Graphic Novels

Definitions

Graphic Novels and Comic Books are cousins, but not the same thing. Comic Books are stories told mostly through dialogue and are usually serial--they continue from one book to another. Graphic Novels are usually stand-alone stories that are told through the illustrations. The text is peripheral. There are exceptions of course, but for the most part this is true. For our purposes the term Graphic Novel will be used for both formats.

The East Greenbush Community Library shelves all Graphic Novels together--even the comic books that have been collected and bound into one book. We currently do not own any loose comic books. 

Resources for selecting and purchasing GNs

• Kat Kan's VOYA column is a must for those librarians looking into starting a GN collection. Her column appears in every issue of VOYA.  
• SLJ occasionally reviews GNs.
• The 101 Best Graphic Novels by Stephen Weiner is also a must-have. Weiner provides an annotated list of 101 GNs and assigns a reading level to each one. The library edition has a supplement for libraries: "Starting and Maintaining a Graphic Novel Collection." EGRN owns this, but I suggest anyone serious about starting a collection purchase a copy. 1-56163-285-6 library edition.

The best review sites are those maintained by librarians.

• Aviva Rothschild does "Comics Get Serious"
  (http://www.rationalmagic.com/Comics/Comics.html)
• Steve Raiteri does
  "Recommended Graphic Novels for Public Libraries"
  (http://my.voyager.net/~sraiteri/graphicnovels.htm).
• Librarian Robin Brenner has "No Flying, No Tights":
  (http://www.noflyingnotights.com/)    
• Comic Books for Young Adults 
  (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/lml/comics/pages/recommended.html) 
  This page is a list of recommended titles, but check out the whole site for great info on starting and justifying a collection)

Purchasing

• All the experts advise buying GNs from a comic book shop. Establishing a relationship with a local comic book store can be very beneficial. The store can recommend titles, notify you of new acquisitions, and sometimes give you a better discount. To find a store in your area, use the comic book shop locator: http://csls.diamondcomics.com/

• You can also buy direct from some websites. Diamond Comics offers a discount and free shipping to libraries: http://bookshelf.diamondcomics.com. 
• WizardWorld is both a printed magazine and a website for GN enthusiasts: http://www.wizarduniverse.com/    
• Great website defining Graphic Novels: http://www.artbomb.net/comics/introgn.jsp    

I would recommend anyone interested in Graphic Novels definitely join the Graphic Novels in Libraries Listserv: http://www.angelfire.com/comics/gnlib/
You'll get reviews and suggestions from other librarians ordering GNs.

For more links and information, see Steve Raiteri's comprehensive GN website: http://my.voyager.net/~sraiteri/comicslinks.htm

Click here for a list of Graphic Novels EGRN owns in the teen section: Graphic Novels.

We now have a brand new section of graphic novels in the adult department!