Reading is crucial for childhood development. But we’ve long held the belief that children need a break from the regular curriculum and required reading of schools – which is what makes these comic books for kids so much fun.
In compiling a list of kids comic books, we didn’t want to just cover the best, but also the most unique. From staples like Marvel and DC to up-and-coming artists and more niche selections, this list is for all those kids who want something fun, thoughtful, interesting, or action-packed to read. And, they make perfect gifts to boot.
Read on to see our ranked list of the best graphic novels for young readers:
1. Marvel Avengers: Reading Rumble (Marvel)
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Authors: Marvel
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Age(s): 4 – 8
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Link: Buy It Now
True to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Reading Rumble is a six-part, action packed series featuring your kids’ favorite Avengers.
This series includes ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron: Hulk to the Rescue,’ ‘Avengers: Assemble!,’ ‘Ant-Man: I Am Ant-Man’ and more!
2. American Born Chinese
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Authors: Gene Luen Yang
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Age(s): 12 – 18
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Link: Buy It Now
A perfect addition to any kid’s or young reader’s library, Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel American Born Chinese is a deeply personal tale of three otherwise strangers — Jin Wang, the Monkey King, and Chin-Kee — as their lives and stories intertwine. From intro to ending, American Born Chinese is a must-have comic book for kids.
3. Batgirl (DC)
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Authors: Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher, Babs Tarr
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Age(s): 10+
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Link: Buy It Now
Get ready for an action-packed reimagining of DC’s “Batgirl” series, with Barbara Gordon hitting the streets of Gotham’s hip city of Burnside, and kicking some baddie b*tt along the way. Here enemies in this series include anime-obsessed twin assassins and an “evil” Batgirl impersonator. DC fans, take note!
4. Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (Marvel)
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Authors: Natacha Bustos
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Age(s): 9+
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Link: Buy It Now
Preteen wunderkind Lunella vs. the carnivorous Devil Dinosaur! Follow the adventures of ‘Moon Girl’ in this must-read comic book for kids, from fan-favorite Marvel.
5. Sci Fu
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Authors: Yehudi Mercado
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Age(s): 9 – 14
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Link: Buy It Now
From the publisher:
Set in 1980s Brooklyn, a young DJ accidentally summons a UFO that transports his family, best friend, and current crush to the robot-dominated planet of Discopia.
Hip-hop, sci-fi and kung fu all hit the turntables for the mash-up mix of the year! Cartoonist/force of nature Yehudi Mercado (Pantalones, TX, Rocket Salvage) sets his sights on 1980s Brooklyn and Wax, a young mix-master who scratches the perfect beat and accidentally summons a UFO that transports his family, best friend, and current crush to the robot-dominated planet of Discopia. Now Wax and his crew must master the intergalactic musical martial art of Sci-Fu to fight the power and save Earth. Word to your mother.
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6. Prez (DC)
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Authors: Ed Brubaker, Joe Simon
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Age(s): 12+
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Link: Buy It Now
From the Sandman to the Dark Knight Strikes Again, DC’s Prez recaps every appearance of youngest Head of State in the DC realm. The aptly named Prez Rickard takes on government corruption and evangelizes “Peace in our Time” as he takes on arch-nemesis Boss Smiley. A must-read for kids ages 12 and up.
7. El Deafo
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Authors: Cece Bell
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Age(s): 8 – 12
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Link: Buy It Now
8. Tiny Titans (series)
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Authors: Art Baltazar, Franco Aureliani
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Age(s): 7 – 10
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Link: Buy It Now
9. Aquicorn Cove
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Authors: K. O’Neill
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Age(s): 7 – 11
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Link: Buy It Now
10. Thor: The Mighty Avenger (Marvel)
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Authors: Chris Samnee, Roger Langridge
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Age(s): 9+
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Link: Buy It Now
11. The Shark King
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Authors: R. Kikuo Johnson
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Age(s): 4 – 8
From Google Books:
From the islands of Hawaii comes the electrifying tale of Nanaue, who has to balance his yearning for Dad’s guidance with his desire for Mom’s nurture. Award-winning cartoonist R. Kikuo Johnson transports young readers to the lush tropical shores of his native Hawaii. Fluent or not, young readers will be thrilled when they experience the transformative powers of a stirring literary work.
12. Owly (series)
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Authors: Andy Runton
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Age(s): 7 – 10
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Link: Buy It Now
13. The Batman Adventures: Mad Love (DC)
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Authors: Paul Dini & Bruce Timm
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Age(s): 10+
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Link: Buy It Now
From the geniuses behind the critically-acclaimed Batman animated series, Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, Batman: Mad Love & Other Stories is one of the best “origin stories” of antihero Harley Quinn. From her relatively normal life to villainous femme fatale, “Mad Love” follows Harley as she tries to prove her love to the Joker by facing off with the Dark Knight.
In this tale, Harley goes from the Joker’s therapist to his love interest, albeit with her pitfalls along the way.
While it’s likely suitable for kids 10 and up, this comic book has some of the dark, gritty touches that made the 1980s reboots so memorable.
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14. All’s Faire in Middle School
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Authors: Victoria Jamieson
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Age(s): 9 – 12
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Link: Buy It Now
15. Adventures of Supergirl (DC)
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Authors: Sterling Gates
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Age(s): 11+
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Link: Buy It Now
16. As the Crow Flies
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Authors: Melanie Gillman
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Age(s): 13 – 17
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Link: Buy It Now
17. Spidey (Marvel)
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Authors: Steve Behling
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Age(s): 3 – 5
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Link: Buy It Now
18. Abigail And The Snowman
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Authors: Roger Langridge
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Age(s): 8+
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Link: Buy It Now
19. Calvin & Hobbes (series)
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Authors: Bill Watterson
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Age(s): 7+
Calvin and Hobbes needs no introduction.
A must-read comic strip for kids and parents alike, Calvin and Hobbes is the brainchild of Bill Watterson, and ran from 1985-1995.
Often dubbed “the last great newspaper comic,” it cannot be excluded from any best-of list on the web. And, there may be no better synthesis of Watterson’s masterpiece than Vol. 1 collection (available now on Amazon and other major retailers).
20. DC Super Hero Girls (series)
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Authors: Amanda Deibert, Yancey Labat (Illustrator)
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Age(s): 8 – 12
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Link: Buy It Now
21. The Unstoppable Wasp
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Authors: Elsa Charretier and Jeremy Whitley
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Age(s): 9 – 12
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Link: Buy It Now
22. The Backstagers (series)
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Authors: Rian Sygh & James Tynion IV
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Age(s): 13 – 18
23. Johnny Boo
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Authors: James Kochalka
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Age(s): 4 – 8
24. Power Pack (Marvel)
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Authors: Marvel Comics
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Age(s): 9+
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Link: Buy It Now
25. Hip Hop Family Tree
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Authors: Ed Piskor
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Age(s): 12+
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Link: Buy It Now
26. New Super-Man (DC)
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Authors: Gene Luen Yang, Viktor Bogdanovic
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Age(s): 12 – 18
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Link: Buy It Now
Part of the DC Rebirth initiative — and the 2nd title on this list by Gene Luen Yang — New Super-Man (2017) is an action-packed superhero romp, gloriously illustrated by Viktor Bogdanovic and Richard Friend.
Kong Kenan, a.k.a. the New Super-Man, is an otherwise ordinary man who is given cosmic capabilities via technology. Harkening back to an original 1978 storyline featuring Chinese counterparts to American fan-favorite, the New Super-Man is a perfect comic book for kids and a welcome reimagining of this time-tested classic.
27. Hilda
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Authors: Luke Pearson
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Age(s): 7+
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Link: Buy It Now
28. Gotham Academy (DC)
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Authors: Becky Cloonan & Brenden Fletcher
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Age(s): 12+
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Link: Buy It Now
29. Lumberjanes
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Authors: Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooklyn A. Allen and Noelle Stevenson
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Age(s): 8 – 12
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Link: Buy It Now
From the publisher:
Best friends Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley spend a fun summer at Lumberjane scout camp where they encounter yetis, three-eyed wolves and giant falcons while solving a mystery that holds the fate of the world in the balance.
Generally regarded as action-packed, must-read (targeted to girls), Lumberjanes is quick read. Combining a unique illustration style and memorable color palette, along with snappy writing, this should be on anyone’s wishlist. Number of issues: 75+
30. Ms. Marvel (series)
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Authors: G. Willow Wilson
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Age(s): 10+
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Link: Buy It Now
31. Nimona
Authors: Noelle Stevenson
Age(s): 12+
Link: Buy It Now
32. Li’l Gotham (series)
Authors: Dustin Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs
Age(s): 12+
Link: Buy It Now