Graphic Novels

The graphic novel is a format where a story is conveyed with sequential art. The graphic novel format is appealing to both reluctant and avid readers. Although Graphic Novels have been around for many decades, their acceptance in the United States as an important and popular format has only recently been recognized. Graphic Novels are written in a wide variety of genres and subjects. A title may be a stand-alone volume or a collected run of a comic book series. They may be either fiction or nonfiction. Because some or all of the action is played out visually, it is immediate in its representation, much like a film. The graphic novel has worldwide popularity, with many foreign books being translated into English, particularly from France, Japan, and Korea. Readers should be aware that there may be cultural differences reflected in both the art and writing of the graphic novel.

Graphic Novels can be found in the teenZone and adult collections. Teen and Adult Services staff members are trained to assist teens and adults with choosing developmentally appropriate materials for young people, but it is the responsibility of the parents or other care-giving adults to determine which materials are appropriate for their child. Graphic Novels for teen readers (ages 12-16) are placed in the teenZone Graphic Novel collection. Graphic Novels for mature readers (older than 17 years) are placed in the Graphic Novel collection.

For further information about and/or reviews of graphic novels check out these Web sites:

• Comics worth reading
  Includes thoughtful reviews and recommendations along with graphic novel news and site founder Johanna Draper Carlson’s entertaining blog. Johanna take a special interest in reviewing and recommending comics by women.
• List of award winning graphic novels
  Comprehensive list of graphic novels that have either been nominated or won awards both nationally and internationally. Compiled and maintained by Joel Hahn.
• No Flying No Tights
  Founded by librarian Robin Brenner, this graphic novel review and news Web site is divided into three main parts: Sidekicks (for kids), No Flying No Tights (for teens), and The Lair (for older teens and adults). This Web site is helpful in determining what graphic novels may be appropriate for and of interest to readers of different maturity levels.