What exactly are graphic novels? In some cases they are simply comics bound in book format, while others are a story represented in the sequential art format. An important thing to remember about graphic novels is that they are a format, not a genre. There also are different genres within the graphic novel format. The genres range from superheroes to horror or science fiction.
Books About Graphic Novels
Gertler, Nat, and Steve Lieber. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creating a Graphic Novel, 2nd Edition. 2 ed. New York: Alpha, 2009.
Goldsmith, Francisca. The Readers' Advisory Guide to Graphic Novels. Chicago: Amer Library Assn Editions, 2009.
Gorman, Michele. Getting Graphic: Using Graphic Novels to Promote Literacy With Preteens and Teens (Literature and Reading Motivation). Worthington: Linworth Publishing, 2003.
Gravett, Paul. Graphic Novels: Everything You Need to Know. New York: Collins Design, 2005.
Mccloud, Scott. Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art. Brattleboro: Harper Paperbacks, 1994.
Pawuk, Michael. Graphic Novels: A Genre Guide to Comic Books, Manga, and More (Genreflecting Advisory Series). Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited, 2006.
Wolk, Douglas. Reading Comics: How Graphic Novels Work and What They Mean. First Trade Paper Edition ed. New York and Washington D.C.: Da Capo Press, 2008.
Graphic Novel Distributors
Dark Horse Comic
http://www.darkhorse.com/
DC Comics
http://www.dccomics.com/dccomics/
Diamond Bookshelf
http://www.diamondbookshelf.com/public/
Marvel Comics
http://marvel.com/
Oni Press
http://www.onipress.com/
VERTIGO
http://www.dccomics.com/vertigo/
Graphic Novel Reviews
Graphic Novel Reporter
http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com/
Pop Culture Shock
http://www.popcultureshock.com/
Sequential Tart
http://www.sequentialtart.com/
Graphic Novel Suggestions
Coming of Age
American Born Chinese by Gene Young
Ghost World by Daniel Clowes
Skim by Mariko and Jilliam Tamaki
Crime and Mystery
100 Bullets by Brian Azzarello
A History of Violence by John Wagner
From Hell by Alan Moore
Sin City by Frank Miller
Fantasy
Bone by Jeff Smith
The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born by Stephen King and Peter David
Fables by Bill Willingham
The Sandman by Neil Gaiman
Horror
Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Joss Whedon
Hellblazer (Various) distributed by Vertigo Comics
Hellboy by Mike Mignola
Humor
Penny Arcade by Jerry Holkins
Plastic Man by Kyle Baker
The Simpsons Comics by Matt Groening
Science Fiction
Serenity by Joss Whedon
Star Wars (Various) distributed by Dark Horse Comics
V for Vendetta by Alan Moore
Y the Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan
Superheroes
All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison
The Amazing Spider-Man by J. Michael Straczynski
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frnak Miller
Runaways by Brian K. Vaughan
Nonfiction
American Splendor by Harvey Pekar
Fax from Sarajevo by Joe Kubert
Maus: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spieglman
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
