VAULT COMICS – the best in science fiction, fantasy, and horror graphic novels!
Inspired by Aztec mythology and Mexican folklore, Travis Muñoz and the Fire of the Aztecs shines with baseball, best friends, sun gods, and snakemen in this action-packed, middle grade graphic novel fantasy. For fans of the Charlie Hernández series and The Sunbearer Duology. Before the eclipse changed everything, Travis Muñoz's biggest problems were math class and playing on the same baseball team as bestie Yolanda. Now, he has to deal with the news he's the chosen, next warrior priest for an Aztec sun god. Meaning it’s his job to make sure the sun rises every morning. At least it's not the end of the world…yet.
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t obsessed with mythology. In elementary school, I pored over books about Greek, Roman, and Egyptian mythology. Stories of gods like Athena, Anubis, and Diana consumed my thoughts. At the library, I searched through the stacks for any and every book about mythology. But many of the books I found were for adults—dense and lacking illustrations. They were boring, very factual with no frills. Then Percy Jackson stepped onto the scene.
I was in high school when The Lightning Thief hit shelves. With Percy’s story, Rick Riordan made the world of Greek mythology so vibrant, and these novels brought the stories to life in a new way, introducing a whole new generation to these age-old characters. What’s more, the success of Percy Jackson opened more doors for authors from around the globe to share their cultures’ mythology with younger readers.
At that same time, graphic novels for kids started gaining in popularity, so it was only a matter of time before graphic novels of mythology-based stories started appearing on shelves. Graphic novels are a great way for younger readers to fall in love with reading. There’s not an overwhelming amount of text on the page, and the vivid illustrations capture readers’ attention. It’s a perfect medium for telling stories about mythical and magical creatures kids have never heard of before.
We’ve come a long way from when I was a kid, when I was limited to text-heavy books about mythology that centered on Western culture and traditions. Now, kids can explore mythology from around the world, beautifully illustrated in graphic novels. If you’re looking to expand your reading horizons or are looking for staples of the genre, here are some titles to get you started.
Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze written and illustrated by Maple Lam
When monsters begin to invade the land, Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, promises the gods that he will take care of them in exchange for their making him a god. This deal sends Sun Wukong on a quest. His first stop is Greece.
Maple Lam’s blending of Chinese and Greek mythology is a delight. The illustrations are adorable and eye-catching; it’s sure to be a favorite that the kids in your life will want to read again and again.
The Lightning Thief: The Graphic Novel by Rick Riordan, Adapted by Robert Venditti, Illustrated by Attila Futaki and Jose Villarrubia
Of course, I had to include The Lightning Thief, a story that has sold millions of copies worldwide. After Percy is chased by harpies and kicked out of yet another private school, he, his best friend Grover, and his mother drive towards Camp Halfblood. You see, Percy is a demigod, which is a fact his mother reluctantly reveals. At the camp, she says he’ll be safe. But will they be able to reach it before anything worse happens?
Aru Shah and the End of Time-Graphic Novel written by Roshani Chokshi, Adapted by Joe Caramagna, Illustrated by Anu Chouhan
When Aru accidentally knocks over an artifact and releases an evil spirit, she thinks her day can’t get any worse. But when she learns she’s a reincarnation of one of the Pandava brothers, and it’s now her responsibility to save the world, she realizes she was quite wrong. Things are definitely worse.
Aru’s story is inspired by the famous Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, which tells the story of the Pandava brothers. This graphic novel adaptation is full of bright colors and mythical creatures and is sure to sweep any reader away into its pages.
Anzu and the Realm of Darkness written and illustrated by Mai K. Nguyen
After her obaachan (grandmother) died, Anzu hasn’t felt like celebrating Obon, a time to remember and honor ancestors. But when Anzu falls down a ridge after being chased by a stray dog, she finds herself in the Shinto underworld known as Yomi. Now, Anzu must find her way home or risk being stuck in Yomi forever.
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, The Graphic Novel written by Kwame Mbalia, Adapted by Robert Venditti, and Illustrated by Olivia Stephens
In this perfect blend of African mythology and African American lore, Kwame Mbalia tells us the story of Tristan Strong. He’s a seventh grader who punches a bottle tree and is thrown into MidPass, a world where he meets Black American folk heroes like John Henry and Brer Rabbit. Since Tristan punched the hole in the sky, it’s now his job to convince the trickster Anansi to repair it.
Asgardians: Odin written and illustrated by George O’Connor
Perfect for older middle grade kids, the Asgardians series sweeps us away to a universe filled with gods, valkyries, dwarves, and jötnar. In this first volume, we meet Odin, king of the Aesir. O’Connor’s illustrations transport readers in these stories of familial drama, war, and adventure. As a kid growing up before the Marvel movies, I rarely heard anything about the Norse gods, so graphic novels like this are a great way to introduce kids to Odin, Thor, Loki, and other figures from Norse mythology.
Draupadi: Fire-Born Princess by Saraswati Nagpal, Illustrated by Manu
Draupadi is an Indian princess who finds herself married not only to Arjuna but also to his four brothers. When her husbands’ cousins, the Kauravas, seek to harm them, Draupadi’s life turns upside down. Based on the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, Draupadi is a famous story of the Pandava brothers told from a woman’s perspective. With Manu’s beautiful illustrations, this graphic novel is perfect for older middle grade graphic novel lovers.
You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at [email protected]. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.
Happy Reading, Friends!
~ Kendra
English (US) · 