If you have not yet been initiated as a fan of the graphic novel genre, there is no reason to wait another second. No matter what styles, themes or character types you enjoy, you are guaranteed find something you’ll love in our collection.

Fans of classic DC and Marvel superheroes rub elbows with readers of brand new Japanese shojo and shonen manga at Lakewood Public Library. And whether or not you liked the movie versions of “The Fantasic Four,” “V for Vendetta,” or “American Splendor,” you can check out the artwork and stories that inspired the films. The adage that the original books are even better than the movie versions holds true with regards to graphic novels, too.

A good introduction to reading your books and getting pictures, too, are “Houdini, the Handcuff King” by Jason Lutes or “Blankets” by Craig Thompson. The first is an intriguing look at a favorite celebrity; the other is a story about love, loss and confusion that will speak to any reader. A good bet would also be “Epileptic” by David B. or “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi, both of which are slightly more dream-like visually, but which tell gripping stories about characters you’ll care for.

For something a little more strange or unsettling, try anything by Daniel Clowes or take a look at “Abandon the Old in Tokyo” by Yoshihiro Tatsumi. It might just make the hair on your neck to stand up.

Tony Millionaire’s “Sock Monkey” and “Maakie” stories are loads of fun and also slightly absurd, but in a fairy-tale-with-a-twist kind of way. Couple these with Cathy Malkasian’s “Percy Gloom” or Bryan Talbot’s “Alice in Sunderland,” you’ll end up feeling you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole of your own.

Fans of hard-boiled, action-packed stories will love Frank Miller’s “Sin City” series or Alan Moore’s epic “Watchmen.” For something a little more subversive with a dash of black humor, try “The Preacher” comics by Garth Ennis or the “Transmetropolitan” series by Warren Ellis.

If you’re curious what the hubbub is surrounding action-packed Japanese manga and other genres, check out favorite series like “Vagabond” by Takehiko Inoue or “Fullmetal Alchemist” by Hiromu Arakawa. Both will quench your thirst for adventure. If you are looking for a lighter read, try “Fruits Basket” by Natsuki Takaya or “Chobits” by Clamp.

And never fear, all you fans of newspaper staples like “Calvin & Hobbes,” “Doonesbury” or “For Better or For Worse”! Just take a look in our non-fiction collection under 741.5973 for those favorites and others like “Dilbert,” “Red Meat” and “Perry Bible Fellowship.” But keep in mind that the Children’s Department claimed “Garfield” for themselves long ago. Perhaps our younger patrons will let you take a peek…