Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! Ballister Blackheart is a Super Villain and Nimona is a shapeshifter who’s determined to be his Evil Sidekick. Opposing them is Ballister’s arch-nemeisis and also, former BFF Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin, a Hero who works for the Institution of Law Enforcement and the shadowy (is she evil?) Director.

Nimona is a smartly funny and subversive fantasy epic from Noelle Stevenson (also known as Gingerhaze!). It’s full of diverse, complicated characters with lots of nods to genre tropes that made me smile. The world is medieval-inspired but with all kinds of advanced technology, and this mash-up of fantasy and sci-fi elements is illustrated so well within the story and through Stevenson’s energetic art style. Very fun, very feminist and very readable. Also, Stevenson is a co-creator (along with Shannon Watters and Grace Ellis) of the equally smart and funny Lumberjanes comics, which follows a group of girls scouts who solve supernatural mysteries. This series has recently been optioned for a film to much excitement (not just my own).

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki

Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It’s their getaway, their refuge. Rosie’s friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer, everything is different…

I only got around to reading this award-winning graphic novel last weekend. I flat-out loved it. A relatively straight-forward coming-of-age narrative about a girl, I was surprised how moving I found the story, coming very close to tears at one reveal in the plot. Mariko Tamaki’s storytelling is tender and gorgeous, gently suggestive of the turmoil of adolescence without ever becoming dramatic, while Jillian Tamaki’s artwork is sensual and evocative. There are amazing double-page spreads of the two girls consumed simply with movement, swimming or dancing, as well as pages where time seems to come to a stop. The two creators are cousins in real-life and have collaborated together in the past to create Skim, also worth checking out.

Fly The Colour Fantastica Various

This comic anthology features the work of Australian artists as they explore storytelling through colour.

This is an excellent book for teens who are aspiring comic creators themselves, as it features a diverse and exciting range of different local artists. The 12 artists featured in this collection are: Alicia Braumberger, Alisha Jade, Rebecca Hayes, Eri Kashima, Eevien Tan, Sam Jacobin, Nadia Attlee, Sai Nitivoranant, Sheree Chuang, Tash Sim, Vikki Ong, and Viet-My Bui. Several of the comics are wordless which could make this a great option for a reluctant reader. The comic book was originally funded by a KickStarter campaign in which the creators described their work as being ‘post-anime’, and this is evident in many of the comics.

Michael Jordan: Bull on Parade by Wilfred Santiago

The astonishing journey of the greatest basketball player of all time and his evolution into the biggest icon of the 20th century.

Michael Jordan is still a giant in the sporting world and this graphic biography is fascinating. Not only is Wilfred Santiago’s vivacious art style wonderful (the actual basketball games are fast-paced and thrilling) but his portrayal of Jordan’s life manages to render the giant completely human. He touches on not just the highs in Jordan’s career, but also his infidelity and gambling addiction, so there is some tough content in here if you’re considering the book for younger teens. Santiago is also the author of another graphic sport biography, 21: The Story of Roberto Clemente, about the first Puerto Rican baseball player to be inducted (posthumously sadly) to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson

When Phoebe skips a rock across a pond and accidentally hits a unicorn in the face, she’s granted one wish. Obviously, she uses this wish to turn the unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, into her obligatory best friend. But can a vain mythical beast and a nine-year-old daydreamer really forge a connection?

Yes, I know this is a comic pitched for kids, but it’s too hilarious to not include! Plus, I suspect I would’ve found the idea of a conceited, sarcastic unicorn forced to be best friends with a human very amusing as a young teen. And don’t be put off by the pink cover. The story may be sweet at times but it’s never sentimental or gooey. A lot of reviewers have commented on the comic’s similarity to Calvin and Hobbes, and there’s something in that. Like Bill Watterson’s beloved creations, Phoebe and Marigold have a dry sense of humour and a delightfully snarky world view.

Bronte Coates