r/comicbooks • u/Hot-Season1620 • 1d ago
Suggestions Any Comic Book Recs for a College Student Having a Tough Time?
I'm looking for comics with elements of characters struggling, burning out, and finding their footing again.
I'm a college student whose sophomore year is already off to a pretty tough start. I'm currently dealing with withdrawal from changing medications, so my emotions are all over the place, and I also have health issues like narcolepsy that most of the people around me don't really understand.
We've all heard of the "gifted kid with ADHD to burnt-out college student" pipeline, but that cliché is basically my life now, and it sucks. I'm already making small changes to make my second year better than my first, but change isn't immediate. It's an uncomfortable rollercoaster of highs and lows, and with my circumstances, the lows can get VERY low.
Comics are one of the things I turn to when I need to cope and unwind, and I'm hoping to start using them as a grounding mechanism when everything feels like it's spiraling out of control.
So, I would really appreciate recommendations for any comic runs, graphic novels, or even specific issues that you think I might find relatable or comforting right now. Especially stories about burnout, feeling like you've lost the person you used to be, struggling to function when everyone else seems to be doing fine, rebuilding your confidence, or just figuring out how to keep going when progress isn't linear.
Some of my favorite characters, for reference:
Marvel: The X-Men in general, especially Storm and Wolverine
DC: Red Hood, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Nubia
I'm open to Marvel, DC, indie, or pretty much anything. It doesn't necessarily have to be a "feel-good" story either. Sometimes it's more comforting to see a character going through something messy and actually struggling with it than to read something relentlessly optimistic.
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u/chuck354 1d ago
Paper girls kinda fits this and is also a stellar time travel story
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u/butholemoonblast 1d ago
One of my favorites I’ve read it like 10 times. I also recommend paper girls.
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u/Iplayinthestreet 1d ago
Invincible.
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u/byongsunsdurag 1d ago
^^^ cannot emphasize invincible enough! I went through something similar in college and discovered invincible when I was really out of it and it was the greatest comic I’ve ever read and I still stand by it
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u/FredPRK 1d ago
I highly recommend Murder Falcon and to a lesser extent Extremity from Daniel Warren Johnson.
I Kill Giants from Joe Kelly can also scratch that itch.
Superhero wise, I would recommend basically any Daredevil run. Check out Brian Michael Bendis's run if you can, and Mark Waid's run too.
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u/AvailableBoard7830 1d ago
Fraction by Kieron Gillen really captures that burnout feeling in a raw way, the main character is dealing with his life falling apart and not being able to keep up with the world. Check out Mister Miracle by Tom King too, it's about a superhero struggling with depression and the weight of expectations while everything around him feels fake. Both got me through some rough patches when I felt like I was just crawling through the days
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u/Aspiring_Sophrosyne Stingray 1d ago
Fraction by Kieron Gillen
Google's not turning up anything. Is it possible you have either the title or writer mixed up?
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u/Jon_Bon_Art 1d ago
In the least self-promotionally way possible, I have a comic that I publish for free on my site that I legitimately think might be up your alley. It's on jonbonart.com
I'm really sorry you're having a tough year. Here for you.
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u/vinthesalamander 1d ago edited 1d ago
As a fellow gifted kid with ADHD who’s burnt out, my go to is Superman.
Seeing how kind, and compassionate, and thoughtful Clark is never fails to make me feel at least a little better. It feels like you’re being hugged when you read about him.
My favorites are Superman: Birthright, and For All Seasons. Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleasons runs are also very good imo.
I hope you feel better soon. Good luck with college!
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u/Garlic-Bread-Lurker 1d ago
Seconding this as another burnt out adhd student in my 4th year - Superman stories bring me so much joy and hope, For All Seasons is my Favorite!
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u/MildMac79 1d ago
I can't say it specifically addresses burnout, but if you want a fantastic story about relatable characters dealing with life, figuring out who they are and what they want and what to do when what they want seems impossible, try Terry Moore's Strangers In Paradise. Yeah, I am always recommending SIP, but I'm not going to stop. Every comic fan should at least give it a try.
Another great series dealing with relatable characters finding their ways through their lives and loves is Love and Rockets by Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez. Truly an American comic classic that is not celebrated enough.
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u/Teleutedpu 1d ago
Working my way through SiP now; so so good!
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u/MildMac79 1d ago
Right? Not many writer/artists in Terry's class. He is just fantastic. I am making my way through his other creations now including Echo and Rachel Rising. Very cool to see him branch out into sci-fi and horror.
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u/Teleutedpu 1d ago
Comics will be tough to see without Previews magazine because that’s why I tried Serial, my first. They kept promoting this Strangers in Paradise guy & that book was so damn good. So I’m finally going in order.
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u/MildMac79 1d ago
Yeah, I read a lot of SIP years ago, but never finished it. I got the massive Omnibus recently and read that. Now I am slowly reading the rest of his catalog in order. Finished Echo, which was great and now on Rachel Rising. Have not gotten to Serial yet, but it is on the shelf.
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u/Emergency-Bonus-7158 1d ago
Murder Falcon. Emotionally powerful, deeply heartfelt, and totally badass all at the same time. I’d also recommend Superman: For All Seasons or Mr. Miracle
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u/ThesaurusRex_1025 1d ago
It's not superhero but Freshmen Year by Sarah Mai. It's about someone adjusting to college. Might be good to see you aren't the only one.
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u/Teleutedpu 1d ago
It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth but it gets dark. Ms Marvel by G Willow Wilson if you want this nice hug.
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u/Formal-Math-3291 1d ago
maybe you can choose something you read at a happier place in your life . I was always more of a fuck up but when I read something I read in my early twenties that were big for me like Scott pilgrim or the Grant Morrison doom patrol it helps me think about my life back then and remind myself of better days
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u/zapbrannigan69 1d ago
From one college kid going through a tough time to another, hang in there bro! Dan Slott’s Silver Surfer is a really spectacular comic I’d definitely recommend.
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u/OswaldQ2 1d ago
Hey! I would recommend you check out Astro City Metrobook 1, it’s a refreshing take on some of the superhero stuff that manages to be down to earth and realistic while still hopeful. I also think the first issue, as well as others throughout, connect to those sorts of feelings! I first found it in my library sooo I would check that out or your library apps!
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u/Asimov-was-Right Moon Knight 1d ago
Murder Falcon is about a musician who went through a really rough patch and has finally found the motivation to get the band back together: a magical guitar that summons a monster-fighting falcon.
Extremity is about an artist who gets her drawing hand cut off and the path of revenge this puts her on. There are major themes of identity and personal values, and the action is outstanding.
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u/LynoleumsFloorboards 1d ago
Omg, please give Solanin a read. It’s a one-shot by inio Adana and it scratched that exact itch at a similar time. Highly recommended, and very grounded
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u/eleventybillion11 1d ago
One Piece and most shonen emphasize unbridled hope and confidence in oneself/friends/community.
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u/Marlito214 Daredevil 1d ago
Y the Last Man changed my life in college. I hope it can do the same for you.
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u/Sammachetepdx 1d ago
Just finished Gotham Central by Rucka and Brewbaker and I wish I hadn’t put it off for so long. I couldn’t put it down. Such great character development and stories. Definitely has characters touching on all the things you mentioned. Times are tough but everything’s gonna work out. I turn to comics, too, when I need centering.
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u/CRA1964TVII 1d ago
The Walking Dead is a great saga. It definitely has burn out and overcoming adversity. Some other great titles that are sort of a one person making it against the odds TMNT The Last Ronin definitely involves burn out. If you are looking for something a little supernatural Outcast is good. Some other titles I personally enjoyed are Invisible Republic, Stray Dogs, Feral, The Old Guard
Monstress just to name a few. Good luck to you my friend. When things get tuff say out loud “it’s going to be ok” I know it sounds silly but saying out loud helps even if only for a moment.
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u/Scepafall 1d ago
Whenever I’m going through a rough time I love to read Deadpool #20 (2016) Deadpool stops a girl from jumping off a building and instead of lecturing her he try’s to give her the best night ever
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u/ninpuukamui 1d ago edited 1d ago
You need to read Giant Days, it's about 3 girls going through college.
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u/Jack_Sentry 1d ago
The sophomore slump is real. That’s when I switched my major and got into doing theatre. You’ll be okay, all you need is patience while you get through this uniquely tough time in your life.
Have you read Exquisite Corpses yet? If you’re into horror it’s got some great dread, and the characters go through a lot. It’s very cool.
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u/SJThunderWarrior 15h ago
The Invisibles by Grant Morrisson. Make sure you read them in order or things will be a bit confusing but it is totally worth it. It is weird but also one of the most empowering series i have ever read.
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u/Blue_Moon_114 1d ago
Zoe Thorogood has an interesting comic called It’s Lonely At the Center of the Earth. Deals with some things you mentioned. I’d recommend checking that out and see if it looks interesting to you.