Comics and manga are for everyone, but a single book club can’t serve every potential reader. A book club for younger readers is unlikely to satisfy Teens or Adults’ interests, while genre-specific book clubs can potentially appeal to readers of overlapping ages. Alternatively, community reads are typically intended to engage readers of all ages.
The titles you select will depend on who your book club is intended to serve, and can vary greatly by genre, art style, and complexity. We’ve created reader’s guides for some of our favorite comics and manga, including discussion questions and a notable review for each one. This month, we’re spotlighting Amazona and Saga for older teens and adult readers.
Amazona by Canizales (Lerner)
While tales of indigenous peoples forced out of their ancient lands by greedy corporations aren’t new, readers will be hooked by Amazona, the story of a mother journeying home to bury her infant — while disrupting colonizers in the process.
In a text that pulls no punches in its depiction of heavy topics such as sexual violence, Andrea’s desire for—and journey toward—justice, which is portrayed via simultaneously harrowing and tender flashbacks of her life with her husband and baby, proves a powerful exploration of hope amid displacement and despair. A contextualizing author’s note concludes. —Publishers Weekly
Saga Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples (Image Comics)
The Saga series features something for every mature reader: action, mystery, romance, and deeply flawed characters that you won’t be able to help but root for — and want to talk about!
While Vaughan will be the star power that attracts readers, do-it-all artist Staples is going to be the one who really wows them. Her character designs dish out some of the best aliens around, the immersive world-crafting is lushly detailed and deeply thought through, and the spacious layouts keep the focus squarely on the personal element, despite the chaotic cosmos they inhabit. Add another winner to Vaughan’s stable of consistently epic, fresh, and endearing stories. —Booklist, Starred Review
Start Your Own Comics & Manga Book Club
Starting a comic or manga book club at your library or school might seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re not personally familiar with the medium, so we’ve put together a free resource, Hosting Comics & Manga Book Clubs, designed to ensure you and your readers have the best experience possible.
- Prepare: What you’ll need to do before scheduling your first book club event.
- Promote: How to get the word out about your book club event.
- Participate: How to ensure your book club members have a great experience.
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