Comics are, roughly, stories told using pictures, or sequential art. They can be about anything – I mean it, anything! Memoirs, superheroes, ghosts, cats, space aliens, politics, history... anything! Comics can be fun. Comics can be educational. Comics can be fun and educational. Comics can be clever, comics can be crass, comics can be smart, comics can be silly. Comics can be for kids, for adults, or for kids of all ages.
Libraries have comics now?
Libraries have been carrying comics and graphic novels for some time, but the recent popularity of the art form has led many libraries, including my local library, to realize the potential and diversity of these resources and develop their collections accordingly.
What is WorldCat?
You might recognize the links to Amazon and Goodreads in my entries, but if you're not a library science student or information professional you might not be familiar with WorldCat! WorldCat is a large, worldwide catalog of libraries that have added their data to the website. They offer a good definition and statement on their website, WorldCat.org. By consulting the WorldCat link, you might be able to find a library near you that has a copy of the book you're looking for!
I'm a librarian looking to develop my comic and graphic novel collection. Where should I start?
A good place to start is at the website Graphic Novel Reporter. They have a number of terrific resources for librarians just like you, including an article on Bringing Graphic Novels to Library Fans, Core Lists, and a list of books coming out soon that might point you in the right direction!
Where do I start reading comics?
Getting into comics can be a daunting experience, and as a comic reader this is probably the question I get most often. Some comics, particularly superhero comics, have a long history and it might feel strange to jump into a story in the middle, rather than start from the very beginning. There's also a LOT of comics out there -- how do you know what is good, or what you will like?
The good news is that the internet, along with a devoted network of fans, puts all the information that you might need at your fingertips! One good place to start is with "Best of" lists, like Graphic Novel Reporter's Best of 2010 list. Additionally, consulting a few of the links or books on my Links and Resources and browsing their reviews will soon get you into the groove. There are many single volume works that are easy to pick up at your local library; these don't often don't involve a huge time investment and can prove a rewarding introduction to the format.
I usually like to discover things organically by browsing at a store or library, looking for art/artists I like, or stories that sound interesting. When picking up something that might have a long history -- a Batman book, for example, or a long-running manga series -- I find it's not usually necessary to know about the character's long history to enjoy a well-told story. A good author will tell you what you need to know and leave you wanting to discover more, perhaps by reading what came first or moving on to what comes next. If I read something I like, I usually seek out similar titles or the rest of the series, but I don't hesitate to put down something that doesn't appeal to me.
Here are a few links with advice that might help you out:
A Guide To Start Reading Comic Books by Noah Kuttler
A good collection of tips worth reading.Good Manga Starting Points
This guide from Comics Worth Reading gives some good ideas for where to start if you're a newbie to manga.
What are your favorite books? What do you recommend?
Of course tastes change, but right now these are some of my current favorites:
The Unwritten - Mike Carey, Peter Gross
WorldCat/Amazon/Goodreads
Gingerbread Girl - Paul Tobin, Colleen Coover
WorldCat/Amazon/Goodreads
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic - Alison Bechdel
WorldCat/Amazon/Goodreads
Thor: The Mighty Avenger - Roger Langridge, Chris Samnee
WorldCat/Amazon/Goodreads
Batgirl: Batgirl Rising - Bryan Q. Miller
WorldCat/Amazon/Goodreads