sense of humor, Super Chilltells a story that is both highly relatable and intensely personal. – Amazon.com
I LOVE Adam Ellis’ comics. LOVE. THEM. They never fail to make me laugh. They’re short and sweet. Beautifully drawn. I LOVE his style of drawing. LOVE the colors. I can’t say enough good things about this book.
He generally has the comics in a square shape, which I’m assuming is because he posts a lot of these on Instagram, so it fits the format the best. I really love having a physical copy of his work though, it’s a great reference! I’d say pick it up for sure if you’re into his comics, or you know, comedy.
Super Chill: A Year of Living Anxiously by Adam Ellis [$3.29, Amazon.com]
6. Farmhand Volume 2: Thorne in the Flesh by Rob Guillory
Jedidiah Jenkins is a simple farmer. But his cash crop isn’t corn or soy. He grows fast-healing, highly-customizable human organs. For years Jed’s organic transplants have been a miracle cure. Of course, that was before his former patients began to transform into something not quite human. As these poor souls come to the Jenkins Farm searching for answers, a dark figure lurks in their shadow with sinister plans for Jedidiah, his family, and the world. – Amazon.com
I’ve posted about Farmhand Volume 1 before and I still love this series. Throughout this book you’ll dive deeper into this super weird story and learn more about WTF is actually going on, and man… WTF IS GOING ON!? It is weeeird. But I’m totally into it. I literally can’t wait for the new book to come out!
As usual, I still love the color themes used throughout. I still love the unique and weird artwork. Dig the story. Overall, love it. I highly recommend it if you’re into weird stories and sick artwork.
Farmhand Volume 2: Thorne in the Flesh by Rob Guillory [$10.99, Amazon.com]
And that’s all I’ve got… for now. Don’t worry, I’ll have a new roundup again soon!
What Graphic Novel do you think I should read next?
Let me know!
