The Academics of
Graphic Novels
Andrew Shuping
October 2013
COMO 2013

We tend to think

But they are

What will we be covering?
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Why graphic novels in general?
How to build a collection
How do they support the curriculum?
How to market it

So...why images?

Images Rock!

Today

But why pictures instead of
text??

We have this
ABRAHAM: Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?
SAMPSON: I do bite my thumb, sir.
ABRAHAM: Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?
SAMPSON: [Aside to GREGORY] Is the law of our
side, if I sayay?
GREGORY: No.
SAMPSON: No, sir, I do not bite my thumb at you,
sir, but I bite my thumb, sir.
GREGORY: Do you quarrel, sir?
ABRAHAM: Quarrel sir! no, sir.

...versus this

This...
We called each other names, over and over
again, like “you son of a b*****” and “ni***
lover”
We each tried to do everything we could to
test ourselves, to break each other’s spirits
. We tried to dehumanize each other, by
throwing water and blowing smoke in each
other’s faces.

...versus this

But why the library??
There are all kinds of arguments for and
against having graphic novels.
All you need to know is this...

For every book there is a reader

Building the collection...

Partner with...

Start basic...

Have a policy...

Sell, sell, sell!

Supporting the curriculum
Just like any other book they can, will, and
should support the curriculum

Graphic novels have...

Superman is...

But what if...

or this?

Showing travel...

Marketing

Displays

Events...

Partnership

Book Group!

Questions?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76283035@N00/1507585665/

Thank you!
I can be found at:
ashuping.net
Link for my presentation will be located on
my webpage

Resources
Scott McCloud: Understanding Comics;
Reinventing Comics
No Flying, No Tights
Graphic Novel Reporter
First Second Blog
Comics Alliance
CLDBF

Images Used
Slide 2: http://booksforallfoundation.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/graphicnovels_11-297v6n3.jpg
Slide 3: http://www.flickr.com/photos/47066874@N00/3210908039/; http://www.flickr.
com/photos/29449417@N00/4439045692/; http://www.flickr.com/photos/83346641@N00/4820274356/
Slide 6: Scott McCloud Understanding Comics
Slide 8: Images from ARTstor
Slide 9: Clipart
Slide 10: http://www.blog.mamasturnnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ice-storm-sign.jpg
Slide 11: http://www.flickr.com/photos/96526303@N00/3651344537/
Slide 15: John Lewis, March Book One
Slide 17: http://www.flickr.com/photos/99175982@N00/2713829722/; http://www.flickr.
com/photos/95407935@N00/366647015/; http://www.comicbookmom.com/2012/09/assemble-avengers-family-fun-night.html
Slide 18: http://www.flickr.com/photos/37803129@N00/2436481628/
Slide 19: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wellingtoncollege/9932262626/
Slide 20: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29635150@N00/542826344/
Slide 21: http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/09/cake-inc-establishing-policies/
slide 22: http://superchargemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Sellsellsell.jpg
Slide 23: http://www.flickr.com/photos/10816734@N03/9576553735/
Slide 24:: http://www.flickr.com/photos/34271620@N00/255198625/; http://www.flickr.
com/photos/95141439@N00/52549306/; http://www.flickr.com/photos/37996577120@N01/125130703/Slide 29: http://www.
jeffbullas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/5-Cool-Content-Marketing-Infographics-You-Shouldn%E2%80%99t-Miss.jpg
Slide 25: http://www.comicvine.com/superman/4005-1807/
Slide 28: Lucy Knisley and Lucy Bellwood works
Slide 31: http://www.lib.montana.edu/displays/meta/img/07graphicnovel1.jpg
Slide 33: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9682929@N03/4204593949/
Slide 34: http://ryepubliclibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/figure-reading.jpg
Slide 35: http://www.flickr.com/photos/76283035@N00/1507585665/