A dose of comic relief
Brunch|April 06, 2024
Graphic novels aren't all dark, dramatic and gory. These 10 tackle love, memory, power, art and much more
- Anushree Nande
A dose of comic relief

1 Zodiac (2024).

Ai Weiwei's first graphic memoir was always going to be a little fiery. Artist Gianluca Costantini illustrates 12 chapters inspired by the signs of the Chinese zodiac and their associated human characteristics. Each speaks of the power of artistic expression and how it fuels intellectual freedom. There's folklore, scenes from Weiwei's memory, political turning points. And of course, his tongue-in-cheek view of how art makes us human.

2 Lore 2 Olympus, Volume 1 (2021).

New Zealand artist Rachel Smythe's retelling of the Persephone-Hades myth started out as a weekly romance webcomic in 2018. The meet-cute happens at a party. Hades, ruler of the Underworld, comes across as misunderstood. Persephone has agency and depth as she grapples with Olympus politics and dynamics. The romance is the central pillar in the story, but Smythe makes the most of Greek myth to tell other stories. Volume 1 collects episodes 1-25. 

3 Stargazing (2019).

Authorillustrator Jen Wang dips into her own childhood to explore adolescent friendship, identity, belonging and acceptance. Christine and Moon grew up in the same Chinese-American suburb, but these polar opposites turn unexpected best friends only after becoming neighbours. With quirky illustrations and embedded cultural references, Wang crafts a gorgeous tale of early girlhood and all the wonder, joy, heartbreak and hope it brings.

4 The People of the Indus (2023). 

この蚘事は Brunch の April 06, 2024 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は Brunch の April 06, 2024 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

BRUNCHのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
Is It Scrolling Or Screening?
Brunch

Is It Scrolling Or Screening?

Being on the phone while the TV plays is the new normal. Just don't do it when there's company. A case for what it means to be present

time-read
2 分  |
November 16, 2024
This week, we're...
Brunch

This week, we're...

Preferring the spinoff.

time-read
2 分  |
November 16, 2024
The newest tricks in the book
Brunch

The newest tricks in the book

Time is money. Here are the best hacks for saving precious seconds and taking even your everyday feed to the next level

time-read
2 分  |
November 16, 2024
Snuffing out the flames
Brunch

Snuffing out the flames

Has online dating peaked? People are ditching the apps, going old-school, and aiming for IRL connections. Here's how the swipe failed a whole generation

time-read
3 分  |
November 16, 2024
Off the eaten path
Brunch

Off the eaten path

In hotels, cafes and home kitchens cooks are getting creative with food waste. Tomato skins show up in a cake, fat flavours broths, peels have fresh appeal. Of course, we're cheering this change

time-read
5 分  |
November 16, 2024
Glamming up your getaway
Brunch

Glamming up your getaway

Every island in the Maldives is stunning. So how do resorts offer a luxury upgrade? At Cheval Blanc it's by elevating every experience-food, service, spa and beyond

time-read
3 分  |
November 16, 2024
Benefits with friends
Brunch

Benefits with friends

Of course it's harder to make friends as we grow older. Responsibilities, increase, time is short. Luckily, we have our tribes

time-read
2 分  |
November 16, 2024
A portrait to reflect upon
Brunch

A portrait to reflect upon

Playing with lighting and layering, a young Amrita Sher-Gil depicted herself as bold, mischievous, and enigmatic - all at once

time-read
2 分  |
November 16, 2024
Keep your trope shut
Brunch

Keep your trope shut

A divided world, a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a prophecy, a burden too heavy for a young adult. 10 YA dystopian cliches to vanquish in battle.

time-read
2 分  |
November 16, 2024
Sanjeeda Shaikh
Brunch

Sanjeeda Shaikh

Actor, @IAmSanjeeda

time-read
1 min  |
November 16, 2024