Which Graphic Novels Feature Similar Absurdity As Found In 'Chew'?

Graphic novels with ensemble casts like 'The Umbrella Academy' are my jam! One that immediately comes to mind is 'Saga' by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples. It’s a sprawling space opera with a huge cast of characters, each with their own unique quirks and storylines. The way it balances humor, drama, and action reminds me a lot of 'The Umbrella Academy'. Another great pick is 'East of West' by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta. It’s a dystopian sci-fi western with a massive ensemble, and the intricate plot keeps you hooked. For something a bit more grounded but still packed with diverse characters, 'Paper Girls' by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang is a must-read. It’s about a group of girls who stumble into a time-traveling adventure, and the chemistry between them is fantastic. These graphic novels all share that same sense of camaraderie and complexity that makes 'The Umbrella Academy' so special.

Graphic novels that delve into self-exploration like 'Fun Home' often resonate deeply with readers. 'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi is a powerful memoir that explores identity, culture, and personal growth through the lens of the Iranian Revolution. Another gem is 'Blankets' by Craig Thompson, which beautifully captures the complexities of first love, faith, and self-discovery. 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman, while primarily a Holocaust narrative, also examines the author’s relationship with his father and his own identity. 'Are You My Mother?' by Alison Bechdel, the same author as 'Fun Home,' continues her introspective journey, focusing on her relationship with her mother. These works, like 'Fun Home,' use the graphic novel format to blend personal history with universal themes, making them both intimate and relatable.

Graphic novels with alternate history themes are my jam, and 'East of West' is a standout. If you’re into that vibe, check out 'The Manhattan Projects' by Jonathan Hickman. It’s a wild ride where historical figures like Einstein and Oppenheimer are reimagined in a secret science-driven Cold War. Another gem is 'Uber' by Kieron Gillen, which explores a WWII where superhuman soldiers change the course of history. For something more grounded yet equally gripping, 'DMZ' by Brian Wood dives into a modern-day America torn by civil war. These stories blend history with speculative twists, making them perfect for fans of 'East of West.'

Growing up, 'The Wizard of Oz' was one of my favorite films, and its themes of friendship and self-discovery always resonated with me. If you’re looking for movies with similar vibes, 'Labyrinth' is a fantastic pick. It’s a whimsical adventure where Sarah teams up with quirky characters to rescue her brother, and the bonds they form along the way are heartwarming. Another great choice is 'The Goonies,' a classic about a group of kids on a treasure hunt. Their loyalty and camaraderie remind me so much of Dorothy and her friends. For something more recent, 'Inside Out' explores friendship and emotional growth in a unique, animated way. These films all capture that magical feeling of finding strength in others, just like 'The Wizard of Oz.'

I've been diving into graphic novels recently, and if you're looking for something like 'Mistborn' with its epic fantasy and intricate magic systems, you're in luck. 'The Stormlight Archive' by Brandon Sanderson is getting a graphic novel adaptation, and it's just as rich in world-building and character depth. Another great pick is 'The Wheel of Time' graphic novels, which capture Robert Jordan's sprawling epic with stunning visuals. For something darker but equally immersive, 'Berserk' by Kentaro Miura blends brutal fantasy with deep lore, though it's more mature than 'Mistborn'. If you enjoy the heist elements of 'Mistborn', 'Lies of Locke Lamora' has a graphic novel version that nails the cunning and camaraderie of its thieves. These adaptations do justice to their source material while offering a fresh way to experience the stories.

Graphic novels that capture the essence of coming-of-age like 'Persepolis' often blend personal growth with cultural or political backdrops. 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman is a profound example, weaving the author’s father’s Holocaust survival story with his own struggles to understand it. Another gem is 'Fun Home' by Alison Bechdel, which explores family dynamics and self-discovery through the lens of a young woman grappling with her identity and her father’s secrets. 'Blankets' by Craig Thompson is a heartfelt tale of first love, faith, and the transition to adulthood, set against a snowy Midwestern landscape. These works, like 'Persepolis,' use the graphic novel format to delve deeply into personal and universal themes, making them unforgettable reads.

There's a handful of novels that capture that bizarre absurdity vibe you find in 'Through the Looking-Glass'. One that comes to mind is 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams. Talk about a rollercoaster of random characters and wild scenarios! It’s a hilarious take on life that makes you question everything. Also, 'The Master and Margarita' by Mikhail Bulgakov dives deep into surrealism, mixing the mundane with the extraordinary, which feels pretty absurd, too. It's fun how these stories keep you guessing and laughing at the same time, much like Carroll's work.

There are a handful of graphic novels and manga that really put moon‑linked women at the center, and I get oddly giddy talking about them. If you want the most direct, iconic pick go straight to 'Sailor Moon' — Naoko Takeuchi’s manga puts Usagi/Princess Serenity squarely in the role of the Moon Princess, with themes of duty, reincarnation, and a literal lunar lineage running through the whole story. It’s campy, dramatic, romantic, and surprisingly political at times. If you like mythic retellings, seek out graphic adaptations of 'The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter' (sometimes titled 'The Tale of Princess Kaguya' in retellings). Kaguya is literally a Moon Princess and many manga and illustrated adaptations frame her as a celestial, tragic figure pulled between Earthly love and lunar duty. For a different tone, read 'Mooncakes' by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu: while not a classical moon goddess tale, its folklore, lunar symbolism, and supernatural feminine power feel very much in the same orbit. Finally, if you’re curious about comics that flirt with the idea of a moon deity turned character, check out appearances of Selene in Marvel collected editions — she’s an ancient, power‑hungry immortal who styles herself in lunar terms. Each of these gives a different flavor of what “moon goddess” can mean, from literal princess to mythic embodiment.