The Advisor: Beyond the Valley of the Classification

XX Chromosome

It's always tricky to suggest that there is such a thing as "girls'" anything. So, the claim here is not that these are girls' comics. However, it is possible that a young female patron will approach the desk with an interest in graphic novels and also with a desire to see someone like herself reflected in print. These comics have female characters as central figures. More than that, these females are not necessarily busty or skimpily clad. They are not even all confident and dangerous. Many of them are confused or scared. But all of these female characters have heads on their shoulders, internal strength, and an interesting point of view. So, if a teenage girl is looking for a book with a great female character in it, here's where you can help her look.

Awkward / Definition / Potential

Ariel Schrag
Slave Labor Publications
0943151147

Freshman, sophomore, junior year of high school, all documented as she lived them. Ariel Schrag, now only 19 years, old takes an honest look at what it was to be a teenager - to become obsessed with a chem. class and fall in love with science, to experience love and disappointment, and to work at expressing herself the best way she knew how. These novels will also be appreciated by those struggling with or curious about homosexuality, as Schrag deals openly with her own lesbianism. All teens, though, will be interested in hearing from a voice from the inside.

Definition Condensed Reviews on Amazon, Potential Condensed Reviews on Amazon, NPR Review, Interview with Ariel Schrag

Birds of Prey

Chuck Dixon
DC Comics
156389484X

Here's all the superhero action a girl could want! With characters coming to Birds of Prey from other "male-oriented" comic books, this title doesn't hold any punches. Black Canary and Oracle are a pair of females who can hold their own in the superhero world. Oracle has been paralyzed by the Joker before the series begins and must help out from the confines of a wheelchair. Tie-ins to other comics may get some girls interested in breaking out of the "girl" comics and trying something new like a Batman or a Nightwing.

Review

Diary of a Teenage Girl

Phoebe Gloeckner
Frog Ltd
1583940634

A no holds barred look at the dysfunctional life of a teenage girl growing up in San Francisco in the 70s. Minnie Goetz falls in love with her mother's 35 year old boyfriend, gets kicked out of school after school, and winds up on the streets, selling herself for drugs. This hard take on young adulthood will give teenagers the reality that they're looking for, while at the same time holding their attention the whole way through. The novel is a mixture of prose, full page pictures, and comic vignettes, offering something different to those who may shy away from the purely pictorial form.

Preview, Condensed Reviews on Amazon,TIME.comix Review

Ghost World

Enid and Rebecca are two dryly sarcastic, cuttingly ironic recent high school grads. Their clever and daring dialogue will attract YAs who can respect its authenticity and humor. At the same time, the relationship between the two girls is complex and realistic and the friendship and tension between them will resonate with teenage readers. A strong draw to the book is the movie version, which appeared in 2000.

Preview, Condensed Reviews on Amazon, Movie Website

One Hundred Demons

Sasquatch Books
ISBN: 1570613370

This work of "autobifictional-graphy" tells 17 stories about the author, with a main focus on her youth. An outcast, she has many experiences that YA's may share, like wanting to be invited to the coolest girl's birthday party. She also expresses her love of libraries anddesire to be a writer. The stories are funny but at times have serious overtones, making the book enjoyable and significant at the same time.

Preview, Condensed Reviews on Amazon, TIME.comix Review

Promethea

This ambitious, intellectual work deals with mysticism, imagination, and mythology. Promethea, an ancient heroine, can be brought to life in those who tell her story. Sophie Bangs writes a poem in order to channel Promethea. Her adventures are exciting and interesting while the character herself is a strong and realistic woman, not an over-the-top superhero. The art featured is excellent and will appeal to the true comic book lover.

Condensed Reviews on Amazon, TIME.comix Review

Strangers in Paradise

Terry Moore
Abstract Studio Inc
1892597233

At the heart of this series is the loving and complex friendship between the two main characters, Francine and Katchoo. The book offers more intrigue than many of the other friendship related titles here, though, and so might reach a broader range. Jealousy, confusion, and frustrated love will all strike a chord with teen readers. Each issue is short enough to finish in about 10 minutes - perfect for reading right at the library.

Preview Volume Two, Preview Volume Three, Home Page

Subway Series

Leela Corman
Alternative Comics
1891867148

This book follows Tina, through her very urban life - going to museums, out for coffee at four in the morning, and for a run through the subway. Tina has her hands full with love problems. Her "boyfriend" Jamie is a total jerk and keeps pressuring her to have sex. At the same time, she's totally crazy over Evan, who would be her perfect match except that he has a long-distance relationship with another girl. Young adults will be interested in the city-etting, the seemingly parent-free environment, and the love triangle that are part of Tina's life.

Condensed Reviews on Amazon, TIME.comix Reviews