10+ Best Comic Books for 14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect comic books for 14-year-olds? Whether you're a parent looking to inspire a love for reading or a teen eager to dive into new adventures, finding the right comic can make all the difference. From captivating storylines to stunning artwork, the world of comics has so much to offer. Keep reading as we explore a variety of comic books that are sure to capture the imagination of any 14-year-old!

Fun Comic Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson, illustrated by Adrian Alphona
  • Genre(s): Superhero, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: The comic follows Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teenager in Jersey City who discovers she has polymorphous powers and takes up the mantle of Ms. Marvel.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's relatable for teens dealing with identity and belonging, while also offering thrilling superhero action.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for diverse characters and stories about personal growth.

• Smile by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Graphic Memoir, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: This autobiographical comic details the struggles of Raina with dental issues and middle school drama after she injures her front teeth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt, funny, and relatable story that deals with the trials of growing up and finding confidence.
  • Perfect for: Teens navigating their own middle school challenges and those who enjoy true-life stories.

• Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. She becomes the sidekick to super-villain Lord Ballister Blackheart in a tale that challenges the traditional roles of heroes and villains.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a subversive, witty, and emotionally engaging story with vibrant characters.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fantasy and are looking for stories that twist traditional tropes.

• Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters, illustrated by Brooke Allen
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: A group of girls at a summer camp encounter strange creatures and supernatural phenomena while on their adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes teamwork, friendship, and bravery, wrapped up in a fun and mysterious storyline.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and those who enjoy stories about camaraderie and the great outdoors.

• Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After moving to their great-grandfather's house, Emily and her brother Navin discover an enchanted amulet. They enter a world full of danger and mystery, where they must save their mother.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an exciting blend of adventure and fantasy with stunning artwork that captivates readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic quests and imaginative worlds.

Educational Comic Books for 14-Year-Olds

• March: Book One by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell
  • Genre(s): Historical, Biographical
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel is a first-hand account of Congressman John Lewis' lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, civil rights education, political science
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful narrative of the American Civil Rights Movement, accessible through its graphic novel format, making complex historical issues understandable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Students interested in American history and civil rights activism.

• Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas by Jim Ottaviani, illustrated by Maris Wicks
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: This comic book explores the lives and research of three of the most important primatologists of the 20th century, focusing on their groundbreaking work with apes in the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific thinking, environmental awareness, research methodologies
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the contributions of three pioneering women scientists in a field dominated by men, encouraging interest in science and research.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a passion for science, animals, and environmental conservation.

• Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by Mike Holmes
  • Genre(s): Educational, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This series follows Hopper and her friends as they discover a secret school filled with puzzles and coding challenges, learning coding skills as they solve mysteries.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Computer programming, logical reasoning, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic programming concepts in an engaging and interactive way, which is perfect for beginners.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring coders and young detectives who love solving puzzles.

• Science Comics: Rockets: Defying Gravity by Anne Drozd and Jerzy Drozd
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This comic book delves into the history and science of rockets, from the ancient Chinese gunpowder experiments to modern space exploration.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Physics, engineering, history of science
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting, enhancing understanding through visual storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young space enthusiasts and future engineers interested in how things work.

• The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Computer by Sydney Padua
  • Genre(s): Historical, Biographical, Humor
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel imagines a world where Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage have successfully built the first computer and use it to fight crime and solve mysteries in Victorian London.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mathematics, computer science, historical inquiry
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively mixes historical facts with whimsical fiction, inspiring curiosity about the origins of computing.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy quirky historical narratives and those interested in the history of technology.

Challenging Comic Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Historical
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel is a memoir of Marjane Satrapi growing up in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution, detailing her experiences and challenges.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as identity, revolution, and cultural upheaval, presented through the lens of a young girl.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a personal and poignant look at a significant historical event, enhancing understanding through a unique narrative style.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and personal stories of resilience.

• Maus: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman
  • Genre(s): Historical, Biography
  • Synopsis: This Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel depicts the Holocaust through the eyes of the author’s father, using animals to represent different races and nationalities.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores the harrowing details of the Holocaust with deep emotional and historical complexity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful, evocative narrative that provides an essential understanding of one of history's darkest times.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in historical events and the impact of history on personal lives.

• Sandman by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by various artists
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mythology
  • Synopsis: This series follows Dream (also known as Morpheus), one of the Endless, in a series of tales that span across history and mythology, exploring the concept of dreams and storytelling.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex and layered, incorporating various mythologies and literary references.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, imaginative storytelling experience that stretches the boundaries of traditional comic book narratives.
  • Perfect for: Fans of deep, philosophical stories and mythological themes.

• V for Vendetta by Alan Moore, illustrated by David Lloyd
  • Genre(s): Dystopian, Political
  • Synopsis: Set in a future totalitarian Britain, this graphic novel follows a mysterious revolutionary known as V who wears a Guy Fawkes mask and seeks to overthrow the government.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex themes of freedom, power, and oppression, requiring readers to think critically about politics and society.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking narrative that encourages readers to question the nature of government and individual rights.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in politics, dystopian stories, and revolutionary characters.

• Watchmen by Alan Moore, illustrated by Dave Gibbons
  • Genre(s): Superhero, Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series deconstructs the idea of the superhero in a parallel universe where superheroes emerged in the mid-20th century, affecting historical events.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters, a non-linear narrative, and deep philosophical questions about morality and humanity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It revolutionizes the superhero genre, offering a darker, more introspective look at heroes and their impact on society.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy superhero stories but are looking for something more mature and thought-provoking.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the colorful world of comic books, it's a great idea to develop some solid reading habits early on. Here are a few exercises tailored for 14-year-olds that can make your comic book reading experience even more enjoyable and enriching. Let's check them out!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of comic books you plan to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and committed to reading regularly.
  • Tips: Start with manageable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes reading a special part of your day.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the comics you read with friends or family members who are also into comic books.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the content.
  • Tips: Try forming a small comic book club where everyone shares their thoughts.

• Mix It Up
  • What it is: Alternate between different genres and styles of comic books.
  • How it helps: Keeps reading exciting and broadens your perspective.
  • Tips: Don’t be afraid to try something out of your usual preferences.

• Reflect on Your Reading
  • What it is: Take a few minutes to think about the story, characters, and artwork after finishing a comic book.
  • How it helps: Deepens your appreciation and understanding of the art form.
  • Tips: Consider how the themes relate to your own experiences or the real world.

• Use Technology
  • What it is: Utilize apps and websites that track your reading and suggest new comics based on your interests.
  • How it helps: Makes discovering new comics easy and fun.
  • Tips: Goodreads and Comic Book Herald are great places to start.

By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you'll not only enhance your enjoyment of comic books but also develop habits that can benefit all your reading adventures. So, grab your favorite comic, find a cozy corner, and let the reading begin! Happy reading!