Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen

Title: Big Mushy Happy Lump

By: Sarah Andersen

Published: 2017

Call #: GN Andersen

This collection of comics won the 2017 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Graphic Novel and Comic and will speak to anyone who has ever struggled with life.

This book includes comics as well as illustrated personal essays from the cartoonist/illustrator. It shows off the highs and lows of life, especially for someone who struggles with self-esteem or prefers to view the world from under a pile of blankets. It reflects on money, school, relationships, and even that special time of month for women. It doesn’t just make light of the bad but also highlights the joy of a trip to the bookstore or seeing a puppy in a sweater. What makes this comic collection so great is how accurate it represents these moments in life in a way that makes you chuckle because you’ve been there and done that. Anyone who has been socially awkward or had self-esteem issues will connect with this book.

Mary-Megan K. 

Popular Materials Asst. 

Saga: Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughn

Title: Saga, Vol. 1
Author: Brian K. Vaughn
Illustrator: Fiona Staples
Published:2012
Call Number: GN/Vaughn

Saga is an epic graphic novel series combining themes of intense love, family, war, humour, drama and fantasy. In this first of eight novels (so far), the reader is introduced to Alana, Marko and their newborn daughter, Hazel.  The couple come from different sides of the universe, and to say that their tribes don't get along would be an understatement.  They are both warriors, but rather than fighting in the never-ending galactic war, they fight for the freedom of their family. From the very first frames, the reader is pulled into the exhilarating world of Alana and Marko.  Perfect for readers of sci-fi and fantasy.

Erin S.
Popular Materials Assistant

The Sandman: Overture by Neil Gaiman

Title: The Sandman: Overture
By: Neil Gaiman
Published: 2015
Call Number: GN Gaiman

During this graphic novel prequel to the Sandman saga, Neil Gaiman and J.H. Williams III transform this fantasy world into a reality using insane layouts and an intense color profile.  The Sandman: Overture is as much a work of art as it is a novel.  The characters hold both depth and mystery within the backstory being developed.  The surreal narrative of a feuding family keeps you hooked and forces you to turn the page, as otherwise the mesmerizing details of the spreads are nearing hypnotic.

The family includes: Destiny, Death, Destruction, Despair, Delirium, and of course, Dream.  These characters represent the archetypal personified versions of the idea which their name represents.  Conveying these ideas through a family working together (or dueling to the death) is a clearer way to illustrate to the reader how these concepts connect.   This is a great jumping off point for anyone intrigued by graphic novels, but turned off my simplistic comics and storylines.  The characters and storylines are as involved as each individual spread and will make you want to dive into the rest of Gaiman's Sandman series.

Erin S.
Popular Materials Assistant