Summer is way too hot, friends. But I've got something to help you out. Here are five amazing graphic novels and comics, and with each title I'm going to suggest a delicious ice cream flavor to complement your reading. So get yourself to the nearest grocery store, choose your ice cream, and pull up a patch of shade in a park. You can read all of these titles digitally from Comics Plus if you'd rather not haul around a pile of paperbacks with your ice cream.
Jem and the Holograms by Kelly Thompson
Pair with: Cotton candy ice cream, the more neon colored the better, with whipped cream, colored sprinkles and a cherry on top
Why you should read it: You're in the mood for real life drama with a touch of sci-fi. This series follows four sisters in a band together, their holographic supercomputer, and their conflict with a rival band. It's funny, full of bright colors and has the best fashion you'll find outside of Vogue.
Boondocks: Because I Know You Don't Read the Newspaper by Aaron McGruder
Pair with: Two classic ice cream sandwiches
Why you should read it: You're not in the mood for a big cohesive story, but you want something clever and witty. This is the first collection of Boondocks comics from the newspaper strip, and it's a great mix of sarcastic and smart. Also, you will laugh a lot.
Bone by Jeff Smith
Pair with: Vanilla. Preferably on a cone.
Why you should read it: You want an adventure, with really cool art, some mystery and a story that gets epic. Alternatively, you really like the cover.
Gunnerkrigg Court. Volume 1, Orientation by Thomas Siddell
Pair with: Huckleberry ice cream, and make sure it's deep purple
Why you should read it: You like Invader Zimm, Gotham Academy or The Mortal Instruments universe. Or you want a boarding school story with weird supernatural overtones and a stuffed toy possessed by the spirit of a forest god.
Aluna by Andrew Vannata
Pair with: A turtle sundae with lots of peanuts
Why you should read it: You want something that feels a bit like a fairy tale but without the familiar fairy tale characters. This isn't a fairy tale, but it does have adventure and mysticism and a great main character that all come together to give you something unique.
