1. Fall 2009
Graphic Novelsorjust Comics?
ELE 616Research in Children's Literature
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What is a Graphic Novel?
WordNet:a lexical database for the English language
Define graphic?
S: (adj) graphic, graphical, in writing (written or drawn or
engraved) "graphic symbols"
S: (adj) graphic (describing nudity or sexual activity in graphic
detail) "graphic sexual scenes"
S: (adj) graphic (of or relating to the graphic arts) "the
etchings, drypoints, lithographs, and engravings which together
form his graphic work"- British Book News
S: (adj) graphic, graphical (relating to or presented by a graph)
"a graphic presentation of the data"
S: (adj) graphic, lifelike, pictorial, vivid (evoking lifelike
images within the mind) "pictorial poetry and prose"; "graphic
accounts of battle"; "a lifelike portrait"; "a vivid
description"
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What is a Graphic Novel?
From
Suddenly a totally new genre is every where we look. Is a graphic
novel a comic book? Yes, sort of, not quite. It looks like a comic
book, sort of.
Is it a "novel?" Yes, because it tells a fictional story of some
length.
What makes it "graphic?" Well, a great deal of the story is told by
the pictures, the graphics. Which makes graphic novels a new way to
read.
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Define Graphic Novel?
graphic novel
A term coined by Will Eisner to describe his
semi-autobiographicalnovelA Contract with God (1978), written and
illustrated in comic book style, the first work in a new genre that
presents an extended narrative as a continuous sequence of
pictorial images printed in color and arranged in panel-to-panel
format, with dialogue given in captions or enclosed in balloons.. .
. This new literary form is viewed with suspicion by
traditionalists who regard it as a marketing ploy aimed at
attracting adultreaders to comic books by removing the stigma
attached to them. Click here to connect to the Yahoo! list of
graphic novel Web sites. See also: fotonovela.
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A Contract With God?
A Contract With God and Other Tenement Stories
This collection of four stories takes us back to the Bronx of the
1930s as seen through Eisner's own eyes, when tenement blocks were
crammed with European immigrants jostling their way to a better
life.
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Another pioneering graphic novel
Maus: A Survivor's Tale
a memoir presented as a graphic novel by Art Spiegelman. It
recounts Spiegelman's father's struggle to survive the Holocaust as
a PolishJew and draws largely on his father's recollections of
events he personally experienced. The book also follows the
author's troubled relationship with his father and the way the
effects of war reverberate through generations of a family. In 1992
it won a Pulitzer Prize Special Award.
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Arent they just book-length comics?
Graphic novels represent a format, rather than a genre.
Comics are presented in a format defined as sequential art thus the
panels, the text bubbles, and all of the usual trademarks of your
local newspapers comic strips. In terms of genre, remember that
while superhero tales traditionally dominated the comics industry
in the U.S., today's graphic novels range into every possible
genre, from literary fiction to memoir to fantasy.
More Than Words: Graphic Novels in Kentucky's Libraries.Graphic
Novels: Where to Start? By Robin Brenner
8. Benefits of graphic novels?
Benefits of reading and using graphic novels include, but are not
limited to, sequencing and showing dialogue between characters.
Most importantly, graphic novels can hook reluctant readers into
becoming interested and enthusiastic readers.
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Useful Resources byMichele Gorman
Getting Graphic! Using Graphic Novels to Promote Literacy with
Preteens and Teensby Michele GormanLinworth, 2003
Graphic Novels Rule! The Latest and Greatest for Young Kids: The
latest and greatest comics for young kids By Michele Gorman --
School Library Journal, 3/1/2008
10. Other resources fromMichele
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Graphic Novels for Young Adults
No Flying, No Tights
Why is this site here?I just want to broadcast my opinions to the
world! Actually, no -- I decided to create a page devoted to
graphic novel reviews specifically for those who read them the most
-- mainly teens -- and for those who might be involved in
distributing them to teens -- namely teachers, librarians, and
parents.
Robin Brenner, by day a mild-mannered library technician at Cary
Memorial Library in Lexington, Massachusetts
See alsoGraphic Novels 101: FAQ
12. But thats for teens!This ones for younger kids!
This site is specifically devoted to presenting graphic novel
reviews for kids and those who work with them, including
librarians, teachers, and parents. It used to be that comics were,
generally, for kids -- but this is no longer true! In today's
comics, the stories are most often aimed at adults and teens, and
there are fewer and fewer titles for kids. Thus, the creation of
this site to help you all navigate the murky waters of comic book
stores and graphic novel sections to make sure you're getting
what's right for you!
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13. For a young child to read a graphic novel, much less a
wordless one, many essential literacy skills are required,
including the ability to understand a sequence of events, interpret
characters nonverbal gestures, discern the storys plot, and make
inferences. Best of all, these skills dont merely apply to Owly or
to graphic novels. They are the critical skills that govern all
reading comprehension, making Bryonnas triumph with Owly into a
lesson that has also helped her with other reading materials.
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14. Owly?
Owly Comics!
Owly is a kind, yet lonely, little owl who knows what it means to
be human. Relying on a mixture of symbols and expressions,these
animated and heartwarming tales are a perfect read for all
ages.
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17. Pinky and Stinky?
Creator: James Kochalka
The story: Pinky and Stinky are two piglets on a mission to Pluto.
Space is a dangerous place, however, and their rocket is hit by an
asteroid, forcing them to crash land on the moon.
See Review by Christine
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18. Buzzboy?
Meet Buzzboy...the World's most upbeat super hero! Drawn in the
style of the "Adventures" animated TV series, Buzzboy is chock-full
of action, humor, and overall weirdness that makes it just good,
free-for-all fun.
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Bone: a classic
No Bones About It
A TIME top ten graphic novel
Bone combines the humor and look of early Disney movies with the
scope of the Lord of the Rings cycle. Smith draws characters that
are both cute and scary, infusing every panel with dynamic energy.
The best all-ages novel yet published in this medium, while
children will read Bone for its breathless adventure and sight
gags, older kids and adults will appreciate the themes of blind
fanaticism and corrupting power.
All-TIME Graphic Novels
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Amy Unbounded
Amy of EddybrookLodge
Amy Unbounded chronicles the adventures and misadventures of
nine-year-old Amy of Eddybrook in the medieval queendom of Goredd.
Her father is a weaver, her mother's a barbarian clockmaker, and as
for Amy herself... well the word "silly" comes to mind. So does
"rambunctious." Sometimes she wishes she were a knight, other times
a famous bombarde player, a scholar, or explorer. Her big
imagination occasionally gets her in trouble, but just as often
gets her right back out of it.
See also *Amy Unbounded: Belondweg Blossoming
Recommended
21. Native American graphics
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Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws is for the young and the young
at heart. This series is set in 1750s colonized North America and
features the comical adventures of two brothers, Rabbit and Bear
Paws. Using Traditional Native Teachings and humour, the stories
are based on THE SEVEN FIRES PROPHECIES and THE SEVEN
GRANDFATHERS.
22. Nonfiction in graphic format
Graphic Novels, Seriously
Despite their nascent popularity, graphic novels are often still
typecast as hewing only to the superhero plot line, invoking the
male power fantasy. While fantasy is still a mainstay of the genre,
the scope and diversity of the graphic novel has broadened to
include much more sophisticated subject matter, including
nonfiction, biography, and compelling narratives melded from
on-the-ground reporting and research from some of the world's
latest war-torn and traumatized regions.
Evan St. Lifer -- School Library Journal, 8/1/2002
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Clan Apis
is the biography a honey bee named Nyuki. Written and drawn by
biologist Jay Hosler, this story explores an elaborate insect
society. Nyuki has a lot to learn about life in the hive and not
much time to do it. But, with help of her sister Dvorah, a dung
beetle named Sisyphus and a sarcastic flower named Bloomington, she
might have a chance to figure it all out.
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HOWTOONS! This is a How-To Graphic Book--I guess not a
novel.
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A graphic novel publisher
So, what the heck is Oni Press?
Oni Press, Inc. was founded in 1997 by Joe Nozemack and Bob Schreck
with the goal of publishing the kinds of comics and graphic novels
they themselves would want to read. Unsatisfied with the material
that was dominating the industry, the men believed firmly that
sequential art could be used to tell virtually any story.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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An Oni series
Barry Ween(Series)
Meet Barry Ween, the smartest living human. What does a
ten-year-old boy do with a 350 I.Q.? Anything he wants. Cranky,
egotistical, arrogant, and foul-mouthed, Barry wants to conduct his
experiments and be left alone, but it never seems to work out.
Hurdles that Barry must outmaneuver range from time warps, to art
thieves, to accidentally turning his best friend into a
dinosaur.
Meet the Gang | Preview the IssuesFind Out Why Everyone Loves Barry
Ween!
27. Graphic Library
Nonfiction Graphic History and Biography Books for Grades 3-9
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Review from
Through The Looking Glass Childrens Book Review
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Manga
What is Manga?
Manga can be roughly translated as "comic books", in reality it is
a much more complex subject. Manga can include almost every subject
imaginable from funny stories to serious literature. Technical
manuals and even legal case histories have been released in manga
format. Looking at some books about manga, especially those of
Frederik Schodt, will probably be the best way to understand this
unique form of publishing.
Anime and Manga Terminology
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What about anime?
What is anime?(ah-nee-may, is one way to romanize the
pronunciation)
Anime, as defined by common fan usage, is simply any animation that
is made in Japan for a Japanese audience. In Japan the word simply
means any animation made anywhere in the world. Commercial anime
dates back to 1917. Modern anime dates from the 1960s with the work
of Osamu Tezuka, best known in the U.S. for "Astro Boy", Tetsuwan
Atom in the original Japanese.
Anime and Manga Terminology
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Who reads manga?
R.O.D. Read or Die Preview the Manga here!
60% are female
While comics feature 50-year-old superheroes who appeal to boys,
manga in the U.S. is often created by women for women of all ages..
. . The 11-to-21-year-old market is huge, says CEO [of Tokyopop,
the largest U.S.-owned creator and licensor of manga] Jane
Friedman, who predicts steady growth for the category.
America is Drawn to Manga: Why girls--and publishers--love Japan's
comics By COCO MASTERS
Posted Thursday, Aug. 10, 2006
31. Manga for Boys
Shonen
Shonen manga literally means "comics for boys." The genre includes
action-packed, dramatic and humorous stories about sports,
adventure, superheroes and sci-fi. These comics are primarily
written to appeal to males between the ages of 8 to 18, but its
appeal doesnt stop there: Many girls, young adults and businessmen
regularly buy, read and enjoy shonenmanga series such as Naruto,
Bleach and Slam Dunk.
Introduction to ShonenManga
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Graphics Oscars
The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards:
The Awards are given out in more than two dozen categories covering
the best publications and creators of the previous year (such as
Best Short Story, Best Graphic Album, Best Writer, and so on). The
finalists on the ballot are selected by a blue- ribbon committee
that considers thousands of entries submitted by publishers and
creators. The nominees are then voted on by all parts of the comic
book industry: writers, artists, and other creators; publishers;
editors; and retailers and distributors.
The "Oscars" of Comics Eisner Awards Winners for 2006
33. 2009 Eisner Winner
Best Publication for Kids:
Tiny Titans, by Art Baltazar and Franco (DC)
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Harveys Comics Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and
most respected awards. The Harveys recognize outstanding
achievements in over 20 categories, ranging from Best Artist to the
Jack Kirby Hall of Fame. They are the only industry awards both
nominated by and selected by the full body of comic book
professionals.
History
Harvey Bio
35. 2007 Harvey Award Winner
Moomin: The Complete ToveJanssonComic Strip
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IgnatzAwards
The Ignatz Awards, named for the character in the classic comic
strip Krazy Kat by George Herriman, is a festival prize that
recognizes outstanding achievement in comics and
cartooning.
37. Outstanding Online ComicYear of the Rat, Cayetano
Garza
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What is the value of graphic novels?
Graphic novels make a difference
Most of the present focus on graphic novels in relation to
libraries highlights their unique ability to encourage reluctant
readers to pick up the written word. Graphic novels make 'a bridge
between words and ideas, pictures and stories' (101 best graphic
novels by Stephen Weiner, p10). Rather than being faced with a page
filled with unfamiliar words the hesitant reader is exposed to
pictures that help tell a story and connections are made between
those pictures and the abstract concepts that words can tell.
Inger Fountain, Sealight Books,inCite: December 2003:
feature
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Just like real books
Shouldnt kids read real books?
. . ., graphic novels offer the same benefits of regular books:
introducing young people to new vocabulary, book language, and
stories and information to teach them about their world and spark
their imaginations. In fact, Stephen Weiner reports that
researchers concluded that the average graphic novel introduced
readers to twice as many words as the average childrens book1 and
Francisca Goldsmith points out that the kind of abstraction that
competent and comfortable text reading requires is also demanded by
the graphic novel.2
http://www.ipl.org/div/procrast/graphicnovels/gnsSchoolsNLibs.html
