In the comic book industry, the graphic novel sector has continued to grow in 2021, providing readers with a diverse range of choices. While this growth was not as much as that experienced in 2020, it was still significant, with an impressive 65% growth, according to the NPD BookScan, a group that tracks publishing trends.

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This past year creators continued to use conventional methods such as established publishers and continued to use crowdfunding sites to get their work out to readers. Many excellent graphic novels were released in 2021 by both well-known creators and those making the foray into the genre for the first time.

10 After 35 Years, Barry Windsor-Smith's Monsters Wowed His Fans

Barry Windsor Smith's OGN Monsters came to life after 30 years

Monsters, a project 35 years in the making, finally came to life thanks to Barry Windsor-Smith and Fantagraphics Studios. The original graphic novel is close to 400 pages spinning threads of familial drama, a political thriller, and a metaphysical journey combined into an intimate story spanning two generations of American history struggling to reclaim their lives.

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Presented in the medium of pen and ink, Monsters is the story of U.S. Military recruit Bobby Bailey, the subject of an experimental genetics program originating from Nazi Germany. A chain of horrifying events starts when Sargent McFarland, Bailey's only ally, attempts to protect him, providing the foundation for a story that further cements Windsor-Smith as one of the greatest creators of the modern era.

9 Static Is A Cyberpunk Horror Story Of A Man Trapped In A Vicious Cycle In A Strange World

Static graphic novel

Static, the graphic novel by Eisner-nominated writer of The Freak Matt Lesniewski and Dark Horse Comics, is about a man who finds himself at the end of his rope and burned out with the life he has made for himself. The story follows Emmett, a mercenary-for-hire who hunts creatures for a mad scientist bent on constructing twisted Frankensteinesque creatures then hunting them once released into the wild.

Emmett eventually finds himself in conflict with his mad scientist boss and is pursued by a gang of violent drug dealers. As the title implies, Emmett has found himself living a life that has passed him by with no chance of breaking the cycle or escaping. Written and drawn by Lesniewski, with colors by Carlos Badilla, Static is a strange and fantastic journey that masterfully combines elements of horror and cyberpunk to tell an unforgettable story.

8 The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel History Is An Informative & Stunning Graphic Novel

Black Panther Party Graphic Novel provides an interesting insight into this political party

The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel History by David F. Walker and artist Marcus Kwame Anderson brings the story of the political organization that wasn't afraid to stand apart from the mainstream civil rights movement to the comic book page. The graphic novel looks at the major events, cultural and political influences surrounding the people, and actions of the Black Panther Party that defined them as a movement and their enduring legacy.

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The graphic novel deftly combines storytelling and profiles to spotlight those who formed and created programs to uplift the Black community. The storytelling by Walker and the stellar art by Anderson provide a work that is perfect for young and adult readers alike.

7 Chartwell Manor Is A Harrowing & Cathartic Tale Of Trauma & Healing

Chartwell Manor tell Glenn Head's story of childhood trauma

Chartwell Manor is cartoonist Glenn Head's harrowing graphic memoir retelling his time at the now-defunct boarding school run by a serial sexual and physical abuser of young boys. This story is a raw and honest autobiographical comic in which Head never asks the reader to like him as he confronts his demons of substance abuse and other addictions steaming from his boarding school days.

Chartwell Manor reads as a cathartic struggle by Head as he tries to make sense of his experience and comes to the conclusion that through his art, he has the power to reshape the past and find a ray of hope and perhaps even a sliver of forgiveness as a result of the creative process.

6 Aftershock Launched The Seismic Press Imprint With Rainbow Bridge, A Story About A Boy & His Dog

Aftershock's Rainbow Bridge will connect with anyone who has ever lost a pet

Aftershock's Rainbow Bridge is the first YA graphic novel from the publisher's Seismic Press imprint, curated and written by Steve Orlando and Steve Foxe with Valentina Brancati and Manuel Poppo's illustrations. Rainbow Bridge asks the age-old question: What if you got one last adventure with your best friend, which happens for the young boy Andy, who loses his dog Rocket, days before his 14th birthday.

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While visiting Rocket's grave, the Rainbow Bridge, the gateway to the fantasy world where pets enter the afterlife, appears and reunites Andy with Rocket as the two must face a dark shadow that threatens this magical place. This graphic novel resonates with anyone who has ever had to say goodbye to a beloved pet or been nervous or anxious about becoming an adult.

5 YUMMY: A History Of Desserts Is A Delectable Journey Through The History Of Everyone's Favorite Part Of Eating

Yummy is a delicious journey through the history of everyone's favorite food

The graphic novel format is the perfect vehicle to tell the stories behind everyday things, a concept tastefully done in the graphic novel YUMMY: A History of Desserts. This graphic novel is cartoonist Victoria Grace's first graphic novel that explores the colorful and comprehensive history of ice cream, cake, brownies, donuts, pie, gummies, and cookies.

Guided by the food sprite Peri, readers are given a delicious history of sweets, along with legends, mysteries, fables, and delightful accidents that created some of the sweet culinary confections that make the wide world of desserts that we have today. Not only does this non-fiction graphic novel take readers on a fun adventure through sweet culinary history with facts, but it also includes easy-to-make recipes for readers to try and enjoy at home.

4 The Hostage Is A Vivid & Stunning Look At Brazilian Culture & Life

The Hostage is a stunning look at Brazil and its culture

The Hostage is a visually stunning graphic novel with a deeper story to tell. Loosely inspired by the Afro-Brazilian religions Umbanda and Ibeji and the plight of kids living in the favelas, The Hostage, a Kickstarter by Sal Abbinanti the celebrated art rep and indie comics creator is a tribute, ten years in the making, to the amazing country and especially to the kids living in Rio de Janeiro's favelas.

The story is about a group of street kids abandoned by society, dying every day from poverty and gang violence, who join together to summon a mystical spirit who will protect them and avenge their friends' deaths.

3 Lugosi: The Rise & Fall of Hollywood's Dracula Spotlights The Man Behind The Monster

The life of horror legend Bela Lugosi life was told on the comic page

For many, the name Beli Lugosi is synonymous with the iconic monster Dracula, but few know the whole story behind the star's life and trials. In 2021 the comics publisher Humanoids put out a variety of graphic novels, the most memorable one being Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula, by Koren Shadmi.

The graphic novel chronicles Lugosi's time as a Hungarian Communist activist who fled the country after the failed revolution of 1919 to his arrival in Hollywood, where he reinvented himself, ultimately landing the role of Dracula, which would change his life. Also chronicled is his fall from stardom and his legacy in cinema and the horror industry.

2 Everyone Is Tulip Explores The Celebrity That Social Media Can Bring To A Person

Everyone Is Tulip is a modern day look at social media fame

Everyone is Tulip explores the new frontier of modern social media and the discomfort of internet fame from the 15 minutes of fame they can bring a person. From the creative team of Dave Baker and Nicole Goux, the story follows Becca Harper, an aspiring actor who becomes an internet sensation after appearing in an experimental art video.

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Though Becca's dreams are coming true as her persona becomes the talk of the internet, she begins to question if all this attention means that she is a celebrity because of it. Overall, the book is a snapshot of today's social media culture and how it affects those who achieve any level of fame because of it.

1 The Secret To Superhuman Strength Chronicles Alison Bechdel's Search For A Balanced Life

Secret To Superhuman Strength

The Secret To Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel explores her fascination with the many exercise fads and her mortality. From the days of the '60s, exercise guru Jack LaLanne to the current physical fitness of today. Like her other works, Bechdel is brutally honest when telling the story of her obsession with exercise and physical activity, her relationships, and her search for a balanced life of a body-mind-spiritual consciousness connection.

Throughout the book, Bechdel's talk of sport is that of an enthusiast, recognizing the highs as well as the lows. Bechdel also shows how she has grown creatively, moving away from the black and white format to adding touches of color to her work.

NEXT: 10 Best New Indie Comics Of 2021