The Marvels

Brian Selznick’s The Marvels (2015–present, Scholastic) is a singular, wordless graphic novel that tells a sweeping, generations-spanning story entirely through intricate black-and-white illustrations, following a family of actors and the mysterious boy who becomes entangled with their legacy. Published as a single, self-contained volume rather than an ongoing series, it showcases Selznick’s signature blend of cinematic storytelling and meticulous visual detail. Its significance lies in its bold narrative structure—a silent epic that trusts young readers to absorb complex history through images alone—and its seamless fusion of the author’s talents as both writer and artist.