Equitably supporting readers with varied interests and motivations comes with its own set of challenges. Whether the issue is limited physical shelf space or strained digital budgets, format and stylistic preferences, or a complex mix of overlapping factors — libraries will just never have enough titles available to serve readers of certain genres.
This is particularly true when the most popular comics and manga fly off physical and virtual shelves faster than budgets and return dates can accommodate — something Comics Plus happens to be a perfect solution for!
To support your readers’ advisory efforts, I’ve rounded up recommendations for some of the most popular genres, so you can confidently guide your readers to find their next favorite read, no matter which format they prefer.
Middle Grade
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Middle School, Children’s Public Library, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Slice of Life
Big Nate: Complete Vol. 1 by Lincoln Pierce (Andrews McMeel)
Tales of middle school mayhem from the perspective of the hilarious Nate Wright: wannabee cartoonist, self-described genius, and all around tiny menace. This collection includes rare strips from the Sunday newspapers, making it fun for new and continuing Big Nate fans.
Kyle’s Little Sister by BonHyung Jeong (Yen Press)
Grace is tired of being nothing more than her popular brother Kyle’s little sister. That becomes more complicated when she begins attending the same school and their social groups intermingle, resulting in an engaging tale about bullies, crushes, and all the pitfalls of school life.
Crush by Svetlana Chmakova (Yen Press)
Watch the once-busy but romance-free world of Jorge Ruiz get turned on its head when he finds himself unable to resist the allure of the elusive Jaz. Chmakova’s Berrybrook Middle School series is extremely popular due to the relatable characters and age-appropriate drama.
Action & Adventure
Minecraft: Out of Order Volume 1 by Josh Hicks (Dark Horse)
When risk-adverse Riley’s town is destroyed by evil twins from a distant land, he finds himself on a journey with a motley crew of fellow adventurers. With the popularity of all things Minecraft still going strong, this is a no-brainer for fans of the franchise.
Ghostbusters Volume 1: Back in Town by David M. Booher and Blue Delliquanti (Dark Horse)
Whether they’re fans of the Ghostbusters films or approaching this setting for the first time, young readers will enjoy the antics of a complicated family whose job is to bust intrusive ghosts in modern New York City.
Manga Classics: The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, Crystal S. Chan, and Julien Choy (Manga Classics)
This faithful, unabridged adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic fables brings the story of Mowgli and his world of talking animals to life in a gorgeous, age-appropriate manga.
Superheroes
Quince: The Definitive Bilingual (Español) Ed by Kit Steinkellner, Sebastian Kadlecik, and Emma Steinkellner (Fanbase Press)
When Lupe ignites with unexpected powers just before her quinceañera, her once-boring life becomes a little too exciting! Can she successfully balance school, family, social responsibilities and, oh yea, saving the school from a powerfully troubled classmate? (NOTE: This edition includes the English and Spanish versions of the story.)
Dark Knight: Batman Undercover by Paul Weissburg and Luciano Vecchio (Capstone)
When a doomsday weapon capable of multi-planet destruction goes missing, Batman must go undercover to a Villain Crime Convention to crack the case. This chapter book features many classic DC heroes and villains that young readers will love.
Darkwing Duck #1 by Amanda Deibert and Carlo Lauro (Dynamite)
The classic animated series has been revived for a new audience, and there’s so much for every reader to love! Darkwing is the terror that flaps in the night to protect his city, but by day, he’s the mild mannered Drake Mallard, in this perfectly fun introduction to classic superhero tropes.
Teens
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Middle School, High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Slice of Life
Sheets by Brenna Thummler (Oni Press)
Marjorie Glatthas struggles to balance middle school bullying, supporting her father and brother, and managing the family laundromat — while also suffering enormous grief after her mother’s death. Enter Wendell, a literal ghost who floats in and adds one more complication to this quiet tale that explores themes of grief, family, and identity.
Elle(s) Vol.1: The New Girl by Kid Toussaint and Aveline Stokart (Ablaze)
Elle is a typical teenage girl, balancing her social life, school work, and family obligations — or is she? With stunning, cinematic artwork, Elle(s) is a great way to start conversations about high school pressures and mental health.
My Heart in Braille by Joris Chamblain, Pascal Ruter, and Anne-Lise Nalin (Europe Comics)
This slice of life story chronicles the unlikely friendship between Victor, a music loving but school adverse teen, and straight A student Marie-Jo who needs help managing her failing eyesight. Their relationship blossoms in an adorable way as they overcome life’s hurdles.
Sci-Fi
Maximum Ride: The Manga, Vol. 1 by James Patterson and NaRae Lee (Yen Press)
Maximum “Max” Ride is a human-avian hybrid who has escaped from a science lab along with her Flock, only to face new horrors in their attempts to rescue a kidnapped sibling and uncover tough truths. A great adaptation for fans of the bestselling series of YA novels by James Patterson, but accessible enough for first-timers visiting Max’s world.
Stranger Things Omnibus Volume 1 by Greg Pak, Jody Houser, Edgar Salazar, and Stefano Martino (Dark Horse)
This collection of four tales provides deeper exploration into the characters during and shortly after the events of the wildly popular Netflix show’s first season, including what Will experienced during his time in the Upside Down. It’s great context for those who are new to the series or are embarking on a re-watch.
Titan King, Vol.1 – The Rockport Edition by Tony Dawkins (Saturday AM)
Troubled teen Eli Santos is kidnapped by an alien scout and forced to compete for a spot in the Titan King Tournament, the outcome of which determines the fate of lifeforms throughout the galaxy. No pressure, right? This action-packed space epic features diverse characters and will entertain fans of both genres.
Romantic
Manga Classics: Emma by Jane Austen, Crystal S. Chan, and Po Tse (Manga Classics)
A gorgeously rendered adaptation of the classic tale of the wealthy and flawed matchmaker, Emma. This manga retelling will delight readers, both new and those re-visiting the Austen original in a different medium.
School of Love – 1: Secrets of the Heart by BeKa and Maya (Europe Comics)
Eighth grade besties Linon and Garance decide to scientifically document what they observe from their peers about crushes and “love”. This adorably illustrated coming-of-age story follows their investigation as they discover more about themselves and their bond than they bargained for.
In So Deep, It’s Love Already, Volume 1 by Reida Soragaki (TOKYOPOP)
Fangirling over Shuuto — a mysterious, seemingly dangerous new boy in school — Momoka decides to take it upon herself to raise his star with their classmates. Her plan backfires as she begins to obsess over him herself, just as the other girls begin to notice him, too.
Young Adult
- Comics Plus Collection(s): High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Romantic
Navigating With You by Jeremy Whitley and Cassio Ribeiro (Maverick/Mad Cave)
Readers will enjoy watching the relationship between Neesha and Gabby as they bond over their difficult personal lives and a shared love of an out-of-print manga series. (This is also one of our Book Club picks.)
Chef’s Kiss Deluxe Edition by Jarrett Melendez and Danica Brine (Oni Press)
This one has it all: Budding romance, spicy recipes, entertaining drama, and even an adorable pig! Romance enthusiasts will love this light-hearted coming of age story about young Ben Cook finding his place in the world despite the distraction of a certain hot sous-chef.
A Business Proposal, Vol. 1 by Haehwa, NARAK, and Perilla (Yen Press)
Fans of K-drama will love this adaptation about down-on-her-luck Hari, who replaces her friend on a blind date with a man who turns out to be the CEO of Hari’s company. Things become even more complicated, and more fun, from there!
Superheroes
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin by Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, Tom Waltz, Ben Bishop, Esau Escorza, and Isaac Escorza (IDW)
After his brothers have all been murdered, the Last Ronin emerges to seek justice. Explore the world of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles like never before — out of nostalgia and into the dark, gritty sewers oozing with vengeance.
Invincible Vol. 1 by Robert Kirkman and Corey Walker (Image Comics)
The blindingly popular tale of what happens when the already complex dynamics between father and son are further compounded by the responsibilities of being superheroes.
The Shadow/Batman by Steve Orlando and Giovanni Timpano (Dynamite)
The nefarious Silent Seven has moved into Gotham, and The Shadow is on their tail. Can he and Batman work together to defeat their shared foe? An epic crossover event that includes a number of fan favorite characters and foes.
Fantasy
Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 1 by Hiromu Arakawa and Akira Watanabe (Yen Press)
This popular, action-packed classic manga follows two brothers seeking redemption from the Philosopher’s Stone after paying a high price for attempting to alter life itself.
Red and the Wolves by Cherry Zong (Andrews McMeel)
In this dark retelling of Red Riding Hood, Red is an apprentice to a witch who finds herself drawn to Sil, a distrustful shape-shifting wolf girl. Come for the beautifully drawn fantasy with a sapphic undertone, stay for the thoughtful exploration of courage, identity, and right versus wrong.
Castle Waiting, Vol. 1 by Linda Medley (Fantagraphics)
What happens to an isolated castle after the princess takes off with her Prince Charming? The inhabitants left behind have their own adventurous lives! This is a cozy read, devoid of the darkness underlying most traditional fairy tales.
Adult
- Comics Plus Collection: Full Collection
Memoirs and Biographies
PeePee PooPoo #1 by Caroline Cash (Silver Sprocket)
Deeply cool, funny, and highly stylized depictions of everyday life through the eyes of talented writer-illustrator, Caroline Cash.
The Parakeet by Espé (Graphic Mundi)
Witness a mother’s battle with severe mental illness from the perspective of her son, Bastien. This is a thoughtful and deeply moving examination of a complex struggle, with a trigger warning for suicide. (This is also one of our Book Club picks, appropriate for Young Adult readers, too.)
Gender Studies: The Confessions of an Accidental Outlaw by Ajuan Mance (Rosarium)
Explore the intersection of race, gender, and representation via graphic memoir, as well as the nuances that are often overlooked in everyday expectations and interpersonal experiences through the eyes of the talented Ajuan Mance. (This is also one of our Book Club picks.)
Superheroes
Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt by Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wjingaard (Dynamite)
This is a revamp of the original 1966 Peter Cannon Thunderbolt, who served as the inspiration for Ozymandias from the iconic Watchmen comic book. This version is a Watchmen follow-up of sorts, with fresh characterization and stunning artwork to support the cool meta concept.
The Boys Omnibus Vol #1 by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson (Dynamite)
An introduction to the daring, out-of-control superhero series that asks: What if powerful superheroes were actually evil corporate tools? Alternatively, The Boys are a group of somehow equally unlikable humans trying to counter these dangerous “supes” for their own selfish reasons. As with the hit streaming series, their violent clashes and perversions are only for mature readers.
Spawn Compendium Vol. 1 by Todd McFarlane and Greg Capullo (Image Comics)
As a murdered government assassin turned reborn hellspawn, Al Simmons takes up the Spawn mantle while struggling with his own existence. This is a beautifully repackaged collection of the original Spawn series, making it a great entry point for new and returning fans alike.
Horror
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees by Patrick Horvath (IDW)
If Richard Scarry and Ghostface had a baby, it would probably be Samantha Strong. This is a twisted tale of fuzzy bear Sam maintaining her Martha Stewart-esque lifestyle in a picture perfect town where she also just happens to chop up carefully selected out-of-towners.
Did You Hear What Eddie Gein Done? by Eric Powell and Harold Schechter (Dark Horse)
True crime and straight up horror aficionados alike will enjoy this unflinching retelling of the life and crimes of the infamous Ed Gein.
Ice Cream Man, Volume 1: Rainbow Sprinkles by W. Maxwell Prince and Martin Morazzo (Image Comics)
Can’t decide on just one flavor of tasty terror? This anthology of mixed scares offers something for all, with a side of the ever present sweet treat seller.
Read All The Comics!
“An absolute game changer.” School Library Journal
With Comics Plus, schools and libraries can offer readers unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, manga, and picture books from popular publishers like ABDO, Andrews McMeel, Capstone, Cherry Lake, Dark Horse, Europe Comics, Fantagraphics, IDW, Image Comics, Kodansha, Lerner, Mad Cave, Manga Classics, Oni Press, Papercutz, Tokyopop, TOON Books, UDON Entertainment, Yen Press, and dozens more.
No holds, wait lists, or monthly borrowing limits—all at a price that won’t break your materials budget.
Learn more at comicsplusapp.com and sign up for a free demo account.
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Moni Barrette, MLIS is the Director, Collection Development for LibraryPass, as well as former President of American Library Association’s Graphic Novel & Comics Round Table, and co-founder of the nonprofit Creators, Assemble! Inc. As a former public library manager, Moni won the California Library Association PRExcellence Award (2018 & 2019) for library events aimed at underserved adult library users and has proven success using comics to increase library circulation. In 2025, she was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker. Moni is a frequent panelist at San Diego and New York Comic Con, San Diego Comic Fest and Wonder-Con, hosting industry networking events and providing instruction to educators and librarians..
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