Graphic Novels

The phrase "graphic novel" was coined to describe a new type of illustrated story distinct from the mass-produced comic books based on superheroes and aimed at a juvenile audience.  The Humanities Department does not carry single-issue comic books, but does own the following:

• Comics:  collections of newspaper comic strips, such as Peanuts, Calvin and Hobbes, and Doonesbury.
  • Compilations of older, classic strips, such as Batman and Superman.
  • Historical and critical works on comics and their place in society.

• Manga:  multi-volume comics, often reproduced to be read from back to front, as in the original Japanese.
  • Series such as Love Hina, Nana, Samurai Executioner, and Path of the Assassin, among others.
  • Works by "the god of manga," Osamu Tezuka (Buddha, Phoenix).
  • Manga for younger readers (Naruto, Yu-Gi-Oh!, W Juliet, etc.) are located in the Young Adult Collection.

• Graphic Novels:  book-length works that deal with subjects ranging from fantasy to personal narratives.
  • Includes works by representative authors such as Will Eisner (A Contract With God), R. Crumb, Harvey Pekar (American Splendor), Marjane Satrapi (Persepolis), and Alan Moore (Watchmen).
  • Books offering history and criticism of graphic novels, including "best of" listings, are also in Humanities. 
  • Films adapted from graphic novels can be found in the Sights and Sounds Department.