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 Sentient (TKO Studios) and Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees (IDW) for older teens and adult readers.
Sentient (TKO Studios)
This is a gripping tale of children trying to figure out who they can rely on when all trusted adults are gone. As modern conversations evolve around A.I. and its role in daily life, particularly for our youth, Sentient is a great reference point for encouraging productive discussions.
“Sentient is a truly original science fiction story that borrows traces of Lord of the Flies and Bicentennial Man infused with the human journey to beat insurmountable odds. The story by Lemire is heartfelt, harrowing, and redemptive. The art by Walta, Wands, Fletcher, and Powell is superb. Altogether, a story that shows the answer to the question, that if you can ever prepare your children for the unthinkable and to trust that you that your nurture leads to their better natures.” —Graphic Policy
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees (IDW)
Readers who love murder mysteries will love this tongue-in-cheek whodunit featuring fuzzy characters who will make discussions even more interesting.
“What could be a simple visual gimmick elevates the story through well-crafted execution and thoughtful moments like Sam’s woodland encounter with a normal, non-talking bear. Fans of deceptively cute horror comics like Mike Birchall’s Everything Is Fine and Jay Stephens’s Dwellings will delight in this hairy twist on the slasher genre.” —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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