Graphic Novels & Comics

The term "graphic novel" refers to the content and structure of a book; it is not a genre, in and of itself.  Graphic Novels can be fiction or non-fiction.  They can be mysteries, memoirs, fantasy, or horror.  Graphic novels are typically "book-length" works that use sequential artwork, along with text panels or speech bubbles to tell a story.  The combination of art and text can make complex subjects easier to understand and more engaging for readers.  

Many academic libraries are building graphic novel collections and teaching faculty are finding ways to incorporate them into class readings.  Maus: a survivor's tale might be used in a World History class.  Advocate: a graphic memoir of family, community, and the fight for environmental justice could be the perfect accompaniment for an engineering class.  It's lonely at the center of the earth would work well in an Art class.  

Comics are typically shorter than graphic novels.  They may be stories that were originally published as short series in weekly or monthly magazines and have now been published together.  Traditionally, comics had themes of adventure, fantasy, and superheros.  Some examples include Superman, Batman, Spider-Man.  

Under the Online Information tab, you will find videos that explain the difference in more detail.  

The Publication Finder list contains the titles of all the journals in databases that the library can provide in full text. It also has the capability of identifying journals by topic. By clicking on the Periodicals  link on the library's webpage, patrons can find journals by title or topic. Enter the search term and journals with that term in the title will a display or browse by subject.

Google Scholar will provide integrated access to database articles. Articles from various databases can be located from one search.