Best Graphic Novels: February 2025
The Best Graphic Novels I read in February
Starting this year, I’m going to post the best graphic novels I’ve read each month; as the year goes on, this will also turn into the top 10-15 I’ve read for the year, depending on how technical I want to get later on.
The month of February saw me read 4 new graphic novels.
Punk Rock Jesus
W: Sean Murphy
A: Sean Murphy
Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Amazon
What if DNA of Jesus Christ was found and used to clone the Messiah? Murphy, a disillusioned former-Catholic, creates this tale to show the potential harm of religion, the fanatics tied to it, and corporate greed.
The story follows J2, the “clone” of Jesus, as he’s raised on a reality TV show and “miracles” are created. All the while, his virgin mother becomes self-destructive while under 24 hour monitoring of the show. You also get his mysterious bodyguard Thomas, who believes that watching over the second coming will help absolve the sins of his youth.
It’s a complex story and presents the downfalls of modern religion. It hits particularly hard with today’s political culture where the right has used religion as a weapon that really doesn’t hold water with the true meaning of Christianity. While I don’t agree with Murphy’s thoughts on religion, I respect his views and understand where he’s coming from.
The story held me throughout; Murphy made you feel bad for J2 and disgust for the religious zealots and corporations that were exploiting him. The art, like everything Murphy has done, was rough but fit the story; it’s not complex but really conveys what is going on.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5
Usagi Yojimbo Vol 1: The Ronin
W: Stan Sakai
A: Stan Sakai
Publisher: Fantagraphics Books
Out of Print
Usagi Yojimbo is something I’ve wanted to dabble in for quite a long time and I had an itch for a Bone-like epic and Usagi was constantly recommended. I found a good deal on Usagi Yojimbo Saga Volume 1 from Dark Horse and was excited to jump in…until I found out the out of print Fantagraphic books were before this volume. Luckily my library’s app (Hoopla, look into it for digital comics) had the full Fantagraphics run.
Usagi is a rabbit ronin wandering the countryside of 17-century Japan. Throughout his journey, he encounters countless anthropomorphic (aka animal) friends and foes who provide very interesting situations. Over 10 stories, you see Usagi battle, do some good, and meet a few characters who show up later on.
The writing is good; Sakai studied the history of the time to make it feel authentic while keeping the fantasy aspect using animals in place of humans. While that might seem kind of childish, it works on multiple levels. First off, kids can read this book and using animals is appealing for that reason. Secondly, you know more about the characteristics based off the animals portraying them, limiting the amount of time and story that Sakai needs to explain new characters.
That said, this volume feels like each tale isn’t very connected to the next; many of the stories were from anthology books before Usagi had a book of his own. The actual character development is lacking and everything happens quick. Knowing this going in is important, so you aren’t disappointed when you are finished.
The art is simple, but effective. Sakai’s black and white drawing convey a sense of authenticness with Akira Kurosawa movies, which heavily influences the book. Again, Sakai studied the time period to make the book feel accurate. He’s able to get the violence of the time across without excessive blood and gore. It’s a beautiful book.
The book is good enough to hook you in for more, especially knowing that Usagi’s actual series starts in the next book.
Rating: 3.50 out of 5
Usagi Yojimbo Vol 2: Samurai
W: Stan Sakai
A: Stan Sakai
Publisher: Fantagraphics Books
Out of Print
Book 2 is issues #1-6 of his first series, and while the story is more cohesive and sprawling, it also takes aspects of the previous volume. We get Gen, the rhino bounty hunter, back and developing a relationship with Usagi that continues over the book. Much like the first volume, Usagi is traveling the countryside and doing good. He’s a pure character and is driven to do the right thing.
Unlike the previous book, the story is starting to build. First off, we start to get the back story of Usagi; he recounts his origin story to Gen as they travel. It expands on why he’s such a pure character. Also, one-off characters that Usagi meets start to come back and are given depth; Gen is a prime example of this. The land becomes an influence on the story. Usagi begins to return to some of the same areas he’s previously visited. His surroundings also influence the battles.
You also see more of Sakai’s influences in the story. Zylla is a version of Godzilla that Sakai effortlessly incorporates into this period. He brings in a kappa, a Japanese water demon. He also pulls in silk workers, which was a common trade during the period. It shows how well he can incorporate historical facts with fantastical elements.
There really was no change in the art; it’s a beautiful book.
Rating: 4.00 out of 5
Usagi Yojimbo Vol 3: The Wanderer’s Road
W: Stan Sakai
A: Stan Sakai
Publisher: Fantagraphics Books
Out of Print
This volume covers #7-12 of the initial series. There’s not much more to talk about. Background characters continue to pop up: Zato-Ino, the blind swordspig, returns; we meet Spot the lizard; and we get the first meeting between Usagi and Leonardo of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. While some stories are stronger (Zato) than others (Leo), it’s an overall strong book.
With the first book, I mentioned Bone and it’s remarkable the similar aspects between the 2 books. It’s simple art that fits the story, while building a world that’s bigger and deeper than you initially thought. While Sakai has Usagi grounded with historical aspects, both stories rely on fantasy. And a big factor of both is they are perfectly fine for younger readers.
The writing in each book gets better; you can tell that Sakai is getting more comfortable with each volume. The art remains a constant factor as well.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5
2025 Rankings:
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
- Usagi Yojimbo Vol 3: The Wanderer’s Road
- Punk Rock Jesus
- In
- Usagi Yojimbo Vol 2: Samurai
- We Called Them Giants
- Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection Vol 17: Kraven’s Last Hunt
- Usagi Yojimbo Vol 1: The Ronin
- Space-Mullet Vol 1: One Gamble at a Time
I’ll be back next month with this month’s reading. Until then, check out our other comic book posts.
