More of What Teens Want

By popular demand, additional choices in graphic novels

Michele Gorman, Librarian Austin Public Library Austin, TX -- School Library Journal, 12/1/2002

After my list of 30 recommended graphic novels was printed in SLJ (see 'What Teens Want ,' August 2002, pp. 42-47), many librarians commented that a number of the titles on the list are currently out of print. Unfortunately, a few comic publishers (namely Darkhorse) seem to allow their popular publications to go out of print, bringing them back within a year or two. Although I still believe that all of the titles in the original core list have a place in your library, I have compiled the following list of in-print titles to replace those out-of print-titles.

Aragonés, Sergio
The Groo Maiden
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
ISBN: 1569717567
Publication Date: April 2002
Price: $12.95

Although the book I recommended in the original core list (Groo and Rufferto) was all about Groo and his loyal dog Rufferto, this book is just as good if not better. Instead of the adventures of Groo and his loyal hound, this book takes the reader along on the adventures of Groo in love, as he carries on in the way only a stupid barbarian would for the most dangerous female warrior around.

Marz, Ron, et al.
Sojourn, vol.1: From the Ashes
Publisher: CrossGeneration Comics
ISBN: 1931484155
Publication Date: June 2002
Price: $19.95

Medley, Linda
Castle Waiting, vol. 1: The Lucky Road
Publisher: Olio Press
ISBN: 0965185230
Publication Date: September 2002
Price: $17.95

Since I could not decide on any one title to replace Kurt Busiek's The Wizard's Tale, I chose two very different books that can both be classified as fantasy. Sojourn is more of an action/adventure type of fantasy book, in which the evil warlord, the troll armies, and the legendary weapon come together to create an action-packed epic quest that teens will love. Castle Waiting is an excellent combination of traditional fantasy and folklore, with a mythical castle and some terrifically eccentric characters.

Crilley, Mark
Akiko, volume 1
Publisher: Sirius Entertainment, Inc.
ISBN: 1579890423
Publication Date: September 2001
Price: $15.95

This is the same title I included in the original core list with a new ISBN number. It's the first story in a trilogy about Akiko, a loveable fourth grader who is whisked away from her summer vacation to take charge of a strange and wonderful planet called Smoo. This book is a great read for all ages because it's entertaining without the inclusion of objectionable language or violence of any kind.

Takahashi, Rumiko
Inu-Yasha, vol. 1
Publisher: Viz Communications, Inc.
ISBN: 1569312621
Publication Date: July 1998
Price: $15.95

Although Oh My Goddess! by Kosuke Fujisjima is due back in print, and other titles in the series are good, I am recommending a new manga series that I think will be as popular with young female readers: Inu-Yasha. An ongoing feudal fairy tale set in Japan, this series is also the product of the creator of the Ranma1/2 series, another manga series that is exceptionally popular with teenagers.

Whedon, Joss, and Tim Sale, Gene Colan, et al.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Tales of the Slayer
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
ISBN: 1569716056
Publication Date: February 2002
Price: $14.95

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Tales of the Slayer has a storyline very similar to the television show. The difference is that this title is in print. The television show's original writers wrote this book, and so I think it will be especially appealing to an audience of TV watchers who might not otherwise be willing to sit down and read a book.

Robinson, James and Paul Smith
Leave it to Chance: Shaman's Rain
Publisher: Image Comics
ISBN: 1582402531
Publication Date: June 2002
Price: $14.95

This is the same story of 14-year-old Chance Falconer, daughter of a world-famous paranormal investigator who has every intention of following in her father's footsteps, that I recommended in the original core list with a new ISBN, currently published by Image Comics in hardback.

Tonaka, Masahi
Gon
Publisher: Paradox Press
ISBN: 1563897490
Publication Date: March 2000
Price: $9.95

Although Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter will be re-printed, it may take awhile. While you are waiting to order it I suggest purchasing Gon, an alternative manga series that is really a genre all its own: the wordless graphic novel. Although none of the books in this series contain words, all of them are excellent examples of wordless storytelling. The stories are easy to follow yet exciting to read, and all the books in this series are great for all ages, especially those who have not yet learned to decipher print when 'reading.'

Winick, Judd
Pedro and Me: Friendship, Loss, and What I Learned
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
ISBN: 0805064036
Publication Date: September 2000
Price: $15.00

Unfortunately, The Tale of One Bad Rat is no longer in print. And while it may be re-printed, it has been around for a while and so it may not be published again. It was an excellent book and I am sorry that it will no longer be available for libraries that are just beginning to collect graphic novels. To the best of my knowledge, there is not another graphic novel that addresses child abuse, but the title that I am recommending in its place does address a real-life issue that young people live with today: HIV and AIDS.
The autobiographical Pedro and Me, written by Judd Winick, is more of comic style documentary of Winick's stint as a member of the cast of MTV's The Real World San Francisco, where the author befriended Pedro, a young, HIV positive man who was not only his friend, but also his roommate. This graphic novel is the product of the six months in Judd's life that would forever change his views about life, love, and sexuality. This book is funny, sad, revealing, honest, painful, and emotional, and it's hard for a reader of any age not get caught up in the story.

Marz, Ron, Jan Duursema, et al.
Star Wars: Darth Maul
Publisher: Dark Horse
ISBN: 1569715424
Publication Date: May 2001
Price: $12.95

Although any Star Wars title will most likely be popular with teens, this one is a big hit because it takes the reader inside the world of Star Wars' darkest villains as they team up in this up-close look at Darth Maul, on of the most terrifying destroyers in all of the dark side.