The 10 Graphic Novels that Belong in Every Public Library!

Today I share my recommendations of the top 10 Best Graphic Novels every Library should have. These are not necessarily my favorite Comics, but ones I believe belong in every library.
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The List:
Bone
Watchmen
Marvels
Maus
Akira
Batman Year One
Black Hole
Ms. Marvel
Essex County
Calvin and Hobbes
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#graphicnovels
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#bestgraphicnovels

[@TheFlyingStewardess]

Hi Omar, Heather here! Thank you for so carefully considering the best graphic novels that we should make available to our community! I really appreciate you taking the time to pick so many great titles!

[@Kalel0042]

Ok, I'm guessing Maus and Watchmen at least.

[@goosey235]

I would think the "historical" type stuff would have a strong case - before watching, I'll guess Persepolis and maybe some others like it. Edit - well, I was wrong , but a great list! I agree 100% on Bone and epic adventure type books - I'd maybe add Rosa US/DD just off the top of my head.

[@stevengiap4033]

First 2 that popped in my head, as well.

[@jjtiffany4879]

I think all comic strip like Calvin and Hobbs, Garfield, peanuts, and farside should be in everyone's collection/library.

[@karlalexandregarcia7062]

This is what I appreciate this channel for! Omar actually reads them all! If not all, most! He’s not just merely collecting, he inspires people to read more! Thank you for this:)

[@AvatarJose1986]

How is Sandman not on this list? That book should be in every library!

[@Chandasouk]

"It belongs in a library!"

[@MagusMarquillin]

So do you! We all belong there. It's a reading rainbow Dr. Jones!

[@StegoKing]

Anyone that would give you shit for having Watchmen on the list is insane. (Dope list, but I would replace Ms. Marvel with the Dark Phoenix Saga!)

[@jamestbrown6317]

Maus and Bone jumped right into my brain before you even presented your list. Honourable mention…any Usagi Yojimbo, Astro City and Darwyn Cooke’s New Frontier.

[@fireboy312002]

Back in the day, comics were done in papers. Someone had the idea to collect some and sell in a magazine. I roll my eyes when people go "Comic strips aren't comic books..." Yes it is. branch out and try things, but yes it is.

[@olestokke]

They probably think that the comic strip is just a Couple of pictures, and that they are not connected

[@fireboy312002]

@@olestokke i think a lot of fans don't like to venture out much. Comics is a set rules. Hell, I know newer fans don't want to read anything before 2010. I try to jump around, it is a wide world and a lot of wonders.

[@just23bulls]

Fantastic list and a great idea. I know a lot of people here probably don’t utilize libraries, but man oh man I will always love them and try to support them as much as I can. It’s nice to be part of the community, but even more so it’s so essential for the people who don’t have it as well as others. Without public libraries, I wouldn’t have gotten into comics. My dad always enjoyed them but I never saw the appeal. It took until my dad gifted me DMZ when I was 16. Loved it! Only place I could find the other volumes? The library! That got me to explore so many different genres I never thought I’d enjoy. Especially Lemire stuff. (It was great seeing Essex County on the list!) Thanks so much for this video, Omar. If this gets even 1 new reader into comics, or one viewer to donate to a public library, it’s a huge success. Much love and fantastic list!

[@ebilliot510]

All excellent choices. I will be curious to see what the panel comes up with on Sunday.

[@northlakeghost]

Wonderful list; thank you, Omar!

[@mattthompson3371]

What a difficult task this must have been. I keep going back to my favorites, but it's about accessibility. Great list Omar, I can't wait for the Sunday stream.

[@martynsimcox5177]

An excellent list, thoughtfully put together. There are 6 books on your list that I completely agree with and a few I’ve not come across (Ms Marvel being one). The added bonus of your video’s is opening up new material to consider, so thank you

[@litewait633]

Calvin & Hobbes, and Bone were the first two that popped to my head before watching your video. Awesome choices, and there’s a couple on there that I need to yet read!

[@BadLuckLuke]

Great choices indeed Omar, I'm also 46 and currently reading (and enjoying) Essex County by Jeff Lumire I would add in the top10 my favourite X-Men "God Loves, Man Kills"

[@CapitalDOOM]

Great list as usual!

[@jeffreypittman2338]

Great list Omar! I would definitely recommend that a library have something by Neil Gaiman! I’d say Sandman trade 1: Preludes and Nocturnes would have to make it!

[@raidensnake9471016]

Professor Omar doesn't exist, he can't hurt you Video Thumbnail:

[@Ghost_007_x]

Growing up, my first graphic novel reads were at my small town library. Watchmen, dark knight returns, killing joke, asterix, tin tin, love and rockets

[@chibiloki]

Great list Omar. I wish my library would have had comics when I was a kid. Would have probaby got me into reading a lot sooner.

[@henrywood1304]

Exactly! Watchmen is on everybody’s list because it should be!

[@Allen2187]

BLANKETS by Craig Thompson Also, I tell my students if they read one book the rest of their lives, make it the COMPLETE CALVIN AND HOBBES. Surprised there’s no Will Eisner, but 10 is really difficult as a limit.

[@fireboy312002]

Bunk will be happy to see this

[@luciferfernandez7094]

When was it that Blankets was all the rage because it was in a kids library or something? Since then I always think Blankets in any of these lists…

[@Allen2187]

@@luciferfernandez7094 I teach a university, so I don’t get much negative pushback on book choices. BLANKETS has certainly had its challenges and attempted bans over the years. I just think it’s a beautiful tome and a high-water mark for the medium of comics.

[@sunflowers9791]

Omar, I totally love the content in this video. Makes me happy.

[@NearMintCondition]

Thank you so much!

[@Dumballa]

This was a really good idea. Nice one bub.

[@rastatek5]

the first graphic novel I read... X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills...

[@trishb.6398]

I have read half of these so I need to get on the rest. My one addition would be one of your favorites too: Daytripper. This list must have been hard to do.

[@JayWoods483]

Great list Omar. Year One is undeniably the origin story in comic book format. Using your concept as an agenda to choose the books I would deem necessary for a graphic novel section; it would be a challenge for me to replace any on your list. Maybe FF Vol 1 & 2 Omnibus as for some comic book readers it exemplifies the essence of superhero comics during the Silver Age. (I sorta lump FF 1 & 2 together like I lump the Godfather 1 & 2 together as one movie).

[@hgf334]

Yes comics got me into reading when I wasn't interested in anything else as a kid. Graphic novels are an excellent way to encourage a young child reading early on.

[@EarthsGeomancer]

Omar is so tantalizing in that thumbnail. ❤

[@jsb8261]

This must have been a difficult list to make. Its very well balanced with something for everyone to choose from depending on their tastes in books. Well done.

[@OlDirtyBuckus]

The most shocking thing for me is finding out Omar is 46. I thought he was in his early thirties.

[@benniemartin78]

He’s aging on a sliding timescale like a comic book character!

[@andrecrispim3209]

Lmao early 30’s? What are you smoking?

[@Carlos-xz3vi]

46???? Oh wow. Not a white hair on him???? That’s good genetics or good dye.

[@Carlos-xz3vi]

@@andrecrispim3209Not early, but I would have guessed 36-37.

[@trishb.6398]

@@andrecrispim3209 I think he looks great for his age. Head full of hair and that smile 😍

[@kman1084]

I owe my love of comics to my local library for stocking those paperback collections of Calvin & Hobbes when I was a 6 year-old. No other book captured my imagination more, or expanded my vocabulary! Could not agree more on this list 👊

[@31LaschG]

At the library I work we have all the titles you suggested. One series that has been very popular here with younger readers is Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi.

[@tom_price]

I was so glad I discovered Black Hole at my local library. But when I went in to re-borrow it years later, some clown had stolen it! I eventually had to get my own copy. One weird and scary book. Unlike any other reading experience.

[@apjferreira1]

I would add Nausicaa and Ballad for Sophie.

[@ZizouZico]

I read Maus in a history class years ago. Banning this book from libraries tells us a lot about these times, unfortunately.

[@Kalel0042]

Surprised, but happy, to see Essex County there!

[@anthonypetrizzi5996]

I think i was just the 100,000th subscriber... Congrats!!

[@swayne-leohosein-cadogan5576]

oh man i still have my Bone graphic in black and white, it feels so odd to see it in colour. Picked up that bad boy in 2009 as some "light reading" for a 10 hour flight. Best literary purchase I ever made. Reread that epic every christmas. This was the very first graphic novel I ever bought. This is what got me interested in purchasing compendiums and graphic novels. Sadly some years back a little cousin got her hands on it, and decided to colour in the first 2 pages. thankfully they were just reprints of the cover art. and the rest of the book is fine. Couldn't even be mad about it. in her words she wanted to add colour to the book because i looked a little sad when reading it. MAUS and Black Hole are on my list to get. just finished the Stray DOgs TPB, waiting anxiously for Feral to go into TPB format.

[@XenithflareGaming]

To add to the Calvin and Hobbs rec, I'd put forth the Bloom County comic strips. I grew up reading the collected versions, currently falling apart on my shelf, and while they tend to be very grounded in the time of their release, there are plenty of stories that resonate through the years. The end especially gets me to tear up to this day.

[@Kor33Com]

Black Hole by C.Burns. My all time favourite. 👌

[@CarlosDias-er6dd]

I really wish that the graphic novels by the Portuguese writer Filipe Melo would reach worldwide. The Ballad for Sophie is one of the best stories I've ever read.

[@koonfasa]

I showed my english teacher Understanding Comics at the time and she said she’d love to have it and cut out bits for class when i was finished with it. I was horrified and never showed her any more of my comics…

[@dielel9268]

Great topic, great review Omar!!! Agree with you 9/10, i would have put also there... God loves man kills ✖️

[@This_handle_is_not_available]

I’d definitely say Bone as well I read it as a kid in my school’s library

[@miguellupi8709]

I would include V for Vendetta on the list. But great to hear you talk about your choices Omar.

[@dhmcadams662]

Man....I was waaaay off on my guessing. I had Batman Year Two and nine Xmen books :) Such a great list though. Black Hole I've never heard of. I smiled so freaking wide that you included Calvin and Hobbes. This and Far Side are my top two with Calvin edging it out purely on those heartfelt panels scattered throughout.

[@TheWisestWizards]

This is a solid list, good variety. I'd put something like Blankets in there as well. Maybe lose one of the superhero books.

[@BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAthroggofthunder]

Hey Omar? The Marvels graphics tagline is used when you start reviewing Maus. Just a heads up.

[@zachchapman4831]

I'm so lucky that Austin has great public libraries! The ones near me have a great collection of graphic novels, euro albums and manga!

[@DafterThings]

"Understanding Comics" and "Making Comics" by Scott McCloud are both fantastic. I only recently read Marvels. The artwork is beautiful.

[@chienandalou9609]

Great list ! I discovered V For Vendetta and Blankets thanks to my local Public Library.

[@sand4273]

I’m a mark for the X-Men, yes, but I really do think God Loves, Man Kills should be in every library. It stresses some pretty important and heavy stuff, and I think it could be more appealing to younger readers when compared to something like To Kill a Mockingbird, for example (not saying kids shouldn’t read that, just saying there should be all sorts of options dealing with similar themes).

[@shinyocelot04archive]

I feel like God Loves, Man Kills is important, especially with some of the things happening right outside our window. It's a bit heavy, but very important.

[@rotpot2471]

I’ve been wanting to get into the marvel Epic line more specifically the Silver Surfer run but not sure if it’s a great place to start or even worth reading

[@James-ip7zk]

I was expecting Daytripper, but excellent choices anyway! Thanks

[@ryanlongden7330]

That thumbnail made me think, "We're final here...the Near Mint Onlyfans " lol

[@Carlos-xz3vi]

I am blessed with 2 great public libraries close to where I live. Most of what I’ve read, I’ve checked out from the library. The last I checked out was Williamson’s Superman TP Supercorp. I was surprised they had something that new.

[@RyanBragg84]

I grew up on Calvin and Hobbes such a great series

[@JoeArnold333]

Bone & Ms.Marvel are 2 of my favorite books of all time. Super happy to see those on your list, and I cant wait for the livestream!

[@stevesantiago8732]

DAYTRIPPER by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba would definitely be on my top 10 list for libraries. It's incredibly unique and should be experienced by older teens, young adults and beyond. And for my horror addition I would include Uzumaki by Junji Ito. When it comes to horror comics, Ito is hard to beat.

[@azharmaa]

yeahh will share this link/episode to my librarian

[@NearMintCondition]

Thank you!

[@keithbrown8236]

Great range of books

[@johnnieriot13]

What a great idea. My own list before I hear Omar’s 1. Maus 2. Watchmen 3. Bone 4. Sandman vol1 5.Dark knight returns 6 born again 7. Invincible compendium 1 8. Kravens last Hunt 9 Scott pilgrim vol1 (at least) 10. DayTrippers

[@irakendelsizemore1409]

I read Maus for intro to English studies as an English major and I was really really touched by that graphic novel even though I have a phobia of mice lol, I think I would also add kingdom come and the closet to the list, the closet because how it talks about family issues. Kingdom come because it’s one of the best Superman stories of all time. My local library has recently started ordering more graphic novels and it’s amazing. I go about three times a week.

[@Joenah5]

There’s no way I could disagree with any of the books here that I’ve read, so that’s a sign I definitely need to read the ones here that I haven’t.

[@NFLDude56]

I would have Fun Home by Alison Bechdel, Smile by Raina Telgemeier, Ducks by Kate Beaton, Ghost World by Dan Clowes, and Stray Bullets by David Lapham on my list.

[@jsb8261]

I believe the universe is telling me to finally read Watchmen. First that new trailer drops then this list.

[@Sehlat]

I'd have to think long and hard about my own list, but I mostly agree about those of these books I have read. Maybe one could add something really artsy like David Mack's Kabuki or Daredevil (Love and War) / Elektra (Assasin) by Frank Miller and Bill Sienkiewicz.

[@saturdaymorningfan3123]

Agree on jeff smiths bone but would not get the complete but the digest sized color trades. Big book would be heavy for kids plus it's missing the treasure map story, but the digest trades have it and lighter to hold. I would include life and time of scrooge mcduck of course and spy x family 1 for manga.

[@AdamSMessinger]

The fact that there was no WIll Eisner in here is kinda crazy. I woulda probably replaced Batman: Year One with The Contract With God Trilogy: Life on Dropsie Avenue.

[@mattthompson3371]

I love that book, but no way to an average reader to pick up a comic would I ever replace Batman with Spirit. You want to get people's attention.

[@djsuth7727]

Sandman, Berserk, Saga and the original Hellboy would make my list.

[@jono3290]

If we are including Comic Strips then there must be some Peanuts, Calvin and Hobbes, Bloom County, The Farside, Doonesbury, but I personally think they should be a separate list only because that way we get to pick more material 🙂. As to Graphic Novels / Comics, its a great list have read most of them except two (Essex County and Black Hole) so can't judge those two. I think I would try to find a place for the Vinland Saga, A Life Force by Will Eisner, The Ballad of Halo Jones, Nemesis the Warlock, Judge Dredd America (as ORNR reminded us this week!) and Ditko/Lee Spider-man...and I could keep going... and then I realise its a very long list of genuinely great comics we have in this world!

[@aarong3582]

I love some of these selections, disagree with others. But by far for me the biggest omission is daytripper

[@jasonlynch153]

Can we get a list or is there already a video with your favourite ever stories/series??

[@derektyler5817]

Your first 3 picks, after Understanding Comics, are on my list but then it totally changed after. I wasn't even thinking Manga or Comic Strips when I jotted my list down. Can't believe I didn't think of Maus. Horror wise I would have gone with Moore's Swamp Thing. I jotted Wrightsons name down but unfortunately there's not one big comic story he's known for. Granted there's the Frankenstein adaptation but that's not really a comic and then you have Creepshow which is Stephen King so that could have worked. My other definite picks Sandman: The Doll's House A Contract With God Kingdom Come WE3 Strangers In Paradise Sin City Some Honorables Leave It To Chance Touch Of Silver Pride of Baghdad And while I've never read it but am aware of it's importance is Blankets.

[@fishin4bass2002]

Uh oh Omar has the glasses on😂

[@TheComicsZone]

In high school Maus was the book we had to read for our final exam.

[@mriconreesemriconreese9234]

You right Batman year one is a good pick.... Wish Marvel come do a year one for Spiderman and the Avengers for the new readers

[@BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAthroggofthunder]

They’ve actually done that a few times this and last century….

[@ineffablejoy]

This is a good list, but it's wild to me that Fun Home isn't on there.

[@MrHateneds]

Asterisk and tintin was great in the library, when I was young

[@stephentheshywarrior2759]

Honestly not read very many of these. Akira art looks so good though. How many volumes is it please?

[@fabio04081998]

They are like 6 of them in my country at least

[@thequietrevolution3404]

Many of the Graphic Novels shown are already on the shelves of my local library (sans "Black Hole"). Probably because every version of "Sandman" ever published is available.

[@luciferfernandez7094]

10 is very limited, making this list could become a nightmare. Good list by Omar but for my taste instead of Ms Marvel and Essex County I’d have: Sandman, Arkham Asylum, any of the several EC compilations, a Little Nemo comp, some BD or at least some Moebius, some Kirby, as a kid I preferred Xenozoic Tales over any indy ala Lemire…my head hurts…

[@shinyocelot04archive]

Ms Marvel, Maus, and God Loves, Man Kills all feel like library staples. Maybe Superman of All Seasons or some classic Lee and Kirby stuff.

[@thefvguy5648]

How is Ms Marvel specifically a library staple?

[@shinyocelot04archive]

​@@thefvguy5648Mainly for its cultural impact and appealing artwork. The book got praised for how it told slice of life stories with a group of people who weren't represented much, especially in cape comics.

[@thefvguy5648]

@@shinyocelot04archive I see what you mean, but I feel like a book like Persepolis fits that rule better. Ms. Marvel isn’t a bad book (haven’t read it but I assume it’s pretty good), but I think when it comes books for the library, Ms. Marvel isnt as prestigious as others IMO.

[@OmniBeau]

Need to change that Maus banner. Says Marvels Fyi but yeah - absolutely Maus, Marvel's, Watchmen, Bone 100% - I've ordered the Understanding Comics, never heard of it 👍

[@Ragamuffin-Guesses-cgc-grades]

Dc the new frontier comes to mind, power pack classic is pretty good. Image did a series called flight that would be a good inclusion. I also like idw sonic, and street fighter comics have some of the best colors in a comic I've seen.

[@allsome1o1]

Surprised Seed of Destruction didn't make the list

[@McDuendis]

Yeah, Calvin & Hobbs.

[@classicrock7871]

Is akira instock anywhere?

[@storageanddisposal]

I arbitrarily think of graphic novels as self-contained stories, but, since we're including long series, I'd include Sandman by Gaiman. Mine, off the top of my head: Kraven's Last Hunt Watchmen God Loves, Man Kills Uzumaki Maus Dark Knight Returns 8 Billion Genies Underwater Welder The Many Deaths of Laila Starr Kingdom Come or Marvels, something with Alex Ross

[@olestokke]

Idea for a video: 1. TOP 3/5/10 Mangas you don’t have to read, because of the anime. 2. TOP 3/5/10 Mangas you should read, despite it being an anime.

[@dofstudio9978]

Why we dont have Marvels on OHC anymore...

[@natew5544]

what about tintin?

[@Gills22]

I thought for sure Seconds would have made the cut

[@blakeandjerrison219]

Best believe my local library has none of these 💪

[@greendaleforever]

CLEARLY the answer is Ultimatum and Countdown

[@crimefightingspider]

I think there should be spider-man on the list, maybe life story, or ultimate spider-man.

[@leonbeale5431]

They are outstanding but I would switch Black Hole for Sandman. Both are great but sandman is next level. If the point is horror representation I like Uzumaki.

[@LucasOros2]

I wouldve bet my life savings that you were gonna put God Loves Man Kills on this list