Going

GraphicAn Overview of Graphic Novels

Towson UniversityISTC 615.001

Tracy PapinchockKelly ShepherdLaura Stemler

Erin Traub

What is a graphic novel?

• The term comic book is used to describe the overall format.

• A graphic novel is longer in length than a traditional comic book. While many graphic novels contain complete stories, others are part of an ongoing series.

• All graphic novels are comic books, but not all comic books are graphic novels.

Comic Book Graphic NovelRecognized for its superheroes Similar to a traditional novel

Also has a range of fiction and nonfiction work

Longer than the typical periodical comic book

Story or narrative presented with words and pictures

Tends to last longer in circulation due to better binding and paper quality in production

The pictures are multiple images per page as opposed to single images generally used in picture books.

Is a single and complete story

Term used to describe format itself and periodical form

Type of comic book format

Periodical form tends to be serial, miniseries, maxi series, and ongoing. What you usually think of when you hear the term "comic book”

• Graphic novels are an art form, not a genre (Carter, 2009).

• Graphic novels encompass both fiction and nonfiction.

How are graphic novels

classified?

Types of Graphic Novels

Superhero Stories

Nonfiction History Science

BiographiesAdaptations or Spin-Offs

Satire

Manga

Human Interest Stories

Source: Weiner (2002)

Sources Used: Butcher, K. T., & Manning, M. L. (2004). Bringing Graphic

Novels into a School’s Curriculum. The Clearing House, 78(2), 67-71. Retrieved October 17, 2009 from Wilson Web database.

Carter, J. B. (2009). Going Graphic. Educational Leadership, 66(6), 68-72. Retrieved October 17, 2009 from Wilson Web database.

Dickinson, G. (2007). The question: Where should I shelve graphic novels?. Knowledge Quest, 35(5), 56-57. Retrieved October 17, 2009 from Wilson Web database.

Sources Used:

Lyga, A. A. W., & Lyga, B. (2004) Graphic Novels in Your Media Center. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

Mooney, M. (2002). Graphic novels: How they can work in libraries. Book Report, 21(3), 18-19. Retrieved on October 17, 2009 from Wilson Web database.

Sources Used:

Rudiger, H. M., & Schliesman, M. (2007). Graphic Novels and School Libraries. Knowledge Quest, 36(2), 57-59. Retrieved October 17, 2009 from Wilson Web database.

Schwartz, G. E. (2002). Graphic Novels for Multiple Literacies. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy 46(3), 262-265. Retrieved October 17, 2009 from Wilson Web database.

Weiner, S. (2002). Beyond Superheroes: Comics Get Serious. Library Journal, 127(2), 55-58. Retrieved October 17, 2009 from Wilson Web database.