Attention comic book and graphic novel lovers—this is big news! The American Library Association’s (ALA) Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) has announced its 2024 Best Graphic Novels for Adults (BGNA) Reading List and Top 10 List.
These lists highlight the best graphic novels for adults published in late 2023 through 2024 and aim to increase awareness of the graphic novel medium, raise voices of diverse comics creators, and aid library staff in the development of graphic novel collections.
“We sought out unique books from creators around the world, especially those doing extraordinary things with the format,” said Leslie Flynn, this year’s selection committee chair. “I believe this year’s list has something fantastic for everyone, no matter their passion or experience with graphic novels.”
GNCRT is dedicated to supporting library staff in all aspects of engaging with graphic novels and comics, including collection development, programming, and advocacy. The Best Graphic Novels for Adults Reading List Selection Committee is made up of GNCRT members with a background in graphic novel selection and their use in adult programming and services. In creating and publishing these lists, GNCRT honors the entire creative team (including writers, artists, letterers, colorists, and translators) involved in the books.
Whether you’re a longtime graphic novel fan or curious but unsure where to begin, the 2024 Best Graphic Novels for Adults Top 10 list has something for you. Peruse them below, in alphabetical order with descriptions by GNCRT.
“Barnstormers: A Ballad of Love & Murder,” written by Scott Snyder, art by Tula Lotay, color by Dee Cunniffe, lettering by Richard Starkings. Dark Horse Books, 2024.
With the war over, former fighter pilot Hawk E. Baron travels the country as a barnstormer, performing aerial stunts and offering rides to make a living. When one such escapade introduces him to Tillie, a young woman ready for a new start, the two find themselves in a race against the past in this romantic adventure.
“Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees, Volume 1,” written by Patrick Horvath, art by Patrick Horvath, letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. IDW Publishing, 2024.
Cozy horror series about a small-town serial killer bear named Samantha whose main rule is “don’t murder the locals.” When a fellow animal town folk is murdered, Samantha sets out to hunt down her rival.
“Brittle Joints,” written by Maria Sweeney, art by Maria Sweeney. Street Noise Books, 2024.
An evocative and heartfelt graphic memoir about the challenges of living with a progressive disability.
“The Deviant, Volume 1,” written by James Tynion IV, art by Joshua Hixson, lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, edited by Steve Foxe, design by Tyler Boss. Image Comics, 2024.
In 1970s Milwaukee, the “Deviant Killer” dons a Santa costume and commits a series of gruesome murders. Decades later, a comic book writer interviews the man arrested for the crimes just in time for another violent holiday season.
“Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir,” written by Tessa Hulls, art by Tessa Hulls. Macmillan, 2024.
Tessa watched her mother care for Sun Yi, both of them struggling under the weight of Sun Yi’s unexamined trauma and mental illness. Vowing to escape her mother’s smothering fear, Tessa left home and traveled to the farthest-flung corners of the globe (Antarctica). But at the age of thirty, it starts to feel less like freedom and more like running away, and she returns home to face the history that shaped her family.
“Hirayasumi, Volume 1,” written by Keigo Shinzo, art by Keigo Shinzo. VIZ Media, 2024.
Hiroto is just casually passing through life without much ambition or direction. But when he begins a platonic, intergenerational relationship with someone much older than he is, Hiroto begins to piece together how he can be a better person.
“The Jellyfish,” written by Boum, art by Boum, translated by Robin Lang and Helge Dascher. Pow Pow Press, 2024.
Odette has a jellyfish in her eye, and, slowly but surely, they are enlarging and multiplying. Can she tell her girlfriend? Her friends? Her mom? She was finally getting this whole “adulting” thing, living alone in her Montreal apartment and chilling at cafes, but the jellyfish just HAD to attack. No matter, a trip to the eye doctor will defeat them, right?
“Polar Vortex: A Family Memoir,” written by Denise Dorrance, art by Denise Dorrance. The Experiment, 2024.
A daughter returns home to winter in Iowa to care for her ailing elderly mother, gamely navigating the vagaries of the US healthcare system, while coming to terms with mortality.
“Rare Flavours,” written by Ram V, art by Filipe Andrade. BOOM! Studios, 2024.
Inspired by Anthony Bourdain’s passing, Rubin Baksh, an epicure and demonic Rakshasa, hires Mo, a dejected and defeated filmmaker, to shoot a documentary exploring India’s cuisine and the people who make it. But Rubin’s tastes go beyond food to human flesh, and dangerous enemies seek to curb his appetites.
“The Hidden Life of Trees,” written by Peter Wohlleben, art by Benjamin Flao, translated by Fred Bernard. Greystone Books, 2024.
A graphic novel adaptation of the book by the same name. It looks at the vital importance of trees for all life.
GNCRT produced a super-slick video announcing the top 10 list. Check it out!
In tandem with the Top 10, GNCRT has also released its reading list of the best fiction and nonfiction graphic novels published in late 2023 through 2024. It’s full of must-read books, too.
Add your voice
If you want to see your favorite graphic novel from this year included in the 2025 list, nominations for the 2025 Best Graphic Novels for Adults Reading List are now open!
Eligible graphic novels will include all fiction and non-fiction titles published between September 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025, that appeal to adults age 19 and older. Nominations can be made by all members of the public, including GNCRT committee members, library workers, educators, ALA members, and comics fans. They must be submitted by midnight CST on September 15, 2025, through the online form. Good luck!
Image: From “Hirayasumi, Volume 1.”
Your support of the American Library Association helps fund programs like this and makes a difference in libraries across the U.S. Join us and become an ALA supporter today.
