Dramatic titles tend to get a lot of attention. I understand that. Dramatic titles can feel more important. However, everyone loves a good laugh and most can agree that it’s harder to be witty than wistful. So here’s a list of great graphic novels that are guaranteed to make you laugh.
Children’s Titles
Binky the Space Cat
by Ashley Spires
Kids Can Press, 2009
978-1554534197
Equally hilarious read-alouds and on your own snickerfests, Binky is a cat with a mission…if he can just get his people to understand!
Guinea P.I.: the Ferret’s a Foot
by Colleen AF Venable and Stephanie Yue
Graphic Universe, 2011
978-0761356295
Great fun as read-alouds and for beginning and intermediate readers. Sasspants the guinea pig just wants to be left alone to read her mysteries; but Hamisher the…koala? knows she’s the perfect choice to solve the crazy mysteries that keep popping up in their wacky petshop!
Mal and Chad: the Biggest, Bestest Time Ever
by Stephen McCranie
Philomel, 2011
978-0399252211
Just imagine if all of Calvin and Hobbes’ adventures really happened…meet genius Mal and his pet dog Chad who thinks he’s a human. Funny, touching, and exciting!
Teen Titles
Azumanga Daioh Omnibus
by Kiyohiko Azuma
Yen Press, 2009
978-0316077385
Who says girl friendships can’t be touching and funny? Reader beware: does contain some adult discussion and alcohol consumption
Excel Saga
by Rikdo Koshi
Viz Media
multiple volumes
In a hilarious send up of spy settings, readers see the inner-workings of Across, a secret organization determined to rule the world… with only three members, two of which are pretty incompetent.
Eyeshield 21
by Riichiro Inagaki and Yusuke Marata
Viz Media
multiple volumes
Football is the focus of this manga. The laughs come from the teammates, especially the highly motivated quarterback. Some language, violence, and topics makes this a choice for older teens.
Girl Genius: Agatha H and the Guardian Muse
by Phil and Kaja Foglio
Studio Foglio, 2011
978-1890856533
The tenth collection of this popular webcomic continues to tickle. It features an unforgettable cast.
Sidescrollers
by Matthew Loux
Oni Press, 2006
978-1932664508
Three friends embark on a grand adventure in order to rescue a girl. Along the way they encounter lobsters, viscous girl scouts, and more.
Adult Titles
Be Good, Little Puppy: A Penny Arcade Book
by Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik
Del Rey, 2011
978-0345512284
This book collects every strip of the popular (and let’s just say, nerdcomic) Penny Arcade, going back to 2006. Includes bonus material as a bonus! Reader beware: adult language
Drinking at the Movies
by Julie Wertz
Three Rivers Press, 2010
978-0307591838
Alcoholism has never been so funny.
Hark! A Vagrant
by Kate Beaton
Drawn and Quarterly, 2011
978-1770460607
This hilarious collection gather together some of the best historical (and hysterical) strips from the popular webcomic. Reader beware: occasional use of adult language.
Ice Cream and Sadness: More Comics from Cyanide & Happiness
by Kris Wilson, Matt Melvin, Rob Denbleyker, and Dave McElfatric
It Books, 2010
978-0062046222
The webcomic Cyanide & Happiness sets the standard for irreverent taboo subjects. This collected volume is pretty much one giant, hilarious reader beware.
Savage Chickens: A Survival Guide for Life in the Coop
by Doug Savage
Perigee Trade, 2011
0399536469
Based on his one cartoon per sticky note website, Savage Chickens makes light of work drudgery. With chickens!
