Graphic Novels

What is a graphic novel?  
Graphic novels are not just comic books and superhero stories, although some can be collection of a comic book series. Graphic novels are complete books told in comic form. The graphics add to the story. Graphic novels come in various forms, eg. magna and anime, and genres: romance, humor, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, realistic fiction, fairy tales, historical fiction, and non-fiction.


Key Terms:

Anime: The Japanese word for animation. Used in English to describe the style of artwork/animation that is produced in Japan.

Comics: Usually refers to the single issue paper-based books.

Eisner Award: An award given to the best comic book published each year.

Manga: The Japanese word for comics. Japanese "anime" styled comic book.

Manwha: The Korean word for comics or graphic novel; similar to manga.

Otaku: In Western culture this word is used to describe "extreme" anime fans; in Japan this term is used to refer to those who have no other interests outside of their obsession.

Shoujo: The Japanese word for girl. Shoujo manga is aimed at a female audience.

Shounen: The Japanese word for boy. Shounen manga targets a male audience.

Trade Paperback: Collected editions of several existing issues of a comic book, usually issues that combine to tell a complete story.


Recommended Titles:

Electric Girl by Michael Brennan

Astro City: Life in the Big City by Kurt Busiek

Tellos: Reluctant Heroes by Todd Dezago

Clan Apis by Jay Hosler

Vogelein: Clockwork Faerie by Jan Irwin

Castle Waiting: The Lucky Road by Linda Medley

Nausciaa of the Valley Wind by Hayao Miyazaki

Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things by Ted Naifeh

Bone: Out from Boneville by Jeff Smith

Marmalade Boy by Wataru Yoshizumi

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recommended for grades 9-12:

Distant Soil by Colleen Doran

Fagin the Jew by Will Eisner

Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman

Mai the Psychic Girl by Kazuya Kudo

Bulletproof Monk by Brett Lewis

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Age of Bronze: A Thousand Ships by Eric Shanower

Maus: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman

Blankets by Craig Thompson

Hopeless Savages by Jen Van Meter
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