Graphic Novels and Young Adult Novels

First up is a fun graphic novel called Night Powers: The Adventures of Dr. McNinja by Chris Hastings (2011). Now, right in the title you see the reason why I picked it up. I mean, honestly, how can I not read something with a character named Dr. McNinja? This is a color version of the web comic Adventures of Dr. McNinja. I had not come across this web comic before, but I will be looking it up as soon as I have a chance, because this is definitely a keeper!
Dr. McNinja comes from a family of - what else - ninjas. Both his parents and brother are ninjas and proud of it, but he, for reasons not explained in this book, decided that he would become a doctor. And he does practice medicine, when his office is not being bombed by King Radical's minions of course. Dr. McNinja's sidekick is Gordo, the mustached boy, riding his tame dinosaur. His secretary is a gorilla. That tells you the level of absurd in this comic.

This reminds me a lot of Axe Cop, but with more plot continuity and a bit more of a planned approach. I really liked the silliness mixed with intensity of the character's emotions. They take it so seriously. It's frankly hilarious.

Next, A Young Adult novel called simply Flip, by Martyn Bedford (2011).
This page turner follows Alex, who is fourteen years old and in a bit of a pickle. He just woke up in somebody else's body, with no idea what happened. Alex is now Phillip, or Flip to his friends. Flip is everything Alex is not: popular, athletic, and a player. Alex tries to adapt to his situation while he tries to figure out what has happened to him. He eventually finds out that his situation has a name: Psychic Evacuation. Somehow, his soul has left his body and entered Phillip's. And Alex's own body is still alive.
The suspense and unpredictability of this story means that I could hardly put it down while I was reading it. If you like the supernatural, the unexplained, and body swapping stories, this book will interest you.

Saga

A visceral an gripping series about an intergalactic war, and an inter-racial love story told from the viewpoint of the lover's child. If you love graphic novels, and you like science-fiction epics, and you don't mind a bit of ultra-violence in your tea, this is for you. two thumbs up.

Here are a few must read novels for the LGBTQI crowd, or anyone who is interested:

FreakBoy

what do you do if you don't want to wear a dress, but you also don't always feel comfortable as a guy? Interesting writing style.

Geography Club (2003) by Brent Hartinger

For teens who aren't out, but who want to talk to like minded teens, there's the Geography club. Geography knowledge is not mandatory.

When Love Comes to Town

A look at how things were for gay teens in Ireland in the 90s. Big culture shock.

Fan Art

A look at how things are for gay teens in North America in the current day. With bonus mini comic!