10 Essential Thunderbolts Comics for New Fans
One of Marvel’s scrappiest teams is making the jump to the big screen. Check out comics that served as inspiration.
The Best Swamp Thing Comics for Earth Day
Captain Planet isn’t the only superhero who cares about the environment.
The Best Comic Book Rabbits in Honor of Easter
Step aside, Easter Bunny.
10 Comic Makers You Need to Know for Arab American Heritage Month
There’s so much more than Persepolis and Ms. Marvel.
The Best Comics for Vietnam War Veterans Day
We may be a half century removed, but the Vietnam War still looms large over American History. We’ve picked some must-read comics about the war and the people whose lived it changed forever.
20 Years of Revenge of the Sith (and the Best Star Wars Memes)
Bring balance to the force with these books about one of the best Star Wars movies of all time—they're sure to give you the high ground!
10 Essential Comic Writers You Need to Know for Women’s History Month
Comics wouldn’t be the same without these talented women. Here are 10 of the best authors the medium has to offer.
10 Best Comics in Anticipation of “Daredevil: Born Again”
Prepare for Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+ by catching up on some of DD’s greatest comic book escapades.
10 Essential Sam Wilson Comics to Prepare for Captain America: Brave New World
Captain America is back in the new film, Brave New World, this time with Sam Wilson wearing the red, white, and blue. Before hitting the theaters, check out some of his most exciting comic book adventures.
The Best Spicy (and Mild) Romance Comics for Valentine’s Day
If your comic book TBR list needs more romantic tension, then these picks will heat things up.
The Ultimate G.I. Joe Day Guide: History, Toys, And More
Not even Cobra Commander can stop you from celebrating G.I. Joe Day with this action-packed selection of books, movies, comics, and cartoons. Yo Joe!
Superheroes in the Real World: Alex Ross at 55
Happy birthday to one of comics’ most breathtaking painters.
10 Comics to Read Now, 40 Years After “Crisis on Infinite Earths”
There may be an infinite number of universes, but you can find all 10 of these superhero classics in this one.
10 Free to Use Superheroes for Public Domain Day
Your new favorite hero might already be copyright-free.
Celebrating Rod Serling’s 100th Birthday… in “The Twilight Zone”
You’re traveling through another dimension. That’s a signpost up ahead! Next stop: a Rod Serling blog post.
10 Nontraditional Christmas Comics to Spark Your Holiday Spirit
Had your fill of typical Christmas stories? These comics from off the beaten path are just what Santa ordered.
Sneaky Reads: 10 Ninja Comics That Will Blow Your Mind
These comics are sure to bring out your inner ninja.
Happy Good Grief Day: Must-Read Peanuts Comics for New Readers
This Good Grief Day, check out these great Peanuts books. We promise Lucy won’t pull them away at the last minute.
Gear Up for Invasion: Essential Mars Attacks Media
Celebrate Red Planet Day with Mars Attacks. Ack, Ack!
Best Family-Focused Comics to Be Grateful for This Thanksgiving
Feel the familial love with these must-read comics.
Sensational Venom Comics to Read Before The Last Dance
Everyone’s favorite alien-symbiote-possessed antihero is getting one final movie, and we have the comics to get you ready for it.
8 Comics to Celebrate 40 Years of The Terminator
Read these comics before the evil robots take over in 1997!
15 Comics for National Sports Day to Spark Your Competitive Side
Celebrate your favorite competitive physical activities with these 15 comics.
10 Cool, Spooky Albums Guaranteed to Creep You Out
It might be time to re-evaluate your Halloween playlist.
25 Years Ago, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Introduced Punk & Hip-Hop to a New Generation
The most important skateboarding game of all time is a quarter century old—along with its influential soundtrack.
10 Cartoons to Celebrate 40 Years of The Transformers
Relive the epic saga of Autobots vs. Decepticons with these must-watch Transformers cartoons spanning four decades.
Disability In Comics: 10 Amazing Picks for Superhuman Day
Check out these comics, graphic novels, and manga that normalize the experience of living with a disability—both visible and invisible.
Love Alien? Top 10 Essential(ish) Films to Prepare for Romulus
Excited for Alien: Romulus? Here’s 10 other sci-fi/horror movies that will feel right at home to fans of being chased by parasitic creatures in deep space.
What Are You Waiting Fur? 10 Comics for International Cat Day You Need to Read Now
Cats and comics have gone together for over a century, but there’s more to this story than just Garfield.
Daniel Clowes, Alternative Comics, and 35 Years of Eightball
One of the seminal works of alternative comics is turning 35. Check out Eightball and the other comics of Daniel Clowes.
10 Unusual Western Comics for National Day of the Cowboy
Not a big fan of Westerns? Check out these nontraditional comics that push the boundaries of the genre.
AI Appreciation Day: 10 Robot Comics to Spark Your Imagination
Need some comics for AI Appreciation Day? Check out these 10 books that were definitely NOT selected by our robot overlords.
New To Wolverine? Start Here: 10 Great Comics from his 50-Year History
Everyone’s favorite angry, claw-wielding mutant antihero just hit the half-century mark. Celebrate 50 years of Wolverine by checking out some of his best comic book appearances.
Beat the Heat with the Best Summer Horror Films
October may lay claim to spooky season, but real scares happen in the summer.
15 Must-Listen Punk Albums of the First Half of 2024
We’re halfway through 2024. Let’s look at some of the best albums so far from the world of punk, emo, hardcore, queercore, riot grrl, and more.
The Essential George Pérez: 10 Comics for New Fans
The late, great George Pérez would be 70 this week. Luckily for us, his highly detailed, action-packed art lives on in his comics.
10 Hidden Gems to Check Out for Donald Duck Day
Mickey Mouse may be the face of Disney, but Donald will always be the most relatable.
Celebrating 25 Years of Blink-182’s Enema of the State
The album that made Mark, Tom, and Travis into superstars hits the quarter-century mark this week.
The Oscars of Comics: Unveiling the Best Eisner Nominees
The nominations are in for the Academy Awards of comic books. Haven’t read them yet? The library has you covered.
10 Comics in Celebration of 45 Years of Alien
One of the greatest sci-fi/horror films is turning 45. Celebrate with these creepy, intense comics from the Alien universe.
10 TMNT Gems That Will Make You Want to Yell, “Turtle Power!”
Everyone’s favorite adolescent terrapin martial artists are turning 40, and we have an eclectic selection of media spanning their entire history that you have to check out. Cowabunga!
Celebrate May the 4th With These 10 Great Star Wars Comics
May the Force be with you!
40 Years of The Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense
In 1984, they revolutionized the concert film with Stop Making Sense. 40 years later, the Talking Heads’ masterpiece is still essential viewing (and listening).
8 Comic Characters You Need to Know for Arab American Heritage Month
Need some comic picks for Arab American Heritage Month? We’ve got you covered.
10 Sensational Mech Books, 45 Years After Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam—one of the greatest mech anime of all time—debuted 45 years ago, and we’re celebrating with plenty of giant robot comics and manga. You just need your library card!
10 Comics You Need to Read if You Love X-Men ‘97
The X-Men of the ‘90s are back and better than ever. Check out comics that inspired both X-Men ‘97 and its beloved predecessor from 30 years ago.
Today in Hip Hop History: 40 Years of Run-DMC
Four decades ago, one of the most innovative, influential groups in hip hop made their debut. Since then, music and culture have never been the same.
It’s Act Happy Day! Here Are 5 Books About Happiness (and 10 about Toxic Positivity)
Whether you’re in need of some positivity or the very thought makes you recoil in horror, the Library has essential reading for you.
15 Comic Artists to Check Out for Women’s History Month
We wouldn’t have comics without talented women. These 15 artists are among the best.
Top 10 Black Comic Book Writers You Need to Read Now
Celebrate the achievements of exceptional Black writers this Black History month with these 10 great comics.
Who Needs Romance? Here are 10 Horror Films for Valentine’s Day
These 10 horror movies show that there’s more to Valentine’s Day than hearts and Cupid.
10 Great Green Day Media to Celebrate 30 Years of Dookie
Three decades ago, Green Day released one of the biggest punk albums to ever break into the mainstream. Check out our 10 favorite albums, books, and movies from and about these East Bay pop punk icons.
Spark Your Imagination on National LEGO Day
National LEGO Day is the perfect time to put your imagination to work, and the following books (along with one exceptional film) can help put you in the right mindset.
10 Big Marvel Crossovers, 40 years after Secret Wars
40 years ago, Marvel brought together their biggest heroes into one book and changed comics forever. In honor of Secret Wars, check out these 10 exceptional superhero crossovers.
10 Important LGBTQIA+ Superheroes, 45 Years After the First Appearance of Northstar
45 years ago today, Northstar, the first major openly gay superhero, debuted in the pages of Uncanny X-Men. Celebrate this landmark moment with some of the greatest LGBTQIA+ characters from Marvel, DC, and more.
Celebrating 10 Years of Ms. Marvel with These 10 Great Comics
Kamala Khan, the star of Ms. Marvel and The Marvels, is celebrating 10 years of bringing fun, relatability, and diversity to Marvel Comics. Check out these 10 books, showing plenty of room for more amazing superheroines!
Today in Pop Culture History: Honoring 45 years of Superman: The Movie
The influence Christopher Reeve’s performance in 1978’s Superman: The Movie is still felt today. Take a moment to reflect on its legacy with these 10 Kryptonian-approved books, films, and soundtracks.
10 Remarkable Punk Bands on the 50th Anniversary of CBGB
The famed punk rock venue CBGB opened 50 years ago this week. Celebrate its legacy with these 10 bands that shaped its iconic early years.
6 Coolest Holiday Songs for People Who Hate Holiday Songs
If you're tired of listening to Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You," here are some deep cut alternatives.
Top 10 Essential Alan Moore Comics in Honor of His 70th Birthday
Celebrate one of the most influential comic book writers of all time with some of his classic stories (and maybe a few deep cuts).
Top 10 Must Read Manga (Including Astro Boy) on Osamu Tezuka’s 95th Birthday
Osamu Tezuka is one of the masters of manga. Celebrate his birthday this month by reading some of his greatest works.
Top 10 Terrifying Horror Manga to Go with Your Spooky Season Vibe
Get ready for Halloween with these eerie manga.
10 Classic Horror Movies to Stream for Free on Kanopy this Halloween
Travel back to simpler times with these horror mainstays and cult classics that have helped shape the spooky films we have today.
Celebrate National Comic Book Day 2023 with These 12 Must Read Books
It’s National Comic Book Day, so get out your manga, webcomics, graphic novels, zines, or superhero books!
10 Best Comic Books Featuring the Dark Knight for Batman Day 2023
Batman has been striking fear into the hearts of criminals for almost a century—even without any superpowers. Celebrate the Caped Crusader’s comic book legacy with some of our favorite stories.
Excited for Blue Beetle? Check Out These 6 Awesome Comics
Blue Beetle isn’t exactly a household name, so we got you covered with all the Blue Beetle comics you should read.
10 Winning Comic Books on Hoopla from the 2023 Eisner Awards
The “Academy Awards of Comics” has named its winners—and they can be read on hoopla with your Library card!
10 Main Event Worthy Books and Movies for Wrestling Marks This SummerSlam
SummerSlam, the WWE’s second biggest pay-per-view event of the year, is (Sa) Aug. 5th. You don’t even have to use any elbow drops or powerbombs to check out these insightful books and movies about pro wrestling—just your Library card.
Tired of Marvel and DC? Try these 10 Under the Radar Superhero Movies
Do you have Marvel fatigue? Try these heroes instead.
Top 10 Radical Must Read TMNT Comics to Prepare for Mutant Mayhem
These comics will make you want to yell, “Cowabunga!
This World Listening Day, Stop Talking and Start Listening
Less "silence is golden" and more "be curious, not judgmental."
12 Books to Read While You’re Not Playing Video Games
You won’t need any cheat codes to check out these insightful books about video games—just your Library card!
Farewell, Comics Legend John Romita
Celebrate the legacy of one of comics’ most beloved artists by exploring some of his most enduring works.
Check Out These 15 Great Comics Before Watching Secret Invasion
Your friends and neighbors might be undercover Skrull agents, but you can definitely trust these 15 excellent Marvel comics.
Girls to the Front: 15 Female-Fronted Rock Bands for Your Summer Playlist
Jam out with some of the best women in rock.
Transform and Roll Out with These Transformers Comics
Rise of the Beasts is in theaters, but for the best Transformers stories, you need to check out the comics.
Round 1…FIGHT! Or Rather, Read and Watch These Street Fighter Books and Movies
With the sixth installment of Street Fighter upon us, the library has plenty of media to get you ready to fight in the streets...virtually, of course.
10 Best Flash Comics
Get ready for the Flash’s first solo movie with these 10 great comics featuring the Scarlet Speedster.
Blink-182 is Back! Check Out These Pop Punk Classics Before Seeing Them on Tour
So, you thought pop punk died out in the early 2000s? Think again.
10 Best Spider-Man Comics
Prepare to once again enter the Spider-Verse with some of our favorite Spidey comics!
15 Great Underground Hip Hop Albums
Whether you’ve avoided hip hop in the past or are simply looking for something fresh for your playlist, these artists’ approach to production, rhythm, flow, and lyrics are sure to send you down the endless rabbit hole of independent and underground hip hop.
We’re Halfway to Halloween, So Check Out These 10 Spooky Movies
Spooky season is a still six months away, but why not plan ahead with these stellar scary movies?
10 Great Jeff Lemire Comics to Prepare for Sweet Tooth Season Two
Get ready for Gus’ return to the small screen with these 10 great comics from original series creator, Jeff Lemire.
Get Ready for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with These 10 Stellar Comics
Before you see Star-Lord, Groot, Gamora, Drax, and friends return to the big screen, make sure to check out some of their greatest comic book adventures.
What Are You Drawing for Draw a Bird Day? These 10 Books Will Help You…Draw a Bird
It’s officially Draw a Bird Day. Celebrate by busting out a pencil and paper and doodling your favorite bird—artistic skill is optional!
10 Video Game Inspired Comics to Prepare for The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Before you see The Super Mario Bros. Movie, check out these other video game adaptations.
Prepare for Fury of the Gods with These 6 Shazam! Comics
The follow-up to 2019’s underrated film, Shazam! is upon us. Get in the spirit with these exceptional comics featuring Captain Marvel himself.
It’s Master Comics Creator Will Eisner’s Birthday, Here’s What You Need to Read
Celebrate one of comics’ most iconic storytellers by checking out some of his most enduring books.
There are 1,008 Species of Pokémon – Celebrate Them All on National Pokémon Day
Catch ‘em all on National Pokémon Day with these great books.
Check Out These 5 Superhero Comic Creators for Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month with 5 of superhero comics’ greatest artists and writers.
10 Ant-Man and the Wasp Comics to Prepare for Quantumania
Before you see Quantumania, be sure to check out these 10 stellar adventures from Marvel’s most famous size-variable heroes, Ant-Man and the Wasp.
The Mandalorian Returns!
Celebrate the return of Mando and company with these great books from a galaxy far, far away.
10 Indie and Arthouse Films to Celebrate Sundance Season
Get ready for the Sundance Film Festival with these 10 great Indie and Arthouse movies!
8 More Punk Rock Hidden Gems on Freegal
Check out 8 more albums, EPs, and singles from the world of punk, emo, riot grrl, and more—all free to stream and download on Freegal.
5 Non-Traditional Christmas Movies
Get into the holiday spirit with these not-so-typical Christmas films.
8 Best Doom Patrol Comics
Before you watch the fourth season of the TV show, make sure to check out some of our favorite Doom Patrol comics!
10 Great Comics to Read Before Seeing Wakanda Forever
Prepare for Wakanda Forever with these great Marvel comics.
8 Punk Rock Hidden Gems on Freegal
Check out these underappreciated albums and EPs from the world of punk, emo, hardcore, and more—all free to stream and download on Freegal!
10 Great Weird Al albums
Prepare for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story with these hilarious albums.
15 Spookiest, Must Read Horror Comics to Read This Halloween
Why should movies be the only reason you sleep with the lights on this Halloween? Check out these eerie comics and graphic novels.
10 Best Black Adam and Shazam Comics
Excited for the upcoming Black Adam movie? Check out these great comics featuring him and his arch-nemesis, Shazam!
15 B-Movie Horror Films for Spooky Season
Wander off the beaten path this Halloween with these 15 B-Movie hidden gems.
Banned Books Week: Comics and Graphic Novels
Celebrate Banned Books Week by checking out these 5 controversial (but fantastic) comics and graphic novels.
So You’ve Discovered Metallica: 10 Metal Albums from the 1980s to Listen to Next
Has Stranger Things brought out your inner metalhead? Check out these classic albums from the ‘80s.
10 Great Comics from Jack “The King” Kirby
Celebrate iconic comic artist Jack Kirby’s birthday with these 10 exceptional superhero books.
10 Best Thor Comics to Read After Watching Thor: Love and Thunder
Celebrate Thor: Love and Thunder by checking out our favorite comics featuring the God of Thunder.
15 Comics for Fans of Sandman
Excited for the new Sandman show? Make sure to check out these comics.
9 Best Tim Sale Comics
Celebrate the late Tim Sale with some of his greatest comics.
15 Films from the 1980s to Watch if You Love Stranger Things
Celebrate the return of Stranger Things with 15 classics from the ‘80s.
10 Best Doctor Strange Comics
Excited for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness? Check out some of the Sorcerer Supreme’s greatest comic book adventures.
5 Comics To Read If You Like Moon Knight
Excited for Moon Knight on Disney+? The library has plenty of comics for fans of the so-called Fist of Khonshu.
Horror Comics for Spooky Season
Get in the Halloween mood with these eerie, gruesome, and macabre comic book tales.
Comics and Graphic Novels for Latinx Cultural Heritage Month
Check out these comics by some of our favorite Latinx creators!
Get Ready for Black Widow with Marvel’s Greatest Superheroines
Before seeing Black Widow, get your superheroine fix with these Marvel adventures
Comics and Graphic Novels for Mental Health Awareness Month
Observe Mental Health Awareness Month with these comics from your local Toledo Library.
Need some comic books and graphic novels to read during Black History Month? The library has you covered.
During Black History Months, we are reminded of the countless ways African Americans have contributed to visual arts, music, film, and fashion, among other creative endeavors. Like jazz, comic books are a truly American artform whose influence showcases the talent of countless Black creators. While comics have had a frustrating history with diversity and representation, the number of Black authors, illustrators, inkers, letterers, and colorists who have contributed to the medium is extensive and ever-increasing. By no means an exhaustive list, hopefully these books provide a starting point for those hoping to delve into the diverse world of comics created by African Americans.
