In the world of graphic novels, there are so many beautifully illustrated and compelling stories to enjoy. While a huge majority of the stories are superheroes battling while the universe hangs in the balance, there are plenty of incredible stories that don't involve costumed characters with superhuman abilities. Marvel and DC have made some unforgettable superhero and villain stories for decades, but there are plenty of other stories for readers to get lost in.
There are publishing companies that let creators tell their stories in whichever way they choose. The freedom that these publishers give writers and illustrators results in plenty of truly unique and creative stories. These are the 10 most anticipated graphic novels of 2020 that don't involve superheroes.
10 Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir
Written and illustrated by Robin Ha, Almost American Girl is an upcoming graphic novel that tells a compelling story about immigration and coming of age. The graphic novel tells the story of a young girl going through some drastic life changes, which can be challenging for a young woman to handle. The story feels true and personal, giving readers a glimpse into the life of this incredible creator. This independent graphic novel is unique, and it is full of heart and true emotion. As both the writer and illustrator, Robin Ha really utilizes every form of the medium to tell an incredible and beautiful story. Graphic novel fans will love this human story that does not involve any caped crime fighters.
9 The Boy Who Became A Dragon
This graphic novel tells the story of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. There have been plenty of unforgettable stories told about the kung fu master through documentaries or novels, but this graphic novel comes to life as it unfolds the legend's childhood and the path that led him to greatness. From his tumultuous time as a youth to his salvation through martial arts, this novel is perfect for anyone who is a Bruce Lee fan. Written and illustrated by Jim Di Bartolo, The Boy Who Became A Dragon is without a doubt one of the most anticipated graphic novels of 2020.
8 Gideon Falls
While this series started before 2020, it is definitely a breakout series that should be on everyone's must-read list for the upcoming year. Gideon Falls is a creator-owned series from legendary writer Jeff Lemire. This story tells an unsettling story about a small town with some dark and disturbing secrets.
Gideon Falls follows the lives of multiple characters as the thrilling tale gets bigger with each page. As the mystery unfolds, readers are continuously captured by the creative and at times horrifying turns the book takes. This series feels new and unique in the world of comics and has readers eagerly anticipating each new issue.
7 Heavy Vinyl: Y2K-O!
Taking a step away from the horror genre, Heavy Vinyl is a fun and fastpaced adventure about a group of friends trying to save the world of music when it is being threatened by an evil corporation. Y2K-O! is the sequel novel in the Heavy Vinyl series, and it set in 1999, as the protagonist Chris and her friends must work together to stop the bad guys from ruining the world of digital music at the turn of the century. Written by Carly Usdin, illustrated by Nina Vakueva and Irene Flores, this series is full of fun and eye-catching art. This graphic novel is sure to be a hit in the upcoming year.
6 Paul Is Dead
Image Comics is one of the top publishing companies in the world of comics, they are constantly producing creator-owned series that unique and creative. Paul Is Dead is an upcoming Image graphic novel, written by Paolo Baron and illustrated by Ernesto Carbonetti.
This novel explores the conspiracy theory that Paul McCartney died in a car crash in 1966 and was replaced by a lookalike as the Beatles continued to grow in their legendary fame. Taking place in 1966, the graphic novel creatively explores this strange premise as the other band members grapple with this tragedy and continue to record their next album after McCartney's death.
5 Undiscovered Country
This series started late in 2019, and it is already gaining plenty of new readers as the series unfolds in 2020. Rightfully so, this series is definitely one to keep an eye on in the upcoming year. Written by Scott Snyder and Charles Soule, Undiscovered Country tells an epic adventure story about a strange and forgotten land. Set in the future, the United States suddenly walls itself off from the rest of the world for several decades. When the surrounding world faces a pandemic, the walled-off land must be explored in search of a cure for the global crisis. The series is sprawling, beautifully illustrated, and captivating with each issue.
4 Cankor
In early 2020, a collected version of Matthew Allison's graphic novel Cankor will be available for readers to purchase. This weird and wild tale was brilliantly illustrated in such a way that each page is a visual journey for readers to dive into. Cankor is a story about a cyborg that is full of heart and imperfections, and it is a surreal journey that switches between realities effortlessly. This series has not been widely released in a collected edition before, so this is definitely one of the most anticipated releases of 2020. The entire story relies heavily on the artwork, and Cankor delivers on a visual level in every way possible.
3 A Letter To Jo
This incredible story tells a compelling story about a soldier in the midst of World War II. Written by Joseph Sieracki and illustrated by Kelly Williams, A Letter To Jo is an emotional tale that shows the heaviness of war and a bond that can connect people over vast distances.
Following a soldier as he recounts what he is experiencing, this harrowing graphic novel is a dark and moving story. Kelly Williams brings the memorable story to life with brilliant artwork. Based on a true story, this novel is haunting and heart-wrenching. A Letter To Jo is an unforgettable graphic novel that should not be overlooked in 2020.
2 Mercy
Mercy is a series being released by Image Comics, and it is about a small mining town being disrupted by a series of brutal murders. After the town is plunged into chaos, a mysterious woman arrives, bringing mysterious darkness with her. The series is both written and illustrated by Mirka Andolfo, which creates a clear vision for the story. The series is a surreal gothic horror tale that is visually stunning. It will be a six-part mini-series, kicking off in 2020. The series will definitely be worth reading, and comic book fans should anticipate this upcoming new and original story.
1 Fire Power
Legendary comic creator Robert Kirkman returns with a promising new series, Fire Power. This new series is being released by Image Comics, and it follows a young man seeking to explore his family's ancestry in China. While exploring his roots, the protagonist spends some time at a temple full of students who are seeking the ability to create and throw fireballs. Kirkman promises that the series will be globe-spanning and will be an epic story full of adventure and heart. This series is coming from some of the most talented people in the world of comics, and it surely is one of the most anticipated graphic novels being released in 2020.