Top 9 Riveting Graphic Novels for Crime Story Aficionados
Book RaiderIf you're a crime story junkie like me, you probably revel in the sweet agony of a plot twist, the crescendo of a thrilling climax, and don't get me started on the intoxicating allure of a good whodunit. You've probably devoured every Agatha Christie novel, and image search 'Sherlock Holmes' on the daily. Well, I have some good news for you. There a whole other genre waiting for you to explore - Crime Graphic Novels.
Now, I know what you might be thinking. "Graphic Novels? Really? Like comic books?" Okay, I’m not going to go into the “Graphic Novels are not just comic books” argument today. What you need to know is they offer an alluring mix of artistic visuals and nail-biting narratives. In short, they're the narrative equivalent of a double-chocolate cake with a Bourbon glaze. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out.
Criminal Series
by Ed Brubaker
Why Criminal Series is on this list: If you're a crime story junkie who just happens to love art as well, the Criminal Series by Ed Brubaker is what you need in your hands, like, yesterday. It's the very definition of graphic novel-meets-crime saga, and gosh, is it riveting.
Welcome to the dark and gripping world of lawbreakers with this series of interconnected criminal tales and tragedies. Each volume in the series focuses on different characters engaging in various illegal activities, giving us an original, fresh story each time, but with Brubaker’s distinctive flair for the seedier side of things. With its noir-style storytelling, you're in for a unique, visceral, and visually stunning crime reading experience.
What readers like: Readers can't get enough of the in-depth character development, representing the good, the bad, and the downright ugly in humanity. The art style is brooding and moody, a perfect match for the ever-thrilling storylines. And the seamless intertwining of different characters' arcs? Pure genius, if you ask the fans. If you're into stories that stay with you (in a haunting kind of way), then this one's for you.
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Wytches: Bad Egg Halloween Special
by Scott Snyder
Why Wytches: Bad Egg Halloween Special is on this list: If you're the type of person who sneaks a peek at the last page of a murder mystery, then this is the graphic novel you need to be reading. It's not your ordinary crime story, it's one with a spooky twist.
Wytches: Bad Egg Halloween Special is a comic book one-shot with crime at its center, but it's no ordinary detective tale. The story is about an egg that doesn't speak, but oh boy, does it make a lot of trouble. Think Witches, Halloween, Magic, and Ciabatta bread (just kidding about the bread) - all dipped and marinated in the gritty reality of crime. Scott Snyder invites you into a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred, and where your seatbelt is absolutely necessary, because the plot twists are sharper than a butcher's knife.
What readers like: Readers love the fusion of crime and horror, making it a notable entrant in their prized collection. They dig the complex, layered storytelling and tantalizing cliffhangers that ensures their fingers are as busy flipping pages as their brains are figuring out what's what. Fans especially appreciate the chilling artwork that goes perfectly with their late-night cocoa. Because who doesn't love a side of goosebumps with their cozy drink, right?
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Sheriff of Babylon
by Tom King
Why Sheriff of Babylon is on this list: If you get a kick out of page-turning whodunnits, then 'Sheriff of Babylon' is right up your alley. It's steeped in mystery, with an added dash of political intrigue, making it a no-brainer for this list of riveting crime orientated graphic novels.
'Sheriff of Babylon' is a gritty crime tale set against the backdrop of the Iraq War. Our reluctant hero is an ex-cop-turned-military-contractor who gets tossed into a web of deceit, violence and political power-play when he's tasked with training a new Iraqi police force. Sounds straightforward, right? Not quite. Investigations into a murder lead to a journey through an intricate maze of secrets where you're left guessing whodunit till the very last page.
What readers like: Readers have fallen head over heels for the nail-biting suspense embedded in this gripping narrative. They deeply appreciate King's dark yet nuanced portrayal of the Iraq War, illustrating that it's not just a crime story, but also a deep dive into the human condition. Expect masterful storytelling, thoughtful character development, and a healthy portion of 'edge-of-your-seat' anticipation. War-torn Iraq has probably never looked this good on paper.
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2 Guns
by Steven Grant
Why 2 Guns is on this list: If you're fed up with frail Victorian ladies fainting on settees and are after something with a little more bang, 2 Guns is right up your gloomy, crime-filled alley. Rough, tough, and delightfully convoluted, it's a sparkling gem in the sea of crime graphic novels.
2 Guns spins the tale of two undercover agents - one DEA and one Naval Intelligence - who unknowingly investigate each other as each steals mob money. It's an exhilarating whirl of deception, action, and downright badassery with a side of camaraderie. Imagine the love child of a classic heist flick and an espionage thriller, all wrapped up in vibrant, action-packed illustrations.
What readers like: Readers are hooked on the intricate plot which somehow manages to avoid feeling contrived. They also rave about the witty dialogue and the unexpectedly tangible friendship between the protagonists. The visual storytelling is top notch, adding that extra dash of visceral realism that makes a crime story truly immersive. So, if you dig complex narratives, outsmarting the mob and contentious friendships, 2 Guns is basically your next weekend plan.
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The Black Hood: The Bullet's Kiss
by Duane Swierczynski
Why The Black Hood: The Bullet's Kiss is on this list: If you're a fan of crime stories drenched in corruption, gritty justice, and tell-no-tales dark alleys, 'The Black Hood: The Bullet's Kiss' fits the bill perfectly. The streets aren't safe and quiet reading corners await.
Following the misadventures of Gregory Hettinger, a cop whose life gets real crappy, real fast after he simply puts on a mask. Thanks to a gunshot wound to the face, he's addicted to painkillers, can't work an actual job to save his life, and is involved in some seriously perturbing crime antics. You'd think being a masked vigilante would be more glamorous, but no such luck for our dear Greg. Plus, the hard-boiled city of Philadelphia is vividly depicted as a cesspool of corruption, giving an unexpectedly real backdrop to our hero’s vigilante shenanigans.
What readers like: Readers appreciated Swierczynski's raw writing style that complements the grim settings and situations perfectly. People fell in love with the gritty reality slipped under a mask of fiction, the pulse-pounding suspense, and let's not forget the compelling, if a little desperately unlucky main character. Being unable to predict every twist and turn kept readers hooked from the first page to the last. Basically, if you enjoy your crime stories with a generous side of darkness and anticipation, queue this one up.
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Gideon Falls
by Jeff Lemire
Why Gideon Falls is on this list: If you're a crime story buff with an appetite for a bit of otherworldly strangeness, then you're in for a treat with Gideon Falls. It's a crime narrative, sure, but it's also a bit Lovecraftian, which makes it an intriguing standout in this list.
Gideon Falls is a supernatural thriller that revolves around a reclusive young man obsessed with a conspiracy in the city's trash, and a washed-up Catholic priest arriving in a small town full of dark secrets. When they become intertwined around the mysterious legend of The Black Barn, an otherworldly building alleged to appear in both the city and the country, their lives start to unravel.
What readers like: Readers have been taken in by Gideon Falls' unique blend of narrative threads, its thematic depth, and the engaging art and visual storytelling. It's moody, atmospheric, and fits quite nicely in the 'it's so creepy but I can't stop reading' category. Plus, it's got that crime story foundation to keep you guessing and theorizing.
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Bad Girls
by Alex de Campi
Why Bad Girls is on this list: Come on, with a title like 'Bad Girls,' you know you're in for a juicy, thrilling and somewhat rogue crime story. This't your everyday detective novel No, that's too mild. We're talking about a full-blown, heart-pounding graphic novel meant to put you right smack in the middle of the underbelly of crime.
Bad Girls puts you right into the action in 1961 Cuba. Three women- a mob mistress, a pop star, and a jazz singer- have 24 hours to make it out with six million dollars on the night before New Year's Eve. This sounds crazy but it's a hell of a good time. You see all the glitter, danger, and betrayal you could ever imagine. It's like you can almost taste the riskiness of their adventure. The artwork is exceptional, complementing the gripping narrative, turning it into an immersive experience.
What readers like: Fans of the book applaud its super stylish and vibrant artwork that sets the perfect stage for a wild ride. The way the author combines crime, suspense, and the unexpected is phenomenal. Plus, the twist of having three women lead the story instead of the traditional male characters is a hit. The readers just can't get enough of their power, grit, and charm. It's a surreal, pulpy, crime cocktail that leaves readers asking for another round.
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Kill or Be Killed
by Sean Phillips
Why Kill or Be Killed is on this list: Because it has the word 'kill' in the title? Kidding. It’s actually a gritty crime epic painted in the vivid colours of a graphic novel. Ideal for anyone who likes their crime stories visual and visceral.
What if you were obliged to kill one bad dude a month or face an untimely death yourself? Interesting prospect, right? Well that’s the conundrum for our protagonist in Kill or Be Killed. As he navigates this precarious predicament, he is forced into the shadowy underworld of New York City crime where every decision could be his last. Every page is a riveting exploration of morality, justice and self-preservation.
What readers like: Readers love the morally grey quandaries thrown into the sharp graphic detours of this page-turner. They also adore the raw, unfiltered approach to crime and the complexity of the protagonist. It's a thrilling ride into the abyss of an unconventional vigilante's life, backed up with great artwork that just makes the story pop.
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100 Bullets
by Brian Azzarello
Why 100 Bullets is on this list: 100 Bullets wraps crime, conspiracy, and moral quandary into a tasty graphic novel taco that fills up the hungry crime story lover. The plot is labyrinthine in its twists and turns, making it an excellent choice for crime story buffs who enjoy donning their detective cap.
What if you were given a gun, 100 untraceable bullets, and a license to kill anyone without facing consequences? This is the premise of 100 Bullets. The story revolves around the mysterious Agent Graves as he approaches people who've been wronged, offering them an untraceable gun and bullets to exact revenge. However, as they say, there's more than meets the eye. The deeper the characters (and readers) dive into the story, the more they uncover about an elaborate conspiracy and the real purpose behind the bullets.
What readers like: Readers have hailed 100 Bullets for its grim and gritty artwork that perfectly encapsulates the noir theme. Azzarello's storytelling has been praised for its complex narrative, exploring themes of morality, justice, and the human condition. The readers also fancy the deft use of surprise revelations, keeping them on their toes throughout the storyline.
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