Critical Survey of Graphic Novels: Independent and Underground Classics
This three-volume set contains 215 essays covering graphic novels and core comics series, focusing on the independents and underground genre, that form today’s “canon” for academic coursework and library collections.
A “first” in the field, this brand new Critical Survey series focuses on all aspects of the graphic novels genre, aiming to establish it as an important academic discipline and research topic in libraries. Designed for academic institutions, high schools, and public libraries, the series provides unique insight into the stories and themes expressed in historic and current landscape of the graphic novel medium.
Scope & Coverage
The second title in this series, Critical Survey of Graphic Novels: Independents & Underground Classics, provides in-depth insight for over 215 of the most popular and studied graphic novels. Researchers will be familiar with the characters and stories included in this collection, yet will gain a deeper understanding, as the literary nature of the stories is presented in critical format by leading writers in the field.
Each essay will look beyond the “pop culture” aspects of the medium to show the wide range of literary themes and artistic styles that are used to convey beliefs and conflicts that are as old as the stories told in ancient civilization. Today’s graphic novels expose the vulnerabilities and character flaws that previous comic book stories glossed over or never covered.
Organization & Format
The essays are arranged alphabetically, and each essay is approximately 3 to 4 pages long. Essays begin with full ready reference top matter, including the title or subtitle, the primary author or authors, the illustrators who contributed to the work, the first serial and book publication, the publisher, the number of pages, the ISBN, the genre and/or subgenre and the work’s intended age group. Subsequent subsections include:
Publication history – overview of the work’s origin and publication chronology.
Plot – a synopsis of the main story and story arcs.
Volumes – listings of individual volumes/collections, often comprising different story arcs and representing the accepted reading order of the work; publication year of each volume and issue; synopsis of each volume’s main focus and a discussion of its significance in the collection.
Characters – detailed descriptions of major character in the story, including “also known as” names (e.g., “Logan” for Wolverine), physical attributes, the role the character played (e.g., antagonist, protagonist), and their relationships with others.
Artistic Style – analysis of the work’s visual content as it relates to characterization, plot, and mood; analysis of the illustrators use of color, grays, and black and white illustrations; discussion of any changes in the style as the story progresses and the artists’ distinctive use of bubbles, dialog, captions, panels, background, and more.
Themes – identification of central themes in the work and how they relate to characterization and style.
Impact – the work’s influence on the creators’ careers; the creation of new characters or new series; publishing houses; the history of graphic novels; and literature in general.
Films – films based on this work, their differences and/or similarities with the novel, and their effectiveness.
Television Series – TV series based on this work and their differences and/or similarities with the novel, and their effectiveness.
More Good Reads – three to five other graphic novels that audiences for this one will want to read.
Bibliography – secondary literature for more in-depth study of the work, its creator(s), or the genre.
About the Author – all about the author or the entry, his or her degrees, experience, relevant publications, and other credentials for writing the entry.
See also – listing of related entries of interest.
Several helpful finding aids are located at the end of Volume two. Appendixes include a “More Graphic Novels” list, a list of major awards, a comprehensive glossary, a timeline of important events, relevant electronic resources, and a general bibliography. Four complete indexes round out the set: Works by Publication Date, Works by Publisher, Works by Author/Artist, and a Subject Index.
Critical Survey of Graphic Novels: Independents & Underground Classics is available online through Salem’s online platform, Salem Literature. A single purchase of the printed set is all it takes to gain access to this reference.
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