Here are some of the graphic novels I’ve read, enjoyed (and ended up buying, even though I do love my library, but some books I just need to have).
5 Worlds
Hilda and the Midnight Giant
In Real Life
Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian
Onibi diary of a Yokai Ghost Hunter
Pedrosa Portugal
Mapmakers and the Flickering Fortress
Ink Girls
One year at Ellsmere
Be Prepared
Primates
Pumpkinheads
Bloom
Grimoire Noir
Gentelman Jim
Rollergirl
Tinitn and the Picaros
Nimona
The Arrival
Although I get inspiration from a variety of activities (swimming, daydreaming, eating chocolate), reading books on character design, world-building, story development and animation is my jam.
For those specifically interested in creating their own graphic novel, Scott McCleod has a few really helpful books. He also worked with Eisner Award–winning comic book creator Raina Telgemeier to publish The Cartoonists Club, where “kids can learn about making comics.”
I’ve included a few of my animation books here too. Although they are designed for animators (I also animate), the principles of character and story design translate beautifully to storytelling in the graphic novel format.
And a big shout-out to the brilliant Ed Hooks! I got to study with him briefly and picked up so much about character development, conflict, and emotion — key pillars of storytelling.
Animation with Preston Blair
How Comics Work
Perspective for Comic Book Artists
Understanding Comics
The Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston
The Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams
'The Art of’ and ‘The Making of’ books go into details about story development, character design, world design, production, research—all aspects of creating a compelling narrative.
I find the early sketches are especially interesting, capturing the feeling and ‘vibe' of a story long before it’s fully realised.
The Art of Dreamworks Animation by Ramin Zahed, Jeffery Katzenberg
The Art of Kubo and the Two Strings
The Art of Miyazaki's Spirited Away
