Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table announces 2023 Best Graphic Novels for Adults Reading List titles

ALA’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) is thrilled to announce the 2023 Best Graphic Novels for Adults (BGNA) Reading List. This reading list highlights the best graphic novels for adults published in late 2022 through 2023, and it aims 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. The 2023 BGNA Top Ten List features such titles as: "The Human Target, Volume 1"; "Manjun & Layla: Songs from Beyond the Grave"; "The Nice House on the Lake"; "Roaming"; and "The Talk."

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. Micki Waldrop, selection committee chair, said, “There were a lot of great titles to select from this year. Our committee worked diligently to spotlight those that sparked emotional responses and could provide a place where meaningful conversations can begin.”

The complete 2023 Best Graphic Novels for Adults Reading List, including the Top Ten list, is available online on the GNCRT website. GNCRT President Robin Brenner said of this year’s list, "This list of stellar, engaging titles showcases the best of the form for adult readers with a wide range of interests. I know how consuming but rewarding selection list work is, and this year’s committee did an amazing job. Going from deft noir mysteries to evocative histories to incisive memoir, there’s a title here that readers will be exhilarated to discover.”

In creating and publishing these lists, the GNCRT has followed its resolution to honor the entire creative team (including writers, artists, letterers, colorists, and translators) involved in the books listed.

The Best Graphic Novels for Adults Selection Committee for 2023 is Micki Waldrop (Chair), Chanda Briggs, Luke Burger, Elizabeth Doherty, Leslie Flynn, Benjamin Nanamaker, Joe Pascullo, Carli Spina, and Kaci Wilson.

The Best Graphic Novels for Adults Committee would like to recognize and thank Midwest Tape for allowing all committee members free access to Hoopla® during this term of service.

Nominations for the 2024 Best Graphic Novel for Adults Reading List are now open! Nominations can be made by all members of the public, committee members and ALA members and must be submitted by midnight CT on September 15, 2024.

Eligible graphic novels for the 2024 Best Graphic Novels for Adults will include all fiction and non-fiction titles published between September 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024, that appeal to adults age 19 or older. Nominations can be made by all members of the public, including committee members, library workers, educators, and comics fans through the online form.

Publishers and creators are welcome to submit copies of titles to the committee for review, though they are not eligible to nominate their own titles for consideration. For more information on how to submit review copies, please contact GNCRT staff liaison, Tina Coleman at ccoleman@ala.org .

About the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table

The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the American Library Association is dedicated to supporting library staff in all aspects of engaging with graphic novels and comics, including collection development, programming, and advocacy. For more information, connect with GNCRT on Discord; Twitter: @libcomix; Instagram: @libcomix; or the GNCRT ALA Connect page.

About ALA

Established in 1876, the American Library Association (ALA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.