Three out of four of this year’s graphic novel buzz selections are aimed at middle grade and teen readers. “For the past five to 10 years, there have been strong YA and middle grade graphic novel offerings, and it continues,” says PW senior news editor Calvin Reid, coeditor of PW Comics World, who is moderating this year’s “Graphic Novel Spotlight.”
Below are his personal kids’ standouts for the fall.
Stage Dreams by Melanie Gillman (Graphic Universe, Sept.)
Flor, a Latinx outlaw, and Grace, a trans runaway, share a horse, plans for a heist, and a few kisses in a rip-roaring queer western spy romp set in 1860s New Mexico. Ages 12–up.
The Seventh Voyage by Jon J Muth (Graphix, Oct.)
This is a graphic adaptation of Stanislaw Lem’s short story about an astronaut in a damaged spaceship that travels so fast it collects past and future (young and old) versions of himself who bicker over how to repair the ship. Ages 8–12.
Stargazing by Jen Wang (First Second, Sept.)
In this story of two young Chinese-American friends—impulsive, artistic Moon and her opposite, Christine—Moon’s sudden illness puts their friendship to the test. Ages 8–12.
Today, 10:20–11:05 a.m. Melanie Gillman, Jon J Muth, and Jen Wang will participate with Chris Ware in the “Graphic Novel Spotlight” on the Choice Stage.
