Graphic Novels, Manga, Comic Books & Strips

Did you know the modern form of comics has been traced back to the nineteenth century? However, we’ve arguably been creating stories using images since the first cave paintings. Manga, newspaper cartoons, comic strips, comic books, graphic novels, webcomics - across the years, sequential art have taken several forms. They can be fictional, factual, or somewhere in between. Some are serious, some are hilarious, and they can cater to a wide range of reading abilities.

We’ve pulled together some of the very best manga, comic books and graphic novels from North America, Europe, the UK and Japan in this collection. Whether you're a dedicated anime fan, superhero stan, or looking to read your first comic, we've got something for you here.

Graphic novels

Everything is bigger in North America, and that includes comics. The comic book has evolved from a disposable commodity to the cornerstone of billion-dollar companies. Comic artists and writers have flocked from all over the world to be a part of the industry. The superhero was invented there, a character-type that has taken over popular culture.

It’s not all business. The form and term graphic novel was invented in the USA as a way to help legitimize serious, groundbreaking work like the Pulitzer Prize-winning Maus by Art Spiegelman. America’s also the home of underground, alternative, and independent comics that challenge and redefine the mainstream.

One of the most popular indie comics of recent years is actually Canadian. The Complete Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O’Malley is heavily influenced by manga and video games culture but is entirely original. Scott Pilgrim is 23 years old. He’s in a band, doesn’t have a job, and his girlfriend’s in high school. His precious little life is turned upside down when he meets delivery girl Ramona Flowers. To win her love, he must defeat her seven evil exes and maybe even grow up. The series was filmed as Scott Pilgrim vs. the World by superstar director Edgar Wright, and it’s turning out to be a modern classic.

Manga

The term manga first came into use right at the end of the eighteenth century. Before World War II, the illustrations followed Japanese artistic traditions. However, the influence of the US occupation immediately after the war revolutionised the art form. Cinematic techniques, American culture, and television led to popular characters and series such as Astro Boy. Popular manga series are regularly turned into anime - film and television cartoons - which completes the circle of influence.

Manga is loved not only for its dynamic art style, but the wide range of stories produced for audiences of all ages and genders. The works trickled into the west through the twentieth century, with popular series such as Akira, Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon and Ghost in the Shell leading the charge. The popularity of Japanese culture exploded after the international success of Pokemon, and now many manga series are international bestsellers. Right now we're selling the hilarious Assassination Classroom: Complete Box Set. Grab it now before it sells out!

British comic strips & characters

The first comic magazine is reported to have been published in Glasgow in 1826. Since then, the UK has had a fine tradition of comics that have become global phenomenons. From The Beano to 2000AD, Bunty to Commando, Eagle to The Phoenix, Britain has published a wide range of different styles and genres in comic form. Many of the most highly regarded writers and illustrators come from Britain, including Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Grant Morrison, and Posy Simmonds.

The UK is also home to many memorable comics characters, like Dennis the Menace and Judge Dredd. One of these is Roy Race, better known as Roy of the Rovers. Originally appearing in Tiger in September 1954, he was published in various magazines for nearly sixty years. Now, Roy is back. Roy of the Rovers: 3 Book Collection by Rob Williams and Ben Willsher features a modern Melchester Rovers, broke and languishing at the bottom of League Two. Can Roy help turn the club around?

Bandes dessinées albums

Mainland Europe brought the world Rodolphe Töpffer, the man dubbed “the father of comic strips.” 175 years after his death, it’s still the home of some of the world’s best comics art. This is particularly true of the Francophone sphere, which calls the medium Bandes dessinées, sold in books called albums.

France brings us Asterix, which was created by Goscinny & Uderzo. In these hilarious adventures, Asterix, Obelix, and the warriors of his Gaulish tribe are the last hold-out against the Roman Empire. The Complete Asterix contains 39 albums, which should keep you busy until the Romans come back.

Belgium is most famous for master cartoonist Hergé, who is best known for The Adventures of Tintin. We stock the boy reporter's most famous adventures individually and in two box sets. The Adventures of Tintin: 90th Anniversary is a box set of twenty-three paperback books, printed close to their original size. The Tintin Collection: The Adventures of Tintin (Compact Edition) reprints the series in eight hardback volumes.

Comics are some of our bestsellers at Book2Door. We’re always bringing in new stock, so keep an eye out for our latest products.