This document provides an overview of graphic novels and comics. It defines graphic novels as complete stories bound in a single volume, which can be original works or adaptations from comic book series. Comics are periodicals published monthly that advance ongoing storylines. The document traces the history and evolution of graphic novels, discusses how to read their visual storytelling techniques, and provides examples of popular works that have inspired movies. It also lists some prominent graphic novel creators and titles.

1. “For real?
That’s From A Comic??”:
Graphic Novels in Film
(Plus information on how to read graphic novels and manga)
Animusic's Heavy Light

2. What is a Graphic Novel?
A complete, book length story
that is bound in one volume.
Graphic novels can either be
original or reprinted material
from monthly comic books.

3. Comic Books?
Comic books are periodicals (serials). They are
produced monthly and usually have a good
amount of action that progresses the story
line forward to the next issue.

4. A Bit of History:
Graphic Novels grew up in the late
1970’s and early 1980’s and attempted to
create a sophisticated story, told in
comic style panels, in one full-length
book.

5. Today’s graphic novels are serious works
of fiction and non-fiction that strive
toward the status of literature.

6. How do you read a graphic novel? All the
panes and panels are so confusing!

7. Stevenson High School handout
How To Read a Graphic Novel more detailed exam

8. Okay. I get that. What’s the backward
deal with all the Manga?

9. Navigating Manga Panels

10. They really make movies From comic
books…err…um…Graphic Novels??
Come on!

11. Recognize any of these?

12. What about these?

13. What Do You Think Inspired These?

16. Why is this genre so popular?
• I Need A Hero
• Why are we looking for
heroes?
• What is happening in the
world? Politically?
Economically?

17. Who are THESE guys??
• Warren Ellis (RED)
• John Wagner (A History
of Violence)
• Mark Millar (Wanted)
• Grant Morrison (Arkham
Asylum)
• Stan Lee (Avengers,
Daredevil, Iron Man,
Hulk, Thor, Black
Panther)
• Max Allen Collins (Road
to Perdition)
• Alan Moore (From Hell, V
for Vendetta,
Watchmen)
• Frank Miller (Sin City,
300, The Spirit)Kevin Grevioux (I, Frankenstein)

18. Do you know….
Erika Alexander Concrete Park
Fillbach Brothers Cadaver
Dogs of Winter, Captain
Freebird, Star Wars
Tim Fielder Matty’s Rocket

19. Graphic Novel Titles
•All-Ages Titles: books are intended for
readers of all ages, but are produced with
children in mind. Examples – Alison Dare,
Little Miss Adventures, The Batman
Adventures and Simpsons.
•Mainstream Titles: comprise the majority of
titles. Often focused on superheroes, these
titles are suitable for older children and
teenagers, but may contain violence, strong
language, and provocative images of women.
Examples – Fantastic Four, Superman and
Wonder Woman.

20. Professional & Trade Journals
•The Shy Librarian – Stephen Weiner’s
column.
•Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) – has a
long-running column, “Graphically Speaking,”
appears in every issue.
•WIZARD Magazine – often described as the
People magazine of the comic book world.
•Reviews also appear in School Library
Journal, Booklist, and Publisher’s Weekly.

21. Websites about Comics &
Graphic Novels
• Comic books for young adults: a guide for librarians:
http://ulib.buffalo.edu/libraries/units/lml/comics/pages/in
dex.html
• The comics get serious: http://
www.rationalmagic.com/comics/comics.html
• Librarians guide to anime and manga:
www.koyagi.com/Libguide.html