In this list, we walk you through 5 of the very best biographical graphic novels, telling the stories of some of the world’s most influential creators, to heartbreaking tales.
Over the years, the comics medium has proved time and time again why it’s a perfect space to tell poignant, real-world stories. There’s a ton of amazing graphic biographies out there. Allow us to talk you through five of our personal favourites!
Vincent Van Gogh
With Vincent, author Simon Elliott flawlessly brings the life of seminal artist Vincent Van Gogh to the comics medium. Through gorgeous illustrations (based on Van Gogh’s signature style), the story walks us through Van Gogh’s early life, his successes and failures, and his tragic suicide. Whether you’re already a fan of Van Gogh, or you’re looking to learn more about his life, art, and legacy — Vincent is an outstanding read.
You can buy Vincent on Amazon here.
Andy Warhol: A Graphic Biography
Staying with seminal artists, this time we move onto Andy Warhol, the legendary leading figure in the pop art movement. Warhol’s utterly unique visions and outlook on art has changed the art world forever. This graphic novel dives into Warhol’s life in New York and his personality, taking readers on a journey through his delights, drives, and frustrations.
The graphic novel comes from by
You can buy Andy Warhol: A Graphic Biography on Amazon here.
Darwin: A Graphic Biography
Charles Darwin is one of the most influential people in history. His theories and evolutionary breakthroughs have changed the way humanity views biology. His impact is gargantuan. He heralds no introduction, really.
The graphic biography from
You can buy Darwin: A Graphic Biography on Amazon here.
The Novel Life of Jane Austen
Legendary Regency-era author Jane Austen created some of the most iconic novels ever. We’re talking Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, Emma, and so on. Austen changed the face of fiction forever. And in The Novel Life of Jane Austen,
The graphic biography is gorgeously illustrated and well-written. It makes the perfect gift for any fan of Austen’s work.
You can buy The Novel Life of Jane Austen on Amazon here.
Maus
Art Spiegelman’s Maus is not a biography in the traditional sense. I’d call it an auto/biography. It has extremely heavy biographical elements, but some would call it more of a graphic memoir. Whatever you may deem Maus, I simply can’t omit it from this list — it is one of the greatest ever works of the medium.
Maus is undeniably a masterpiece. The graphic novel, split into two parts, recounts the real story of Art’s father Vladek and his harrowing journey throughout the Second World War. The story is a historical memoir, in which Art himself sits down with his father and transcribes his story, from the outbreak of the war, through the holocaust and its ultimate conclusion.
The novel is a deeply disturbing, provocative read. The way Art illustrates the comic too is utterly unique. He utilises anthropomorphism, drawing Jews as mice and Germans and Poles as cats and pigs respectively.
The groundbreaking work was culminated in being awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1992, becoming the first and only graphic novel to get the prestigious accolade.
You can buy Maus on Amazon here.
Do you have a favourite biographical graphic novel? Tell us in the comments down below!
