Like the New Show? Check out these Graphic Novel Inspirations: Stumptown, The Boys, and Watchmen

Several new TV and Streaming shows this year are based on graphic novels.  If you are enjoying the TV shows then check out the graphic novels that inspired them.  All three are intended for adult audiences.

Stumptown

I’m really enjoying Stumptown, a TV series which centers on, Dex, an Army Veteran that decides to become a PI.  I checked it out since I was a fan of Cobie Smulders on How I Met Your Mother, but was hooked by the likeable, but flawed characters.  She lives with her brother with Down syndrome (excellently acted by Cole Sibus) and her best friend is an ex-con.  Fans of the graphic novel seem happy with the adaptation, especially that the series kept Dex’s bisexuality, which was explored in a recent episode.  The first volume of the graphic novel deals with the kidnapping of Sue-Lynne’s granddaughter, which also begins the TV series.  The second volume deals with a case of a missing guitar.  They are written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Matthew Southworth.

The Boys

What if we lived in a world of super humans; who would police the vigilantes?  Garth Ennis’s The Boys answers that question.  A secret group makes sure that super heroes don’t cross the line with their behavior.  Although the violence level is a bit high for me, my husband is a fan of the new streaming series and I’ve watched a few episodes with him.  You can check out the first Ominbus edition from Hoboken Public Library or Hoboken residents can check out digital issues from Hoopla.  You can also read a previous review of the series on our blog.

Watchmen

If you like The Boys than you should also check out the graphic novel series The Watchmen by Alan Moore, considered a groundbreaking classic, the series looks at how the presence of superheroes would change history.  Like The Boys, the superheroes even when using their powers for good, often have many flaws.  The series was first adapted as a movie which has now been followed up by a TV series set after the event in the film and graphic novels; I found the first TV episode a bit slow paced, but I’m curious to check out more.  It is available in several digital editions from Hoopla.

If you are a huge Comics fan then you should come to our second annual HPL Mini Comic Convention on Saturday, December 14 starting at 12 PM at the Hoboken Public Library.  You can learn to dance like a superhero, play Super Smash Bros, and learn some new cosplay techniques!  There will be crafting with our new Cricut machine, a photo booth and more.