From tales of life in Northern England in the ’80s, to outstanding graphic novel memoirs, these 10 books are essential reading if you’re in the mood for a coming-of-age comic.
Growing up can be messy and stressful, but also magical. The classic coming-of-age story is one of the most retold narratives in history. Today, we’ve compiled a list of the greatest, most emotional and relatable coming-of-age graphic novels. Let’s dive right into it!
When Cathy Malkasian (Rugrats, The Wild Thornberrys) moved from animation to printed comics, the result was immense. Her graphic novel Percy Gloom is a special work, often described as a meaningful and hopeful fable for modern times. We follow lazy-eyed Percy Gloom, who fights to overcome the loss of his wife, Lila. When approached by his doctor to help protect some special people and given advice by some talking goats, Percy comes to terms with his place in the gloomy world and finds himself reaching enlightenment.
If you’re seeking an utterly unique and bewitching coming-of-age graphic novel, look no further than Percy Gloom.
Buy Percy Gloom here.
The Sculptor by Scott McCloud
When David strikes a deal with Death, the young sculptor’s childhood wish comes true. He finds himself able to give sentience to the sculptures he creates. However, such abilities come at the ultimate cost: his is given just 200 days to live. It’s a very human story, offering an insightful and unique look at the streets of New York City.
Buy The Sculptor here.
Both a New York Times Bestseller and a Eisner-award winning graphic novel, This One Summer is created by
Buy This One Summer here.
In by Will McPhail
Named the “best graphic novel of 2021” by Guardian and Irish Times, In is a certified hit. A portrait of modern life, the graphic novel tells the story of Nick, a struggling young illustrator. He struggles to engage with people and forge connections, until his outlook on the world shifts, and his creativity finds a new spark.
You can buy In here.
Blankets by Craig Thompson
Blankets is an autobiographical graphic novel. Set in Wisconsin, it explores the sibling rivalry of two brothers growing up together in an Evangelical Christian family, depicting everything from romances to the struggles of early adulthood. It’s a deep and profound comic, taking readers on a journey that’s both beautiful and tragic.
Blankets is one hell of a big graphic novel, coming in at way over 500 pages. And it was published all in one go; not a single issue was ever published first.
You can buy Blankets here.
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by by
Harvey Award Winning Book of the Year in 2022 — and for good reason. When humanity is on the brink of discovering immortality, Death herself (or at least, the avatar of Death) is sent down to Earth. Appearing as twenty-something Laila Starr in Mumbai, she grapples with life as a mortal, while also finding herself the key to ending mankind’s pursuit of altering the cycle of life.
This graphic novel is poignant, thought-provoking, and often laugh-out-loud funny.
You can buy The Many Deaths of Laila Starr here.
Not many graphic novels come as esteemed as Kings in Disguise. The book has received praise from some of the biggest names in the industry, not least Alan Moore (Watchmen, V for Vendetta), who called it “one of the most moving and compelling human stories to emerge out of the graphic story medium.”
Set during the height of the Great Depression, this coming-of-age story follows Freddie Bloch, a young man who finds himself homeless and adrift. As he navigates the chaos of the Detroit labour riots and the violent, anti-communist mobs that erupt, Freddie struggles to survive. The accolades for this comic are as big as they come; look no further than The Comics Journal, which cited it in their list of the top 100 graphic novels of all-time.
You can buy Kings in Disguise here.
Daytripper by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá
The word ‘masterpiece’ is thrown around lightly nowadays, but in reference to Daytripper by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá, it’s absolutely vindicated.
In Daytripper, we follow Bras de Olivias Dominguez. The comic explores and chronicles different periods in his life. And no matter what, each moment reaches the same conclusion: his ultimate death.
You can buy Daytripper here.
Spinning by Tillie Walden
Cartoonist Tillie Walden has had a glittering career so far. From titles like On a Sunbeam, to her Walking Dead spinoff comics Clementine — she’s already got a super impressive portfolio.
One of her breakout works was Spinning, which won the Eisner Award for Best Reality-Based Work in 2018. Spinning documents Walden’s early years as a competitive figure skater, during a time when she contends with various personal traumas, as well as her romances.
You can buy Spinning here.
Anfield Road by Chris Shepherd
When I picked up Chris Shepherd’s debut graphic novel Anfield Road, I instantly fell in love with it. Through his exquisite, detailed, and emotional artwork, the book transports you back to the city of Liverpool in the 1980s. From the local community to the immense power of football in the city, the book immerses you in the truly unique atmosphere of Liverpool in the ’80s.
The graphic novel follows teenager Conor Sterling, who grapples with the dilemma of either attending art college in London, or remaining in Liverpool to take care of his sick, but dominating grandmother. And at the same time, Conor must balance his relationship with his girlfriend, Maureen.
Anfield Road is a unique and beautiful coming-of-age book packed with heart. It’ll make you laugh and it’ll break your heart. It’s a love letter to the city of Liverpool. We interviewed writer and illustrator Chis Shepherd a while back, and you can read it here.
You can buy Anfield Road here.
Have you read any of these? Which one would you be most interested in picking up? Tell us in the comments down below!
