Join us in celebrating the art & storytelling of comics and graphic novels with these amazing resources.
All of the resources linked here can be borrowed for free with a student ID or an MVCC login. If you need help with any of these links, please ask a librarian.
Popular and Award Winning Graphic Novels
Saga
From New York Times bestselling writer Brian K.Vaughan and critically acclaimed artist Fiona Staples, SAGA is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in a sexy, subversive drama for adults.
Something is Killing the Children
When the children of Archer's Peak begin to go missing, everything seems hopeless. The few children that return alive have terrible stories-impossible details of terrifying creatures that live in the shadows. Their only hope is the arrival of a mysterious stranger, one who believes the children and claims to be the only adult who sees what they can see.
Her name is Erica Slaughter. She kills monsters. That is all she does, and she bears the cost because it must be done.
The Joker War Saga
As the Clown Prince of Crime battles the Dark Knight Detective head-to-head one last time. The Joker has never wanted to win before-he's never wanted his battle with Batman to end. But now his motivation has shifted.
This collection features the Joker's confrontation with Batgirl; his manipulation of the amnesiac Nightwing; and a turf war between Gotham City's many evildoers! Plus, the debut of Clownhunter, a cameo by Ghost-Maker, and an epic battle between Harley Quinn and Punchline!
Usagi Yojimbo: Bunraku and Other Stories
Follow these all-new full-color adventures of rabbit ronin Miyamoto Usagi as he wanders Edo period Japan on his warrior's journey. This first volume of all-new material continues the saga of Usagi Yojimbo with the three-part "Bunraku," as Usagi becomes embroiled in a puppet drama where the players are not quite what they seem! Will the aid of a supernatural ally be enough for Usagi to prevent more death?
Wynd
Wynd lives a quiet life in Pipetown -- working at the local tavern, out of sight in the secret rooms beneath the floorboards, often stealing away to catch glimpses of the son of the castle's groundskeeper as he works. But Wynd also has a secret... magical blood betrayed by his pointed ears, forbidden within the city limits. His shaggy hair has obscured them for most of his life, but now that Wynd is a teenager they are growing too unwieldy to hide. Joined by his best friend Oakley and Thorn, the groundskeeper's son, Wynd's strange dreams and an encounter with the city guard send him on the most dangerous adventure he could imagine, where Wynd will discover the magic in the world around him and, most importantly, the magic within himself.
Undiscovered Country Vol. 1: Destiny
Journey into an unknown region that was once the United States of America-a land that's become shrouded in mystery and literally walled off from the rest of the world for well over a century. Two small expeditions enter the former US simultaneously-one from the east, one from the west-and travel inward, each seeking their own form of truth as they struggle to survive in this strange and deadly lost continent!
Paper Girls
From Brian K. Vaughan, #1 New York Times bestselling writer of Saga and The Private Eye, and Cliff Chiang, legendary artist of Wonder Woman, comes the first volume of an all-new ongoing adventure. In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12-year old newspaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time. Suburban drama and otherworldly mysteries collide in this smash-hit series about nostalgia, first jobs, and the last days of childhood.
COSPLAY CORNER
Creative Cosplay
Boldly enter the world of cosplay and gain the confidence to design the costume of your dreams! Award-winning cosplayer Amanda Haas helps you translate your ideas from fiction to reality as you research costumes, shop for fabrics, mash-up patterns, and present your cosplay at a competition. A gorgeous photo gallery will have you frantic to join the cosplay community, while the author's seasoned advice will give you the courage to take the first step.
Epic Cosplay Costumes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making and Sewing Your Own Costume Designs
"Presented in a kitschy, comic-book style, Epic Cosplay Costumes combines fantabulous illustrations with all the how-to information you need for creating your own cosplay designs. Award-winning artist Kristi Good (aka Karmada) shares techniques for making must-have pieces to mix and match into original costumes—from hand-sewn garments to armor made with Worbla and EVA foam. In addition to her step-by-step instructions for pulling together attention-grabbing designs, she shares expert advice for making the most of conventions, striking a pose, and strutting your stuff at costume competitions Whether you’re a hero, heroine, villain, or sidekick, Kristie gives you the power to create the most talked-about designs with Epic Cosplay Costumes!"--Publisher description
Cosplay World
"Filled with striking images of costume play from around the world, this definitive look at the global phenomenon known as "cosplay" examines its evolution from the fringes of society to the spotlight of modern culture. For over 100 years, men and women around the world have been dressing up as their favorite characters from movies, games, comics, TV, and books. Beginning as a curiosity and hobby for social outcasts, it's now a global phenomenon, fuelled by the Internet and an explosion in geek fandom. This in-depth look at the world of cosplay includes interviews with stars like Yaya Han, Crystal Graziano, and Spiral Cats, offers insights into cosplay's history and current landscape, and explains its creative processes, like how Megan Marie built the perfect Wonder Woman costume. Cosplay World features over 200 compelling photographs, showcasing everything from campy 1970s costumes to cutting-edge suits engineered in workshops and built using space-age materials. The result is both a celebration of and an informed look at a popular means of self-expression that continues to fascinate." --Amazon.com
Audiobooks Adapted from Graphic Novels
Civil War
Iron Man and Captain America are two core members of the Avengers, the world's greatest superhero team. But when a tragic battle blows a hole in the city of Stamford, killing hundreds of people, the U.S. government demands that all superheroes unmask and register their powers. To Tony Stark—Iron Man—it's a regrettable but necessary step. To Captain America, it's an unbearable assault on civil liberties.
Nimona
Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are. But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.
Venom: Lethal Protector
When Eddie Brock becomes biologically linked to a bizarre alien symbiote, the two share a common goal. At first, they seek to squash their arch-foe Spider-Man. But after repeated attempts, Venom reaches an uneasy truce with the web-spinner. Brock leaves New York and heads west to San Francisco, the city of his birth, eager to put trouble behind him, but trouble has different ideas. Brock commits himself to becoming a defender of the innocent, but he's a six-foot-three-inch, 260 lb. figure with bulging muscles and fangs like a shark. Venom quickly draws attention-first from a furious Spider-Man, who's certain Brock has broken his word, then from a team of armored enemies who set out to kill the Lethal Protector. Venom joins forces with the web-spinner only to face an even deadlier threat: five trained killers, each wearing a symbiotic suit like Brock's. These are the Spawn of Venom, and they're out for blood.
Ms. Marvel Vol. 1: No Normal
Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City—until she's suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she also unlocks a secret behind them. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her prove too much to bear? Kamala has no idea. But she's comin' for you, Jersey! It's history in the making.
X-Men: Days of Future Past
In a dark and dangerous future, the mutant-hunting machines known as the Sentinels rule America with an iron fist. Almost all mutants and superhumans have been exterminated. Only a handful of imprisoned mutants remain to fight against their oppressive robotic overseers! Now Kate Pryde, former X-Man, must travel back in time and warn her present-day teammates of the coming danger—and hopefully prevent this horrible future from ever taking place!
ARTISTS' ALLEY
Helmetgirls: The Art of Camilla d'Errico
Camilla d'Errico is a powerful voice in pop surrealism, her work combining diverse influences in imagery is both singular and hauntingly familiar. Compelling and deeply personal, Helmetgirls documents Camilla's art and lifestyle brand that fuses manga, steampunk, and fine art into an original and meaningful aggregate. Gargantuan biomechanical headgear adorns beautiful, wide-eyed, and seemingly fragile girls. More than just decoration, the helmets express each girl's character, needs, and desires. Look deeply into the Helmetgirls' eyes-they have a story to tell. * Camilla's art has appeared in major pop-culture magazines and in galleries around the world.
The Art of Marvel Studios: Captain Marvel
Go behind the scenes of the highly anticipated Captain Marvel film with this latest in Marvel's Art of series! Ace Air Force pilot Carol Danvers becomes one of the universe's most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races. This exciting volume is full of exclusive concept art and interviews with the creators behind Marvel's first solo super heroine.
The Art of Steven Universe: The Movie
This magical deep-dive into Steven Universe The Movie is designed by Ryan Sands (Frontier) in conjunction with Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar! See preliminary character designs, witness the formation of settings and storyboards, and discover the art that shaped the full-length movie! It's a new kind of artistic adventure with with Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, and--of course--Steven.
Hellboy: The Art of The Motion Picture
Explore the dark and marvelous world of Hellboy like never before through nearly one thousand pieces of art and photography across 192 full-color pages. This volume offers an inside look at the creation of the newly reimagined cinematic epic based on the long-running comic book masterpiece by auteur creator Mike Mignola, starring David Harbour (Stranger Things), Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil), Ian McShane (John Wick), and Daniel Dae Kim (Lost).
Links to Comic Conventions and Organizations
Conventions
C2E2 (Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo)
Cake! (Chicago Alternative Comics Expo)
Organizations and Events
Local Publishers
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Created with images by tunechick83 - "comic-con comics books" • adonyig - "cutting tool textile late" • tomekwalecki - "telephone headphones technology" • Pexels - "art creative creativity" • tunechick83 - "batman comic-con comics"