In case reading the list wasn’t enough, you can now listen to The Hottest Graphic Novels of 2012 panel from BEA, which featured Brigid Alverson, Good Comics for Kids; Emily Pullen, Skylight Books; Josh Christie, Sherman’s Books and Stationery; Karen Green, Columbia University and yr, humble narrator.
correct link:
http://bookexpocast.com/2012/06/28/the-hottest-graphic-novels-of-2012/