Synopses & Reviews
Graphic novels, long stories told in comics format, have enjoyed the fastest-growing sales of any category of book in the U.S. over the last four years. This modern renaissance of comics has produced a library of substantial works, whose subjects are not confined to superheroes or fantasy but are as varied and sophisticated as the best films and literature.
Graphic Novels presents an accessible, entertaining, and highly illustrated guide to the diversity of contemporary comics in book form. Featuring striking graphics and explanatory extracts from a wide range of graphic novels, the book examines the specific language of the comics medium; the history and pioneers of the form; recent masterpieces from Art Spiegelman's Maus to Chris Ware's Jimmy Corrigan; the impact of Japanese manga and European albums translated into English; how artists have overcome prejudices towards the genre; and the ambitious range of themes and issues artists are addressing, including childhood, war and survival, politics, the future, sexuality, and the supernatural.
Review
"[U]seful, incisive, intelligently arranged....Even the most well-versed comics fan will discover new treasures here, and newbies to the field may consider it indispensable." Booklist
Review
"A useful, informative book for anyone who wants to become better versed in the genre." School Library Journal (Starred Review)
Review
"An exhaustive overview and guide book....Reading it gives me a warm glow to be working in such a rich and interesting field and, also, a hunger to read all the things I've missed." Dave Gibbons, creator of The Originals, co-creator of Watchmen
Review
"[A]n important and attractive book..." The Independent (UK)
Review
"In Graphic Novels: Everything You Need To Know the major examples (and some obscure ones) from Will Eisner's groundbreaking Contract With God to Daniel Clowes' Ghost World and scores more are astutely summarized and parsed in illustrated capsule reviews." New York Times
Synopsis
An exciting journey into the world of the graphic novel is seen through 100 of the best works in the genre. This highly illustrated guide features graphics and extracts from a wide range of books and examines the specific language of the medium, the history and pioneers of the form, and recent masterpieces from Art Spiegelman's Maus to Chris Ware's Jimmy Corrigan.
Synopsis
Once stereotyped as the preserve of improbably dressed superhumans with world-saving tendencies, in recent years graphic novels have become one of today's most exciting art forms, taking on the world we live in and reflecting it back to us in a thousand different ways. All of human experience is here, from teenage girlfriends alienated in suburbia to a desperate housewife's search for passion, brought to life with insight, imagination and page-turning narrative. This is the perfect companion to the world of graphic novels, whether you're a novice uncertain where to start or an enthusiast eager to discover more. In a series of interlinked chapters, Paul Gravett introduces the masterpieces of the medium and helps readers explore its treasures, from the rich, mysterious textures of Neil Gaiman's Sandman to Marjane Satrapi's vivid memories of her Iranian childhood in Persepolis.
About the Author
Paul Gravett is a freelance journalist, curator, lecturer, and broadcaster who has worked in comics publishing and promotion for over twenty years. He has curated several exhibitions of comic art, from the history of British comics for France's National Comics Centre in Angoulême to the annual Comica Festival at London's Institute of Contemporary Arts. He has written about comics for various periodicals, including the Guardian, the Comics Journal, Comics International and Blueprint.