Graphic Novels: A Genre Guide to Comic Books, Manga, And More

by Michael Pawuk

Adding graphic novels to your library collection is a surefire way to boost circulation and build customer loyalty. But with thousands of graphic novels being published annually and no sign of a slowdown, how do you determine which graphic novels to purchase, and which to recommend to teen and adult readers? This guide is intended to help you start, update, or maintain a graphic novel collection and advise readers about the genre. It covers more than 2,400 titles, including series titles, and organizes them according to genre, subgenre, and theme-from super-heroes and adventure to crime, humor, and nonfiction. Reading levels, awards/recognition, and core titles are identified; and tie-ins with gaming, film, anime, and television are noted. Grade 6 through adult. In addition, it will cite resources for learning more about the genre, and provide information on awards. Hundreds of images illustrate the guide.

Genres: Nonfiction, Graphic Novels

633 pages, Hardcover

First published December 30, 2006

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent info source - I added nine books to my TBR:
- Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites, Evan Dorkin
- Sherlock Holmes vs. Zombies, Ian Edginton
- Colder, Paul Tobin
- Too Cool to be Forgotten, Alex Robinson
- Space Battle Lunchtime, Natalie Riess
- Pet Avengers, Chris Eliopoulos
- Ex Machina, Brian Vaughn
- Rocket Raccoon, Skottie Young
- Injustice: Gods Among Us, Tom Tayor

[Crabbygirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

i used to be one of the naysayers who said that graphic novels were nothing but thicker comic books and there a waste of both library shelf space and money. then i read blankets, a coming of age story that using illustrations and i fell in love with the genre. this guide tackles the old me, and the many naysayers still out there... it also addresses the potential pitfall of the graphic novel: assuming something in the comic book family is suitable for children. (i made that mistake with blankets as well - passing it to my daughter before reading it myself. the content was NOT age appropriate!)

anyhow, this is a great reference to have as it divides the genre into categories, then lists the general concept and any award the work has won. it also lists the appropriate ages - and this is where it is a keeper.

i'll be using this reference to find my next reads - i'm especially fond of 2 of the 9 categories that author has laid out: non-fiction and contemporary life. these titles are often hard to find buried amongst all the superheroes, fantasy, and alternate worlds.

[Tawnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great tool for readers advisory.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

great resource for adding graphic novels to a school curriculum or anywhere. Broken down by genre, subject, includes ratings, etc

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent ready reference text on graphic novels and comics.

[Vee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide, many comic books I want to check out!