Comics, Graphic Novels, and Manga: The Ultimate Teen Guide

by Patricia Reilly Giff (author of the Newbery Honor Books Pictures of Hollis Woods and Lily's Crossin

Overview

Interest in comic books, graphic novels, and manga has never been greater, and fans of these works continue to grow around the world. From American superheroes like Superman and Spiderman to Japanese manga like Dragon Ball, there is a rich world of graphic storytelling that appeals to a wide range of readers—from young children just beginning to read to adults of every age who are captivated by dynamic illustrations and complex characters. Once dismissed as “just” for children, comic books are now appreciated for their vibrant art and sophisticated storylines.

In Comics, Graphic Novels, and Manga: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Randall Bonser explores the history, evolution, diversification, and impact of graphic storytelling. This book looks at the origins of illustrated stories and how they evolved over the decades. A celebration and exploration of the rapidly growing world of comics, this book discusses such topics as

• the history of graphic storytelling, from cave drawings to zombie comics
• the impact of American superhero comics on popular culture
• diversity in comics
• the tools comic book and graphic novel creators use to communicate
• easy starting points for readers new to comics

Featuring reviews of more than 90 graphic novels and popular manga series, this book provides recommendations of what teens should consider reading next. The author also provides a short course on how teens can create and distribute their own comics. For those who either want to start reading comics but aren’t sure where to start, or as a gateway for the comics enthusiast to explore a different graphic novel genre, Comics, Graphic Novels, and Manga: The Ultimate Teen Guide provides a fun and fascinating introduction to these worlds.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442268401
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	09/08/2017
Series:	It Happened to Me Series , #54
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	326
File size:	33 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Randall Bonser is a freelance writer who has been writing in the fields of marketing and corporate communications for 25 years. He has an MA in Writing for Children and Young Adults and was mentored by National Book Award-winner author and artist Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese, 2008).

Editorial Reviews

01/01/2018
Gr 7 Up—This overview of graphic novels covers topics such as how to read and create comics as well as appreciable aspects of several genres and purposes to which comics have been used. Bosner has a friendly tone, and his discussions of specific titles are positive and detailed. There are a few caveats, however. It's hard to ascertain the intended audience, as the packaging and text won't entice teen comics and manga enthusiasts, and there's little in the way of readers' advisory. While the diagrams are clear, reproduced black-and-white graphic novel excerpts vary in quality. Though other books in the series have addressed teenagers' points of view on topics such as health issues, adoption, apprenticeships, and social networking, this volume runs a bit short on the "It Happened to Me" perspective (though brief quotes from older teens are interspersed throughout). There are also pull quotes from librarians and comics scholars and a couple of engaging interviews, including one with Gene Luen Yang. VERDICT For large collections. Students will get more out of this book by consulting specific chapters rather than by reading cover to cover.—Francisca Goldsmith, Library Ronin, Worcester, MA

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