What do you think of when you hear the words graphic novel? Maybe Tin Tin, Asterix or Anime? Or maybe your think of comics, such as the Mad Magazine or Archie. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a graphic novel as “cartoon drawings that tell a story and are published as a book.”
Graphic novels have come a long way since 1978 when Will Eisner, one of the first recognized graphic novelists, created his graphic novel A Contract with God. There are hundreds of authors and illustrators creating graphic novels every year. Some universities are using graphic novel titles to spark discussions while others are offering courses in illustration for the novels.
Adult graphic novels are becoming more mainstream due to the interesting topics and illustrations. Walk into almost any library and you will find sections of adult graphic novels with varying topics: history, biography, autobiography, fiction, and non-fiction. Many ask, what’s the difference between youth graphic novels and adult graphic novels?
“The content, the depth and the meaning,” said Sechelt Library staff member Jeff Wadge. “Youth graphic novels are often focused on good guys, bad guys and super heroes. Adult graphic novels often have a hidden meaning and tell a story.”
Wadge is an avid graphic novel enthusiast. He started collecting about 12 years ago. He loved Tin Tin as a boy and then stumbled upon adult graphic novels years later. Checking online and following various authors, he found more and more interesting graphic novels; he has over 200 on his shelves at home. His top three favourites are Maus by Art Spieglmann (which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1992), Templar by Jordan Mechner, and Sharaz-De: Tales from the Arabian Nights by Sergio Toppi.
Canadian graphic novelists are well represented in the graphic novel world, with authors such as Guy Delisle, Michael Baglietti, Meags Fitzgerald, Jillan Tomoki and Seth. Drawn & Quarterly of Montreal is an internationally renowned Canadian publisher, specializing in comics and graphic novels.
On Aug. 20, graphic novelist David A. Robertson, will be at the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts. He is best known as an award-winning writer who advocates for educating youth on Indigenous history and contemporary issues. He writes about residential school, murdered and missing women, and Indigenous cultural beliefs.
Graphic novels are also available on the lending Kobo e-reader at the Sechelt Library. The following titles have been downloaded for patrons to read: Roughneck by Jeff Lemire, Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City by Guy Delisle, Something New: Tales from a Makeshift Bride by Lucy Knisley, March Book 1 by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell, Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery (the authorized graphic adaptation by Miles Hyman), and Rosalie Lightning: A Graphic Memoir by Tom Hart.
To learn more about graphic novels and enjoy some cake, stop by the Sechelt Library on Thursday, Aug. 3 at 1 p.m. for the launch of the graphic novel section in the library. Jeff Wadge will be on hand to share his enthusiasm and to answer questions. For more information, contact the library at 604-885-3260 or [email protected].
– Submitted
