Imaginary Worlds: A shortlist of comics and kids’ books that hit different

If you’re on the lookout for books that offer a little more than just good storytelling—ones that can make you chuckle, reflect, or feel just a bit more hopeful—then this list is for you. From satirical webcomics that took off during the pandemic to gentle stories made for (and about) children, these titles celebrate imagination, community, and the many ways we navigate the world around us. Whether you want to escape into fantasy or face real-life truths with biting humor and heart, here are some graphic reads to keep you company.

Tarantadong Kalbo 1 by Kevin Eric Raymundo

Unless you had no access to social media or the internet during the pandemic, you’ve likely come across the highly popular and recognizable webcomic, Tarantadong Kalbo. This first volume, a compilation of Raymundo’s vividly illustrated strips that tackled our collective experience while in lockdown, offers biting observations and profound commentary about Philippine society, government, and even our internal struggles. A National Book Awards winner for Best Graphic Literature, the collection captures both the absurdity and anguish of uncertain times—balancing humor and horror through Raymundo’s distinct blend of reflection and satire.

Tarantadong Kalbo (Nosebleed Edition) by Kevin Eric Raymundo

While Tarantadong Kalbo is best experienced in Filipino, this English (er, nosebleed) translated compilation shows just how good Raymundo is able to visually communicate his stories. From “the nostalgia of Filipino childhood to the hijinks of everyday life,” this collection continues to be a testament to Tarantadong Kalbo’s irreverent humor while not missing a beat when it comes to social commentary.

Kommunity for Kids

Looking for different children’s books for the kids in your life? Discover 11 diverse stories in this collection by different artists and writers, including Raymandraws, Aldy C. Aguirre, Rye Antonio, Faye Villanueva, and more. Created to spark imagination and encourage community involvement, the book showcases a range of visual and narrative styles—some whimsical, others grounded in social reality.

“Mamaya Ulit” stands out with its tender and almost precious illustrations, while Villanueva’s “Treasure,” a wordless yet powerful piece, shows the harsh truths of poverty through the eyes of a child who scavenges for trash. Antonio’s ‘Ang Huling Halakhak ni Anita” and the Amagos' “Invisible Superpowers” both use the children’s book format to share important lessons and promote awareness of children’s rights, respectively. Raymandraws’ “Ito si Super Luna” is a delightful tale of imagination and resilience, showing how a young girl faces everyday discomforts with creativity and courage. 

Little Wolf by Cat S.

At first glance, Little Wolf feels light, quiet, and full of heart. But this all-ages comic by Cat S. gently howls with meaning beneath its sweet lines of dialogue and art. Set in a world where a small wolf searches for connection, the story unfolds with innocence, courage, and the kind of quiet wisdom that speaks to both kids and grown-ups. The warm, expressive art glows with a variety of dry media (colored pencils, pastel, etc.) that makes every panel feel like a safe place to land. Little Wolf is a tender reminder that kindness and empathy, even in a wild world, still matters most.

Light by Rob Cham

You’ve got here a hero armed with a sword and a map and an adventure that takes him to different parts of a world immersed in darkness. Awarded the National Book Award for Best Book of Wordless Graphic Literature in 2016, Light brilliantly shows off Cham’s skill to keep the story moving forward in well-illustrated pages without needing dialogue or narration. It offers loads of monsters to fight, treasures to uncover, and heaps of fun (even if the humor can slightly get dark) where your imagination can make the story shine even further.