Looking to get into graphic novels or searching for the perfect gift for someone in your life who might enjoy them? I can tell you, there are few things I wish I could do more than experience some of these stories again for the very first time. They are that good.
So, what exactly are graphic novels? At their simplest, they are long-form stories told through a combination of words and sequential art. Sometimes they are collections of individual comic book issues bound together into one complete volume. Other times they are original works created specifically for the graphic novel format, with a story that unfolds across the pages in a way that is more novelistic than episodic. They can span every genre—mystery, fantasy, sci-fi, slice-of-life—and appeal to readers of all ages.
Graphic novels have carved out a unique place in the literary world. They combine the pacing and visual storytelling of comics with the depth and thematic weight of a novel. Whether you are a lifelong reader or someone who has not picked up a comic since childhood, these books are an accessible entry point into the medium. Alexis Semder has put together a list of five graphic novels that are perfect for beginners, each one a standout both for its artistic achievement and its storytelling power.
Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
Widely considered one of the most important graphic novels ever created, Watchmen deconstructs the idea of superheroes, placing them in a morally complex, politically charged version of the real world. Originally published as a 12-issue limited series in 1986–87, it was later collected into a single volume that became a landmark of the medium. With its intricate, layered storytelling and meticulous visual detail, Watchmen rewards multiple readings. For a new reader, it serves as a master class in how comics can tackle serious, adult themes while still delivering a gripping narrative.
[Amazon]
Maus by Art Spiegelman
Maus is a Pulitzer Prize–winning work that tells the story of the Holocaust through the lens of a father recounting his experiences to his son. The characters are anthropomorphized animals—Jews as mice, Nazis as cats—yet the storytelling is unflinchingly real. Originally serialized in the 1980s before being collected into two volumes, Maus is both a historical document and a deeply personal memoir. For beginners, it demonstrates the power of graphic novels to convey history and emotion in ways that prose alone sometimes cannot.
The Sandman by Neil Gaiman
First published in 1989, The Sandman is a sprawling dark fantasy series that follows Dream, one of the Endless, as he navigates the realms of dreams, stories, and reality itself. Gaiman blends mythology, horror, and literature into an intricate tapestry, supported by an ever-changing roster of talented artists. While the series is long, the first collected volume (Preludes and Nocturnes) serves as an excellent starting point. For newcomers, The Sandman is a testament to how imaginative, expansive, and literary graphic novels can be.
Bone by Jeff Smith
Bone is a whimsical yet epic fantasy adventure that starts off light and humorous before unfolding into a grand, heartfelt tale. Originally self-published in the 1990s, it was later collected into a single massive volume. Its cartoony art style makes it approachable, while its layered storytelling hooks readers of all ages. For beginners, Bone is a reminder that graphic novels can be both fun and deeply engaging, and it is particularly great for readers who enjoy a mix of humor and adventure.
[Amazon]
Sin City by Frank Miller
With its stark black-and-white art and hard-boiled storytelling, Sin City is a modern noir classic. First appearing in the pages of Dark Horse Presents in 1991, Miller’s creation combines gritty crime drama with a striking visual style. The stories are interconnected but can be read individually, making it easy for newcomers to dip in. For beginners interested in crime fiction or film noir, Sin City offers a crash course in mood, atmosphere, and bold, cinematic storytelling.
[Amazon]
No matter which of these gifts you choose, you will be giving more than just a product. You will be giving a little piece of gaming history, a conversation starter, and a trip back to the good old days of 8-bit and 16-bit fun. I, Alexis Semder, am always looking for ways to celebrate gaming’s golden years without spending a fortune. These under-$30 picks show that some of the best memories can come at a small price.
