Every year, new graphic novels see the light of day, and with them, many masterpieces. Our customers have showed us that these were their top five favorite graphic novels of 2023, and if you don't know what graphic novels to read next, maybe this will inspire you to check one out.
Top 5 - Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky
More specifically 'Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Volume 2 - No Devils Only God' - was one of the most purchased comics in 2023 - but seeing as it is Daredevil - one of the most beloved characters who often gets some of the most prestigious writers, it is not a big surprise. Seriously though, Zdarsky finishes his run, you blink and bam it's Saladin Ahmed starting a run!
This volume contains issues 6 through 10 and the funny thing is: Daredevil is absent from most of it (does that mean something? Maybe? Probably not). What is so great about it? Zdarsky understands who Matthew is, doesn't erase his identity, and still manages to take his character in a new direction.
What is it about?
Volume two mainly contains the part of the story where Matthew is in bed with the wrong people (very, very wrong people), he doesn't want to be Daredevil or he doesn't want to be Matthew (same old song), Fisk is mayor and a certain detective is behind not only all the vigilantes but also the heroes!
Oh, I forgot to mention: the good man is now a probation officer, defending people who not only lie to him, but also about him! It is certainly not an easy time for Matthew in Hell's Kitchen.
Zdarsky's wonderful run finished in 2021 with 36 issues, that can be collected in 7 trade volumes or one Omnibus that contains the first 30 issues.
(I'm aware that the line between comic and graphic novel is really fine for this one).
Daredevil By Chip Zdarsky Vol. 2: No Devils, Only God TP
€14,49
€15,99
Collects Daredevil (2018) #6-10. The Man Without Fear is missing! Daredevil has disappeared from Hell's Kitchen - and in his absence, the real devils are starting to come out to play. Detective Cole North may think he's stopped Daredevil, but… read more
Top 4 - Doctor Strange: Fall Sunrise by Tradd Moore
People love new origin stories, and it shows! Or maybe people loved how Doctor Strange was absolutely serving on that oversized cover! All kidding aside, we had that on our shelves for a few weeks and every time I walked by it, I had to stop and just take it in. Doctor Strange: Fall Sunrise is one of those graphic novels that feels ethereal.
What is it about?
In this origin story, you'll find Doctor Strange in a strange world, fighting strange creatures with flashes of old acquaintances. He doesn't always understand what's going on, and sometimes you don't either, but the good thing is that sooner or later you'll figure it out together (doesn't that sound a little like Alice in Wonderland?).
And perhaps the most magical thing about this graphic novel is Tradd Moore's cryptic writing and beautiful art.
Doctor Strange: Fall Sunrise Treasury Edition TP
€26,39
€29,99
Brace yourself for a Doctor Strange story like you've never seen! From the uncanny mind of Tradd Moore (SILVER SURFER: BLACK), the Master of the Mystic Arts stars in one of his most mind-bending adventures - now wilder than ever… read more
Top 3 - Batman Year One by Frank Miller
There are many notable Batman origin stories out there - but Frank Miller not only successfully reinvented Batman once, he did it twice! So much so that even though Batman: Year One originally came out in 1987, it made the list in 2023! You get Batman as raw as he can be!
I mean, Miller did it fantastically with Batman: The Dark Knight Returns a few months before Year One, introducing the world to an old Batman getting back into crime-fighting (Catwoman: Lonely City style), and he didn't hesitate to write another wonderful origin story for Batman! It's just goals!
What is it about?
This is not a spoiler: In this graphic novel, which can be read as a standalone story, Bruce Wayne lost his parents at a young age and somehow decides to protect Gotham, the city where he was born, but nothing is as easy as it seems, especially not for a newcomer to the superhero scene. Gordon joins the force and finds himself fighting corrupt cops. The two meet and over time their relationship develops into the one we all know.
Batman: Year One honored the word DETECTIVE in DC!
Batman: Year One TP
€12,49
€14,99
Author: Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli 9781401207526|Trade Paperback On Sale 01/10/2007 6.63 "W x 10.16 "H x 0.34 "D|144 pages|38 per carton 9 Oz DC Comics | DC Comics Sales Rights: World Pop Culture > Geek/Nerd > Superheroes & Supervillains Manga… read more
Top 2 - Shuna's Journey by Hayao Miyazaki
This is one of those graphic novels that could be called a manga (sue us). But it's even easier to explain it like this: imagine your favorite Miyazaki movie in written form and you get Shuna's Journey. Shuna's Journey was originally published in 1983 and was (finally) translated into English in 2022.
What it is about?
In this watercolor manga or graphic novel, written from right to left, is a simple (and simple is a positive adjective) story about a prince who wants to make life more bearable for his people. And so he goes on an adventure to find a magic grain that could save his people.
Shuna goes through a lot in a few pages, but before you get caught up in all sorts of heated emotions, Miyazaki's way of telling this story through his art, through his words, and through the way he chooses to write them, pulls you back and gently forces you to realize that you won't always understand every path a character has taken, but that you don't always need to.
Now that Hayao Miyazaki has officially said goodbye to Ghibli Studios and that Ghibli Studios won't let him back in, maybe it's time to write more of these?
Hayao Miyazaki Shunas Journey GN HC
€27,99
From legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki comes a new manga classic about a prince on a quest for a golden grain that would save his land, never before published in English! Shuna, the prince of a poor land, watches in despair… read more
Top 1 - Where The Body Was by Ed Brubaker
I'm happy to announce that the number one graphic novel of all graphic novels can be called a graphic novel, no matter what! It's a Brubaker-style detective/crime story. Well, it wants you to think it is - and by the time you realize it's not really or not only that, it'll be too late, but you won't mind at all! Not only because of the story, but also because of Sean Phillips' art.
What is it about?
'Where The Body Was' is about a suburb that is not as friendly as a suburb should be, because someone died or was killed in its streets. You will get to know different people from the block that we will follow through snippets of their lives, all leading to the answer we want to find out: who killed XXX and why? Through the rich cast of interesting characters, you'll get to witness Brubaker's world and atmosphere building skills.
Believe me, it's no wonder "Where The Body Was" is number one on this rich list.
Where The Body Was HC By Ed Brubaker And Sean Phillips
€21,49
€24,99
"ED BRUBAKER and SEAN PHILLIPS, bestselling creators of** PULP**,** RECKLESS**,** and CRIMINAL**, are back with a new original graphic novel that readers will be obsessed with…A boarding house full of druggies. A neglected housewife. A young girl who thinks shes… read more
