Graphic Novels 101

Graphic novels and manga are so popular right now, even your favorite books are being made into graphic novels. Some popular titles include Twilight (yes, THAT Twilight), the Maximum Ride adventures, Artemis Fowl, Cirque Du Freak and Alex Rider series. Popular adult authors like Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Sherrilyn Kenyon are also diving into this very popular and very graphic medium. Harlequin, the popular romance publisher, even produces a line of romantic graphic novels known as Harlequin Pink

Some of the most popular manga series (Don't know what manga is? Just check out the handy GN Dictionary below) include: Beauty Pop, Blade of Heaven, Bleach, Chroncles of the Cursed Sword, Dragon Hunter and Naruto. Some of the most popular Graphic Novels include Bone and The Simpsons. And of course whatever superhero is popular at the moment.


GN Dictionary
Comics - The big umbrella term for stories told with pictures and words
Graphic Novel - A graphic book, or collection of comic books, that are put together like a book
Anime - Japanese animated cartoons
Manga - A Japanese comic book, usually black and white and read from right to left
Manga style - Like manga, but produced outside of Japan
Mecha - Anime or manga featured mechanical creatures, usually awesome giant fighting robots
Shojo - Comics for girls, usually romantic
Shonen - Comics for boys, usually action/adventure

Other interesting terms:
Panel - One part of a comic book page
Gutter - The space between the panels

Great GN and Manga Sites:
Bookshelf: Diamond Comics
Comic Book Resources
Comics Worth Reading
Newsarama
No Flying, No Tights

Free Comic Book Day with Brad's Bookstore and Marion Public Library

Join us on Saturday, May 1st for Free Comic Book Day. We will be giving away free comic books, provided by Brad's Bookstore and Comics, to teens who come visit (while supplies last). Each teen will have their choice of 1 of the titles provided.