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 The Library Mule of Cordoba (Ablaze) and Traveling to Mars (Ablaze) for older teens and adult readers.
The Library Mule of Cordoba (Ablaze)
While set in 976 AD, readers will find many parallels to discuss between modern day book bans and the events depicted in the story. The adventurous tale is icing on the cake!
“This comical yet poignant reimagining of a dark episode in Iberian history finds a trio of commoners—a thief and two slaves—partnering up with a stubborn mule to save the world’s greatest collection of books…. Gorgeously illustrated in colors that bring alive the majesty and danger of Andalusia’s golden age, The Library Mule of Córdoba makes a powerful statement on the importance of protecting knowledge in times of political upheaval, a point emphasized in a haunting coda that traces the continuing history of book burning throughout the world.” —Booklist
Traveling to Mars (Ablaze)
Dive into this multi-layered story about a loser living in obscurity who becomes the most famous man in the universe, and explore dark humor, redemption (or lack thereof), and what it means to be human.
“When the United Nations decrees that since no human has yet to set foot on Mars, the first person to do so shall be granted right of ownership, executives from the Eazy Beef corporation hatch a plan to recruit someone disposable they can compel to embark upon a one-way mission to claim the planet—and its resources—on their behalf. So it comes to pass that Roy Livingston blasts off on a long, solitary voyage to save the human race—and help Eazy Beef become the most powerful organization on Earth. VERDICT: Russell and Meli deliver a sharply observed, often poignant reflection on humanity’s search for meaning in this unforgettable tragicomedy.” —Library Journal
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.
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, Humanoids, 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.
We curate high-interest, immersive digital content that helps schools and libraries expand and diversify their collections—without breaking their materials budgets.
