Adult Comics for Fans of Literature and History
Racy Graphic Novels That Make Great Gifts for Bookish Types
Aug 15, 2009
Risqué words and pictures have been found in books long before comics were invented, so it's only fitting that there exist adult comics geared toward literary types. Comics for mature readers that appeal to literary or fine arts sensibilities, or have a historical sweep to them, can stand apart, despite the fact that many such comics remain rather crude.
Well-written, and often sumptuously-illustrated, adult comics can make unique presents to give to a special someone who is a fan of both books and comics. Here are a few examples.
Alan Moore and Melinda Gebbie's Lost Girls
Lost Girls, written by comics legend Alan Moore and illustrated by his wife Melinda Gebbie, is one such comic which would appeal to comics and literature fans alike. In Lost Girls' two volumes, the "real-life" inspirations for the characters Alice (from Alice in Wonderland), Wendy (from Peter Pan), and Dorothy (from The Wizard of Oz), meet at a European hotel and have a series of adventures.
In addition to its frequent allusions to classic children's books, Moore's script has many fin de siècle touches that would appeal to history buffs. Volume 1 ends with the notorious first performance of Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, while Volume 2's ending is intercut with the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand – the end of an era.
Gebbie's art is also quite colorful and interesting, and not preoccupied with anatomical details, as that of some male artists can be. Lost Girls' pedigree makes this graphic novel a kind of "couples" sensibility.
Parris Quinn's Shadow and Light Series
The Shadow and Light series, by Parris Quinn, also takes the "fine art" route, though Quinn's depictions leave much less to the imagination. Shadow and Light has (so far) five volumes. The title refers to the monochrome, shaded drawings which illustrate these comics (though text, accompanying each panel, replaces speech balloons).
Although each of Quinn's books is made up of a number of short stories, a few carry over from previous volumes, and similar themes recur as well. Volume 4, however, is an exception, as Quinn recounts the real-life escapades told by female friends – though names are changed, not surprisingly, considering the stories' graphic nature.
The Literary and Historical Comics of Milo Manara
Italian artist Milo Manara has long been a European favorite, and, in addition to writing and illustrating his own comics, has collaborated with such diverse talents as Federico Fellini and Neil Gaiman. Manara's style isn't particularly graphic, as far as adult comics go, and is realistic but slightly stylized.
Many of Manara's most memorable works are inspired by literature and history. His Borgia series dramatizes that notoriously brutal family of Renaissance Italy, Gullivera is a cheeky reworking of Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels, and The Golden Ass is an adaptation of Apuleius' bawdy ancient Roman novel of the same name.
Adult Comics for Any Literary or Historical Bookworm
Comics that blend mature themes with literary genres are surprisingly common (not unlike science fiction and fantasy adult comics). From the self-contained short stories of Parris Quinn to the historical sweep of Milo Manara, there are comic books to suit the tastes of many mature readers. Even mainstream writers like Alan Moore have brought their talents to such comics.
As a result, there's a good chance that readers shopping for a literary-but-risqué graphic novel won't be disappointed, whether they're seeking out a naughty comic for themselves, or for a bookish significant other.
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