UBC Asian Library invites you to explore our newly launched collection of graphic novels in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
The Asian Library Graphic Novels collection can be found on the upper level of the Asian Library. Comic books are a widely accessible and popular genre in East Asia. While we are not able to fully replicate a Japanese comic library or a Korean bookstore, we hope this section evokes the spirit of those spaces.
Our language librarians have been focusing on acquiring a diverse range of titles that span genres and themes. Whether you’re reading for leisure, practicing a heritage language, or exploring something new, graphic novels are a compelling way to experience storytelling through both words and images.
The goal of this collection is to support language and cultural learning as well as leisure reading through the Asian Library. In addition, it supports the increasing number of courses and research initiatives related to graphic novels, such as those on East Asian pop culture offered by the Department of Asian Studies.
In alignment with these goals, we collect the first several volumes of continuing series, completed runs, or discrete sections (arcs) of series.
To help you get started, our librarians have highlighted a few recommended titles from our collections:
Grace’s Recommendation
노인의 꿈 by 백원달 / Noin ŭi kkum [An elderly’s dream] by Paek Wŏn-dal
Call Number: PN6790.K64 N64 2024
This serialized webtoon begins as a grandmother begins attending an art academy and starts to converse with the art director. The stories reflect on aging, relationships, and ultimately, the meaning of life.
Jiaqi’s Recommendation
向左走·向右走 by 幾米 / Xiang zuo zou, Xiang you zou [Turn Left, Turn Right] by Jimmy Liao
Call Number: NC1699.J55 A4 2018 V.1
Inspired by the poem Love at First Sight by Wislawa Szymborska, Turn Left, Turn Right describes a fateful encounter with love where two people met for the first time and instantly fell for each other.
Tomoko’s Recommendation
ファイナルファンタジー: ロスト・ストレンジャー by 水瀬葉月 and 亀屋樹 / Fainaru Fantajī: Rosuto Sutorenjā [Final Fantasy: Lost Stranger] by Minase Hazuki and Kameya Itsuki
Call Number: PN6790.J34 F335 2017
Final Fantasy: Lost Stranger is a fantasy adventure manga based on the world-renowned Final Fantasy video game series, which has captivated global audiences since its first release in 1987. Unlike typical game adaptations, this manga offers a unique spin on the franchise; its protagonist is a game company employee who finds himself inside the Final Fantasy universe. Even readers unfamiliar with the games can enjoy this imaginative, action-filled story.
You can borrow print titles with your UBC card, access eBooks through the library catalogue using your CWL, or simply enjoy them in the library’s reading areas. We invite you to explore the collection, discover something unexpected, and enjoy a well-deserved summer reading break.
