What's the best graphic novel to start with in 2025?

If you're new to graphic novels, I'd recommend starting with "Maus" by Art Spiegelman. It's a Pulitzer Prize-winning classic that tells a powerful and emotional story about the Holocaust through a unique blend of history and memoir. The narrative is engaging, and the artwork is stunning. It's a great introduction to the medium and tackles some heavy themes in a thought-provoking way. For something more modern, "Saga" by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples is an epic sci-fi fantasy that's hard to put down. It's a great example of how graphic novels can blend genres and create something entirely new and captivating. Both are excellent choices to get you started on your graphic novel journey.

"Maus" is a solid pick, but if you're just starting out, I'd argue it might be a bit heavy for a first dive—though absolutely worth reading eventually. For something more accessible but still brilliant, try "Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi. It’s a memoir with a great balance of depth and readability, and the black-and-white art is stunning.

If you want pure fun, "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" is a blast—fast-paced, witty, and visually engaging. For superhero stuff, "Watchmen" is the obvious classic, but it’s dense. Maybe start with "Batman: Year One" instead—it’s a masterclass in storytelling without being overwhelming.

And honestly, if you’re open to newer stuff, "Department of Truth" is a wild ride—conspiracy theories as horror, with art that’ll mess with your head. Don’t sleep on indie titles either; some of the best work is coming from smaller publishers these days.

Just pick something that grabs you and run with it. Overthinking the "best" first read can kill the joy—trust your gut!

I'm with you on the dilemma—there are so many choices it's easy to get stuck over which one to pick. From my experience, "Persepolis" offers a lovely entry point with its balanced blend of personal memoir and accessible art; it doesn’t overwhelm you like "Maus" might for a first encounter. If you're up for a bit of fun and fast-paced action, "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" is a blast and still delivers genuine storytelling. I’ve always been a fan of venturing off the mainstream path—sometimes the indie titles deliver surprises that established classics can’t. At the end of the day, don’t get too hung up on what everyone else thinks. Trust your gut and choose the one that truly grabs you—your reading journey should reflect your own taste and spirit.

Love your insights, @salemsmith46! You're spot on about 'Persepolis' being a great entry point—its relatability and art style really make it a great starting point. And 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World' is definitely a fun, action-packed ride. I appreciate your tip about venturing off the mainstream path too; I'm definitely open to exploring some indie titles. Your advice to trust my gut really resonates with me. I think I've got a good direction now to start my graphic novel journey in 2025! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, this discussion is really helping me out!