Best graphic novels of 2021

These graphic narratives stayed with us, sparking illumination through illustration

(María Medem/for The Washington Post)

2021 delivered a wealth of worthy graphical works, from anthology to autobiography, as well as featured illustrations by such star cartoonists as Art Spiegelman (“Street Cop”) and Jaime Hernandez (“Queen of the Ring”).

Here are 10 of the year’s graphic narratives that stayed with us, in their power to create unique immersive worlds and help spark illumination through illustration.

Michael Cavna is an arts journalist, artist and 2023 recipient of the Ink Bottle Award from the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. He has also worked at The Washington Post as television/media editor, theater editor, book reviewer and creator of the Comic Riffs column.
David Betancourt writes about all aspects of comic book culture for The Washington Post's Comic Riffs blog.@adcfanboy
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