There was a time when comic books and graphic novels were not widely regarded as serious reading material. While those stereotypes persist for some readers, there is no denying that perceptions have shifted over the years. Graphic novels have proven to be a powerful storytelling medium, promoting visual literacy, strengthening vocabulary skills, encouraging creativity and engaging even the most reluctant readers.
The medium spans a wide range of genres, but travel stands out as one of its most compelling subjects. Visual representations of landscapes and places can deepen a narrative, adding context and emotional weight to the story being told. For readers who love exploring the world but do not have a trip planned in the near future, comic books and graphic novels offer a satisfying way to experience a journey from afar.
The Collector
Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with tens of millions arriving to visit every year. The country’s history, balmy weather, and incredibly popular cuisine are a few of the many things attracting tourists. If you plan on visiting as well, you should definitely look into getting a travel eSIM for Italy before you leave, so that you can stay connected with everyone back home. Having seamless internet connectivity regardless of where you are in the country. In the meantime, you can relax and unwind by reading The Collector, the work of well-known illustrator and comics creator Sergio Toppi.
The series is the author’s longest-running original, first debuting in 1984. The story follows a journalist attempting to track down the eponymous figure known as The Collector. Set in the late 19th century, the narrative centres on an elusive man devoted to acquiring rare and unusual objects for his personal collection. He is not driven by financial gain, as he is already wealthy. Instead, his research leads him across the globe, from Borneo to Paris, and his methods of obtaining these artefacts are often ethically questionable.
His latest pursuit involves a unique Native American ceremonial pipe believed to grant its user the ability to see the future. This quest propels the story forward while highlighting the character’s obsessive nature and moral ambiguity. Beyond its swashbuckling adventure elements, The Collector also engages with the theme of colonialism. The titular character serves as a broader metaphor for the extraction and appropriation inherent in colonial practices.
Ruins
Peter Kuper’s Ruins is exquisitely illustrated and unfolds as a long, immersive read that draws readers in from the opening pages. The story follows Samantha and George, who travel to Oaxaca, Mexico, for a sabbatical. For Samantha, the trip offers a chance to reconnect with parts of her past, while the setting is entirely unfamiliar to George. As personal and political events collide, their lives, along with those of the town’s residents, are irrevocably changed. Running alongside their story is the arduous journey of a monarch butterfly, tracing its annual migration from Canada to Mexico.
At its core, Ruins is about survival in a chaotic, constantly shifting world, a reality faced by both humans and animals. The book explores Mexico’s past and present through a wide and varied cast of characters, with the narrative moving fluidly between realism and surrealism.
The Climber
If you enjoy manga, The Climber should definitely be on your list. The plot follows Buntaro Mori, an introverted and reclusive student who discovers that he has a passion for solo mountain climbing. He starts from his high school climbing club and goes all the way to his ascent to become a world-class professional climber. At every stage of his life, he ends up dealing with different struggles, including loneliness and depression, but he keeps moving forward in pursuit of his dream: conquering K2.
Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas
If you travel mainly because you enjoy nature and are interested in nature conservation, this is definitely the graphic novel for you. Goodall, Fossey, and Galdikas are the greatest primatologists of the last century, and their travels and research changed the ways in which people think of the great apes. Their work didn’t just change primatology; it helped people gain a better understanding of themselves as well. The book is very accessible but very informative at the same time, so if you want to delve into some nonfiction, make sure to add it to your list.
Apart from the illustrations of chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, the art depicts the beauty of the diverse landscapes located in Borneo, Congo, Tanzania, and the Kenyan Highlands.
The Venice Chronicles
Another story taking place in Italy, The Venice Chronicles was created by Enrico Casarosa, a Pixar artist, and captures the author’s own travel experience. The artwork is formed of watercolour sketches that stretch for almost 150 pages and will take you through a series of charming, narrow streets and canals. As the story flows on, it’s easy to forget that you’re not actually in Venice when reading it, as getting lost in this humour and romance-filled plot is very simple.
Memories from Limón
Central America is, unfortunately, rarely depicted in comic books. Memories from Límon aims to address that gap, following Ramiro, the main character created by Edo Brenes, as he journeys to the heart of the region in search of his ancestry and personal history. Leaving his fiancée, Yoss, behind in London, Ramiro travels to Costa Rica after becoming captivated by an old family photograph. What follows is a series of revelations and difficult conversations he is unprepared for, including the discovery of a long-held family secret, all set against the backdrop of the Caribbean coastline. The stories of three generations are woven together into a grounded and moving exploration of life, identity and love.
There is no shortage of comic books and graphic novels that explore themes of travel and discovery, and overlooking them would be a missed opportunity. Whether you are new to the medium or a longtime reader, there is almost certainly a book out there that speaks to your sense of curiosity and exploration.
