If you enjoy reading books by Scott McCloud then you might also like the following authors:
Will Eisner is considered one of the pioneers of graphic storytelling. His works often explore deep human emotions and everyday struggles. In his book, “A Contract with God,” he tells stories set in a Bronx tenement, following characters as they navigate love, faith, and loss.
One of the tales focuses on a man shattered by personal tragedy, who confronts his beliefs in a raw and emotional way. The stories feel grounded, with unforgettable characters and moments that stay with you long after reading.
Art Spiegelman is a cartoonist and writer best known for his groundbreaking graphic novel “Maus”. The book tells the story of his father, a Holocaust survivor, recounting his experiences during World War II.
The story unfolds through a mix of past and present, as Art interviews his father about his memories. In “Maus”, Jews are depicted as mice, while Nazis are portrayed as cats, creating a visual metaphor that adds depth to the storytelling.
The book explores survival, trauma, and the complexities of family relationships with raw honesty. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to see how graphic novels can tell deeply personal and historical stories.
Harvey Pekar was a writer who focused on everyday life, capturing the ordinary moments that people often overlook. His series “American Splendor” tells stories from his own life as a file clerk in Cleveland.
One story shows him struggling with a broken zipper on his coat while heading to work, turning something so simple into a moment that’s both frustrating and funny.
The series isn’t flashy—it’s honest and raw, highlighting the quiet struggles and small victories of regular people. McCloud fans who enjoy exploring the art in everyday life might find Pekar’s work to be right up their alley.
Alison Bechdel is a cartoonist who explores personal and emotional themes through her graphic memoirs. One of her standout works is “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic.” This book focuses on her relationship with her father, who ran a funeral home and had a complex, secret life.
Bechdel reflects on her own journey of self-discovery while uncovering poignant moments about her father’s struggles and hidden truths. The storytelling mixes humor with deep introspection, paired with detailed artwork that stays with you long after you finish reading.
Fans of Scott McCloud might enjoy her ability to use the graphic novel format to explore human connections and identity in a meaningful way.
Marjane Satrapi is an author and artist who blends personal stories with strong visuals to create memorable graphic novels. Her book “Persepolis” tells the story of her childhood in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution.
It’s both intimate and historical, focusing on how political upheaval affects daily life. Through her eyes, you see family struggles, the fight for freedom, and the changes in her home.
Satrapi’s art works seamlessly with her storytelling, making each moment hit in a way readers don’t forget. If you enjoy Scott McCloud’s thoughtful graphic works, you might find her style engaging as well.
Craig Thompson is a graphic novelist known for their heartfelt storytelling and beautiful illustrations. One of their most notable works is “Blankets.” It’s a deeply personal story about growing up in a strict religious household and navigating first love.
The book follows Craig, a young man trying to reconcile his faith with his experiences and emotions. The snowy Midwest setting and the tender exploration of family, love, and self-discovery make this story unforgettable.
Its mix of raw emotion and stunning artwork makes for a very engaging read.
David Mazzucchelli is a graphic novelist known for his unique storytelling style that balances art and narrative seamlessly. One of his standout works is “Asterios Polyp.”
The book follows Asterios, an architect whose life takes a drastic turn after a fire forces him to leave everything behind. As he starts over in a small town, the story reflects on his past relationships, career, and sense of self.
The illustrations are clever, with the artwork changing to match different characters’ perspectives, creating a thoughtful and engaging read. Fans of Scott McCloud who love experimenting with visual storytelling might enjoy discovering Mazzucchelli’s work.
Chris Ware is a graphic novelist known for his detailed and innovative storytelling. One of his books, “Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth,” explores the awkward life of an emotionally distant man who reconnects with his estranged father.
The story shifts between present-day events and memories from the past, creating a layered narrative that reveals the struggles of loneliness and family.
Ware uses intricate panel designs and muted colors to match the tone of the story, drawing readers into the quiet, bittersweet world of Jimmy Corrigan.
Bryan Lee O’Malley is a graphic novelist you might enjoy if you like Scott McCloud. He’s known for crafting stories that mix relatable characters and surreal elements.
In “Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life,” the first book in the series, Scott Pilgrim is a slacker and bass player who meets Ramona Flowers, a mysterious delivery girl. To date her, he has to defeat her seven evil exes in over-the-top battles.
The story blends humor, action, and awkward moments into something unique.
Gene Luen Yang is an author and artist known for creating stories that explore identity, culture, and personal growth through engaging narratives and artwork.
One of his standout works is “American Born Chinese,” which weaves together three separate stories about a Chinese-American boy wanting to fit in, a fable involving the Monkey King, and a sitcom-style tale about a boy and his embarrassing cousin.
The book focuses on themes of belonging and self-acceptance. It has a mix of humor and heart, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Fans of Scott McCloud might appreciate the art style and the way Yang uses comics to create layers in storytelling.
Lynda Barry is a cartoonist and writer known for her unique storytelling style that blends humor and raw emotion. Her book, “What It Is,” explores creativity and the way we think about art and writing.
The book combines colorful drawings, personal reflections, and thought-provoking questions. It doesn’t read like a traditional narrative but more like an open invitation to rediscover the joy of making something, no matter your skill level.
Readers who enjoy Scott McCloud’s way of unpacking big ideas through art might find Barry’s approach equally fascinating.
Jeff Lemire is a storyteller known for creating thoughtful and visually distinct graphic novels. One of his standout works is “Essex County,” a book that weaves together the lives of characters in a small rural town.
The story centers on themes like family, loneliness, and the weight of memories. One part focuses on a boy named Lester, a quiet kid who escapes into his imagination while dealing with the loss of his mother.
Another section highlights two brothers who are caught in a tragic rift that spans decades. The art is simple yet striking, giving the book a quiet, emotional pull. If you enjoy heartfelt stories about human connections, this is a great one to pick up.
Shaun Tan is an artist and writer who creates deeply imaginative and visually unique stories through his books. One of his works, “The Arrival,” is a wordless graphic novel that follows a man leaving his homeland to build a new life in an unfamiliar world.
The story unfolds through surreal, intricate illustrations that capture the emotions of displacement and hope. Fans of Scott McCloud’s thoughtful approach to storytelling may enjoy how Tan uses visuals to convey rich, moving narratives.
Joe Sacco is a journalist and cartoonist who combines storytelling and reporting in graphic novel form. One of his well-known works, “Palestine,” is based on his travels to the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the 1990s.
The book captures his conversations with the people there, sharing their daily struggles under military occupation. Through his detailed drawings and personal accounts, Sacco brings readers close to the lives and stories of those impacted.
His art and narrative give a vivid sense of place, showing history through the voices of those who lived it.
Seth is a Canadian cartoonist who creates stories that feel like stepping into a nostalgic world. His graphic novel “It’s a Good Life, If You Don’t Weaken” follows Seth’s semi-autobiographical search for an obscure cartoonist named Kalo.
The book blends humor, melancholy, and a love for forgotten art. The illustrations, drawn in a clean and classic style, bring small towns and old neighborhoods to life.
Seth’s work reflects a deep appreciation for the history of comics and the people behind them, making it a great choice for fans of Scott McCloud.