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The explosion of artistic expression and the breadth are but a few subjects recounted in graphic format—if there’s a
of subject matter in the current comics scene are astounding. college course about it, there’s probably a comic about it, too.
In fact, it is entirely possible to create a microcosm of your
library within the graphic novel collection that ref lects your CULTIVATING THE COLLECTION
patronage, emphasizes diverse experiences, and provides In the world of comics, where ongoing story lines develop over
popular works alongside titles ripe for discovery. The bal- the course of a series of individual single issues, Marvel and DC
ance will look different from library to library, but there are are superhero stalwarts, while Vertigo, Image, Dark Horse, and
a few things to keep in mind when building an effective core Fantagraphics trend toward envelope-pushing and experimen-
collection. tation. One-off graphic novels are largely the province of inde-
pendent publishers such as Canada-based Drawn & Quarterly
STYLE & SUBSTANCE and the UK’s NoBrow. Imprints supported by major publishing
Graphic novels creators come from many backgrounds, and houses, such as Macmillan’s First Second and Penguin Random
this is reflected in the stories they tell and the art they create. House’s Pantheon, choose titles thoughtfully for wide appeal.
Seek out titles that challenge expectations of the format and Niche publishers such as Microcosm and self-published works
expand readers’ horizons. For example, Luke Pearson’s chil- may also fit well in the collection—personal voice holds a spe-
dren’s series “Hilda” has an artistic impact on par with Brecht cial appeal in graphic novels.
Evens’s high-concept Panther. Graphic memoirs can provide Combining comics classics with lesser-known works will also
perspective on world events. Riad Sattouf’s “The Arab of the add richness. New entries often reflect on or expand upon themes
Future” trilogy tells the history of the author’s uneasy Syrian in older works. Some examples include pairing Holocaust stories
childhood. Many readers know manga well but not always its such as Art Spiegelman’s Maus with Jérémie Dres’s Polish pilgrim-
broad potential—Shigeru Mizuki’s Showa provides a detailed age We Won’t See Auschwitz, or coupling Linda Medley’s sweet
multivolume history of modern Japan. Consider the literal epic Castle Waiting with Noelle Stevenson’s giddy fantasy Nimona.
world of cartoonists as you craft your holdings. Politics, history, Collect with an eye to various audiences, from prereaders to
science, journalism, immigration, philosophy, and true crime adults. Graphic novels are often separated into adult, YA, and chil-
dren’s, with more mature (often sexual or violent) content in the
Emilia Packard, MLIS, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, realm of older readers. Oftentimes, challenging subjects may be
has worked in a variety of libraries and archives. Her deep dive into approached more easily in graphic format, while children’s materi-
graphic novels began when she read Craig Thompson’s Blankets, als may have artistic appeal for the most sophisticated reader. Clear
and she never looked back. An LJ reviewer since 2012 and a 2014 signage, accessible shelving, and cross-department recommenda-
Reviewer of the Year, she resides in Austin,TX, where she reads and tions will encourage readers to use the collection to its fullest.
reviews countless comics while caring for her two young children Starred () titles are essential purchases for most libraries.
By Emilia
Packard
(MOSTLY) NONFICTION
A COURSE IN a boon for both, if done with a bit of flair. Modan, Rutu. The Property. Drawn & Quarterly.
Czerwiec, MK. Taking Turns: Stories from Presenting a rich, entertaining history of 2013. 232p. ISBN 9781770461154. $24.95.
HIV/AIDS Care Unit 371. Pennsylvania economics from its philosophical begin- Stories of turmoil in modern Israel meet
State Univ. (Graphic Medicine). Mar. 2017. nings to the 2009 housing crisis, this title their antecedents: a woman accompanies
224p. ISBN 9780271078182. pap. $29.95. shines a humorous, informative light on a her grandmother to Warsaw, Poland, to
With simple, even amateur panels and complicated field of study. (LJ 11/15/12) reclaim property she abandoned when
wise words, Czerwiec reveals a hospital at fleeing the Nazis. There, they are faced
the heart of the AIDS crisis. Working as a Guibert, Emmanuel & others. The with the challenges of reclaiming the past.
nurse on a unit for AIDS patients, she and Photographer: Into War-Torn Afghanistan
her colleagues helped patients die, cele- with Doctors Without Borders. First Second. Moore, Dan Méndez. Six Days in
brated life, and strove to combat the poorly 2009. 288p. tr. from French by Alexis Siegel. Cincinnati: A Graphic Account of the
understood disease. Cathartic and clinical. ISBN 9781596433755. pap. $34.99. Riots That Shook the Nation a Decade
This dense diary of photojournalist Didier Before Black Lives Matter. Microcosm.
Goodwin, Michael (text) & Dan E. Burr (illus.). Lefèvre’s 1986 trek through rural Afghan- (Comix Journalism). Jun. 2017. 96p. ISBN
Economix: How and Why Our Economy istan with the nonprofit Doctors Without 9781621068006. pap. $11.95.
Works (and Doesn’t Work), in Words and Borders is an impressive example of com- This personal perspective on protests
Pictures. Abrams. 2012. 304p. bibliog. ics journalism. Guibert’s incisive, studied against police brutality in 2001 demands
index. ISBN 9780810988392. pap. $19.95. illustrations document the war-torn re- that we see how history repeats itself and
Visual learning happens in charts, graphs, gion, revealing good intentions to help how deep are the roots of systemic op-
and time lines, and integrating quantitative the underserved that turn, sharply, into a pression. With a zine-like style featuring
visuals with cartoon-paced narrative can be struggle for survival. (SLJ 7/09) community voices, this reissue demon-
COMICS
guide in Betty Boop style, with tips on approaching turmoil, that blends elements
Loeb, Jeph (text) & Tim Sale (illus.). Superman
for All Seasons: Deluxe Edition. DC. 2014.
224p. ISBN 9781401250782. $29.99.
This iteration of the Superman story cap-
tures its wholesome origins with beauti-
ful, retro-style illustrations. Stories touch-
everything from keeping a simple kitchen of traditional aesthetic and natural beauty ing on Clark Kent’s alien roots, rural
to living with roommates to affording an with ultramodern architecture and fantas- upbringing, and youthful encounters with
education on a miniscule budget. (Xpress tic technology. (LJ 11/15/16) his famous nemeses make this a nostalgic
Reviews 9/6/13) primer on America’s superhero, while of-
Eisner, Will. A Contract with God: And fering a new perspective on the Man of
(MOSTLY) FICTION Other Tenement Stories. Norton. Mar. 2017. Steel. (Xpress Reviews 1/30/15)
Abouet, Marguerite (text) & Clement 224p. ISBN 9780393609189. $25.95.
Oubrerie (illus.). Aya: Life in Yop City. Eisner’s classic, regarded widely as the
Drawn & Quarterly. 2012. 384p. ISBN first graphic novel, collects four stories
9781770460829. pap. $24.95. of tenement life, struggle, and despair in THE DEVELOPING SCHEDULE
Abouet depicts the day-to-day life of an a culturally Yiddish mode—a snapshot FEB 2018 SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Ivorian teenager in the 1970s—the roman- of a bygone New York City. His visuals MAR 2018 FEMINISM
tic entanglements and rampant gossip famil- are loosely plotted rather than paneled, APR 2018 INCOME INEQUALITY
iar to teens the world over, richly imagined with streaming emotions and dramatic MAY 2018 SF ROMANCE
in Oubrerie’s detailed, colorful illustrations perspectives. As intriguing for the con- JUN 2018 WORKING/SERVICE ANIMALS
of a dusty yet vibrant city life. (LJ 5/15/13) ventions it avoids as for the inspiration it To submit titles (new and/or backlist),
provided later artists. (LJ 1/06) contact Barbara Genco four to six months
Camper, Cathy (text) & Raul the Third (illus.). before issue dates listed above
Lowriders in Space. Bk. 1. Chronicle. 2014. Fraction, Matt (text) & Christian Ward (email: bgenco@mediasourceinc.com)
112p. ISBN 9781452128696. pap. $9.99; (illus.). ODY-C: Cycle One. Image. 2016.
McGuire, Richard. Here. Pantheon. 2014. eyeball on his shoulder, are hilariously here. Deep-blue brushstroke illustrations
304p. ISBN 9780375406508. $35. and dubiously explored. A light intro- evoke the complicated emotions of ado-
Using the intentionally static eye of a duction to manga for new readers, Kitaro lescence, when self-interest crashes hard
graphic designer, McGuire creates an al- also holds great potential for fans delving into an expanding worldview. The lush
most wordless house history that mostly deeper into manga history. words combined with beautiful images
focuses on mundane moments, small create something more powerful than
dramas, and quiet passings of those who Takano, Ichigo. Orange: The Complete either one alone. (SLJ 12/14)
made “Here” their home, switching eras Collection 1. Seven Seas. 2016. 384p.
from page to page. ISBN 9781626923027. pap. $19.99. Thompson, Jill. Wonder Woman: The
A great example of shojo, girls romance True Amazon. DC. 2016. 128p. ISBN
Miller, Frank (text) & David Mazzucchelli manga, with a slight sf twist, this story of 9781401249014. $22.99.
(illus.). Batman: Year One; Deluxe Edition. teenage friendships and letters from the Princess Diana’s journey from spoiled
DC. 2007. 138p. ISBN 9781401207526. pap. future features broad emotional range and child to justice-seeking leader is told at a
$14.99; ebk. ISBN 9781401235888. beautiful imagery. Takano’s handle on lyrical pace, and Thompson’s deftness at
An essential piece in the build-up of the the sweetness and drama of teen life is re- melding story, image, and cultural touch-
Batman character, this collection com- flected in classic, cute, and emotive teen- stones captures the role of comic book
bines Miller’s tight noir storytelling with dream artwork. characters as the stuff of modern myth.
Mazzucchelli’s delightfully nostalgic style (Xpress Reviews 8/19/16)
for a dark and compelling read. A great Tamaki, Mariko (text) & Jillian Tamaki (illus.).
introduction to the gloom and glamour of This One Summer. First Second. 2014. Varon, Sara. Robot Dreams. Square Fish.
the Dark Knight. (SLJ 5/07) 320p. ISBN 9781626720947. $21.99. 2016. 224p. ISBN 9781250073501. pap. $9.99.
Veins of adolescent sexual awakening, A wordless story of the improbable
Mizuki, Shigeru. The Birth of Kitaro. middle-aged grief, and the perils of sea- friendship between a dog and a robot and
Drawn & Quarterly. 2016. 200p. ISBN sonal friendship flow together and apart their struggle to move on after a day at
9781770462281. pap. $12.95. the beach separates them. Varon relates
This Kitaro compilation offers great back- big stories with simple images—her col-
ground on the monster manga of later web exclusive ors and characters are cupcake-cute, and
decades and also recalls the history of For additional resources, the story is ultimately uplifting, but the
yokai, monsters and ghosts of Japanese leg- see the online version of this article at emotional range of love and loss will hook
end. The origins of Kitaro, born from his www.libraryjournal.com early readers as well as literary-minded
mother’s grave and carrying his father’s adults. (SLJ 9/07) ■