If you enjoy reading books by Tom Gauld then you might also like the following authors:
Edward Gorey was an illustrator and author known for his dark humor and unique, gothic storytelling. His books often feature mysterious events and macabre twists paired with whimsical drawings.
In “The Gashlycrumb Tinies,” he presents an alphabet book where each letter tells the unfortunate tale of a child meeting an untimely end. The blend of grim humor and elegant simplicity makes it unforgettable.
Fans of Tom Gauld’s quirky and sharp sense of humor might enjoy Gorey’s work for its clever and unexpected take on dark themes.
Lorenzo Mattotti is an artist known for his richly illustrated stories that mix thoughtfulness with a touch of humor. In his book “Fires,” he tells the tale of a naval officer tasked with investigating mysterious fires on a remote island.
As he explores the island, he discovers a strange, dreamlike world where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. The vibrant, surreal artwork adds a layer of mystery to the story, creating an atmosphere that’s both intriguing and unexpected.
Fans of Tom Gauld’s unique storytelling style may appreciate Mattotti’s ability to combine visual and narrative elements in an unusual way.
Chris Ware is known for his unique storytelling and detailed, artistic style in graphic novels. His book “Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth” tells the story of a lonely man who meets his estranged father for the first time.
The narrative shifts between generations, showing the struggles and isolation of different family members. Ware’s artwork, with its clean lines and carefully structured panels, draws you into a world that feels both quiet and deeply emotional.
Roz Chast is a cartoonist who captures life’s absurdities with humor and a sharp eye for detail. Her book, “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?”, is a memoir that explores her experience caring for her aging parents.
Through a mix of cartoons, handwritten notes, and photos, she portrays the challenges of family dynamics and the emotional toll of watching loved ones grow older.
The book is funny and honest, highlighting both tender and awkward moments, like her struggles with their stubbornness or her parents’ reluctance to talk about end-of-life plans. It’s filled with small, relatable touches that make every page feel personal and true.
Seth is a cartoonist known for his thoughtful and nostalgic graphic novels. In his book, “Clyde Fans,” he tells the story of two brothers who inherit their father’s failing fan business.
The narrative moves between past and present, showing the strained relationship between the brothers and their struggles with change and failure. Seth’s work often focuses on people wrestling with quiet, personal challenges.
His art has a clean, detailed style that creates a world steeped in memory and reflection. Fans of Tom Gauld’s dry humor and subtle storytelling might enjoy Seth’s unique voice and carefully crafted visuals.
Liana Finck is a cartoonist known for her clever and thoughtful storytelling paired with distinctive drawings. Her book, “Passing for Human,” is a graphic memoir that explores her journey of feeling different from those around her and the search for belonging.
In the book, she reflects on her upbringing, her mother’s own struggles, and her artistic identity. There are moments where she questions what it means to be normal and tackles the idea of what it means to find your voice in a world where you feel misplaced.
Her work often blends humor with a touch of melancholy, which might appeal to fans of Tom Gauld’s style.
Adrian Tomine is a graphic novelist known for creating stories that capture everyday life with a blend of humor and melancholy. His book, “The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist,” is partly autobiographical and explores moments of awkwardness, self-doubt, and identity.
The book follows his experiences as a cartoonist, from cringing encounters with fans to the challenges of balancing art and family. It’s full of relatable, slice-of-life moments told through a clean yet expressive drawing style.
If you enjoy Tom Gauld’s blend of wit and thoughtful storytelling, Tomine might be a great next read.
Daniel Clowes is a graphic novelist known for creating quirky, thought-provoking stories with unique and detailed art. One of his standout works is “Ghost World,” which follows two teenage girls, Enid and Rebecca, as they navigate life after high school.
Their friendship feels real, full of awkward moments and biting humor, while they face uncertain futures and a drifting sense of connection.
The book captures the strange mix of nostalgia and discomfort that comes with growing up in a way that’s both funny and a little bittersweet.
Alison Bechdel is a cartoonist known for her deeply personal and thought-provoking graphic novels. One of her standout works is “Fun Home,” a memoir told through a mix of carefully crafted illustrations and honest storytelling.
The book focuses on Bechdel’s relationship with her father and her journey of self-discovery. At the heart of the story is the family’s funeral home, a place tied to her father’s hidden life and her own understanding of identity.
The mix of humor and raw emotion makes the story unforgettable.
Charles Addams was a cartoonist known for his dark humor and quirky characters. His work often featured the macabre mixed with lighthearted absurdity. One of his collections, “Homebodies,” showcases a range of strange and eccentric illustrations.
In one cartoon, a cheerful couple picnics in a graveyard, completely unbothered by the tombstones around them. Another shows a man casually chatting with a skeleton seated in his living room.
Addams had a knack for creating odd scenarios that feel oddly normal, and his art carries a dry wit that makes you stop and smile. Fans of Tom Gauld’s offbeat, clever humor will likely enjoy exploring Addams’ world.
Ivan Brunetti is a cartoonist known for his dark humor and minimalist style. His book “Cartooning: Philosophy and Practice” isn’t a typical comic but more of a guide about storytelling through drawings.
It’s filled with exercises that encourage readers to explore emotions and ideas with stick figures and simple shapes.
Even though it’s instructional, Brunetti’s wit and unique perspective make it engaging, especially for those who appreciate smart, understated humor in visual storytelling.
Keith Knight is a cartoonist with a knack for blending humor and social commentary. His work mixes sharp wit with everyday observations, often holding up a mirror to larger cultural issues.
One of his books, “The K Chronicles,” is a collection of comic strips that dives into absurd moments from his life, while also touching on topics like race and politics. In one strip, he recounts a childhood mishap that snowballs into chaos.
In another, he contrasts small personal victories with the challenges of the world around him. Knight’s style is clever, paired with a simple yet expressive illustration approach that enhances his storytelling.
Emily Carroll is a graphic novelist known for her haunting, atmospheric stories. Her book “Through the Woods” is a collection of eerie tales, each exploring dark and unsettling twists.
One story follows a girl staying with her brother and his mysterious new bride in a secluded cabin, where an unspoken tension grows. Another centers on a boy who disappears into the woods, leaving his siblings with only strange whispers to explain his absence.
Carroll pairs her striking artwork with chilling narratives, creating an unforgettable experience. Fans of Tom Gauld might enjoy how she uses visuals to build mood and enhance her storytelling.
Pascal Girard is a cartoonist from Quebec known for his witty and relatable storytelling, often infused with quiet humor and personal moments.
In his book “Petty Theft,” he recounts the story of a recently heartbroken man who, while struggling to put his life back together, becomes obsessed with catching a book thief.
The protagonist’s awkward attempts at detective work unfold hilariously as he navigates his personal failings and the odd situations that come his way.
Fans of Tom Gauld’s subtle humor and character-driven tales might enjoy Girard’s ability to find humor in life’s smaller, more embarrassing moments.
Posy Simmonds is a British cartoonist and writer who creates graphic novels filled with wit and sharp observations of everyday life. One of her works, “Gemma Bovery,” reimagines Flaubert’s “Madame Bovary” in a modern context.
It follows Gemma, a restless woman who moves to the French countryside with her husband, only to grow bored and find herself drawn to temptation and trouble. The story unfolds through the eyes of her neighbor, a baker, who becomes oddly fascinated with her life.
Simmonds mixes humor with darker themes, creating a world that’s easy to get lost in.