Time Travel Back to the 1970s With These Graphic Novels

Time Travel Back to the 1970s With These Graphic Novels

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Eileen’s primary literary love is comic books, but she’s always on the lookout for her next literary adventure no matter what form it takes. She has a Bachelor’s in media studies, a Master’s in digital communication, a smattering of published short stories, and a seriously cute dog. Follow her on Bluesky.

Today, I have a couple of great new comics out this week, plus some must-read graphic novels about the 1970s! These comics will take you back to the era of expensive gas, flagrant political corruption, and environmental destruction. So how is it different from today? Well, back then, they had no cell phones…

Bookish Goods

A black t-shirt with a comic book panel featuring a head holding a gun and a word balloon that says

Vintage Retro Comic Shirt by TheCryptoZoo

Sure to be a hit on this year’s comic-con circuit, this shirt comes in sizes from small to 5XL. $18+

New Graphic Novel Releases Out This Week

How It All Ends cover

How it All Ends by Emma Hunsinger

When Tara, a chronic daydreamer, goes straight from seventh grade to ninth, the real world comes crashing down around her ears. The only positive that she can see is Libby, a classmate who makes Tara feel happier even as she struggles to define their relationship. In the end, it’s up to Tara to make her high school experience a worthwhile one.

I Am Iron Man cover

I Am Iron Man by Murewa Ayodele and Dotun Akande

Given recent developments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, now is the perfect time to grab this collection, which reimagines some of Tony Stark’s earliest adventures as the troubled, controversial, but generally well-meaning Armored Avenger — and just in time for the 60th anniversary of Shellhead’s debut in Tales of Suspense #39, too.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Graphic Novels Set in the 1970s

Cover of Hoops by Tavares

Hoops by Matt Tavares

Things aren’t perfect for female athletes today (see the transphobic mess engulfing Algerian boxer Imane Khelif), but in 1975, despite Title IX, many faced even greater hurdles. This graphic novel focuses on a fictional high school basketball team whose members — all girls, as well as a female coach — make do with few resources and even less community support…and find a way to thrive regardless.

Julie and the Blue Guitar cover

Julie and the Blue Guitar by Casey Gilly and Felia Hanakata

American Girl fans of all ages will enjoy this historical mystery! In 1977, Julie’s biggest interests are helping animals and finding some missing items, including a blue guitar. In 2024, Emma finds Julie’s diary and decides to pick up where Julie left off. Can these two unique but equally determined girls solve the case together?

If you’re interested in international sports, I hope you’ve managed to carve some time out of your busy schedule to watch the Olympics! I’ve been enjoying the gymnastics, beach volleyball, and little bits of archery and soccer, too.

If you’re reading this newsletter online and want comics recommendations in your inbox, sign up for The Stack here.

Share this post:

Sign up
and download your free eBook.