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Graphic Novel collections An American literary art form. Laverne Mann Piscataway Public Library @ redheadfangirl. A format not a genre!.
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Graphic Novel collectionsAn American literary art form Laverne MannPiscataway Public Library@redheadfangirl
A format not a genre! The graphic novel is a form suited to the contemporary age. I contend that the graphic novel will continue to displace (if never completely replace) purely textual writing and that it will eventually become the most popular form of reading. • -Stephen E. Tabachnick, professor, University of Memphis A comic-book world, World Literature Today, March – April 2007
Reality of graphic novels; breaking some myths The average age for a graphic novel reader is 30 In other countries, graphic literature is widely accepted for all ages Many graphic novels require the reader’s ability to take both written and drawn cues in order to fully comprehend the writer’s/artist’s meaning, thus requiring a higher reading level Pawuk, Mike. Graphic Novels: A Genre Guide to Comic Books, Manga and More. Greenwood Publishing, Conn. 2007
Floppy, Trade, GN • Comic book (Pamphlet, Floppies)-can be on own or part of series, title • Trades or Trade paperbacks-multiple issues of a series (Fables, vol 1) • Graphic Novel (Blankets, Persepolis, Fun Home)-published in this format first, not serialized • Manga (Naruto, Bleach) • “A graphic novel – a long comic that you would need a bookmark for” Art Spiegelmann on Maus
Criteria for selection Language Imagery – Violence, Sex Content– politics, drug use. Theme – “real world” Synthesis of drawn and written cues ADULTYOUNG ADULT/TEENJUVENILE
The publishing dirt.. • Graphic Novel Sales grew first half of 2011 • First time in several years • ICv2 says sales 7% bookstore (w/Amazon) • Decline 6% comic book stores • Scott Pilgrim, Walking Dead from cult hits to mainstream • “Kids and Tweens” GNs increase in number of titles • Manga declined 15% in 2010 • ICv2.com insider’s guide
The iPad was introduced in 2010. It became obvious immediately that comics would translate well on this device.
Comixology • In 2011, digital comics have really taken hold as a choice for consumers.
DC Comics, Image, Marvel • Marvel has own iPad app, uses Comixology interface • Dark Horse own apps
Comics and libraries • Print Comics? • How to get digital comics from libraries? • Mobile devices and comics
The library profession is trying to adapt, but some factions are not trying hard enough to make inroads to serving the digital natives. The comics industry is headed in the right direction with the variety of digital services that exist now, but an inevitable confrontation will take place eventually that will mean the life or death of the printed comic book. • Will this be the final collapse of the print comics industry? Simply put: We’re predicting that print comics as we know them cannot profitably exist in a generation that does not prefer them. And this makes digital comics that much more important, because that medium will keep this native American literary form alive for future generations.
Graphic Novel collections in NJ libraries(comicsnj.pbworks.com Ewing Public Library Long Branch Public Library
GN for kids • Biggest change in library collections for graphic novels boost in juvenile titles
Tween/TeenMANGA SALES DROP • Declined from $210 million peak 2007 to $120 million • Economic downturn affected purchasing power of manga’s younger audience more than older comic/GN crowd • Less manga related Anime series on Cartoon Network • Doing well: Vampire Knight, Black Bird, Naruto, Bleach, Blue Exorcist
Comic books and reading • Assist Poor Readers • Connect with visual learners • Strong language arts skills • Unmotivated and ‘dormant’ readers • Educational messages • Explore other literature • Engage Adult Readers • Ublib.buffalo.edu/lml/comics/pages/readling.html
Selection Guidelines • Popularity • Tie-ins to TV shows, movies, games, toys • Age level, target audience • GenreSuperhero, fantasy most prevalent[sci fi, humor, graphic nonfiction] • Writing quality and artistic quality • Artistic style- manga, cartoon art • Writers and artists with strong fan following (Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, Brian Michael Bendis) Ublib.buffalo.edu/lml/comics/pages/selection.html
Award winning graphic novels • EisnerFinest stories, publications and creators in the medium. Will Eisner, creator of GN format. • HarveyVoted on only by industry professionals. Named after Harvey Kurtzman, co founder of MAD magazine. • Kirby President Obama is a Spider-Man and Conan comics fan!
Review and Graphic Novel sources: Nytimes.com/best-sellers-books [Graphic Books]Library JournalSchool Library JournalBooklist Voices of Young Adults (VOYA)Baker and Taylor (btol.com)Comic Store News (CSN)Teenreads.com (manga)icv2.comdiamondbookshelf.comcomics2film.comcomicworthreading.com comicbookresources.comdccomics.commarvel.comdarkhorse.comzenescope.com
For more information about graphic novel collection development in libraries Comicsnj.pbworks.com Presenter Materials Core Collection Lists Updates Links to comics & graphic novel news sources
http://www.diamondbookshelf.com BestsellersNew releases ReviewsLesson plansLibrary articles
Hot props 2011 • The Walking Dead • Chew • Smile YA • Batman, Green Lantern, Avengers, Thor • Kids: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Smurfs, Simpsons • Shonen: Black Butler, NarutoShojo: Black Bird, Vampire Knight
PROGRAMMING • Star Wars 501st • Comic artist visits/ workshops • Anime clubs • Mini comicons • Book discussion groups- all ages • Comics to Film viewings --
Graphic Novels to Film • Road to Perdition (Max Collins) • A History of Violence (Vince Locke) • Watchmen, V for Vendetta (Alan Moore) • Sin City, 300 (Frank Miller) • Ghost World • Wanted • Superheroes: X-men, Spider-Man, Superman, Daredevil, Iron Man. Coming… The Avengers, Spider-Man reboot, Superman reboot
Thank You! Twitter: @RedheadFangirlLaverne Mannlmann@piscatawaylibrary.org Become an NJLA Member! Digital Comics and Libraries: David Lisa, Michael Mazikien Comicsnj.pbworks.com slides: Sophie Brookover, David Inabitt Diamond Comic Distributors Zenescope comics
Credits, Bibliography DC ComicsMarvel ComicsImage ComicsDark Horse ComicsZenescope ComicsArchaia ComicsTokyoPopIDW ComicsPantheon ComicsToon BooksAbramsGraphic Novel Sales grew in the first half of 2011 – icv2.com • The 13 Can’t-Miss Graphic Books of 2011 (so far) August 2011- Kirkusreviews.com • IDW has over 1 million apps in circulation comicsbeat.com/2011/04/08 • Kids comic publishers: movers and shakerswww.earlyword.com/2010/10/12 • Using graphic novels in book clubs, Jesse Karp Booklist March 15, 2011 p 36 • Pawuk, Mike. Graphic Novels: A Genre Guide to Comic Books, Manga and More. Greenwood Publishing, Conn. 2007 http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,542579,00.html#ixzz1eqrV0ns4