Graphic novel reads of 2025
As the year draws to a close, it’s time for a round-up of all the graphic novels we read in 2025. If you follow us on socials, you might have seen that we post weekly comics recommendations. There’re all great, so if you still need to find last minute presents, take your pick! Feel free to let us know in the comments what your favourite comics (or books) are, we’re always on the lookout for new stuff to read.
It’s hard to choose our absolute favourites from this list, but here goes:
⭐️The Rema Chronicles: Kingdom of Water by Amy Kim - The first book is also out of this world (for upper middle grade readers and YA). Our #1 fave.
⭐️Lightfall series by Tim Probert - Fantasy and beautiful art for 8-12.
⭐️Hilda and Twig Hide from the Rain by Luke Pearson - For us, the best of all the Hilda books. Very smartly told, comics at their best.
⭐️Donut Squad: Take Over the World by Neill Cameron - Wacky/Wonky and very clever. No wonder it’s a best-seller.
⭐️The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud - Gives kids the making-comics bug.
⭐️Hilo: Waking the Monsters by Judd Winick - An outstanding series for 8-12
⭐️The Baby-sitters Club: Kristy and the Walking Disaster by Ann M. Martin & Ellen T. Crenshaw - Our favourite series of all time! So comforting.
⭐️The Baby-sitters Little Sister: Karen’s Kittycat Club by Ann M. Martin & Katy Farina - Even sweeter than the above. Ann M. Martin really gets kids.
⭐️Foudroyant by Mathieu Burniat and Kerascoët (French language) - Electrified by this series, hope it’ll be translated into English.
⭐️Demon Slayer by Koyoharu Gotouge - We understand why this is such a best-selling manga: just brilliant.
⭐️#DRCL by Shin-ichi Sakamoto - A manga reimagining of Dracula, the art will blow your mind. It’s also the first of a series.
⭐️Reckless: The Ghost in You by Sean Phillips and Ed Brubaker - The whole series is great, but this one really stood out. Melancholic yet edgy, and hard boiled like the old detectives, plus we share the love of 40s and 50s Hollywood Noir.
Hope you have a great festive season! See you in the New Year!
Best wishes,
John & Sandra



Hi there! Made some kind of progress with Substack, will be sending graphic novel convention photos and more on iMac. This is phone. Thanks and "Later"! Charlie
Wow, thanks for these recommendations, I've never heard of a bunch and can't wait to find them! Our family loves the Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman. (Netflix also turned it into an equally dreamy TV series).