You Don’t Have to be a Fangirl to Love These Graphic Novels

Silk, Vol. 0: The Life and Times of Cindy Moon, by Robbie Thompson and Stacey Lee
The first of two major breakout characters from this summer’s big Spider-Verse crossover event, Cindy Moon was revealed as the other teenager bitten by the radioactive spider that gave Peter Parker his amazing powers. Having spent the intervening years in a bunker so as to prevent the inter-dimensional vampire Morlun from killing all the spider-people in the multiverse (long story), Cindy is hunting for her missing parents and fighting crime on her own in New York City.

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 4: Last Days, by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona
Ms. Marvel remains (approximately) the coolest thing coming out of Marvel these days—and that’s saying a lot, given the company’s ongoing creative resurgence. Pakistani-American teenager Kamala Khan continues to channel the fun and angst of old-school Spider-Man, but in a very modern way. In this volume, Marvel’s newest, most down-to-earth hero teams up with her idol and namesake just in time to face the end of the universe. Isn’t that the way? This is Kamala’s last volume prior to an upcoming if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it relaunch from the same team.

Captain Marvel & the Carol Corps, by Kelly Sue DeConnick, David Lopez, Kelly Thompson, and Laura Braga
Kelly Sue! Comics’ coolest creator wraps up her beloved run on Captain Marvel with this meta-adventure set on Marvel’s Battleworld. In real life, the Carol Corps refers to the legions of Carol Danvers fans that have helped to make the hero an icon. In this book, the Corps is Carol’s team of high-flying pilots, inspired by the look and feel of World War II-era adventurers. For her last trip with the Captain, Kelly Sue brings fans flying right alongside her.

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 2: Squirrel You Know It’s True, by Ryan North and Erica Henderson
Move over, Deadpool, Marvel’s nuttiest (get it?) character is none other than college-bound Doreen Green, the former Great Lakes Avenger who has taken on bad guys like Doctor Doom and Galactus without breaking a sweat. Given that it’s the story of a girl with the proportional strength of a squirrel, there’s no question that the book is funny and quirky, with plenty of cartoon-style action. More than that, though, Doreen typically outwits the villains, and just as often tries to relate. The charming blend of empathy and zaniness make this book truly unique.

Rat Queens Deluxe, Vol. 1, by Kurtis J. Wiebe, Roc Upchurch, Stjepan Sejic
If you’ve missed out on Rat Queens (or loved it so much you need an upgrade), you’re in luck: this super-fancy hardcover collects the first two volumes and some cool bonus material. It’s oversized, with a shiny cover that makes it a great holiday present, even if the name at the top of your gift list is your own. The Rat Queens are a boozy, raunchy band of mercenaries operating in and around the town of Palisade. Think Conan-style sword-and-sorcery, but starring the toughest (and drunkest) girls you can imagine. It’s not for kids, but it’s perfect if you like your action equally funny and bloody.

21st Century Tank Girl, by Alan Martin, Jamie Hewlett, and Warwick Johnson-Cadwell
Following a 20-year absence (during which he designed and co-created the band Gorillaz), Jamie Hewlett returns to the post-apocalyptic world of Rebecca Buck along with original writer Alan Martin and a host of guest artists. The book follows the new misadventures of Tank Girl through a series of vignettes that are every bit as punk and unapologetic as the sex-and-violence fueled stories from the ’90s.

Spider-Gwen, Vol. 0: Most Wanted?, by Jason Latour and Robbie Rodriguez
By all accounts, Spider-Gwen was a complete surprise: one of the many alternate-universe spider-persons introduced during the Spider-Verse crossover, Gwen became a fan-favorite almost instantly. In her world, she’s the one who was bitten by a radioactive spider, and Peter Parker was the one who died tragically. She’s tough, quippy, and fights crime in a mega-cool costume that absolutely begs to be cosplayed. In her solo book, she’s on her own in a Parker-less universe, fighting crime with style.

Lumberjanes, Vol. 2, by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, and Brooke A. Allen
The young ladies of Miss Quinzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types don’t have much time for arts and crafts, what with the impending apocalypse and all. We loved volume one, and this second installment is just as fun, sending the pals on a quest to solve the mystery of the supernatural force that’s running amok in the wilderness. Lumberjanes is a quirky, all-ages action adventure series from an all-female creative team. Best of all? The girls never tear each other down, taking their “Friendship to the max!” battle-cry seriously.
What are your favorite fangirl-friendly books?