I recently had the chance to read three short graphic novels for young adults. While tackling different subject matter, each of these books has the potential to enthrall, amuse, and maybe even educate readers both young and old. We all know that comics have grown up a lot over the past few decades, and the following reads live up to that elevated stature. And this is coming from someone who never liked comics growing up!
Robot City Adventures: City in Peril! by Paul Collicutt
This short but fun tale by Paul Collicutt takes place on the coast. The main character is a robot lighthouse that helps keeps ships from harm. During a particularly bad storm it has to rescue an oil platfrom from leaking and exploding, dangerously impacting the nearby city.
The novel has a bit of a steampunk feel to it, as well evoking comics of old (think Detective Comics). It may not be very long, but that doesn't mean it's not quite a bit of fun. A great graphic novel for your favorite coast-dwelling young boy.
The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan
The Storm in the Barn is a deeply engrosing, cinematic tale from the dust bowl of America. The book tells the story of a boy who confronts a mystical character and brings back the rain to the arid region. There are naturally all sort of problems for the boy: a dust-mad father, a group of bullies, an ailing sister, and a sinister figure out in the barn.
It's part thriller, part Americana, and part children’s tale. Like any outing such as this it has quite enough to engage readers of any age and it would make a wonderful movie. Reading like a cross between Charlotte’s Web and Grapes of Wrath, this tale has “classic” written all over it. It’s a new twist to an fascinating, sad, and enthralling period of American history.
King Lear by Gareth Hinds
Hinds, who previously created the amazing adaptions of Beowulf and Merchant of Venice, is back with his next Shakespeare adaption. Like his previous classic works this has all the emotion and drama one has come to expect from Hinds. This particular work comes highly recommended. Whether a fan of Hinds, Shakespeare, or the graphic novel genre this is something worth seeking out. I am sure Shakespeare would approve of Hinds' treatment.
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