The Hobbit

 Tolkien, J.R.R., illustrated by David Wenzel. The Hobbit. 2012. 134p. ISBN 978-0-345-44560-5. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Bilbo Baggins lives a quiet hobbit life in a house under the hill, where good food and good tobacco can be found. When he greets Gandalf the Wizard on a sunny morning, little does he know that he's about to embark on a dangerous but very profitable adventure. For you see, most hobbits find adventures repellent, and they much prefer sticking close to home, with all of its comforts, than galavanting out in the wilderness. 

When Gandalf mentions that he's looking for an adventurous hobbit, Bilbo politely declines the invitation, but he is then surprised when a large group of dwarves end up at his home the following day. Having been gathered by Gandalf, the dwarves are on a mission to recuperate the treasure in their former home under the mountain, where Smaug the dragon now dwells. They need a burglar, someone who is skilled at quietly retrieving items, and they think Bilbo fits the bill.

Convinced despite his misgivings, Bilbo accompanies the dwarves on what turns out to be the adventure of a lifetime, with encounters with trolls, goblins elves, and a large red dragon. Dangers abound at every corner, but through it all Bilbo's resiliency and grit allows him to survive and eventually return home richer and wiser.

One of the earliest fantasy book, and the precursor to Lord of the Rings, this graphic novel version of the Hobbit does a fantastic job of illustrating this wonderful tale and visually recreating the rich world that is Middle Earth.