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 teen or adult 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 and interests.
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, to help you get started.
This month, we’re spotlighting Chef’s Kiss (Oni Press) and The Day the Klan Came to Town (PM Press) for older teens and adult readers.
Chef’s Kiss (Oni Press)
Chef’s Kiss is an award-winning read that has it all: Budding romance, spicy recipes, entertaining drama, and even an adorable pig! Readers will relate to Ben’s struggle to get his adult life and career path in order, making this title ideal for fun group discussions.
Bon Appétit contributor Melendez blends his culinary skill and knack for fiction into a perfect mix of romance and self-discovery in this charming graphic novel… Throughout, the characters are well-done, with Watson a highlight, and the romance is heightened by the emotional fulfillment of Ben’s difficult journey into adulthood. This enticing tale is sweet and satisfying. —Publishers Weekly
The Day the Klan Came to Town (PM Press)
Learning history and its parallels to current events is crucial, and The Day the Klan Came to Town is a short but poignant conversation starter about several timely topics.
Strength in solidarity is the prevailing theme of this galvanizing graphic dramatization by Campbell (Baaaad Muthaz) of a real-life clash between residents of Carnegie, Penn., and the KKK in 1923… Now readers have this emotionally charged record of how hatred born in America forced a community of immigrants and marginalized people to rally and model the best version of their nation’s ideals. —Publishers Weekly
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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