Looking for a good graphic novel about the college experience.?

Question

I am currently teaching a Freshmen English class at a university and would like to shake things up a bit. Specifically, I would like to assign my students a graphic novel that reflects the college (or post-highschool) experience and have them respond to it in writing. Unfortunately, I have been having some trouble finding anything that fits that description.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Answer 1

Not sure I'd call it "graphic" (although it definitely has its moments), but Curtis Sittenfeld does a book called "The Man of My Dreams" (poor title, I know, but give it a chance), briefly covering childhood but then going on to college. College itself isn't the focal point, but it's definitely "about" college (if you see what I mean). "Lords of Discipline" by Pat Conroy is about a military college, but definitely pretty graphic and shocking (also one of my favorite books). Your students would definitely love this, and some of the collegiate experiences carry over to their civilian counterparts. I wish I could give you more - I know I've read (and loved) exactly the types of books you're looking for, but unfortunately don't have them written down anywhere.

-Edit-
Just remembered..."Joe College" by Tom Perrotta (same guy who wrote Election and Little Children). I think this might be JUST what you're looking for.

Answer 2

It's not specifically about college, but Watchmen is a classic, and deals with the superheroes having to get used to life after they are outlawed and retire, etc.

Check it out for yourself and then decide.

27 SEPT 07, 1732 hrs, GMT.