More than just capes & Spandex

By Anthony Boucher

You wouldn’t be blamed for thinking that comic books are just full of musclebound heroes saving the world from certain doom, but, while you wouldn’t be completely wrong, the modern comic book has evolved to cover a wide array of genres, from romance to biographies and everything in between. Regardless of your preferred book type, there is a graphic novel out there for you. To introduce more people to the world of comics, this article highlights books that are not only requestable from the Ottawa Public Library but also available at the Sunnyside Branch.

Roughneck

First up is Roughneck from Canadian comics icon Jeff Lemire. You might have heard of Lemire from his work with the late Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie on Secret Path. A reader really can’t go wrong picking up anything from Lemire as he’s become a staple at both Marvel and DC Comics and his independent work has been praised around the world. Roughneck follows the story of Derek Ouellette, a down-on-his-luck former hockey player living a lonely life in northern Ontario. Ouellette’s solitude is interrupted when his long-lost sister arrives looking for help, fleeing from her abusive boyfriend. To help the only family he has left, Ouellette must overcome his self-destructive ways while reconnecting with the past he left behind years ago. Lemire both writes and illustrates this fascinating tale.

Fangs

Sarah Andersen of Sarah’s Scribbles fame went in a different direction with her book Fangs. It is a collection of one-page stories in which a 300-year-old vampire and a werewolf fall in love. While undoubtedly hilarious, the story shows the deep connection of two individuals who are very unalike but appreciate the things they have in common. It takes a comical look at dating in the modern world with the added spin of people (monsters) trying to find out where they fit in the world, not only as individuals but as the unique couple they make. A quick read that is guaranteed to warm even the coldest of hearts.

We Stand on Guard

We Stand on Guard from comic book legend Brian K. Vaughan (Saga, Y: the Last Man) is the story of a group of Canadian freedom fighters doing all they can to survive in the remains of their once great country after it was invaded by the United States. Amber was only a child when the Americans attacked, so her entire adult life has been about surviving in the Canadian wilderness and avoiding capture by the invaders. Her seclusion comes to an end when she meets up with a group of Canadians, who are determined to take their home back and show the Americans that Canada is not to be taken lightly. Amber’s fascinating story is brought to life with the stunning art of Steve Skroce, including a full page depicting the destruction of Ottawa. This is a book you definitely do not want to miss out on.

Sabrina

The first graphic novel to be longlisted for the Booker Prize, Nick Drnaso’s Sabrina  shows that comics can have a very deep and meaningful message. Revolving around the themes of “fake news” and the “24-hour news cycle,” Sabrina follows the story of three individuals caught up in a murder investigation. Despite their innocence, they have been deemed guilty by the media, turning their lives upside down. Taking many elements from real world stories, Sabrina is a close-up look at the effects of disinformation in our current media landscape. An extremely intimate read from an up-and-coming comic writer/artist.

Life and Legend

While the comic format might seem like a peculiar choice for a biography, Box Brown’s André the Giant sets out to show that not only can it be done, it can also be done very well. Chronicling the life of André Roussimoff, better known as André the Giant, Brown tells the story of an extremely unique and fascinating man, best known for his decade at the top of the wrestling world and for his appearance in the beloved film The Princess Bride. It combines historical records and anecdotes from many of André’s most iconic colleagues, including Hulk Hogan, Billy Crystal and Robin Wright. You don’t need to be a comic or wrestling fan to enjoy this touching story of a truly captivating individual.

Anthony Boucher is a public service assistant at the Ottawa Public Library. He is (clearly) an avid reader of graphic novels.