Science Fiction and Fantasy – Toledo Lucas County Public Library

10 Comics If You Love The Boys and Invincible

Sometimes great power does not come with great responsibility—or any responsibility, for that matter. These comics take that idea and run with it, often to horrifying (and amusing) degrees.

Project Hail Mary Read-Alikes

He used to be just Ken. Now it seems like he's just a high school teacher stuck in an old David Bowie song. Ryan Gosling stars in the sci-fi hit "Project Hail Mary," and if that sounds cool to you, there are some books you should read.

From Spawn to Spider-Man: 10 Exciting Todd McFarlane Comics

The controversial mind behind Venom and Spawn changed the comic book industry forever.

Celebrating Women’s History Month with Stories of Sapphic Love

In honor of Women's History Month, we’re highlighting a selection of books that feature compelling sapphic romance and lesbian characters.

Women’s History Month Spotlight: 10 Thrilling Action Heroines

Step aside, tough guys.

10 Exciting Manga You Need for Women’s History Month

From action to fantasy to romance, we’ve selected our favorite works from some of the greatest women of manga.

Reading Suggestions by Zodiac Signs: Pisces Edition

Reading suggestions by star sign? Yep! We can do that. This month, we'll take a swim with Pisces.

All Things Dragons!

Who is your favorite literary dragon? Whether you’re a fan of Wings of Fire or Dragons Love Tacos, celebrate your favorite fire-breathing, scaly, flying beast with these great reads for youth of all ages!

10 Works from the Creator of Batman: The Animated Series for New and Old Fans

Bruce Timm’s vision defined Batman—and animation—for an entire generation.

10 Exciting Comics You Need for Squirrel Appreciation Day

Squirrel away these comics for later or go nuts and read them now! Too much? Probably too much.

Toledo Library Best Books of 2025

Here are our staff picks for the best books of 2025 for children, teens, and adults!

Celebrate Popeye Day with the Best of the Sailor Man

If seafaring men with a short fuse and an insatiable desire for spinach are up your alley, have we got the comics (and movie) for you.

15 Exciting Comics You Need for National Science Fiction Day

We’ve picked some of our favorite comics from one of fiction’s most ambitious and forward-thinking genres: science-fiction.

In the Bleak Midwinter: Chilling Tales for Frosty Nights

So many cultures have darker versions of holiday visitors, going back to when midwinter was a time for scary stories. Here is a selection of spooky yule ghoul stories to even out the sugar rush of the holidays.

10 Chilling Thrillers Perfect for Winter

If you want to read something that makes you shiver more than the winds that blow, these dark stories may call to you.

10 Exciting Comics You Need for National Monkey Day

These primate-themed funny books will make you go bananas (in a good way).

10 Best X-Men Comics From Its Most Legendary Writer

The godfather of X-Men comics is turning 75. Celebrate legendary author Chris Claremont with some of his most iconic works.

Loveable Rogues in Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels

A loveable rascal as a main character makes for a fantastic read. Here are some of the least boring roguish heroes around!

10 Essential Calvin and Hobbes Books for Its 40th Anniversary

"It's a magical world, Hobbes, ol' buddy... Let's go exploring!"

Excited for Predator: Badlands? You Need These 15 Stories

Get your spear, laser cannon, and cloaking device ready. We’ve hunted down the best (and weirdest) Predator media to get you ready for the new film, Badlands.

Redemption Stories: Must-Read Antihero Fantasy Novels

If you enjoy stories of redemption with complex characters, these are the fantasy novels for you!

10 Books Based on Your Favorite Video Games!

Are you a gamer and need something to read? Check out these 10 teen and tween titles based on popular video games.

Out of the Coffin, Onto the Page

These books feature vampires in all shapes and sizes, and the people who hunt them.

5 Queer Graphic Novels for Latinx Cultural Heritage Month

Celebrate Latinx Cultural Heritage Month with these graphic novels that explore the queer part of the community.

Embracing the Flop: The Allure of B Movies and Box-Office Poison

Some filmmakers are exquisitely talented artists gifting the world with enduring masterpieces. These books aren't about them.

10 Essential Sleepy Hollow Retellings

This list features some of the most popular adaptations of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in our collection.

Succumb to the Haunting Allure of Modern Gothic Fiction and Fantasy

Not all cozy reads need to be gentle and light. Some of the best autumn reads are dark and spooky. That feeling of curling up in a soft blanket is cozy in a different, protective way.

There’s Room on the Broom: Best New Cozy Witchy Fantasy and Romance

What better way to celebrate the oncoming spooky season than with some new cozy witchy romance and fantasy books? Here are some great new titles to try.

Embrace the Shadows: Dark Academia Fantasy

If you prefer your back-to-school season to have more of moody, gothic twist, then put down that Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper and grab a grimoire: these fantasy novels are for you!

10 Eerie Mike Mignola Comics You Need to Read

Celebrate one of the masters of comic book horror with these 10 must-read tales.

10 Essential Comics for National Dog Day

These comics are everyone’s best friends (minus the wet nose and Frito paws).

Find Fantastic Short Reads in the Best American…. series

These "best-of" anthologies are wonderful way to find new authors, read about new ideas, and have a range of some of the best writing to come out each year in a variety of topics. There's literally something for everyone - take a look!

Where to Start? Getting Into Superhero Comics Made Easy

American superhero comics can be overwhelming. Where do new fans even begin? Well, you’re in luck, because we have just the comics for you.

10 Weird and Wild West Books

Here are some of the least traditional Westerns found in our collection — full of fiends, magic, mysticism, and nightmares.

Tired of Superhero Movies? Check Out These Comic Documentaries

Instead of another superhero origin or quest to stop a universe-shattering doomsday device, maybe check out these movies about the people behind your favorite film adaptations.

Rewind and Replay: Films Turning 10, 20, and 30 in July 2025

Check out these movies celebrating milestone anniversaries in July!

10 Amazing Fantastic Four Comics to Prepare for “First Steps”

Marvel’s first family is back on the big screen with the highly anticipated Fantastic Four: First Steps. Get ready for this next entry in the MCU by checking out some of the best and most iconic stories from the pages of the comics.

25 Years of X-Men on the Big Screen

Get your Wolverine costume out of storage and dust off your Cyclops visors—one of the most important superhero films of the 21st century is 25 years old, and Professor X needs YOU.

The Best Songs About Superman to Prepare for the New Movie

Superman doesn’t just save the day in comics and movies—he is also the inspiration for some pretty great songs, too.

10 Survival Guides You Didn’t Know You Needed

Everybody loves a good how-to book. Here are ten with lessons that hopefully you'll never actually need to draw upon.

Deeply Strange Yet Wonderful Reads

The only thing better than a good book is a wacky good book. Here are the best strangely-plotted yet completely wonderful novels around.

10 Thrilling Dinosaur Comics for Fans of Jurassic World

Dinosaurs? Comic books? It’s a match made in heaven.

Batman Forever, Begins, and The Dark Knight’s Weird History

Dust off your cowl and gather your batarangs because two major Batman cinematic touchstones are celebrating anniversaries this month: Batman Forever is turning 30, while Batman Begins is 20.

10 Obscure Zombie Films in Anticipation of “28 Years Later”

We’re finally getting a sequel to "28 Days Later" and "28 Weeks Later." The only doomsday prep you need though are these zombie movie deep cuts.

Rewind & Replay: Films Turning 10, 20, and 30 in June 2025

The latest roundup of movies hitting anniversary milestones in June 2025!

Remembering Peter David: 10 Remarkable Comics You Need to Read

Known for The Incredible Hulk, X-Factor, Aquaman, and many others, Peter David left a mark on comics that will not soon be forgotten.

Cozy Up With These Heartwarming Fantasy Adventures

Like cozy stories AND fantasy fiction? Now you can get both in these fantastic cozy fantasy novels.

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!

Fury Road At 10: Post-Apocalyptic Comics You Need to Read Now

It feels just like yesterday that we were introduced to “flaming guitar guy.”

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.

10 of the Actual Worst Places in Fiction to Work

You think your job is bad? You're not alone. Whether you're looking for the perspective of a grunt in the lowest echelons of a corrupt corporation to a well-standing employee in a government entity

15 Shades of Slay: the Best Fantasy Assassins

Fantasy novels featuring the rise and fall of the best assassins in fiction make some unputdownable reads. Here are the best fantasy assassins to watch out for.

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.

10 Best Stories For Fans Of The Last Of Us

I've said it before and I'll say it again: if, like me, you've been thinking about The Last of Us nearly every day since its release in 2013, my heart goes out to you. If

15 of the Scariest Stories Featuring Sports

"What is the definition of blood sport?"

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.

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.

Enjoy the Magic of London in These Must-Read Urban Fantasy Novels

The history, beauty, and dark whimsy of the city of London make it a perfect setting for some of the best urban fantasy novels. Here's a list of favorites to try.

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 Colorfully Quirky Queer Comics

Okay, so they’re technically graphic novels and not comics, but I love alliteration—almost more than I love colorful, queer happy endings!

5 Collections of Science Fiction to Read if You Like ‘Severance’

Season 2 of 'Severance' is about to debut of Apple TV+. Here are some great science fiction short stories to supplement your viewing. Your innie will thank you.

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.

8 Comics to Read After Watching the Teaser for James Gunn’s ‘Superman’

The teaser trailer for James Gunn's 'Superman' just dropped. While you wait for the movie, here are the comics you need to read.

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.

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.

Pew! Pew! BwaHaHa! The Best Science Fiction Horror

The combination of horror and futuristic settings provides a wonderfully eerie sense of unease that should appeal to those who enjoy either genre alone.

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!

(Insert Name Here) the Teenage Witch

If it were as simple as casting a spell to finish all our chores and pass classes, we wouldn't really have any good stories, would we?

Laugh Yourself to Death: Top 10 Darkly Humorous Horror(ish) Novels

For those who want to get into a Halloweeny mood, but can't do scary without psychic damage to themselves, try one of these for a fun, spooky, amusing, and possibly weirdly unsettling reading (or viewing!) experience …

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.

The Fright Stuff: Top 10 Funny Horror Films

Dark comedy is a great genre for people who are not quite into horror. Here are the top 10 funny horror films/series to entertain, scare a little, and still get to sleep at night.

Imagining a Brighter Tomorrow: The Best Solarpunk Fiction to Read Now

Solarpunk is a literary genre that envisions a sustainable future interconnected with nature and community. I want to live in this future, how about you?

Scary Monsters and Superfreaks: Witcher Read-Alikes You Can’t Miss

Sick of waiting for the new seasons of "The Witcher" Netflix series to premiere? Here are some great read-alikes to tide you over.

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.

Epic Adventures: Best Crew-centered Science Fiction and Fantasy

Perfect for lovers of Farscape or the Firefly series, this list of crew-focused sci-fi/fantasy is guaranteed to make you wish you had friends like these.

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.

Discover the Best Short Reads: 20 Books Under 200 Pages

Looking for a quick read? It's the quality not the quantity that matters in these fantastic short books!

Be Transported by the Top 20 Titles for World UFO Day

June 24th AND July 2nd are both referred to as World UFO Day (it's complicated). Whichever one you celebrate, shine up your tin foil hat and Mork up your Nanoo, we have a lot of great books and documentaries on extraterrestrials and unidentified objects to share the wonder.

Beat the Heat with the Best Summer Horror Films

October may lay claim to spooky season, but real scares happen in the summer.

10 Star Wars Books Set During the High Republic for Fans of ‘The Acolyte’

This collection of titles might help as you wait for new episodes of the latest Star Wars show.

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.

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.

From Midnight to Mourning: 25 Dark Books for Goths

World Goth Day is May 22nd, which means we're in for some super fun summer reading/viewing/listening! Re-dye your fading darks and unearth your bleakest makeup, dark times lie ahead.

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!

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.

From Fear to Eternity: 5 Horror Novels That Deserve Better Movie Adaptations and 5 Chillers Begging to be Adapted

Horror done well is awe-inspiring, thoughtful, and mesmerizing. Horror done poorly is... well, pretty horrible. Here's a list of 5 misfires and 5 great titles that need to be adapted pronto.

Who Ya Gonna Call? TLCPL!

In case you're in for spooks, specters, or ghosts-- TLCPL has you covered! Check out our inventory of all things Ghostbusters!

Here are the Books to Read if You Like ‘3 Body Problem’ on Netflix

There's a whole lot more science fiction to read beyond the TV show.

11 Fantastic Historical Novels to Read Now

If history is your thing, try one of these great historical fiction titles!

For Fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender

Celebrate the release of the live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender by diving into these stories set across the Four Nations!

Level Up Your Role-Playing: Essential Books for Games Masters

Check out these fantastic books to make your best-ever RPG campaigns. Games night will never be the same!

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.

10 Queer Kisses and Near-Death-Misses

These reads will have your heart racing in more ways than one!

20 Fantastic Mystery and Science Fiction/Fantasy Blends

Mystery and science fiction/fantasy go together like the peanut butter cup of the universe - great stories with fantastical elements make for delightful reads.

Let There Be Dragons!

It's the Year of the Dragon! Check out these books about dragons in Chinese mythology.

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 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.

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!

11 Best Aquaman Comics to Read After Watching Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

Excited for the upcoming Aquaman movie? Check out these great comics featuring everyone’s favorite DC Atlantean.

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.

Five Nights Before Freddy’s

A list of 10 titles to prepare you for the release of Five Nights at Freddy’s.

Goblins Are Good

Goblins get a bad rap. But here are five picture books that will make the case that J.R.R. Tolkien and company are probably wrong.

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.

12 Exciting Manga Series that Pack a Punch

Here are manga series sink your teeth into.

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!

Tired of Marvel and DC? Try these 10 Under the Radar Superhero Movies

Do you have Marvel fatigue? Try these heroes instead.

Meet Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur!

One of Marvel's newer comics, it's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur! Being a girl superhero is already hard enough: fight the bad guys, save the city, basic stuff, right? Well, add in a T-Rex companion and face off a gang of space villains, all before class starts!

Blog: Science Fiction and Fantasy