Is there any better gift than a great book? We think not. If you’re still scrambling to find holiday gifts for the folks on your list (or you’re thinking of getting someone a little token of your affection any time of year), might we suggest a graphic novel from Pow Pow Press? We’ve got over two dozen English-language titles (plus many more in French, if your friends and family parlent français) in every genre and style you can imagine, from goofy comedies to powerful dramas, from some of the best comic book creators out there.
The Pineapples of Wrath by Cathon
Is your roommate addicted to true crime podcasts and can’t wait for the next season of Only Murders in the Building? Then book her a trip to visit to the (entirely fictitious) Hawaiian district of Trois-Rivières, where the amateur detective Marie-Plum investigates the suspicious death of her next-door neighbour, a former limbo champion who appears to have suffered from a fatal piña colada overdose.
Almost Summer by Sophie Bédard
If you know someone who gets nostalgic for the chaos of high school — the friendships, the crushes, the heartbreaks, the questionable decisions — Sophie Bédard’s Almost Summer will hit the spot. This YA-friendly series captures the rollercoaster emotions of adolescence with warmth, humour, and an honesty that never talks down to its readers. Whether you’re gifting it to an actual teenager or someone who still vividly remembers being one, this book offers a pitch- perfect blend of comedy, sincerity, and that unmistakable “everything feels huge at this age” energy.
Naked: The Confessions of a Normal Woman by Éloïse Marseille
Does your pal love to get all the gossip when you grab a coffee together? In her debut book author Éloïse Marseille holds nothing back, making this funny yet sweet graphic memoir the perfect read for the friend, sister, or daughter who loves to get all the details. Full of hilarious sex stories, deeply emotional moments, and plenty of embarrassing situations, this honest book will reassure them that they’re normal, too!
Little Russia by Francis Desharnais
Your uncle might know everything about World War II and the Quiet Revolution, but does he know the story of Guyenne? A small village in Abitibi, Guyenne is run as a cooperative—hence the village’s nickname of “Little Russia.” This graphic novel delves into the author’s family history to explore Quebec’s rural heritage through the lens of both grass roots socialism and early feminism.
Casa Rodeo by Thom
Thom’s wordless slapstick is deceptively simple: Casa Rodeo uses visual gags and precise, Looney-Tunes-style choreography to explore existential themes. It’s a brilliant pick for anyone who loves comics that speak through image and timing rather than text. In this volume, Thom’s crazy animal roommates get booted by their hows, when it decides it has had enough of their shenanigans, grows legs, and runs off! Fans of Jim Woodring and Hiayo Miyazaki will love this wild, magical adventure!
Lonely Boys by Sophie Bédard
Do you have a friend who you love to death? As in you literally wanna strangle her sometimes? No matter if you and your bestie are going through the drama of your twenties as we speak or it’s all just a somewhat blurry memory, both of you are sure to see a bit of yourselves in Ella, Jen, and Lucie, estranged roommates who are unexpectedly reunited in this Doug Wright Award-winning graphic novel.
Earthbound by Blonk
What starts as a laugh-out-loud comedy about a hapless zombie trying to navigate his strange new existence quietly shifts into darker territory: Friendship, trust, and the complications of desire are all examined through a surreal, unsettling lens. Gift this to someone who likes their funny and their weird — with a side of creeping unease. Great for fans of the cartoonist Jason and old-school books from Vertigo and EC Comics… Dark visions of the world grounded in believable, tragic characters.
Fruit Salad by Cathon
We all know someone who lights up whenever they see bold colours, silly jokes, or anything that leans delightfully absurd. If you’re shopping for a pal who prefers their stories playful rather than serious — the kind of person who still giggles at sight gags and unexpected asides — Cathon’s Fruit Salad is a pure treat. Bursting with charm, quirky humour, and that unmistakable Cathon energy, this book blends sweetness with just enough weirdness to keep things interesting. A perfect pick-me-up for anyone who could use a bright, happy little comic in their life.
Nunavik by Michel Hellman
Is your brother always looking for a new, off-the-beaten-path spot to visit? Is your mom an armchair traveller who loves to learn? This fascinating graphic novel follows author Michel Hellman as he visits the Inuit communities of Nunavik. With insightful observations, thoughtful conversations, and occasionally hilarious moments, this is a wonderful introduction to special place that too few of us know about.
Going Under by Zviane
Going Under is a blunt, powerful account of depression and the aftermath of a breakdown — visceral, honest, and emotionally potent. It’s the kind of book you give when you want to say “I see you” — for someone who prefers literature that confronts feelings head-on. Just don’t forget to give them a hug along with this devastating look at depression.
The Mongoose by Joana Mosi
Do you have a friend who loves a doing a deep dive in the life of a fictional character? Think of folks who dig authors like Elena Ferrante, Ling Ma, and Ottessa Moshfegh… Writers who slowly peel away the layers of their protagonist’s personality and emotional defenses to get at the core of their being. Joana Mosi’s The Mongoose is a literary, quietly powerful exploration of grief and interiority: After an unspoken tragedy, Julia unravels, haunted by a creature only she can see. It’s a slow, meticulous dive into a damaged psyche — ideal for readers who adore character studies that keep them thinking long after the last page.
Art Wars by Francis Desharnais
A sharp, imaginative satire about culture and creativity, Art Wars is built on a bold formal experiment (less than 10 individual panels are used to tell a wild story of an epic war in space and a creative crisis on Earth) and an off-kilter sense of humour. If your giftee likes their sci-fi with a wink and a clever conceptual twist, this is a neat, brainy pick. A great choice for fans of Tom Gauld’s work.
Vile and Miserable by Samuel Cantin
Do you have a friend that can’t help cracking up at the most outrageous jokes? Loves cringe humour and wildly inappropriate gags? Well, we’ve got the book for ‘em! This wildly absurdist comedy follows the trials of a literal demon who is trapped on Earth, hates his coworkers, is tortured by his evil therapist, and has what can best be called a complicated sex life. A comedy of terrors for adults only!
Pastimes by Pascal Girard
Do you have a dad in your life who instinctively notices the awkward, the tender, and the quietly hilarious moments that fill our days? Who doesn’t have all the answers, but tries their best to make it thru, one day at a time? Pascal Girard’s Pastimes is tailor-made for them. With his signature mix of dry wit and gentle self-deprecation, Girard captures snapshots of modern life that feel instantly relatable — whether you’re cringing, smiling, or both at once. It’s the perfect gift for readers who appreciate a good chuckle and the kind of comic that feels like listening to a friend tell a very good story.
Botanica Drama by Thom
We all have that friend who likes to watch the comings-and-goings of a cozy little world, and that’s just how things start out in this silent fable: A bunch of cute critters are leading peaceful lives in an adorable fantasy village. But when the Sun refuses to rise one fateful morning, the villagers find themselves trapped in eternal darkness and besieged by monsters! A surprisingly moving fantasy adventure for everyone.
Tsunami by Ned Wenlock
Looking back at youth can be funny, painful, and strangely beautiful all at once — and Tsunami holds those contradictions with sharp humour and real heart. Ned Wenlock’s debut rides the messy waves of adolescence: Bullying and violence are faced directly, but there are also tender friendships, quiet small-life moments, and the electricity of firsts. Give this to someone who’s been carrying their teenage years around in their pocket — it’ll hit them in the gut and then quietly change the way they think about the past.
Gary: King of the Pickup Artists by Alexandre Simard and Luc Bossé
Do you have a friend who’s always looking for love in all the wrong places? Fed up with the dating scene but can’t seem to give up? This laugh-out-loud-funny romantic comedy will tickle anyone who’s felt caught up in the mixed-up world of modern romance. From awkward scenes at the dance club to chance encounters on public transit, this book is full of funny and relatable moments!
Vampire Cousins by Alexandre Fontaine Rousseau and Cathon
Headed to a big family gathering this holiday season? Looking for the perfect gift for your beloved cousin who’s a bit goth… Or maybe it’s you who has the dark side? Equal parts cozy homage and bloody cute comedy, Vampire Cousins riffs on classic horror tropes with warmth and wit. It’s a loving, extremely funny tribute to vintage scares — perfect for your cousin (or anyone) who loves to binge old horror movie marathons, the campier the better. For bonus points pair this with a screening of The Brides of Dracula (1960) or The Lost Boys (1987)!
The Jellyfish by Boum
Does your friend love to get wrapped up in a dramatic story that’s full of emotions? Do they wanna laugh, swoon, and yes, cry their eyes out? This Eisner Award-winning graphic novel, chronicling a pivotal year in the life of Odette, a twenty-something, non-binary bookseller, as they fall in love while coming to terms with their worsening health problems, is sure to be one of the most moving graphic novels they’ll read this (or any) year.