'Maus' can be considered a hero graphic novel in a different sense. It tells the story of the author's father as a Holocaust survivor. It's a powerful and poignant work that uses the graphic novel format to convey a very important and tragic story.
The 'Dark Knight Returns' by Frank Miller is also great. It gives a more gritty and aged Batman. It influenced the darker and more serious take on superheroes in modern media. It has amazing art and a very engaging story that shows Batman coming out of retirement to save Gotham again.
One of the best non - hero graphic novels is 'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi. It's a memoir that tells the story of her childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Another great one is 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman, which uses animals to represent different ethnic groups to tell the story of the Holocaust. And 'Watchmen' is also a notable non - hero graphic novel that deconstructs the superhero genre while telling a complex and engaging story about power, morality, and the end of the world as we know it.
One of the best is 'Watchmen'. It features complex anti - heroes like Rorschach. His uncompromising view of justice, despite his own moral ambiguities, makes him a fascinating character. Another great one is 'The Boys'. It deconstructs the superhero genre by showing the dark side of so - called heroes, with characters like Billy Butcher who will stop at nothing to take down corrupt heroes. Also, 'Preacher' is a notable anti - hero graphic novel. The main character, Jesse Custer, has a very unorthodox and often violent way of dealing with the world's problems.
Another way is to look at award - winning graphic novels. The Eisner Awards, for instance, often recognize outstanding works in the genre, including hero - centered ones. Checking out the winners and nominees over the years can lead you to some of the best hero graphic novels.
For beginners, 'Persepolis' is a great choice. It has a simple yet powerful art style and a very engaging story that's easy to follow. 'Bone' is also good. It has a lot of humor and the story is not overly complex. Another option could be 'Smile' by Raina Telgemeier. It's a relatable coming - of - age story about a girl going through dental problems and the challenges of middle school.
In terms of popularity, 'Watchmen' is often at the top. It's widely regarded as a classic and has had a huge impact on the graphic novel genre. People love its complex characters and deep exploration of moral and political themes. 'The Boys' has also gained a massive following, especially with the TV adaptation. It's popular because it shows a different side of the superhero story. Another popular one is 'V for Vendetta', especially among those who like stories about fighting against oppression. The iconic mask of V has become a symbol in pop culture.
Anti - hero graphic novels are different from traditional ones mainly in terms of the protagonist. In traditional hero graphic novels, the hero is usually morally upright, follows a clear code of justice, and always does the 'right' thing. For example, Superman is a traditional hero. He stands for truth, justice, and the American way. In anti - hero graphic novels, the main character often has a more complex moral compass. They might use immoral means to achieve what they consider a good end. Like in 'The Boys', the characters fight against corrupt superheroes but use extreme and sometimes unethical methods.
They are likely about the characters and stories in the Plants vs. Zombies Heroes game in a graphic novel format. It might include the adventures of the plant heroes and zombie villains, their special abilities and the battles between them.
The 'Ultimate Spider - Man' series is also good for beginners. It reimagines the Spider - Man story in a modern and fresh way. It's full of action and humor, which are typical elements of superhero stories that new readers will enjoy.
The 'the shadow hero graphic novel' can be significant because it may have a distinct art style that attracts readers. Its plot might also explore themes that are relevant and interesting, like the journey of an unlikely hero. This can make it stand out among other graphic novels.