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 Always Never (Dark Horse) and A Boy Named Rose (FairSquare Graphics).
Always Never (Dark Horse)
Always Never is a romantic read from Spanish cartoonist Jordi Lafebre that is both heartwarming and different from traditional lovey-dovey offerings, with a narrative style that warrants further conversation.
“Spanish illustrator Jordi Lafebre is perhaps best known for his collaborations with the great French writer Zidrou, with works like Les Beaux Étés (‘Glorious Summers’), Lydie, and La Mondaine (‘Vice Squad’). In Always Never he strikes out on his own, handling both the writing and the art, and proves he’s up to the task. This is a great love story across the ages told in reverse, allowing Lafebre many an artistic touch.” —The Comics Journal
A Boy Named Rose (FairSquare Graphics)
A translation of an acclaimed French graphic novel (Le Jardin), A Boy Named Rose is a stunning take on the queer coming of age story, with a distinct European vibe that will inspire hot takes and strong opinions.
Gaëlle Geniller absolutely holds your full attention with both the master crafting of the story and the phenomenal art style here. Vibrant colors contribute an element to the story that would completely change the mood of it if expressed differently. Could easily be turned into an animated short, and would do well. A Boy Named Rose deserves your attention. This will be on my recommended list to friends and coworkers. —Diamond Bookshelf
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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