Writers and artists are using graphic novels to explore more and more aspects of the human condition. There are graphic novels about history, drug addiction, health care, racism, music, and more. Modern graphic novels include works of both fiction and non-fiction. They represent an exciting, expanding way of telling stories and sharing information through an artful combination of words and pictures. Though once associated with comic books and super heroes, modern graphic novels offer so much more.
Maus is the grandfather of the modern graphic novel. Published in the early 1990s, it brought the graphic novel format to the attention of mainstream publishers and audiences. It depicts the American cartoonist Art Spiegelman interviewing his father, a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor, about his experiences. Who knew such a horrific episode in history could be told so well and so profoundly through a graphic novel in which Jews are depicted as mice and Nazis as cats? Maus was the first graphic novel to receive a Pulitzer Prize.
March is so well known among librarians that I hesitate to mention it because, well, everyone already knows about it. But then I remind myself, not everyone is a librarian. So if you're one of those lucky folks who haven't read this graphic novel series yet, check it out. The rest of us are jealous that you get to read it for the first time. It's a three part memoir of the American Civil Rights movement told from the perspective of civil rights leader and US Congressman John Lewis.
Threads from the Refugee Crisis combines journalism and social critique. Artist Kate Evans journeys to the French town of Calais to visit The Jungle. The Jungle is home to thousands of Middle Eastern and African refugees living in tents and discarded shipping containers. Evans' stark, honest sharing of these refugees' lives and experiences represents a powerful, personal statement for the humane, free movement of people throughout the world.
Last Things: A Graphic Novel of Loss and Love is a good example of how varied and deep are the topics now explored through graphic novels. In this memoir, artist and author Marissa Moss recounts an intensely personal story of catastrophic illness. Her husband, Harvey, is diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Marissa struggles to care for her increasingly dependent husband while attempting to maintain a sense of normal life for their children.
As you can see, there's a lot more to graphic novels than just capes and super powers. If you want to explore this genre more, here's a list of recent, recommended titles.
What's that? You like capes? Don't worry, MCPL still has plenty of graphic novels that feature traditional superheroes like Wonder Woman, Black Panther, and Spiderman.
So check out our latest graphic novels for great reads, with or without capes. There's something for every reader!
And, if you love all things fandom, from superheroes to anime to galactic empires, join us Saturday, January 19 at Silver Spring Library for MCPL's 3rd annual comic con, MoComCon! There will be fun workshops, escape rooms, crafts, cosplay, and more. Check the full schedule here.
Labels: Books, Catalog, Reading
