Sunday, March 5, 2017

Special Topics: Graphic Novels

Comics have been an American staple since the initial popularity began in the 1930s. Graphic novels are comics in a bound form, like other hardback or paperback books found in the stacks inside libraries. A graphic novel is simply a novel in comic-strip format. The graphic novel format consists of bound books with pictures and text bubbles on top of the pictures.

Graphic novels are not a genre; they are a format. While many perceive graphic novels as superheroes and villains, graphic novels fall within every genre. April Sheppard, an advocate for graphic novels, “Comics are no longer simply men in tights— many graphic novels deal with current issues, serious subjects, and learning” (13).


Libraries are beginning to include graphic novels in their collections, but there is still a tendency to believe graphic novels are not real literature and a waste of the small budget libraries have. Despite public perception, graphic novels have a valid place in the library for many reasons. One of the most compelling arguments is the power to get unenthusiastic readers to read willingly.





Sheppard, A. (2007). Graphic novels in the library. Arkansas Libraries, 64(3), 12-16.

3 comments:

  1. Hello Taylor! I completely agree with you that graphic novels are not a genre but a format. Any genre could be represented in graphic novel form. Even non-fiction stories and information have been successfully formatted into graphic books. The quote you gave is great, and true!

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  2. I did my paper on graphic novels too! Graphic novels are great for getting reluctant readers to read, this is a great way to introduce reading to younger children who don't like to read because there are pictures and the stories are usually action packed and/or funny!

    Just curious...what other resources did you use?

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  3. I've heard a number of studies are now finding a lot of benefits to reading graphic novels. They apparently activate other connections in the brain. Here's one that I found with a simple online search from www.geekandsundry.com : Cunningham and Stanovich analyzed the language used in different mediums such as television, children’s books, adult books, and yes, comic books. They also analyze the oral language used by college graduates. In the analysis, the pair uncovered the gob-smacking fact that the language used by comics is far more advanced than that the oral communication of college graduates, and uses almost twice as many rare or difficult words! Even more remarkably, comic books often use more challenging language than children’s literature. Go to the article on the website for more info, including the actual study reference. One graphic novel that I've particularly enjoyed is Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony which is a mystery and you have to figure out what happened to the missing girl. Beware - it doesn't give you the answer, you just have to do it on your own and debate whether your right or not - super fun and fascinating!

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