With our branches closed and physical checkouts currently suspended, you may think that there's no way to get graphic novels with your library card. That's not the case at all! As much as we've been promoting our new graphic novel collection for adults, it's definitely not the only option available to you. The library now offers you more ways than ever to get your graphic novel fix, even while social distancing.
Our Blue Ridge Download Consortium digital collection already offers some graphic novels through the Libby app. Now with the addition of Hoopla, you not only get great shows, movies, eBooks, and music, you also get access to a huge collection of graphic novels right on your computer or device. While the library is closed, we've boosted your checkout limit each month to six items per patron. You'll find plenty to do with that quota but if you're a graphic novel fan, here are a few suggestions.
Batman: The Black Mirror - BRDC
Even if you're a Batman fan, this one might be new to you. I certainly hadn't heard about it until recently, but it's a New York Times #1 Bestseller. This graphic novel contains two stories. In the first, Batman confronts one of Gotham's oldest evils in the deadly Mirror House. In the second, a dead killer whale left inside a Gotham bank reveals a new danger to the city. Gritty and intense with fabulous artwork, this is certainly no kids' comic book.
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse - BRDC
This original, standalone graphic novel tells the story of an unlikely friendship between the four titular characters. In the vein of The Alchemist and the Giving Tree, it teaches hope in uncertain times which is something many of us could likely use a little more of lately. Instead of being a purely graphic experience, it tells the story alongside a number of beautiful illustrations. This a thought provoking read at any age.
The Resurrectionist - BRDC
Like the previous entry, this is not strictly a graphic novel but is still a primarily visual experience. This Victorian era journal, rendered in full, takes you down the gas lighted streets of Philadelphia in the footsteps of a rogue scientist grave-robber. The fictional Dr. Spencer Black sought to document the existence of fabulous beasts in his penultimate work, The Codex Animalia, which is contained within. Science fiction and fantasy combine with just a dash of Victorian horror to create a singular creative work, not entirely unlike the fabled Necronomicon.
Carthago Vol 1 - Hoopla
If you're stuck waiting for your hold on 47 Meters Down: Uncaged, this might help tide you over. Any fan of creature features and giant, man-eating sharks will find something to like in this one. The dialogue and pacing has the punchy, popcorn and candy vibe of a summer action blockbuster and there's a little bit extra fantasy/sci-fi thrown in for good measure.
NicNevin and the Bloody Queen - Hoopla
The first in a series, we're lucky to have one of the hottest new titles of Spring 2020 already in our virtual catalog. This British graphic novel weaves a tale of horror and black magic as a modern-day druid attempts to unleash an ancient evil upon the world. Although it is, in part, a coming of age story with a teen protagonist, its dark story and detailed art will appeal to readers of all ages
Pride of Baghdad - Hoopla
Inspired by true events, this graphic novel reimagines a story that made headlines in 2003 when a pride of captive lions escaped from the Baghdad Zoo in the wake of an American bombing from the lions' perspective. As they grapple with their newfound freedom, the graphic novel explore concepts of self-determination and sacrifice and whether freedom for its own sake is truly worth dying for.
Watchmen - BRDC
Considered by many as one of the greatest graphic novels of all time, this is the source material that inspired the hit movie. Set against the backdrop of Cold War era American exceptionalism grappling with the harsh realities of war, it deconstructs the superhero mythos as once celebrated heroes fall victim to their all-too-human weaknesses. This is one of the highlights of Alan Moore's exceptional catalog and if you haven't read it yet, now is a perfect time to add a classic to your reading list.
Metal Hurlant - Hoopla
This is an anthology piece that collects selected entries from the highly influential French sci-fi/horror comics magazine "Métal Hurlant," which gave rise to its American counterpart Heavy Metal. Although the original French publication closed its doors in 1987, the publishing company Humaniods which came after it has collected and translated a best-of volume in hopes of bridging the gap between the US and Europe. The result was just released this year and is already available on Hoopla!
Little Josephine: Memory In Pieces - Hoopla
Anyone who has ever watched a loved one go through a debilitating disease like Alzheimer's knows how scary that can be and how helpless it can make you feel. This magical little title addresses that difficult topic with charm, wit, and irrepressible spirit. As Valerie embarks on the journey of caring for Josephine, they learn to find humor and even joy in the difficult path set before them. The art style in this title is whimsical and almost cartoonish but the emotions it grapples with are very real. It's another brand new title that Hoopla is offering right out of the gate.
Locke and Key Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft - Hoopla
If you like horror and suspense, Hoopla has a real treat for you. The Locke and Key series was written by Joe Hill, the son of Stephen King and acclaimed horror author in his own right with novels like Heart-Shaped Box to his name. With a beautiful, dramatic art style, this title tells the story of a mansion in New England that is home to a dark and sinister presence. It's only the first in a long series and Hoopla has plenty more to keep you busy!
These are just some of the great graphic novels available in our digital collection. If you want to learn more about how to access these services, you can check out my Libby app workshop below and stay tuned to our Facebook page for more upcoming virtual programming that will dive into Hoopla and how to access these titles on your Kindle.