Who are the best contemporary graphic novelists?

 There are many incredible contemporary graphic novelists working today, spanning a variety of genres, styles, and themes. Here are some of the best and most influential graphic novelists, known for their innovative storytelling and artistic contributions:

1. Alan Moore

• Notable Works: Watchmen, V for Vendetta, From Hell
• Alan Moore is a legendary figure in the world of graphic novels. While he began his career in comics, his graphic novels are often regarded as literary masterpieces, blending social commentary, philosophical depth, and intricate narrative structures.

2. Chris Ware

• Notable Works: Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth, Building Stories
• Chris Ware is known for his meticulous, almost architectural artwork and emotionally resonant, often tragic stories. His works delve into themes of isolation, suburban life, and the human condition.

3. Lynda Barry

• Notable Works: Fun House, What It Is, Making Comics
• Lynda Barry's work is playful yet profound, with a strong focus on creativity, memory, and personal expression. Her illustrations are whimsical, and she often explores the intersection of art and storytelling.

4. Marjane Satrapi

• Notable Works: Persepolis, Embroideries
• Satrapi's Persepolis, a graphic memoir about her childhood in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution, is an essential work in contemporary graphic novels. Her storytelling mixes personal experiences with political commentary and cultural exploration.

5. Jeffrey Brown

• Notable Works: Clumsy, A Matter of Life, Darth Vader and Son
• Jeffrey Brown is known for his semi-autobiographical comics, which often explore relationships, love, and self-discovery. His light-hearted yet deeply relatable works have made him a popular figure in the indie comics scene.

6. Mariko Tamaki

• Notable Works: This One Summer (with Jillian Tamaki), Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me (with Rosemary Valero-O'Connell)
• Mariko Tamaki's works frequently explore themes of adolescence, identity, and emotional complexity. Her collaborations with her cousin, Jillian Tamaki, as well as her work with Rosemary Valero-O'Connell, have received critical acclaim.

7. Jillian Tamaki

• Notable Works: SuperMutant Magic Academy, This One Summer (with Mariko Tamaki)
• As an artist, Jillian Tamaki's expressive illustrations are often praised for their emotional depth and fluidity. Her work frequently centers on themes of youth, self-identity, and the struggles of growing up.

8. Raina Telgemeier

• Notable Works: Smile, Drama, Sisters
• Raina Telgemeier has become one of the most popular graphic novelists for young readers. Her works are personal and relatable, often dealing with issues such as growing up, family relationships, and self-esteem.

9. Daniel Clowes

• Notable Works: Ghost World, Wilson, David Boring
• Daniel Clowes' works are often characterized by their dark humor, sharp satire, and exploration of alienation and disillusionment. Ghost World remains one of his most famous and influential works.

10. Emma Ríos

• Notable Works: I.D., The Wicked + The Divine (with Kieron Gillen), Mirror
• Emma Ríos is known for her beautifully rendered art and innovative storytelling, often blending genres like fantasy, sci-fi, and magical realism. She has worked on numerous successful series, including The Wicked + The Divine.

11. Tyler Boss

• Notable Works: 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank (with Matthew Rosenberg)
• Tyler Boss is known for his dynamic art and storytelling that often plays with genre conventions. His collaboration with Matthew Rosenberg in 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank mixes humor with crime and heist elements.

12. Julie Doucet

• Notable Works: My New York Diary, Dirty Plotte
• Julie Doucet is a groundbreaking feminist cartoonist whose raw and experimental work often explores themes of sexuality, identity, and urban life. Her works have influenced many contemporary artists in the indie comic scene.

13. Kazu Kibuishi

• Notable Works: Amulet series
• Kazu Kibuishi’s Amulet series is an immensely popular work in the realm of children's graphic novels, blending fantasy, adventure, and beautiful, intricate artwork. The series has garnered a large, dedicated following and is one of the most beloved in its genre.

14. Nina Bunjevac

• Notable Works: Fatherland, Vera
• Nina Bunjevac’s works often tackle themes of family, history, and politics, with a focus on her experiences growing up in Yugoslavia. Her art is intricate, and her storytelling combines autobiography with historical fiction.

15. Dash Shaw

• Notable Works: Bottomless Belly Button, The Unclothed Man in the 35th Century A.D.
• Dash Shaw’s works are known for their unique, experimental art style and surreal narratives. He often explores relationships, emotions, and the passage of time in highly unconventional ways.

16. Craig Thompson

• Notable Works: Blankets, Goodbye, Chunky Rice
• Craig Thompson’s Blankets is a landmark graphic novel, celebrated for its beautiful, introspective art and its exploration of family, faith, and adolescence. His style is tender and evocative.

17. Samantha Irby

• Notable Works: We Are Never Meeting in Real Life (graphic memoir segments)
• Known for her humor writing, Samantha Irby has also ventured into graphic storytelling, where her witty and candid observations on life, relationships, and mental health come to life with wit and sarcasm.

18. Tilly Walden

• Notable Works: Spinning, Are You Listening?
• Tilly Walden's evocative, dreamlike artwork and introspective narratives have made her a rising star in contemporary graphic novels. Her works often explore themes of identity, love, and memory.

These authors are just a handful of the brilliant minds in contemporary graphic novels. The medium has never been more diverse, with graphic novels addressing everything from memoirs and politics to science fiction and fantasy. Depending on your taste, there are certainly many other authors you could explore. Let me know if you'd like recommendations tailored to specific genres or styles!